Early Menopause?

[GirlInASwirl]

Hi, just reaching out so that I feel less alone.

I think I may be going through early menopause (I'm 41). I've previously had surgery following bilateral dermoid cysts. I was classed instantly as perimenopausal then. I was put on Cerelle (mini pill) and this has stopped all periods for the last few years. But in the last four/five months - my period has been sneaking back in - bit of spotting here and there at first. That was until last month; where I bled for 28 days. I have been getting migraines, joint pain, memory/concentration lapses, severe fatigue. Yesterday; I managed to get everything done that I needed to; but it was a constant battle with my 'jelly headedness'.

Although I have been expecting an early menopause since my surgery; I don't feel any more ready to accept it. I have a GPs appointment next week to investigate if this is the menopause or a re-occurrence of my cysts. And to see if HRT may be an option- but that feels like I am walking into a whole new world.

I would welcome some ideas on managing early menopause well - as well as what I should know before making any decision on HRT.

Thanks

I don't think 41 is particularly early as peri menopause symptoms can last up to 10 years before finishing completely.

I definitely think you need to see the gp as bleeding for 28 will completely wipe you out.

Early menopause is classed as no more periods before age 45 (some drs will extend that to 47.)
The important thing to remember is that during peri you can have cycles with no ovulation but still bleed. Having low levels of estrogen from your early 40s does increase your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease (if your periods then peter out.)

You may be anaemic after 28 days of bleeding.

There is no telling how long peri can last. Very gradual changes can start in the 40s . Some women have long peri, others just a year or so.

Just to mention my own peri- I first noticed some odd spotting at around 48 but it didn't last many months. My first missed period was at 51.5. Before that the flow reduced and the cycles got shorter ( 26 days at times.) Last period was at almost 53.

The official advice on early meno is to use HRT to the age of average meno- 51-52 then reassess. You can stay on HRT for life if you want to, to control symptoms and for bone health if you are at risk.

My periods have been erratic for the last couple of years and I'm 43. I've currently not had a period for the last 3 months. I don't really have any other symptoms like hot flushing etc. I went to the GP last year and she checked my hormone levels and they were normal?? I'll watch with interest and see if anyone had any advice and tips for managing early menopause.

The way to test hormones is over 2 cycles, on days 2-5 of each cycle. This is for your FSH levels.

Blood tests are unreliable anyway and the advice is treat symptoms if they are typical of peri meno.

The best way to manage with or without HRT is to really clean up your diet- all the healthy stuff- exercise and reduce stress.

Thank you for responses so far - just to clarify. I was recognised as peri meno in 2010 (when I was 34/35).

I'm 39 and have been suffering symptoms for about two years, although I didn't know what they were and a looming menopause was furthest from my thoughts. Long story short I have started to take HRT today and am hoping to get my energy and concentration levels back up, not to mention my low mood. However reading some of the posts I'm not looking forward to starting the green pills!!

So quick update : had my tests - female hormones( including female testosterone) - all came back normal (?) I will be making an appointment to go back and see the GP because I am still having night sweets and other menopausal symptoms. My periods are also getting closer together, heavier and longer. Will keep you posted...