Today I have reached menopause

[CharlotteBog]

1 year since my last period.

Do I get a certificate?

I've managed perimenopause OK - bad sleep mainly, possible more extreme mood swings (I've always been pretty highly strung) and that's it.
I do have other things going on - mainly skeletal issues, but I don't know if that can be attributed to menopause or other factors.

I'm 53.

Oh and hot flushes; I forgot about those. But again, quite manageable.

Congratulations!

What do you mean by skeletal?

Is this pain like arthritis, or is it fractures? (In which case you need a bone density assessment.)

Sorry to be the voice of doom but my symptoms only started after a last period- increased flushes, insomnia and loss of bone density(currently improving on HRT.)

No need to apologise, I understand symptoms can continue and the risk of osteoporosis increases. It is more common for them to ease though, so I'm going to hope for that.

It's fractures. I had a bone density scan a while ago due to having 3 stress fractures in a fairly short period of time. It was on the low end of fine.

I've since had another one and then a series of unfortunate mishaps (bad ankle sprain which pulled a bit of bone off), then fell off my bike (cleats) twice, landing heavily on my other ankle. I haven't run properly for over 6 months now.

I am a keen and competitive runner and tick lots of the boxes for high risk of SF (the same boxes make me a good runner) - over 35, female, quite low weight, road runner. So I'm not sure if the SFs are overuse injuries along with the other risk factors, or can be attributed to menopause.

Maybe I should ask for another bone scan?

I feel like there should be a fireworks display or sirens, something, right?

Currently on over 250 days. First time I've made it over the 200 mark. Done a couple of 150 stints.

Congratulations, currently on 101 days

Congratulations op!
I’ll be ordering a menopause cake to celebrate. I’d usually bake my own but this needs to become a thing.

As an aside, are you aware that you may need oestrogen? If you’ve had a relatively easy peri-m, you might not have considered hrt and there are substantial benefits in post menopause. Bone density is affected by oestrogen levels (it’s a factor in pretty much everything that affects us in later life)

Currently on 260 days, but I've had gaps of 231 and 267 days over the last couple of years so not holding my breath! I'm 56.

I think I'll look into this and maybe speak to my GP (whoever that is, my lovely one retired and I haven't needed to see a GP since then).

@CharlotteBog Your info about your fractures rang alarm bells - loudly!

I've had monitoring of my bones and DEXA scans every 2 years (privately) after being diagnosed with low bone density actually before I was post menopausal and with NO risk factors at all, except being 'small framed.'

Over a lifetime, female athletes are more at risk of osteoporosis, as low body weight and a lot of exercise can make periods irregular = low estrogen (not saying you are an athlete, but it may apply!)

TBH the fracture clinic ought to be chasing you with DEXA scans regularly. (But they often don't.)

You can lose up to 5% of bone a year in the first few years after your periods stop. So yes, you definitely need a DEXA scan and should have them regularly to catch anything before it's serious.

HRT is the first line treatment for women under 60 who don' t have contraindications as either prevention or treatment.

I'm on 116 days...for about the 4th time:(

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells
How is your bone density now?

My DEXA was in 2016 and was -1.1 (lumbar spine), which I understand is just on the borderline between normal and osteopenia.
The letter says it would be prudent to have another scan around menopause time, so I think I'll speak to my GP.

I have never been seen by a fracture clinic, the first DEXA was advised by orthopaedics and the letter suggesting having another one around now was sent to my GP. I imagine there is no system which would ensure that would actually happen 8 years later.

@CharlotteBog My spine is above yours and my hips are above average for my age although osteopenia. (happy to say more off forum.)