Do you have questions about menopause? Ask Vira Health’s expert Dr Michelle Griffin - £200 voucher to be won

[CeriMumsnet]

Please note this Q&A is now closed for questions but you can see Dr Griffins answers here

Menopause can feel daunting and complicated. Maybe you’re perimenopausal; maybe your periods have stopped but you’re still having menopause-related symptoms. Maybe you’re going through an early menopause, or one brought on by medical treatment. Or maybe you’re just wondering what the next few years might hold for you and how you can best embrace (or at least get through) whatever may be heading your way. Vira Health is here to help, and their expert Dr Michelle Griffin will be answering your questions about everything to do with menopause from 18th to 27th Jan.

Here’s some more information about Dr Griffin: ‘Dr Michelle Griffin qualified as a doctor from University of Cambridge and specialised in Gynaecology, working in a number of hospitals in London and the East of England. She is a Member of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has completed her training with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. She has worked in the NHS for over a decade, as well as for the Department of Health, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation on women’s health projects. She is leading the clinical development of Stella, a new app to help you manage your menopausal symptoms'.

Here’s what Vira Health, the team behind Stella has to say: “Women spend on average 7-10 years in menopause, with symptoms changing and fluctuating all the time. Yet, in the UK, less than 7% of women are satisfied with the care they receive. That’s not ok. Stella offers women personalised plans to help manage menopause symptoms better with support from an expert coach. From insomnia to weight gain and anxiety to incontinence issues, Stella supports women to find relief backed by proven science. Plans are customised to your needs and you can track your progress quickly and easily.”

If you feel in the dark about the symptoms of menopause, you’re looking for advice on managing its effects in day to day life, or you have questions about treatment or care options, you’re in the right place. Share your questions for Dr Griffin below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ
Insight Terms and Conditions apply

@Juli3453

Hi I am 54 and on combined HRT (18 months) I have experienced a really heavy period a week earlier than expected. Just as its finished a new one has stared at the correct time along with the usual cramps etc. This is the first time I have experienced this and I am a little worried.

Hi @Juli3453 I am sorry you are worried about this. It is not uncommon to have irregular bleeding on HRT but it is definitely necessary to get it checked out. Any unscheduled bleeding like this needs to be investigated by your GP and some investigations including ultrasound scan of the womb to check the thickness of the lining needs to be carried out.

@TitsInAbsentia

When progesterone no longer brings on a period do I still need to continue taking it along with my estrogen?

Hi @TitsInAbsentia progesterone is taken by women who are taking oestrogen and have a womb. The progesterone is protective to the womb and therefore you need to take it until you are no longer taking oestrogen. Please see PrincessNutNuts also.

@cato75

45 and suspect I'm in peri menopause. Periods have always been regular but have become much lighter. I'm now experiencing spotting mid cycle as well as constant sore boobs and pmt. is this spotting due to peri menopause or should it always be investigated?

Hello @cato75 this spotting may be related to perimenopause but typically it is no periods followed by a very heavy one (please see my description to Bluntness100). Unscheduled bleeding like this midcycle and/or post sex should be investigated by your GP.

@SunshineCake @ThatIsNotMyUsername and @BrokenCircle also see my answer to Bluntness100.

@Windmillwhirl

I am 48 and had the implant for contraceptive purposes 7 months ago. I have not had a period since but over the last month have been spotting (brownish colour) daily. I also find my sleeping very irregular (insomnia) and my heart rate is higher than it ever has been (90-100 bpm). I do not have night sweats so wondering if this is perimenopause given my age. Thank you.

Hi @Windmillwhirl and @Onwednesdayswewearblack the contraceptive implant, like the injection and combined pill have oestrogen and progesterone. All offer contraception which is needed until after the point of menopause unless you want to try for a baby. The oestrogen will provide some relief from menopausal symptoms. Any unscheduled bleeding (even if it is only brown) should just be checked out by your GP. You can be on the implant/injection until you are 50 years. Then your GP will look to switch your contraception and this is a chance to review your menopausal symptoms. However, it sounds as though you are having breakthrough menopausal symptoms so I would suggest seeing your GP now to discuss a potential switch of contraception and the possibility of HRT and other treatments. The key is to be led by your symptoms. This is also the case regarding coming off any HRT or menopause related management.

@jackstini

Am on the contraceptive injection - how will I know when I start/finish menopause and can come off it? Age 48

Hi @jackstini please see my answer to Windmillwhirl but also please note that there is an association with the contraceptive injection and lower bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis. This needs to further assessed by your GP reviewing your medical history and risk factors, so please do discuss it with them.

Hi @VeganCow I am not quite sure what you mean by routinely but hopefully this helps. If you are taking HRT you should take it as per instructions based on what your GP and pharmacist said. You should not only take it when you feel you have symptoms - it will not work that way. However, if you mean do you have to take HRT then no. Please see my answer to PrincessNutNuts

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

I'm 58 and still on oestrogen only HRT, the lowest dose of Kliovance. I started the menopause at 45 and my periods stopped a couple of years later. I've tried weaning myself off slowly and I've had raging hot flushes I can't cope with. I work full time in a hospital and cannot cope with my job and hot flushes. Is it ok to stay on this until I retire at 67?

Hello @Shehasadiamondinthesky I am sorry you are having such a tough time. There is no set limit on how long you can be on HRT nor an age when you have to stop so please do not worry. Please go back to your GP to ensure you are on the right dose of oestrogen to help with your symptoms and then be led by the symptoms. Please see my answer to Gazelda

@Patafi

Is menopause something to be scared of?

Hi @Patafi and @CherryMaple every women's journey is different and although some women find it difficult to manage, it should not be something to be scared about. It is a phase of life which every woman goes through and with the right information and treatment options, it can be very well managed. It is also an opportunity to review this time as a checkpoint to assess what is important to yourself mentally and physically and optimise your health now and for the future. Please see my answer to PickledChicory for more information on optimising your health.

