Anyone gone/going through pregnancy and close to menopause?

[oatcakes]

I got pregnant earlier this year weeks after finding out that I was much nearer to menopause than I should be at my age (40). That was as much as a shock as then falling pregnant (they said it would be very very hard). I had no symptoms or indicators, menstrual cycle fine etc, and for those of you who will know what I'm talking about, my FSH levels were far higher than they should be (early 20s, repeat months).

Although a crap fertility specialist devastated me by telling me I'd be in menopause in a year, I then fell pregnant (the next day!) - and have had a very happy, healthy pregnancy so far (touch wood, etc). Then, a different, lovely gyno said that my levels could have been like this for years and could stay like that and no one can tell me when I'll be in menopause.

Until today, being pregnant has eclipsed the initial horror of an early menopause. But today I've started worrying about post birth.

What if I dive straight into hormonal hell and don't come out? If I do go through menopause sooner rather than later, how can I help myself as a new mum? (BTW I have the diet and exercise under control. Always been very health conscious). I'm quite scared of the strain it will put me and my partner under. I wouldn't say I'm without temper at the best of times...and there's going to be enough strain and high emotion around being new parents. I don't want to mess up any of us by being totally out of sorts (anticipating the worst).

Anyway, just throwing the net and looking to see if any other mums in my circumstances or similar have any pearls of wisdom.

Thanks

My consultant says that those hormone tests are completely inaccurate and the best indicator is the presence of regular periods.

But even if you are near menopause there is no guarantee it will be as awful as you fear. Lots of people sail through it without problem.

I don't know of a better indicator of the lack of menopause than being pregnant.

As my DD would say don't cross your bridges until you come to them.

Menopause isn't always hormonal hell, thank goodness.

Mine started when I was 38 and I had my last period at 40.

Not one hot flush or night sweat, no more depressed or grumpy than usual, I just feel exactly the same but no more periods (yay!)

But, it really doesn't sound like you're near to the menopause anyway.

thanks both:-}