No periods for three years....GP not interested

[Cailleach]

Just putting this out there to see if there are any others in the same boat.

I am 41 years old and haven't had a period for three years now. About five years ago I noticed my periods - which were always as regular as clockwork and thankfully trouble free - were gradually becoming lighter and lighter. Eventually the blood went to a pale pink, before becoming lighter and lighter until they stopped entirely, three years ago. I have none of the usual monthly cycle symptoms - abdominal bloating / ovulation pain / constipation / insatiable hunger / a night or two of restless sleep that I used to get just before my period started, either. All that has totally stopped.

I have no other symptoms of menopause - no hot flushes or mood swings at all. I am growing a slight beard and 'tache, but as I don't look like Gandalf just yet and know a bit of facial fur is all part of getting older for women, so am not too concerned about it.

I have mentioned this to GPs that I have seen for other things over the last few years, as an aside, and they have always dismissed it out of hand so now I am very reluctant to mention it again. I am, however, aware that early menopause is bad for your bones and that some sort of HRT might be in order if that is what is actually going on.

Any ideas? Should I be more pushy and ask for tests?

Personally I would be insisting on full bloods being done and a referral to gynae if that doesn't get you anywhere, it could be you are just lucky but I would want to know

If you are menopausal ( most likely) you should strongly consider HRT. You should probably have a blood test and then if raised FSH and other bloods are normal talk through HRT. This should be a GP issue, if your GP seems uninterested ask receptionists whom you should see. Read NICE guidelines and look at menopause matters.

Make an appointment for this, do not mention it in passing or as a second issue. If you are menopausal it would be an early menopause and you would be offered treatment.

also, look at the website of the charity The Daisy Network for women with premature menopause (under age 40). Lots of info on the drop down menu at the top of their page. Vital you get treatment and soon.

Don't mention it as an aside. Make an appointment with it as the main focus of your appointment, specifically saying you are worried about bone health.

I have mentioned this to GPs that I have seen for other things over the last few years, as an aside,

In a 10 minute appointment don't try to mention something important to you "as an aside" as the GP won't have time to address it.

Make an appointment to speak to your GP about your lack of periods. If you have had a premature menopause you would benefit from hormonal treatment to reduce your osteoporosis risk.

Thanks for your replies, all.