Menopause in early 40s???

[WeeMcBeastie]

I’m looking for advice. I’m in my early 40s and I have had 2 recent fsh blood tests. The first test indicated that I was ‘in the last half of my cycle’ and the second (10 weeks later) that I was post menopausal!!! I am quite shocked and confused by this and not really sure what it means. I can’t see my GP until Friday at the earliest.
I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago (ovaries left) and was told at the time that there was a small risk of premature menopause. Around a year ago I started to experience mood swings, itching and rashes and difficultly losing weight. I have experienced no other symptoms. I know it’s not life threatening or the end of the world but I am really confused and a bit shocked. I would be grateful for any advice on how accurate these results are.

My periods stopped and i started getting hot flushes at 42, went to gp who insisted I wasn't menopausal so did blood test which shows I was. I started my periods at 11, some people think there is a connection with that.

Hi! The same here! 42 and diagnosed 8 months ago and on hrt. It happens and I think more often than we think! :)

Hi Emerald. Thanks for responding. I’ve just turned 42 as well. I’m thinking about HRT but I’ll need to have a chat with the GP to see if it’s an option for me.

That’s interesting Retirednow, I also started my periods at 11. I’m just sat here this evening feeling old. I know that’s ridiculous but it’s a weird feeling.

I was thinking of starting a thread like this.

Just had phone call this evening from doctors surgery after blood test yesterday to see if i'm menopausal, saying i need another blood test as i'm menopausal and may have a thyroid issue as well. I've had no symptoms apart from no period for 3 months after coming off pill (high blood pressure and overweight).

I'm 44 and stupidly wasn't expecting this just yet.

I can fully understand! It’s like feeling old before our time! Grateful for hrt, it helps a lot and gives you a sense of normality. Premature and early menopause is more common than we think!

I started on h.r.t. straightaway and the flushes stopped, after 10,years me and Dr decided it was better if I come off it which I did but flushes came back which was awful especially working in a hot confined healthcare environment so I went back on a low dose of a different brand for another few years, it didn't work as well as the original one but apparently there was a national shortage of the good one as it was made with horse urine. I decided to stop h.r.t. two years ago, age 60, the flushes have stopped but I have dry itchy skin and now have oestriol cream for my fandango. My hair became drier and I did feel more moody but no more periods and it could have been worse.

Can I ask you why you gave up hrt? Were there medical reasons? If you feel good on it why you suffer?

My original Dr was happy for me to be on it, we moved so I got another GP who said women shouldn't be on it for more,than 10 years, increased risk of cancer and heart disease. I have no medical history and take no meds. I thought Dr knew best, there was stuff in the press about it too at the time so I took black co hosh instead which did nothing. After the flushes came back I asked the Dr if I could go back on it, she agreed but thought it safer to be on a lower dose but there was a national shortage so i was prescribed a different brand. I was advised by Dr to try and wean myself off it eventually rather than just stop. You don't know if the flushes will stop until you stop taking it. I took it every day for a while, then alternate days and then just stopped. Thank goodness the flushes stopped.

Thanks everyone. It’s good to know I’m not the only one going through this. I think I will see the GP about the possibility of HRT. The rashes and mood swings are the main symptoms. Does HRT help with weight loss? My weight hasn’t really changed in the last year but I need to lose around 2 stones. I’ve never had a problem losing weight before when I’ve tried but it’s beeb a real struggle in the past year.

OP The stats show that most women's ovaries fail after a hysterectomy within 2-4 years. So that seems to be what has happened.

Premature and early menopause is considered a condition that requires HRT. You need it to protect your bone density, your heart and your brain from dementia and Parkinsons disease (all are a risk from early loss of estrogen.)

Talk to your GP!

Thanks PollyPerky. I will try to get an appointment to see a GP as soon as I can. 😊