Just been told

[Tia74]

Hi there
I have just had a call from docs saying I am goin thru meno! I am 47, had quite a few symptoms and had test because after smear she said cervix closing. I though I was peri at least.

She said within next 12 months my periods are going to stop. Very surprised!

LH level is 41.2. Means nothing to me ?!

She said about meds, but I don't feel I need them. I have symptoms but def controllable. Sleep being worse.

She said to Try evening primrose and black cosh. Anyone tried these? 47 young?

X

HRT is beneficial for bone protection, amongst other things, so worth considering even if you don’t have any ‘typical’ menopause symptoms.

no clue about your results sorry, I went through surgical menopause at 45 but I was definitely peri from around 40 & DM went through menopause at 38!

Menopause is technically just one day, classifying that a woman hasn't had a period for 12 months. Perimenopause can last for years and has given me the run around, looking back without me realising what it was, it crept up on me! I'm 47 and now have a private prescription for Testosterone, with Oesteogen and Progesterone via GP, symptoms have lessemed hugely and would recommend to anyone but obviously is personal choice.

i don’t know what the BW results mean, but how are you feeling and are you okay with what the dr. said?
bone loss prevention and protection of your cardiac health alone might make HRT worthwhile.

They usually test the FSH level, not LH.
Anyway, FSH above 30 indicates menopause.

I'd not take any notice TBH! NICE states these tests are inaccurate .
I have personal experience of that. Mine(not done for menopause) showed I was post menopause 2 years almost before I was (and that was older than you- around 51.)

Your dr really can't predict from your cervix when your periods will stop for good. A tighter cervix does show lower estrogen, but this can last from 45-55.

I'd really not worry- take it all as it comes.

Yea I have no desire for HRT because I am high risk breast cancer anyway.

Thanks for all replies. I had the sweats and flushes a few years back but just thought it was peri. Mum died at 38, I was 16, so have no idea on that.

I exercise and keep at healthy weight, diet ok, so will just keep goin. No way taking anti depressants wot she suggests.

I have copper coil which she reckons helps even though has no hormones.

Yea I have no desire for HRT because I am high risk breast cancer anyway.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mum.
Did she have breast cancer- is that why you rate yourself as high risk?

I have copper coil which she reckons helps even though has no hormones.

no it doesn't

Your GP sounds a bit hopeless with meno.

Yup she had it but died, also her sister, my aunt, also got it. Both under 50, which is why I'm considered high risk

That's wot I thought too. But she seemed pretty confident

I went on HRT after cancer in 2018 when chemo put me in menopause. I love it as it makes me feel great and younger than I am TBH! You get the best results from HRT if you begin immediately at the onset of menopause, if you wait a few years your body adjusts to lower hormone levels and you can get issues by trying to get the body to ramp up again. I understand your risk issues but for anyone else reading this begin HRT sooner rather than later when menopausal, I love it!

Ahh nice. Am so glad it works for u! I keep seeing its needed for bone loss and other things

Will I need it for that though later still?

So sorry about your mum.

Yes, you are considered high risk.

The newer types of HRT are safer and one type of progesterone- Utrogestan which is micronised progesterone- has show no more risk for BC within the first 5 years of using it.

However I know my consultant would regard you as high risk - he says 2 first degree relatives who has BC at a young age are 'high risk'.

Having said that, it's still not proven that HRT causes BC. It may accelerate the growth if it's there.

If I were you I'd avoid it unless my symptoms were terrible.

Have you been tested for the BRAC gene?

Nope! I have asked for it multiple times. Refused each time. I have an MRI and now a mammogram every year. I have implants, hence the MRI.

So they know I'm high risk yet no gene test! My aunt having one, came back neg on her gene test. Which is why they refuse. But she is not my mum.

Sooo? 🤭

Average age of menopause is between 45 and 55 and once over 45 it would be diagnosed on symptoms rather than blood tests. Going through menopause and peri are the same thing and how long it takes differs for everyone menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MENOPAUSE-SYMPTOM-CHECKER-Nov-20.pdf

Totally personal choice on taking HRT which would be offered on symptoms. Having good lifestyle measures as you do can also help. If you experience symptoms of urogenital atrophy you are, even with breast cancer risk, able to use low dose local oestrogen as there’s little systemic absorption

i was going to mention the vaginal ointment as well to prevent atrophy.