New to this - any recommended reading?

[MrsMidClegs]

Hi all,

Embarrassing to say I don't know much about the menopause and a recent very overdue Bupa health assessment suggested I might be peri-menopausal because I've had about 3 periods in 15 months.
I had put it down to stress (ill child) but I've now worked out I haven't had a period since March. Am I peri or maybe actual menopausal?
Is there some no-nonsense short literature I could read to explain it all?
For the last 4 periods I've not been able to use tampons - the Bupa doctor said that this would be vaginal dryness. As I've been working from home for 2 years I just used period pants so never thought it was a problem.

Have I just had a lucky escape re symptoms? My mental health has been terrible over the last few years but I attributed that to fighting to keep my kid safe and my job.

Sorry for rambling post...

I should add, I'm 48, last child 14 years ago.

Go for books or websites that are written by medical drs, not slebs or journalists getting in on the menopause bandwagon.

There are some interesting Youtube videos with drs on the website of Diane Danzebrink- she did the #makemenopausemater campaign which resulted in government initiative on it. Google Diane Danzebrink/ Nick Panay/youtube

She talks to Prof Nick Panay. There are also videos on the British Menopause Society website though hard to find. thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-tv/ menu under Publications/ TV.

Also listen to the podcast of Liz Earle and Nick Panay on her Liz Earle Wellbeing site. It's one hour long. shows.acast.com/the-liz-earle-wellbeing-show/episodes/5e43fdfcb72a33b1459c750a

It's also worth looking at www.menopausemmatters.co.uk as the info is written by a consultant gynae.

It varies massively from woman to woman. Some have no problems, periods become erratic then end and they think they've sailed through it, but it may be a couple of years before they feel the effects of depleted oestrogen.

Some struggle all through their 40s with peri issues.

Did the Bupa Dr prescribe vaginal oestrogen which isn't hrt it is a local treatment for vaginal atrophy? If not fire off an econsult to your gp and request topical oestrogen.

If you haven't had a period since March that could well be it, or you may get more erratic bleeding until it stops completely.

If you feel well just the vaginal treatment could suffice. If you start to struggle with anxiety, sleep, mood etc then consider systemic hrt.

There isn't a specific book ime as every woman is so different. Just read threads on here or another site 'Menopause Matters' for different experiences.

Thanks Jingling And Janiee

Yes the Bupa doc did suggest some sort of vaginal cream... I wasn't taking too much of it in though as the mammogram had come up with a lump so was waiting for an ultrasound (all good but my head was spinning). I am presuming I can't get the vaginal oestrogen over the counter?

Great advice on the vids and sources thanks. I feel a bit stupid not knowing any of this.

www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk/online-doctor/vaginal-dryness/vagifem/

You can buy online, not sure if available otc in pharmacists everywhere but worth asking. These are pessaries but cream is available too. Expensive though, cheaper to get it prescribed. This stuff treats the atrophy it doesn't act as a lubricant so you could still use vaginal moisturisers for sex or when inserting tampons.

If you can hang on till Sept @MrsMidClegs You can then buy vaginal pessaries OTC- law is changing then. I think they are called Gina. (Look online.)

Or get a prescription from your GP. Ovestin (cream) or Vagifem( small pellet.)

The RRP of all of this stuff is about £5 a tube/ box, so the online pharmacies are making ££££s! Obvs the prescriptin fee is £9-ish.

Oooh- something just reminded me of this- the new vaginal estrogen that's coming OTC is supposed to be women over 50. I'm not sure why- that doesn't apply to women getting it on prescription. I'm not sure how many questions the pharmacist would ask or how you need to prove you need it. No doubt all of this will arise once it's on sale!

Your GP should be happy to prescribe.

Please don't think you are 'stupid' for not knowing this stuff. No one does until they need to!

Hi @MrsMidClegs
Im thinking of booking an consultation using the Bupa Menopause plan for £250 is this what you used and did Bupa provide prescriptions ,were they more expensive then the nhs costs ? Thankyou just looking for feedback