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Menopause

Menopausal or just low oestrogen?

14 replies

chelseamorning · 28/04/2009 14:23

Prior to DS (now 2.5), my periods were regular as clockwork. BF for 18 months, during which I had regular periods too. Once I stopped BF, my periods became very erratic and I started suffering from what I think are menopausal symptoms:

low libido (my poor poor DP )
mild depression
mood swings (my poor poor DS )
occasional hot flushes (but no sweating)
discomfort in certain joints, especially the hands and wrists
erratic periods
...

My doc doesn't think it's the menopause and he's not suggesting that I have any tests done. He is, however, suggesting that the symptoms above could be due to low oestrogen. He's therefore suggested I take a low oestrogen contraceptive pill to try and kick start my cycle again. I'm now waiting for a period to start so that I can begin taking the pill.

Anyone else been in a similar situation? I'd appreciate your advice/comments.

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chelseamorning · 28/04/2009 14:24

Oh, I forgot to mention the memory loss! And total lack of concentration.

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chelseamorning · 29/04/2009 17:12

Anyone?

I'm feeling really down and don't have anyone to talk to about this. So I'd like your opinion as to whether my symptoms might be due to low oestrogen or whether it's the menopause. Either way I need to do something about it - and soon - otherwise I think my relationship with DP will be on the rocks.

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poopscoop · 29/04/2009 17:26

how old are you chelsea?

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3littlefrogs · 29/04/2009 17:28

You can have blood tests to find out whether it is the menopause. You need 2 tests, I think 6 months apart. I am not sure, but it might be worth doing.

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chelseamorning · 29/04/2009 18:28

42, Poopscoop.

My doc wants to give the Pill a go for 3 months first, 3littlefrogs. If it doesn't work then I'll strongly suggest the tests. I don't remember what it feels like to be me. I've had all these symptoms for almost 1.5 years and I'm so fed up with myself I can't tell you. I've just kept hoping that they would go away but no such luck.

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poopscoop · 29/04/2009 18:31

wish i was 42 am 44!

My friend (43) had a simple blood test and was told very swiftly that she was going into the menopause. Maybe worth getting the test done before faffing about with the pill if it is not what you really want to take.

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chelseamorning · 30/04/2009 14:06

Thanks, Poopscoop. Why wouldn't the doc suggest a test, I wonder, if it would give me a swifter answer?

Incidentally, I may be 42 but I feel more like 62 at the moment. You gotta laugh...

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3littlefrogs · 30/04/2009 17:27

Being "perimenopausal" can make you feel really awful. I started feeling like this at around 42 - got through the menopause by the time I was 45 ish. It would be good to have the blood tests, then at least you would know what you are dealing with IYSWIM.

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chelseamorning · 01/05/2009 13:38

Thanks 3littlefrogs. Is the blood test conclusive? I've already started on the Pill route so if I stop now, my hormone levels will be all over the place, thereby making the test inconclusive????

I know very little about the menopause but it sounds like you came out the other side fairly quickly. Is that right? How do you feel now?

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3littlefrogs · 01/05/2009 18:11

As far as I remember, you have to have a gap of about six months in between tests. I didn't get round to having the second one myself - just too busy. however, I am now in my fifties, and got through the worst of it ok.

I still have a terrible memory, and have gained lots of weight, but my mood has stabilised, and I am calmer.

Of course - that may be to do with the fact that Ds1 has gone to uni, and ds2 is going soon - they have grown up, and are not causing me as many problems

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3littlefrogs · 01/05/2009 18:12

Sorry - I meant to say that I found things a bit rocky for 2 - 3 years.

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chelseamorning · 05/05/2009 13:29

My DS is only 2.5, 3littlefrogs, so I've a long way to go!

I've been feeling pretty crappy since DS was born but I'm hoping that's just down to all the usual suspects and unstable hormone levels. I know it will happen but I'm not mentally ready for the menopause.

Hormones are a bitch!

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howtotellmum · 13/05/2009 19:30

chelsea- you do sound as if you are having an early meno.

I am under the care of a great gynae and have my blood checked- you need them checked more than once- it doesn't have to be six months apart- it can be monthly, 3-monthly or even twice in a month- it depends on the results and whether there is any query over the levels. Mine showed I was post-meno- even though I'd had regular periods right up til then ( in my 50s) then I had another 2-3 periods a couple of months later ( that surprised him!) then no more.

Your dr needs to do blood tests on certain days of your cycle. The tend to re-do the test at another point either in the same cycle or a month or two later.

One test alone is not enough, as your hormones can rise and fall- as mine did.

If you are having a meno at 42 you should consider HRT as you will be at greater risk from osteoprosis.

If your dr is useless, go to a private meno clinic for advice.

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Voltaire · 13/05/2009 19:36

My sister (late 40s) takes the mini pill after feeling perimenopausal and she now feels much better for it.

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