Could I have gone through Menopause without knowing?

[JanglingJack]

I'm 48.

I've always been erm... Slightly bonkers, as diagnosed and treated for years. I've always suffered with hyperhydrosis too, I still am slightly but not to the effect where it was previously ruling my life... 7/8 years ago.

I've had the Mirena in for 15 years! I know! Should have had it out a couple of months ago, but with a holiday coming up, I didn't want induce bleeding, or cramps or whatever.

I've noticed over the last 3 years or so that my public hair is pretty much non existent - sparse, wiry greys (sorry!), my leg hair is so thin and non existent that unless you catch the few bits in the light you wouldn't know. I should add that previously it was so thick, long and dark that it put any man to shame and I used to laugh with Mum that I could have joined the circus. Same with armpit hair - both pubic areas have gone from big and bushy to nearly nothing.

I'm not moaning - woohoo!!

It's just that my mental health was so off the chart 2 years ago that I was screaming and crying in the GP surgery, my very very wonderful GP tried to put me on HRT and I was - how do you know I need that and stopped taking it! I was just such a mess, but thought I was just going through another MH episode, of which GP completely aware.

Once, back off holiday, I shall have the coil removed and make an appointment to see my so patient Dr again!

I feel so calm at the moment, family have all commented on it. I did have a medication change...

I'm just hoping I've been through it.

Probably not, but it would be nice to hear your thoughts.

Thank you!

At your age I’d be surprised if you were, but it’s not impossible.

It's completely possible.
Menopause is between 45-55 usually, with an average age of 51.

Mirena - it's not clear if you mean a total of 15 years or the same one for 15 years.

If your symptoms increased 2 years ago it's likely that was peri menopause.
How long did you use HRT for and what sort?

Your situation sounds quite complicated if you have long term mental health issues and have used various medications. These can mask meno symptoms but sometimes make them worse.

Yes absolutely it’s Peri menopause. I also have had the same Marina coil in for over 20yrs and I don’t want it out! But obviously no hormones left. To list my symptoms… uncontrollable rage and irrationality, paranoia, anxiety that was off the scale which has caused serious high blood pressure. Weight gain and the belly that came from no where. Tiredness, Sleeplessness, hot flushes and sweating, itchy skin, lack of labido, loss of hair - everywhere except my head and depression. And then there was urge incontinence. It was hell on earth and I wanted to kill everyone and at times suicidal thoughts crept in. In the end I dragged my poor husband out of bed to go to the doctors for an emergency appoint and screamed banshe style at my doctor and was completely out of control so much my husband cried as he listened to me. I was given anti depressants, anti anxiety, sleeping tablets, HRT, anti hypertensive meds and beta blockers. 3 months on, I am so much better and feeling more settled and happy. I feel so sorry for anyone going through the same. It’s just terrible. X

I'm so glad you are feeling on more if an even keel @Menopausemadness1 . Whilst it sounds horrendous, it's exactly what I have been through - but like I mentioned, I am prone to 'episodes' due to MH anyway.
It's the same Mirena after 15 years, no change, no periods since early days of insertion.

I had a gel to rub in my legs and an oestrogen pill to take before bed. It didn't last long as I was getting used to a new medication regime and tbh they were the last things on my mind, so forgot them often and just gave up after about 2 weeks.

I will see GP when home, but I once again ferl on an even kerl... Kerl? Keel 🤣

It's lovely not to be gorilla like, and my head hair seems fine - I shaved it all off last year as I didn't like it!!! Hmmm haha!

It would be lovely to think that's what it was.

I guess there's no knowing really.

GP insists I must have Mirena out due to risk of womb cancer, but I couldn't really understand why. God knows where the strings are now 🤣

I guess I'll wait and see after holiday. I shall update. Thank you for the replies, it's a post with no answers. I wanted everyone to say - yes you have, life is plain sailing from now on 👋🤣

Omg and the incontince!

That started about 2 years ago. Just no inclination of needing to go, then one foot on the stairs and - well, it was shower and new trousers. I once got through 5 pairs of trousers in one day.

Previously years ago that would happen putting the key in the door even though whilst out and about I was fine. Usually then I could make it though.

Speaking of such... Gotta go!!

my urge incontinence was awful. My last episode, which happened in the street and in front of my husband was so degrading. It’s what made me seek treatment! .. I know exactly what you feel xx.. oops off to the loo now too lol 🤣 xx

I also have the urge incontinence.

My blood tests say I'm still peri.

I'm 52.

Argh!!!!!!

It’s the worst! Isn’t it .. mine came on in August last year and my last period was November. After going into HRT and anti depressants ( for my bladder not my mind) I’ve not had it since xx.. speak to your doctor x