Menopause

[carla]

Why is it that there are never, ever any articles on this is women's magazines? I'd love to know what to look out for, and they've got lots to discuss, so why not this subject?

There's masses of stuff in the mags for 'older' women - Good Housekeeping for example. Best book I've read is Jenni Murray's Is it me, or is it hot in here?. I started the most horrendous hot flushes in March. Just lasting a couple of minutes but every 20 minutes or so. I started taking Boots Menopause dietary supplement from their alternatives range and within 5 days they had stopped. I hadn't realised but I was so tired I was having a kip as soon as I got in from work every day - and then bed at 9. The children thought I was mad. The last two weeks I have been full of beans. Coincidence. Possibly but worth a try.

I know what you mean. I have been told I am approaching early menopause and even though I don,t need hrt yet I havent really got a clue what there is to consider. Also I never knew until recently that oesteoporosis or your bones thinning is something to be aware of. I would like to know a lot more that I do.

But what clues did your GP have to tell you you were approaching that? My periods have got so light - is that a sign?

I missed my period for about 6 months, after having quite regular ones although they have only been lasting about 3 days. Done pregancy test, it was negative. I was getting a few hot flushes and was really moody. I finally went to the doctors and had a blood test. He wanted me to see a specialist who said my fsh was very high. He said to come back 3 months later and repeated the blood test which showed my fsh had dropped although it is still high. Meanwhile my periods just returned and I am all over the place going 45 days without one, but then only 20 days and they are still light. According to the doctor I am in the perimenopause.

Alendlew, what's a fsh?

WSM - did you just get 'hot', no other symptoms?

Alandrew - what's the perimenopause ??

fsh is follicle stimulating hormone. It depends on its level on whether an egg is produced therefore resulting in a period, although I'm not really sure of the full ins and outs. I wish I had asked more questions but I am the sort of person who rarely sees a doctor and once I am in there I can't wait to get out. How old are you? I am 39 and he did say only 1% of women hit the actual menopause before 40. He also said that it very often depends on how old your mum was when she hit the menopause. Mine was 52. Now my periods have returned I just hope they carry on for a few more years yet.

helenmc, the perimenopause is the pre menopause. Its when you start to show symptoms of the menopause.

38, Alendew. Not got the sort of relationship with Mum to ask her ....

aah, thats a shame Carla. If you are worried could you not go to the doctors and have a word?
You seem really worried. At least a blood test would put your mind at rest.

I'm 50 and my periods became erratic a year ago - 45 days then 20 days and so on. Nothing for 2 months and then 2 in three weeks. The hot flushes started without warning - suddenly they were there and often! And it's now 5 months since my last period, though I was definately pre-menstrual last week only nothing happened. Very wierd. The only other 'symptom' was/is exhaustion.