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Come and talk to us (and Gransnetters) about the perimenopause

6 replies

RowanMumsnet · 23/05/2014 09:55

Hello

As most of you will know, we've got a sister site, Gransnet, which recently celebrated its third birthday Cake.

GNers have a wealth of experience in areas that some MNers may only just be starting to think about, or experience personally, and we thought it might be interesting (and, hopefully, fun Grin) to open up a conversation between the members of the two sites on some of these topics.

One issue that leapt out at us (or, perhaps more accurately, sidled up to us gradually as we entered the prime of life) is the perimenopause: a period of time before and after the transition into the menopause, when women may start to experience symptoms such as irregular periods, sleeplessness, changes in sex drive and vaginal dryness/itching, emotional ups and downs and so on. (Or may not, of course!)

Lots of GNers have been there and done that so far as the menopause is concerned, so we thought this might be a useful opportunity for MNers to ask some them any questions you may have, and for members of both sites to share some experience, hard-won knowledge and support.

Of course there will be MNers who know lots about the menopause and perimenopause, and GNers who have yet to experience either, so feel free to ask, answer, or both.

There's a parallel thread running on Gransnet; we'll cross-post some questions and answers between the two, but do get yourself a Gransnet log-in and pop over to say hello if you fancy it.

So... what have you always wanted to know about the perimenopause, but have been too afraid to ask?

KatMumsnet · 28/05/2014 21:05

Marmight from Gransnet says...

"This perimenopause is news to me too! I was very lucky all through my life - 28/30 day cycle from 13 until I was 52 when I had a couple of very heavy periods one of which happened at a very posh 'do' when I had to disappear into the loo and stuff my knickers with loo roll (luckily I was wearing dark red silk trousers!) and since that day - nothing. I had no hot flushes, sweats, headaches or anything else. What a relief it was to be free and, strangely, the libido improved thereafter Grin. I feel very lucky to have survived so easily and wish all you Mumsnetters a similar experience......"

KatMumsnet · 02/06/2014 10:30

From JessM on Gransnet:

"A suggestion for bellbookandcandle to pass on - maybe go on the pill for a couple of years. But in any case, talk to doctor!"

KatMumsnet · 02/06/2014 10:35

From sussexpoet on Gransnet:

"I've been very interested reading about all your experiences. I entered menopause very suddenly at age 43 (which was early in my family) with a massive hot flush at work one day. Didn 't want to ever have another one - and indeed couldn't afford to with kids to feed and a mortgage to pay - so went onto HRT which I found wonderful. I only stopped taking it after 20 years! and then went onto natural supplements. I still think menopause itself is marvellous - no more periods (mine were always heavy and painful), no more fiddling around with contraception (I had always been embarrassingly fertile). Now aged 76, I have a very good sex life with a loving partner.
As for the often much exaggerated scare stories about HRT, have you every noticed that they were almost identical to those about the contraceptive pill? i.e. anything that makes women's lives easier must per se be bad!"

KatMumsnet · 04/06/2014 13:38

From jinglbellsfrocks on Gransnet:

"Fluoxetine could help. Ask your doctor what he/she thinks."

KatMumsnet · 04/06/2014 13:40

From annodomini:

"There is nothing inevitable about the menopause. Some women get through it with minimal symptoms - I was one of them (without HRT) and perhaps you will be as well. If you get worried about it beforehand, you will be more likely to be anxious when the time comes. Meanwhile, if you must anticipate it, you should have a word with a doctor - preferably a female one - and discuss your options."

From JessM:

"Inevitable for some but not for lucky others anno - but I agree no point stressing out about it in advance."

You can find the thread on Gransnet here: www.gransnet.com/forums/ask_a_gran/a1207427-Perimenopause-Mumsnet-Gransnet-share-the-knowledge

RowanMumsnet · 07/07/2014 10:03

Just popping back to say thanks very much for all the comments, questions and input from MNers and GNers on here - we think it was a really useful and interesting discussion and hope you do too. There does seem to be an appetite for more information and support on this area.

We'll be thinking about possible other collaborations with GN soon so please watch this space.

Watch this thread for updates

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