As natural as possible

[hapus2023]

So I have had menopause confirmed by the GP! I am age 50 and my last menstrual cycle was before conceiving my daughter in 2012.
I would much prefer to approach this as organically as possible..
I am not opposed to chemicals or western medicine, but I have ZERO symptoms.
Obviously the health benefits of HR are paramount and I am open to all suggestions.

My GP recommended Black Cohosh and St John's Wort.
Is there anything else I could/should research?

Thank you x

Correct me if I've misunderstood but doing the maths, your last period was 12 years ago, at 38. Unless you mean 2022?

This is called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. (POI) or Premature Menopause. https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/pm-definition.php

That would mean you were menopausal at 38.

Lots of info on the link if you do mean 2012.

Or google Dr Louise Newson POI- there are podcasts and videos on her website.

Your GP really shouldn't be recommending herbal stuff because there is no evidence for any effectiveness.

Why did you see your GP anyway if you don't have symptoms?
Not sure why they are suggesting herbs if you are not having symptoms.

IF you've not made a typo and had POI then your GP should arrange a bone density scan, and depending on the result, you may need HRT for your bones. It's regarded as 1st line treatment for young (er) women, under 60 who have bone loss.

Yes, my periods never returned following my first pregnancy in June 2012.
I am following advice from friends to seek medical intervention for prevention of osteoporosis and heart disease...

I've been through the menopause and it was fine. I would never take HRT.

My advice is to keep slim. Never let yourself go and be overweight as that brings in a load of problems that are dismissed as being part of the menopause when they aren't!

Stay slim, eat and drink healthily and get plenty of natural exercise out in the fresh air.

Eliminate stress and cultivate fulfilling relationships and cut out anyone that is negative.

I don't think the herbs your Dr suggested are aimed at osteoporosis and heart disease prevention.

All the reseach I've done suggests exercise for the former and diet + exercise for the latter. The advice is quite specific in how to approach those things though... I'll see if I can find some links for you.

I've been through the menopause and it was fine. I would never take HRT.

Says someone who went through it and it was "fine."

Ask the opinion of someone going through it and has been suffering through a gauntlet of nightmarish issues and got their life back because of taking HRT.

https://zoe.com/learn/podcast-stay-strong-through-menopause

https://zoe.com/learn/diet-and-heart-disease-risk

@Aquamarine1029 there are indeed plenty of threads on this board asking for those opinions, but this isn't one of them. OP said she has no symptoms. It's not about you.

Easy as pie!

Hi OP i have friends who have chosen not to take HRT as an option and they are paying for something called Rheal.

It's a drink with ashwaghanda, collagen, all the stuff I think.

I had awful vaginal atrophy and night sweats so went for HRT.

Rheal balance.

I can't say if it's worked for them or not as we don't really discuss.

Have a bone density scan ,and take care of your bones. I exercise regularly, and do some weights. I take vit D and calcium, and have never needed anything else. My bones are in very good shape.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! .strength training, light cardio and flexibility!

OP has had premature menopause which can impact women in very different ways to those who go through it at the usual time.

🍿

If I were in your shoes I’d have my bone density checked. I agree with staying fit and building strength.

I approached childbirth the way you’re approaching menopause. It worked perfectly. However I was 100% open to ‘unnatural’ assistance if required. I’m approaching menopause in the same way. Be on the lookout for issues/ailments that you wouldn’t think are related to menopause but absolutely are. It’s not just all hot flushes and night sweats.

Exactly this - HRT is a literal lifesaver for some of us. If you don't need it or aren't having symptoms, agree there's less of an argument to take it.

I do understand the OP's concern about osteoporosis and other issues as she went into menopause in her 30s, which is very early. And that means her risk is higher than other women who were a decade later. But the only option for preventing osteoporosis is HRT to replace the hormones you are lacking, along with weight bearing exercise and a good diet. Herbs and potions will do zero for that.

Eliminate stress and cultivate fulfilling relationships and cut out anyone that is negative

pouff 💨 and just like that…..all your problems are over 🙄

Respectfully, @DrJoanAllenby this thread is about someone with premature menopause at 38, not the average age of 51.

POI is classed as a disease. If you want to investigate the condition, you will find plenty on the web including the link I left from Menopause Matters (medical site.)

There's little point suggesting the OP doesn't use HRT, tries herbs, exercises etc as the medical advice is HRT - because although exercise and a good diet helps, it is simply not enough for women with POI.

Sadly, the boat might have already sailed for the OP to give heart protection, as HRT needs to be started within 10 years of the last period.

Also, no one can say they are 'fine' unless they have had a DEXA scan.

The impact of premature menopause may not happen for 10 years or more and then women find they have vertebral fractures, are in severe pain , and need to take drugs with unpleasant side effects (I know someone going through exactly this and it's no picnic.)

@hapus2023 I hope your GP does the right thing, but can't get my hear round they are suggesting herbs when you say you've no symptoms.
Why?

I wouldn't take anything if I didn't need it - these herbal remedies aren't always straight forward for everyone and I don't see the point in putting something in your body you don't need if you are currently symptomless.

The risk of Osteoposrosis is different and I can't pretend I know what a GP should be doing about that.

Some people do sail through the menopause with no symptoms or ill effects and hopefully you are one of those!

This! Cancer occurs “naturally” and “organically” too….any “natural” supplements you take may only help with symptoms, they’ll do nothing to replicate the hormones in which you’re deficient

@Stonehill Calcium supplements are dangerous.

I noticed a few links here to Zoe about diet. Well, Prof Tim Spector has drawn attention (on Twitter) to the dangers of calcium supplements and he linked to research (it's been around for some time) about the risks.

Taking calcium as a supplement means it's often laid down in the arteries and causes them to harden and clog up.

No one needs to supplement unless they are unable to eat the right foods - you need 700mgs a day from food.

Calcium is absorbed best as small amounts (up to 200mgs)over a day, not 400+mgs as a hard tablet.

(I'm saying this as someone who used to take them.)

Well, I am under medical supervision and advised to take them. I have no issues with my arteries. So I will take the advice of a consultant with a medical degree and years of experience over someone on the internet. But thank you for raising it.