Menopause symptoms??

[fayebebaby]

I am 48, for the past couple of years my periods have been all over the place, usually going 3 or 4 months in between, then every month for a few months and then months apart again - and a lot heavier . Last October I had a period after 6 month absence - full on flooding for 24 hours, and then normal. Since then Ive not had a proper period ` as such, every few months I get a slight bloody discharge - like old blood what I would get towards then end of a period. Sometimes only visiable after I have bee to the loo and wiped, no need for anything other than a panty liner and sometimes not even that - is this normal???

Yes, it sounds pretty normal.

Have you been to see GP to discuss HRT?

Went to the GP when I had the flooding but not been since, how do I know if I need HRT? No hot flushes, but am losing some of my hair

You don't need HRT if you don't have symptoms that disrupt your life. It's a real nuisance having unpredictable periods and flooding but HRT won't really control that. If by last October you mean October 2013 then it's very early days to think 'meno', but if you mean 2012 then that's different! You could have this stop-start pattern for a number of years, or the period you had last might be your last! start counting because menopause is when you've had a gap of 12 months if you are over 50 or a bit longer if you are under 50.

" how do I know if I need HRT?"

That's the question to ask your GP, so you can make an informed decision.

October 2012 so well on my way

Stella- most GPs know sweet FA about HRT and tbh, it's best to inform yourself and go along and ask for what you think will help.

Any GP is going to ask 'well, what are your symptoms...'

If there aren't any other than some hair loss then they aren't going to prescribe HRT because most of them ( read this forum) are anti it, ill informed and not up to date with the latest prescribing recommendations.

I'm 44 and just started taking HRT. I'm taking it because the hot flushes were unbearable and night sweats were bad too, keeping me awake. Hair loss, anxiety, depression etc. As I have a mirena coil, I don't have periods anyway, so I didn't realise I could be menopausal yet, feel far too young!!!
When I went to my GP she suggested a blood test, a FSH test (something to do with follicles????!), which showed that I'm well into my menopause. My level was over 100, and they say that if your level is over 30 you are peri-menopausal apparently!!
I'm telling you this because for me, even after taking the HRT for a week, the hot flushes and night sweats have completely gone. 2 weeks later (now) the anxiety has lifted too, the hair loss is still happening, so getting thyroid checked next, but I'm hoping that will ease by itself once the HRT kicks in a bit more.
I would speak to your GP about having the test if you really need to know, and then see if you feel your symptoms are causing you enough bother to start HRT - or something herbal maybe. I had reservations about HRT, but I am so glad I've started taking it, my energy levels are better, sleeping a bit better and everyone says I look so much better!
Hope this helps a bit maybe? Always useful to hear other womens' experiences, but one thing I've found is the stigma attached to it and the embarassment of some people surrounding it. It's not an illness (although that's how it felt to me to start with), it's what will happen to all us women at some point, so the more we share our experiences the better!! Take care xx

I'm 38 and in perimenopause/premature menopause and believe i have been for about 3 years. I had an FSH blood test last year which was 20 and showed i was borderline menopausal. I feel far too young!!! Not good as i was trying for a baby. Have lots of symptoms, hot flushes at night, vaginal dryness, hair loss, heart palpitations, anxiety and depression. I wish i could of been like some of you ladies and not have started menopause until i was age 45 plus, or at least over 40. Feel very fed up and very cheated!!!