AMA - menopause

[Kat1122]

I have been through endometriosis, a hysterecomy and menopause. Ask me anything, as i want to help women going through any of the above. I have a lot of knowledge to share, and would like to help.

How old are you? I’m menopausal and struggle a lot with thinning hair. It comes out in clumps when I brush it or wash it, which is horrid. Do you get that?

@wellandtruly have you had blood tests? hair loss is often low thyroid, low iron or low estrogen.

All can be supplemented if necessary.

It’s no oestrogen.

I'm not sure I follow that @wellandtruly .

No estrogen? Do you mean you have no estrogen?

Well, yes. I’m menopausal. I thought that was the point of the thread.

@Kat1122 have you needed to adapt your work life?

@wellandtruly Ok. Presumably you can't use HRT?
You might get some help on the Style & Beauty part of MN.
Some shampoos like Plantur can help hair loss and stimulate new growth (or other caffeine based shampoos.)

Hi i'm 50, but had a full hysterectomy at 45. thus thrown into the menopause. How old are you? and are you taking HRT or any suppliments. Are you having any other symptoms apart from the hair thinning?

@jelly79 yes until i found a good balance with the HRT, found it very hard to do a full time job. My menopause is a bit complicated as i am an endo sufferer as well. But i am lucky i have an understanding boss. Going through the menopause is challenging enough, but when you have to work it can seem overwhelming. Most companies now have a menopause policy, it's worth finding out if where you work has one.

No, I’m not taking HRT. I have problems with drying skin and hair, creaking joints and weight gain around my belly - all due to lack of oestrogen. I take vitamin D and B12. I work full time.

@wellandtruly If you can take HRT i would really recommend you try it. The HRT is now bio identical which means it is as close to what you would natually produce, which makes it safer. You need to replace what your body is losing in the menopause. You could also try taking collagen which is good for hair and nails.

No, I can’t take HRT, or collagen either. I thought this was the point of the thread - how to cope with menopause symptoms and what to do about them.

Can smokers take hrt?

How long can you take HRT for?

OP with the best will in the world and recognising the challenges of what you’ve been through, I’m not sure that you’re really in a position to answer “anything”.! For many people it’s the years in the run up to menopause which are equally hard, appreciate it can’t have been easy having shock surgery though. Best place for ppl to go is GP

@ssd and@HerRoyalNotness All of your questions can be answered by a quick online search.

There is lots of information out there including medical sites like the British Menopause Society, NICE Menopause Guidance, and various sites by menopause specialists.

I get that you are trying to help, OP. Sharing experiences is so valuable in making women feel that they are not alone. But we can only share our experience and what worked for us and I don't really think an AMA is appropriate - you cannot have the answers to "anything" and you can't be giving out advice without either being a medical expert, or having all the info about posters.

Agree with @JinglingSpringbells - there is lots and lots of information out there from reputable sources, or see your GP.