Daisy Network

[chelseamorning]

Is anyone a member of the Daisy Network? It's a charity which supports women through premature menopause, whatever the reason.

It has an annual membership of £20 so just wanted to see if anyone found it useful before I hand over some cash!

I didn't join the Daisy Network so I can't comment. I personally found earlymenopause.com very helpful. There's no subscription charge and although it is an american site there are english moderators on the forum who are VERY helpful and experienced. I went through an early menopause at 38 and found the information on the site invaluable.

Ooh, thanks, toothgenie. Will take a look at that site.

Incidentally, did you take HRT or alternative remedies? It's a minefield!

My mum has breast cancer and her sister has full blown osteoporosis (early meno runs in my family!), so HRT seems the most likely solution but I'm unsure about them.

Initially I took HRT (progesterone and estrogen) then after complications I had a Mirena coil fitted, which I got on very well with, although I know thats not everyones experience.
However, four years ago after an ultrasound scan I had a hysterectomy, including ovaries, (suspected ovarian cancer). I'm very happy to say the growths on my ovaries were benign. So now I just take estrogen.
I was recommended to have a Dexa scan which checks your bone density. This isn't available on th NHS. I'd ask your GP about where you can get one of these before you decide what to do. I think though that if i had a history of breast cancer in the family I'd be exploring alternative remedies to combat any symptoms of the menopause.

Glad that you're now okay, toothgenie.

Thanks, I'll ask my GP for a referral. A baseline bone scan is a good idea so that I can monitor progress. My instinct is to avoid medication in general so choosing HRT goes against the grain. I can manage my symptoms with alternative remedies. I just need to be sure I'm not compromising my bones, vascular system and breasts!!! :)

Can I just say that DEXA scans are available on the NHS but not as a routine 'check up' type test. You would need to present to your GP with symptoms that would make them worry about bone density before they could refer you for a scan.

Thanks, NomDePlume! I would hope that early peri-menopause and joint problems/oesteoporosis in the family would get me one!