Early menopause

[pottypotamus]

Hello all, I have been diagnosed with early menopause. I am 40 years old. Not sure how I feel about it. It does explain a few things. My bloods show FSH is crazy high so was told indicative of full on menopause.
I had kids in early 20s and no plans to have more. I have had irregular periods for a couple of years now, although bloods 2 years ago showed no sign of peri menopause. I was told my periods were irregular because I needed to lose weight.

Not sure what the aim of my post is. Is there anyone else experiencing the same? Just wanted a hand hold. I’ve been referred to a specialist, are there any specific questions I need to ask? Should I consider HRT?

Went through menopause at 37, loss of libido was an absolute fucker. Using HRT to get that back on track, Other than that, no real issues.

@Lesinadid you have any side effects from HRT?

HRT has heart and bone protective effects, so worth considering even if you don't have outwardly troublesome symptoms. If you do get side effects its easy to stop.

Thank you ladies.

HRT is pretty much mandatory for premature or early menopause.
Do a bit of online research.

www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/early-and-premature-menopause/

You need it to protect your heart, bones and brain from loss of estrogen.

Keep an eye on your bone density. It is sooooo important. I would personally pay for a dexa scan if you can’t get one publicly..

I agree. But if OP starts HRT now, and it's not too long since her periods stopped, her bones ought to be okay.

My bloods show FSH is crazy high so was told indicative of full on menopause.

@pottypotamus If you're still having periods you aren't post menopausal.

Have they stopped or not?

@JinglingSpringbells
my last period was August 2025. So looking like post menopausal. I’ve been referred to a specialist so they can rule out any other causes (pituitary tumours etc) and recommend the best form of HRT.

Doc did also explain to me the importance of HRT for bones/heart etc. But worried about side effects.

I am looking into Pilates/strength training to hopefully counteract the bone density problems.
is there anything else I am not considering? Are there any natural options etc? Not normally a natural medicine person, but feel like I need to consider everything.

You're not officially post menopausal until 12 months without a period, but yes it does seem likely you're almost there.

Any natural remedy that works will also have a risk of side effects. And will have been less thoroughly tested

Not anything very noticeable. :)

@Lesina that’s awesome. I guess it’s different for everyone though. I will research best options for me and go from there.
there is a family history of early menopause in my family however it’s on my fathers side, so I guess I didn’t think it would impact me but doc said history on any side can increase chance.

I will need to make my DDs aware when they are a bit older I guess for family planning purposes. But don’t want it to feel like there is pressure on them (if they decide they want kids) to have them early.