Peri-menopause? Been to docs today-advice needed

[AngieM2]

Been to the docs today as I think I'm peri-menopausal. Age 44. No periods since January. Took OCP all my life so never really knew my cycles but been off that for last 5 years and have been very irregular (had 2 pregnancies in this time - both lost). My doc says wait 1 year without periods and then I know I'm menopausal. My symptoms are no periods, bad moods (for couple of years), getting very warm at times (maybe twice day and night). So I wondered what I could take to help with symptoms (I'm thinking herbal remedies). Doc not interested in doing anything so need to do some self help.

Your dr is being negligent- and ignorant as well!
Menopause before ages 45 ( though some drs now suggest 47) is known as early menopause. The average age in UK is 52.
You need a dr who understands this!
menopause is the date of the final period - which you won't know until a year has passed. But even having a 6 month gap at your age is significant as it means you are quite some way through peri.

You need to discuss HRT. Without it, you are missing out on many years of oestrogen ( should be in your body until 52 -ish) and this outs you at a high risk for osteoporosis and heart disease in your 50s and 60s.

Herbal remedies will not replace oestrogen- your symptoms are due to lack of it.

Can you see another GP at the practice?

You can find out more about early menopause on the website the Daisy Network.

Do take this seriously- HRT before the age of 52 does not carry risks in the same way that it might for older women because you are simply replacing what you need like some people with diabetes have to inject insulin.

She is the 2nd GP I have seen, saw another one about 6-8 weeks ago and she said the same.....wait a year with no periods then come back. I think she said regular excercise and good diet for the osteoporosis (both of which I do anyway) I'll have a look at Daisy network. Thanks.

Have a look on the menopause matters site, some great advice on there

That's crazy! Neither doc has served you well.
Good advice to check out Daisy Network. And do some research about HRT - I've been on it since I was 40 and all the reputable studies have reassured me that it is safe for my age.

The ignorance of some drs is shocking.

If exercise and a good diet were all that were needed to prevent osteoporosis why are old ladies wandering around with hunched backs? Because they needed oestrogen and were not given it.

Diet and the RIGHT kind of exercise ( weight bearing) helps but it's not enough alone if you are deficient in oestrogen before 51. Women can lose up to 5% of bone density within 3 years of the menopause and although you can improve your bones it's a hard slog and takes dedication.

HRT takes you to where you ought to be so you are on a level playing field.

Maybe see if you have a menopause clinic near you ?