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Menopause

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Original poster

44 and periods gone, too early surely?

29 replies

MrInbetween · 18/09/2023 06:22

As subject says I’m 44, with 45 knocking on the door. For the last year I’ve hardly had any periods. Trying to recall my last proper period and can’t! Not had to buy San pro for ages. I used to have periods every 3 weeks and they were really heavy for the first couple of days.

I have some peri symptoms- night time sweats and sleep disturbances, changes in mood (but generally I keep this at bay with exercise), put on a bit of weight, and my skin is duller.

But none of these symptoms are overwhelming, just annoying.

Could this be menopause? Is it a bit early and surely I would have more symptoms? Or can periods just go from being heavy to hardly anything?

I was thinking of going to the GP but not really sure what I’m saying? Don’t feel like I need HRT but how do you know? Is it a good idea to go on it regardless?

Sorry loads of questions! Just been ignoring it really!

OP posts:
confusedlots · 18/09/2023 06:39

This is very much like me and I'm 43. Periods stopped very suddenly over a year ago but I didn't do anything about it. Low mood and anxiety have definitely been worsening over the past year. In the past few months my hair has been falling out badly. I can't remember anything anymore and as a result get myself all muddled when I suddenly remember something really important I haven't done. I don't have loads of symptoms but it's definitely affecting my day to day life.

I finally spoke to the GP a couple of weeks ago and have started HRT. Too early to say if it's helping, but I am hopeful!

givemeasunnyday · 18/09/2023 06:54

That's about when mine stopped. I didn't really have any issues though, and didn't do anything about it. 64 now and fine.

UnaOfStormhold · 18/09/2023 07:08

Menopause before 45 is considered early but it's definitely possible and HRT can be very beneficial, particularly in protecting your bones. There are other things it can be so I'd suggest getting checked out.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/

nhs.uk

Early menopause

Find out about early menopause, when a woman's periods stop before the age of 45, and the treatment available

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause

Original poster
MrInbetween · 18/09/2023 07:21

Ok thanks for replies.

To be honest even the thought of attempting to get a GP appointment makes me feel tired! Can’t decide if this is a menopause symptom or state of NHS symptom. Confused

However will make an effort and give them a call.

Why can’t it just be simple?

OP posts:
MsFrost · 18/09/2023 07:38

You are probably starting menopause yes, but it's not necessarily something to worry about. Some women do have it quite early.

Are the symptoms bothering you? If so, I would see the GP. If not, I think you are OK!

itsmeafterall · 18/09/2023 07:41

If you have stopped relatively early I'd read up on and strongly consider HRT as it gives protection for bones , brain, joints, energy and libido. It's not just for sweats and tiredness.

Read the Louise newsom website for starters.

GreenMonty · 18/09/2023 07:48

You definitely need HRT until at least 50 to protect your bones.

JinglingSpringbells · 18/09/2023 07:55

Contrary to some posts here, early menopause IS an issue as if affects bone health.

I have two friends whose periods stopped around your age and they have each had fractures and now have osteoporosis, or on the cusp of it, in their 50s.

None of these friends had symptoms of menopause and 'sailed' through it.

Medical advice (not opinion!) is you consider using HRT at least to age 51/52 which is the average age of menopause.

Original poster
MrInbetween · 18/09/2023 08:26

OK GP it is….

Will I have a battle on my hands or Will they understand these concerns?

Will read info suggested.

OP posts:
GreenMonty · 18/09/2023 08:29

They'll understand and you are right to go.

Nannyfannybanny · 18/09/2023 08:41

Same here. I had just had a baby at 41, got pregnant very quickly (my easiest pregnancy) the periods had re-started although I was breastfeeding. Then stopped, GP and bloods confirmed I was about a year off menopause. Started HRT, unfortunately the stuff that caused heavy bleeding (through all the heavy duty sanpro and clothes) I had had really painful heavy periods all my life, looking forward to the memo, determined not to take HRT,GP said as it was early, I was slightly built,had had 2 fractures, I must take it for the osteoporosis protection. (I was ft nursing, dogs, huge garden, plenty of weight bearing excercise) Then you need contraception till 50,no coil because of the heavy periods,latex allergy,(latex free condoms hadn't been invented then) so till 50, I was actually on HRT and the combined "pill". No I'll effects whatsoever. 50 changed to period free, for the next 17 years. I pay about £70 now private bone scan every 3 years.