@Wishingwell75

Why is there so much about the menopause not known by so many women? I find it hard to get the info and answers I need. I hope we change this for future generations, more dialogue, access to current thinking about hrt and other options. I just find conflicting opinions and where HRT is concerned - the postcode lottery in full effect. A lot of women who are both talking about and taking HRT have had to go private. Should this be the case?

Hi @Wishingwell75 I totally agree and think there are improvements. Individual women are becoming more aware and educated in this area, also workplaces are taking a lead and it is now on the curriculum in schools. At Vira, we are working on an app to help empower women and provide relief from menopausal symptoms. It is called Stella and can be used alongside any other treatments you may be using. Please see more information at onstella.com

@Paulinefowler

Can you still get menopause symptoms if you are breastfeeding?

Hi @Paulinefowler it is difficult to to help you out without a little more information. However, it is common to feel menopause-like symptoms when you are breastfeeding due to the low levels of oestrogen associated with this phase. Once you stop breast feeding, this should settle and return to your 'normal' pre pregnancy state. However, having low, underactive thyroid can also cause similar symptoms and is common post pregnancy, so I would recommend going to your GP to get checked.

@shansterx

Does everyone suffer the same symptoms? Or is it unique per person?

Hi @shansterx every woman's journey is different, so yes it is unique to a person.

@chasingmytail4

So I’m already in bed tonight because I just don’t feel ‘normal’. I’m 53, my periods stopped suddenly one year ago, I had no symptoms, no hot flushes, etc. Since then my only real symptom is vaginal dryness (about to start prescribed cream for this). I just have days like today when I don’t feel myself and sometimes I can’t even put my finger on what is wrong, my chest feels tight, I’m tearful and tired. My question is “How can women recognise the difference between menopause symptoms and other illness?”

Hi @chasingmytail4 I am sorry you are experiencing these symptoms. I am pleased you have been prescribed some cream for your vaginal dryness. The other symptoms you describe could very well be menopausal symptoms. These symptoms are notoriously vague and also the same symptoms for example difficult sleeping can be caused by a number of factors. Given you have a number of issues going on at the moment, it is advisable to go to your GP to have a full assessment and review. Typical symptoms of perimenopause and post menopause are hot flushes, night sweats and erratic, irregular heavy periods. However, there are over 40 menopausal symptoms and they are both emotional, mental and physical. There are lots of different treatments including but not only HRT. Your GP can go over your options which are best for your symptoms and personal history.

@ruqiya1965 @Whytie @mophia the above should help with your questions about menopause symptoms!

@TheSunnySide

Will a GP be able to diagnose me and prescribe HRT remotely during the pandemic? I coped well with hot flushes that seemed to disappear but lately they have come back wand are much worse. My sleep is really affected now and I am wondering if HRT might be a solution.

Hi @TheSunnySide yes definitely the GPs can prescribe HRT remotely. They will need to discuss with you the benefits and risks including your personalised risks based on medical history etc. Please go ahead and contact them.

@LandofLego

I’m 48 and my periods have become very infrequent and so light as to be barely noticeable. However, I keep experiencing some really strong mood swings (not good when you have a 5 year old) which feel a lot like PMS but with not period to follow. Is it possible that some of my hormones are still working to a ‘normal’ cycle, despite no actual period?

Hi @LandofLego thanks for your question. Please see my answers to Hatethewordhun and WhoLettheCatOut which should help.

@CookieDoughKid

Is there anything we should be doing diet or exercise wise, for example, that can minimise the effects of menopause?

Hi @CookieDoughKid and @poiuy see my answer to PickledChicory for recommendations on managing menopause symptoms.

@Saxineno

My mum started the change at 38, am I destined to have an early menopause too? I'm 36 and not ready to walk that path yet.

'Hi @Saxineno and @RACHELSMITH45 please see my answer to Summergarden for more information on the link between family history and menopause.

@simbee1

How do you deal with intimate dryness? I take Omega 7 which does help but wondering if there are any other remedies. Using lubricants just seems so un-sexy. :-(

Hi @simbee1, thanks for your question! Please see my answer to Montydoo

@MargosKaftan

Id also like to know if migraine sufferers can take HRT.

Hi @MargosKaftan please see my answer to Tipster100

Hi @Karatema please see my answer to Onlyteaforme for your question on allergies ans menopause.

Thank you all so much for sharing your questions, concerns and personal stories, I hope I have been able to help. If you are seeking any further advice on menopause now or in future, I am going to keep sharing up-to-date and reliable information on these topics (and more!) through our blog at www.onstella.com. The team at Vira Health is really committed to helping women cope during menopause - we hope many of you will try our app Stella when it launches in the Spring!

This is really good to hear, very encouraging that things are changing for the better. Thank you Dr Griffin for answering my questions and also for all the valuable information you've shared this evening, it's much appreciated. I have put name down on the waitlist for On Stella, it sounds like a fantastic resource!

Thank you

Thanks Mumsnet and Dr Michelle Griffin this has been a great thread for information, really appreciate having my questions answers

My skin is terrible recently - my cheeks are very dry and red easily.
could this be a sign, my periods are a bit ad hoc.

Why is testosterone not licensed now for women who would benefit from it? Men are not treated similarly dismissively when they present with loss of libido. There is a care disparity for women.
You are correct that GPs are disinclined to prescribe a treatment that is not licensed and this makes life extra difficult for women, when their GP may not be supportive or informed. Is the removal of the licence part of a cost-cutting exercise? Surely if the topic of testosterone for women comes up very regularly, it’s time to reassess whether the licence should be reinstated.