Menopause straight after having baby

[PalomaZen]

HI all,
I am in the early forties and have a family history of early menopause. I had my little girl 4 months ago (via fertility treatment). After some blood tests on FSH and LH levels it is confirmed that I am in menopause.

At the moment my symptoms are minor, I feel very warm but I sleep well and eat well. I am also experiencing some hair loss but I am not sure whether that's as a result of having a baby or the menopause.

Can anyone share their stories and what treatment worked for them?

Congrats on your baby. I had my second child at 42, breast fed for a year then ( in hindsight) became peri-menopausal. For me it was extreme mood swings and being so hot all the time. I went onto HRT and love it, totally back to normal apart from ocasional sweats at night. I haven't had hair loss - but remember that I did at around 6 months with my first, so as you say, it could well be that. My older sister was anti HRT but after 6 years of persevering thro it drug free, she took one look at me on it and went on it also. I'll take any risks from HRT over how I used to feel any day!

Yes with my first I never suggested from hair loss however this time round I am. I will explore the hrt route too and possibly some hair vitamins.

Whoever confirmed you are in perimenopause (or post meno?) why did they just leave you with that info and not actually treat you?

The other thing is, were the tests done at the right time? I'd have thought that your hormone levels at 4 months post partum and if you are breast feeding are not representative of what they might be in a year.

Was this done via a specialist?
Any decent dr ought to know that NICE guidance for early menopause (under 45) is HRT.

This is essential to protect you from osteoporosis and heart disease and also perhaps dementia in the future.

Sounds as if your dr is not on the ball.

I was at the same age but childless. You need hrt, as Bells say and I think that it is essential for your physical and psychological health. I started Hrt at 42 and I am still on it, I am 44.

My doctor did recommend HRT however I am doing well without it (for now). HRT is something i will consider if my symptoms worsen. Thank you for your comments

@PalomaZen The medical advice to use HRT at your age is not linked to any symptoms you have or don't have.

The reason to use HRT at your age is to protect your bone density over the next 10-20 years, your heart and brain.

Estrogen is essential for the functioning of all of these.

The point being that if you have osteoporosis in your early 50s, it will be too late to reverse it easily.

HRT is recommended by NICE for all women whose periods stop some years before the average age of 51. And there are no risks- you are replacing what you should have.

Reconsider?

Thank you for your message, I wasn't aware of the above. I will definitely consider and speak with my GP