Stupid menopause question of the weeeeeeeek!

[iklboo]

I'm on my 2nd implant. No problems with it. I've had no breakthrough bleeds or any other side effects in 5 years.

I'm 46 this year. I've started getting mood swings, headaches, insomnia, sweats & I'm drier and irritated vaginally.

Will I have to have the implant removed before I know if I'm peri-menopausal? I'd rather not if possible. I really don't get on with other forms of contraception, hate using condoms etc. And I really despise periods.

Mum went through change about 48ish, so did her mum.

No I don't think you will be asked to have it removed because you are peri-menopausal, you still need contraception cover .
I would also go and get some topical oestrogen for the vaginal discomfort, you do not want to ignore it, it will get worse!

Seeing that you are only 46, you should probably get doctors advice on whether you should be starting HRT.

Are you asking this because you're assuming women are routinely tested for peri menopause- or because you want to know if you are having an early-ish menopause?

Women aren't tested for menopause unless they are young- under 45, and certainly under 40. (The average of menopause is 52, so at 48 your mum was quite young and you are on the young side too.) This is in the new NICE guidelines and there is a thread further down this forum with a link to it.

I'm not familiar with the implant but if it's a form of oestrogen then yes you'd need it removed for a blood test, but there is no reason why you ought to have a blood test anyway. If you are having bad symptoms and want HRT, your dr will prescribe on symptoms alone for someone aged 46, if it is suitable for you.

Again, not totally sure of what you are asking- but is it about the need for contraception? You'd need to ask your dr about this. The general rule is to continue with contraception for 2 full years post meno if you are under 50 (that means 2 years without a period - and you won't be able to tell if your implant stops periods), or 1 year post-meno if you are over 50 yrs old.

Thanks ladies. It's more whether I could be peri-menopausal than about contraception. I'd happily have it replaced next year if they're happy to let me. It's just I can't answer 'when was your last period', really - because I've not had a proper period for years & years so I can't calculate when it was or whether there's been any change.

Think I'll have a chat with my GP next time I go.

I don't think you need worry too much; this is the same for women using the Mirena for example, and they have that re-fitted right up to menopause and would be expected to keep it until they are into their early 50s for contraception and / or longer if part of HRT.

You definitely sound in peri menopause so I suppose the question is, is this the right kind of contraception for you now and if you want to use HRT then what are the other options?

Best type of contraception would be DH getting the snip!!

He's only 38 though.

38 should be fine for vasectomy, as long he's absolutely sure that he does not want any more children.

Oh yes. Definitely no more kids. We've been talking about it & he's said he'd rather snip than me sterilise.