Why has the knowledge (gained today) that I'm going through the menopause upset me so much.

[Wills]

I'm 43, with 4 kids and to be blunt really don't think I could cope with any more. They're gorgeous, wonderful and totally knackering! Yet finding out this morning that my blood results (from a chance conversation with my gp last week) are back and that I need to book a routine 'fertillity appointment with my gp' has totally floored me! Nothing else has made me feel so instantly old and past it! I feel like I'm suddenly on the shelf - a has been with no use. I'm really scared!

I think it is just the sound of a door closing behind you and makes you feel vulnerable. Please don't be scared. I think a lot of women feel very sad when this happens and for some women it begins when they are younger than you are. I haven't experienced this yet so I cannot speak from first-hand experience but I know my MIL fell into depression when this happened to her in her mid-40s which sadly let to suicide. So reactions to it can be strong. It is a natural passage we go through.

I would try and find some good reading on it. It is ok to be a little sad but be careful with it.

It may be a bit "woooo" but in the USA there are a lot of women trying to publicise it as a beginning rather than an ending. They say the hormone changes can lead to increased creativity, positivity and drive. have to say I'm still waiting though...

Going through the same
TBH can't wait till it's over! No more periods sounds bloody marvellous.
I started my periods at 13 & am 45 now. Each & every period has been a complete pain.
Oh the joy of never having another one.

I'm soooo sorry ladies my computer obviously wasnt refreshing properly, I hadn't realised anyone had responded. Zzzzzzzen thankyou for the warning, timidviper - I really hope so cos at the moment I'm permanently tired! Chickydoo - that's how I thought I'd feel!

Can't wait, my periods are a damned inconvenience! I'm permanently shattered and take iron tablets for anaemia due to heavy periods.

I have two lovely DC and although I still get broody I know I wouldn't want any more

So, bring it on I say!!

How can you be a 'has been'? Life is a journey of many stages, some you choose, some you don't but the end result all depends on whether you choose to embrace it or run from it. Success comes in many guises and it sounds as if motherhood was one of those things, so why not look forwards to another opportunity in life
I wish you well

I had been asking my GP for the blood test for around a year before he consented. I was convinced I was menopausal and he disagreed, saying I was too young at 43. I refused to leave the appointment (one of about 7) until he organised the blood test as I was not sleeping, night and day sweats, complete brain fog and endless other symptoms.

Was told the results would take at least a week but I had a call from the surgery the very next morning, requesting I make an urgent appointment with the GP. I asked what for and was told "Well, you are menopausal" very bluntly. I saw the GP and have been taking HRT for the past year and it has helped me enormously.

But I do remember crying and crying over it. It felt like that was it. Mind you, a few days later I was coming round to it. I also thought the GP was joking when he told me that my periods would begin again while taking HRT he was prescribing. He wasn't . It is an ending of sorts but it is also a new part of your life opening up. I hope you feel ok very soon.

They are real periods you know- they are withdrawal bleeds like you have on the Pill- so HRT doesn't give you your eggs back :)

I know they aren't "real" but they flaming well feel like they are!