JinglingSpringbells · 18/09/2023 08:45

I pay about £70 now private bone scan every 3 years. @Nannyfannybanny Is that a full body scan (spine, hips) and not just a heel scan?

It's incredibly cheap. I pay around £200 and it's been that (roughly) for years.

SadlyACupOfTeaDoesNotSolveEverything · 18/09/2023 08:50

The first GP I saw was dismissive, the second was really supportive (same practice).
Early menopause here - peri 33-36, no periods since 36.5, told I was stressed and depressed and finally put on HRT at 38. The difference has been noticeable and I hope it’s in time for my bone health.

Original poster
MrInbetween · 18/09/2023 12:34

Thanks everyone for the advice, sounds like some people have had tricky experiences!

I know that my part of me is just burying my head in the sand about this as it requires some actual attention by me. Need to read up about HRT, it all seems so bloody complicated.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrInbetween · 18/09/2023 12:35

No pun intended….

OP posts:
Nannyfannybanny · 18/09/2023 13:32

That's a hip scan I have, not full body.I've never had a heel scan

JinglingSpringbells · 18/09/2023 15:11

Nannyfannybanny · 18/09/2023 13:32

That's a hip scan I have, not full body.I've never had a heel scan

Out of interest, where in the UK are you having a DEXA scan for £70?

I've had them for over 15 years, but for 3x that cost now.

They ought to be scanning your spine too. The scores can be different.

Nannyfannybanny · 18/09/2023 23:00

I'm in the SE, it's not a dexa. My bone density has always been good,no one has ever suggested I need spine as well
Originally it was wrist. I can't find the paperwork for the name of the scan.

caringcarer · 18/09/2023 23:44

My cousin's periods stopped at 41 after about 5 months she visited her GP. She had a blood test and GP said start of menopause. She had HRT.

SlippinJanie · 18/09/2023 23:53

My periods stopped when I was 46. I was on hrt for about a year but hated it as it resulted in periods every 3 weeks. It never occurred to me to stay on it for bone density reasons & GP didn't give any advice on that subject. I feel fine at nearly 60. Should I be getting bone density checks?

Nannyfannybanny · 19/09/2023 07:58

I started having scans nearly 30 years ago. Originally, they were free,then done at a private clinic in Surrey. They were always wrist,last one I had was hip. Last one was due during Covid,so missed.

JinglingSpringbells · 19/09/2023 08:38

@Nannyfannybanny I guess we're getting off the topic a little here (sorry OP!) but if it's not a DEXA scan, the question is what is it and is it worth doing?
If it's not a DEXA scan, how is it measuring your bone density?
Are you given a T-score and a Z-score ?

To be honest, the wrist scan is similar to a heel scan and it isn't that reliable.
My DEXA scan does both hips and all of my spine.

The results can vary between different parts of the body. Some women's hips are ok and their spines are poor, and vice versa.

Just my advice but you might want to do a bit of digging and see exactly what is being measured.

Greenfishy · 19/09/2023 08:43

OP - you’ve done a pregnancy test, right?

Nannyfannybanny · 19/09/2023 12:57

Unfortunately I cannot find the scan results. Dexas were just coming into play when I had my last scan. Now it's said that QUS is the gold standard,so I imagine it will keep going like this. There is no way on my pension I could afford £200 plus,that's almost one week of it!

JinglingSpringbells · 19/09/2023 13:06

Nannyfannybanny · 19/09/2023 12:57

Unfortunately I cannot find the scan results. Dexas were just coming into play when I had my last scan. Now it's said that QUS is the gold standard,so I imagine it will keep going like this. There is no way on my pension I could afford £200 plus,that's almost one week of it!

If you are at risk from an early menopause, the NHS should be doing scans for you. DEXAs have been around for decades. I've had around 6, with 2-3 years between them.

What is a QUS?

The £200 is once every 3 years, not annually.

Just mentioning all of this in case it's helpful for you at any time.