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Menopause

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Early menopause- advice please 🤔

4 replies

Bsue61 · 26/11/2018 13:59

Hi everyone,

I'm probably getting myself worked up over nothing, but I've been experiencing some strange symptoms over the past year or so and I'm beginning to wonder if peri-menopause might be the cause. I know I should talk to my GP but I'm just really concerned about being dismissed because of my age/general lack of awareness.

I'm 33 and stopped taking the pill around 5 years ago as id been on it since I was 16 and wanted a break. Things were fine initially but over the past year I've been experiencing pretty extreme PMT symptoms, very irritable, depressed, anxious (though these conditions run on my family too). I weirdly tend to get these symptoms around ovulation, rather than close to coming on. I have put on a lot of weight around my midriff, despite being a pear all my life. I have also gone from experiencing 1-2 migraines with aura per year, to geting 4-5 in a week mid cycle, with persistent aura (blurry vision). I don't have kids and I started my periods when I was 10, both of which I've read can reduce the age of menopause onset. I'm still ovulating and get my period monthly, but it is much lighter and more irregular than before (I used to have very heavy periods hence starting the pill, and they used to be extremely regular).

Do you think it's worth talking to my GP? Do you think they might just pass it off as ageing? Any tips for getting treated seriously? Their response to my migraine were that "migraines can be a bit weird". I guess I am just freaking out as my husband and I are still undecided about kids, we've just bought a house that needs a lot of work and my job is a short term contract, but I'd like to know where we stand and whether we need to decide/start doing something asap!

Sorry for very long message! And thoughts/advice very welcome as I'm struggling to talk to friends/family.

OP posts:
Emerald13 · 26/11/2018 14:07

You need to check your thyroid and your FSH. A high FSH is an indicator of ovarian failure.
Try to find an expert if your GP isn’t informed about premature menopause.
I am older than you and diagnosed a year ago at 41. Ask for help and not continue to suffer. There is treatment. Hope it helps! :)

QueenoftheNights · 26/11/2018 15:30

You need to look at the Daisy Network website- national charity run by doctors.

They have a forum and loads of info on their website.

QueenoftheNights · 26/11/2018 15:31

Starting periods early and having no children doesn't bring on an early menopause.

Bsue61 · 26/11/2018 15:48

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies, I've just had a look at the Daisy Network again and it's very helpful.

QueenoftheNights I probably didn't phrase it right, I meant those factors can affect the chances of it happening- I was referring to this recent study, which found starting periods before 11 increased risk of premature menopause by 80%, which is increased even further if you've not had kids. Its just one study though
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170124222452.htm

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