Are birth control pills the best option for early menopause?

[SitsOnFence]

My periods went all wonky last year, progressively heavier and closer together until February, when they just stopped.

I had a whole load of blood tests which showed that my ovaries are no longer releasing eggs (no shit, Sherlock ) but that my estrogen levels were still ok. But only just. I'd had the odd night sweat and had noticed some changes to my mood and libido but, whilst unpleasant, they were sporadic and short lived. I am 35 and, thankfully, have completed my family, so fertility is not an issue.

My GP recommended a new 'natural estrogen' pill (Zoely) to control the hormonal fluctuations and safeguard my estrogen levels. Unfortunately I did not get on well with it. I have had problems with hormonal contraception in the past, but I had hoped that being natural estrogen, this might be ok.

What are my options now? If this is indeed early menopause/premature ovarian failure/whatever it's called, can just ride it out for a while and try HRT instead of birth control? GP seemed to think I'd be better off with a higher level of estrogen than HRT provides. Will HRT make me feel as awful as the birth control pill (fuzzy and apathetic, with absolutely no libido)?

I never got on with birth control pills at all. However HRT is fine. I use bioidentical Oestrogel and the Ultrogestan for the progesterone. With an early menopause you must have HRT to protect yourself from cardiac issues and to protect your bones

That's good to know fairbalance, thank you.

Am I right in thinking that I'll get more noticeably 'menopausal' symptoms before my estrogen (oestrogen?) drops too low?

Try to Menopause Matter forum. Its run by a UK menopause doctor and it has lots of info. You definitely need HRT but DO NOT worry it is different from the Pill. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat. I could not take the Pill at all and I had an early menopause like you. I am also very sensitive to progesterone. The mirena coil was an utter nightmare for me but I am fine with bioidentical progesterone tablets Ultrogestan. HRT can be a bit of trial and error but stick with it and look on the Menopause Matters forum.

Younger women are often given the PIll instead of HRT because the hormone levels are higher. This is quite 'normal' and not 2nd best.

Your dr might like to refer you to a consultant because a menopause at 35 is VERY early- it's premature.

Have a look at the Daisy Network site- for women like you! Loads of info there.

Thank you both for the recommended sites/forums. I really have to catch up on the gardening now, but will have a good look at both later.

The only pill I did tolerate was a progestin (progesterone?) only pill I took whilst breastfeeding. Not much use now though, and my tolerance of it may well have had more to do with what my other hormones were doing at the time. So I think HRT might be a better next step. I feel strangely guilty as my GP really seemed to think I'd feel great on this particular pill.

Luckily my GP's specialism is gynaecology, so she's had me tested and scanned for pretty much everything. I think I'll give it a month or so for things to settle back after coming off the pill, then go and see her again. I'll have a good look on menopause matters and the daisy network sites so I can make an informed decision on what to do next.

Thank you