so I have been to the GP today...

[inaclearingstandsaboxer]

I am 48 and I have had two periods since last August. I have vaginal dryness, bone and joint pain and tiredness.

I don't have many sweats - they are not a problem.

I have no family history of breast cancer but have family history of osteoporosis and I have hypertension managed on medication. I was unable to take the contraceptive pill because of my BP.

GP is doing some bloods ( also checking thyroid as I am hypothyroid on thyroxine) . If my thyroid is ok she says I am then going through the menopause and because my last period was very scant it's a possibility I might be quite a way through the process.

She says its up to me re HRT. I seem to be ok but I am not sure if I am just get used to it all. I don't know if I need/want HRT. I dint want periods again as I had severe period pains and I don't want all that again ( this past year has been fabulous)

Suggestions please

I think you just know when / if you want to use HRT. I did anyway.
I just couldn't cope with the lack of sleep and the flushes when working with clients.
I didn't 'want' to use it but quality of life was important

If you are unsure, why not wait a while and see if your symptoms get any worse? You can use vaginal creams (oestrogen) which will help the dryness and it's not absorbed into your system.

If there is a history of osteoporosis your GP should offer you a DEXA scan to check your bone density now. Have you talked about the osteoporosis worry with her? You are slightly on the younger side for meno (average age is 51) so if I were you, I'd be keeping a close eye on my bones and having a scan every 2-3 years if you decide not to go down the HRT route.

Bone pain by the way is not a sign of anything wrong with your bones- it's another meno symptom.

I am 49 and had two periods last year and so far one this year. I have every symptom on the list. I have a prescription for hrt but am too scared to take it even though I should probably give it a go as things are pretty bad for me.

I'm 48 and don't have periods because I'm on Cerelle but by God I had a shitty night's sleep last night. I have been taking an anti-histime to knock me out as I itch when I'm too hot but haven't had one for 2 nights. I won't be asking for HRT but will try alternatives like making sage or red clover tea.