Is that it?!

[Newname2308]

Last period 12 months ago after about 5 years of running down to every 3-6 months. So is that it? I had maybe 5 hot flushes. My libido has definitely left the building but has always been a disappointment anyway 🤦‍♀️🤣

Do I have to see the GP? I’m happy to go on HRT if it’s advised, but because I don’t feel rubbish it doesn’t feel like a priority. I just feel a bit of an imposter, and if I’m honest I feel too young to be menopausal. But I’m 49 so it’s fine. I think I’m just feeling confused at the total lack of what I’d heard about as symptoms, which seems a very fortunate problem to have. Anyway, thank you for letting me take this first step in talking about it here - I tried to tell DH but I chickened out.

Don’t speak too soon. You may still get all the symptoms you’re only 49!

Fabulous 🤣 I have had the delightful appearance of various chin hairs, so I suppose I’m not as unscathed as I thought…

…….and so it starts…….just give it time.
But seriously, hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones who sails through, fingers crossed, you never know.
Come back in 10 years and let us know

I’m 39 and just started hrt so definitely not too young! Speak to GP about risks etc hopefully you have one that’s clued up

I hope you’re finding it beneficial? Yes, I think I’m mainly feeling underwhelmed by my doctor’s surgery. I need to just put on my big girl pants and make an appointment to see what they say.

No real issues here either and I'm past 60 now. Different for everyone I guess.

You shouldn't go in HRT just because you think you should! Why on earth would you want to?
I had no symptoms other than irregular periods which eventually stopped at 56. Great - I was one of the lucky ones. Never felt the need to go to the GP, but if you are feeling tired/hot/brain fog/pains etc by all means consult with one. If not, again, why bother?

Not everyone has unpleasant symptoms. HRT can help with longer term bone health as well as other benefits - I'd make an appointment with your GP or if you're fortunate your surgery might have a menopause nurse or GP with up to date training. Just to find out more really.

Yes this is what l thought.

I got ill health retirement because of it in the end at 56. Thought I’d sailed through.

But;
crippling anxiety
severely dry skin and eyes needing steroids continuously
itching under the skin
aches and pains
thrush that will not go
crap sleep
waking early
hair like straw
sudden growth of corns and severe Achilles problems.

As l said l thought ld sailed through.

Would symptoms really start once post-menopausal? I've been hopeful that that's when they'd stop! Tell me I'm not wrong, please...

I would get a dexa bone density scan before ruling out hrt. It is very important in the prevention of oesteoporosis.

Thought it was 2 years without a period if under 50, and a year if over? Please still take contraception if it’s needed.

@Newname2308 Symptoms are personal, but are due to reducing hormone levels. So in some cases women may only have a slight drop in hormones but experience the works. In others a slight drop may stop periods but nothing else….. until the levels drop further.
It’s a bit like puberty( but in reverse) some get boobs, some moods, some periods first, or all together, theres no way of knowing what if anything will come next for any individual. We are all our own finely tuned machines!
As other pps have said though, HRT has been shown to be beneficial for female heart and bone health.

@Newname2308 im only a week in but definitely helped with my anxiety and night sweats. Just adjusting the dose at the moment to suit me. There are many benefits to starting hrt with or without symptoms

Thank you all for your comments and replies - I’m taking it all on board, lots of food for thought. I do want to look into bone health, so that’s probably my main interest in HRT