Bleeding

[Christmashope19]

Hi
i was hoping to get some help/advice
I am 46 years old
I am on the contraceptive pill due to my heavy periods and I take it every day without a break as this is what dr thought best
so I haven’t had a period in over 10 years!
just this past few months I have been feeling really tired even after sleeping for 10hrs plus
I have started getting breakthrough bleeding and this last week has been horrendous as I am itching down below like you wouldn’t believe it almost feels raw
are these signs of the menopause?
thanks in advance

i Don’t think the itching down below is, sounds like you need to get that checked

For heavy periods I’d try a mirena coil instead.
For tiredness I’d get your thyroid, B12 and iron checked. You can try vitamin B complex too

The itching and soreness down below is a classic menopausal symptom, caused by a lack of oestrogen. It's easy to mistake it for an infection like thrush, but it doesn't go away when you treat it as thrush. You need to see your GP and ask for topical oestrogen in the form of pessaries or a cream. You won't need to be examined if you explain your symptoms in relation to your age. It is important that you get this treated, even if you don't want to take other forms of HRT.

As for the breakthrough bleeding, you need to get that checked out for sure. It's normal for your menstrual cycle to go haywire in your forties, another delightful classic sign of heading towards menopause.

At 46 I got a Mirena coil put in, and it stopped the bleeding completely - I never had another period, which was great.

The itching and soreness down below is a classic menopausal symptom, caused by a lack of oestrogen

While it could be menopause related it could also be about a dozen other things as well. Itching and soreness are common symptoms of fungal infections, dermatitis, atrophy, lichen sclerosis.... the list goes on and on.

OP, you need to see the doctor and get a proper diagnosis. Most of these things can be easily managed once you know what you are dealing with. No point in suffering needlessly.

Thank you for all replies
i have booked in to see the nurse at the end of next week with a view to seeing dr if need be

I think that's the smart thing to do!

Like I said in my earlier post, all these things can be well managed but only once you get a proper diagnosis. If it turns out to be menopause related you have options and there's no need to suffer!

Hope all goes well with your appointment😀