Post menopause is brilliant.

[AlphaBravoHenryFoxtons]

For me, going through the menopause was truly awful Horrendous. I had horrendous night sweats, poor sleep, fogginess, forgetfulness, I felt quite sad, unattractive, meek, etc etc.

But bloody hell. I am through all that now. I remember things without lists. My good humour has returned. My skin & hair are in excellent condition. I say what I mean. I don't care if people think I'm outspoken. I feel attractive again. I'm truly liberated. It's amazing.

And I don't even have a beard of honour.

Interesting, Arrowminta, I will request a blood test.

Oh this is my favourite thread ever....12 months ago after 18 months of the worst periods ever coming every 15-20 days I went to my GP to see if I was peri. At 41 then she said oh you have loads of time yet no way, bloods done were fine, smear fine and then the pelvic scan which was a thickened womb lining (nothing else sinister) and the radiographer saying probably start of the change. Didn't go back to GP as I thought go natural haha. Well had a rotten year of fighting my body and then bliss from September to this week no periods yay!!! Felt well, cheerful and more energy than in years! Today I am heavy period, had hot flushes all week, banging migraine last night. Allowed brief moments of misery but determined to get on with it. This post is getting copied to my desktop to cheer me up every time I think oh how much longer?????? Love you ladies thank you for sharing xxx

OP, really: 'I would say 4-5 years from start'
Noooo. I've had about 2yrs of hairs on chin, variable periods and, for the last year, occasional night sweats, hot flushes and all that nonsense. It's just GROSS getting up at 2am in a freezing cold bedroom to remove a pyjama top and put on a dry one - and finding in the morning that the pyjama top you took off has huge damp patches on it and pongs of sweat.

Then I go through phases - like now - of no periods, no hassle and think, it's over! But three more years...
Oh, ARSE.

CrazyDaisy I'm just going to repeat what I've said on this forum many times ( sorry!) If you are peri menopausal at your age then you do seriously need to consider HRT if your periods stop before 45-46.
This is considered an early menopause and you are at great risk of osteoporosis and heart disease later.

Remember all those old ladies with hunch backs? Too little oestrogen so their spines collapse by the time they get to their late 50s and 60s ( have a friend whose mum is that way).

Treatment with HRT is recommended up to the age of average menopause (52) at least.

Maybe think about talking to your GP again?

53 here, started peri menopause sumptoms around 48 so hoping coming out of the tunnel. Horrible mood swings, irritability and tearfulness plus random insomnia and strange energy levels :-(. Investigated HRT but family heart problems and high BP. ...so bravely carrying on ... No period for 7 months so am hoping that's all over to everyone on their journey, ... Looking forward to the new improved me!!

Guineapig- HRT actually reduces heart disease in women by 50%- Danish research study carried out for 10 years. It's also not contraindicated for high BP which ought to be reduced in any case through either / or diet/ exercise and drugs if need be.

There is a link here on another thread about the programme on Womans Hour yesterday where you can listen again - it's all about hormones from puberty to meno.

OP thanks for sharing, I've just had a very frustrating day of forgetfulness and general uselessness. You give me hope!

How can you tell when the menopause begins? I haven' had a period for a year yet I feel great. Is it about to begin?