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[westie]

Morning all

Just a quick question. I am post meno now ( no period for 2 years) , not on HRT as yet and having been coping relatively ok ( apart from horrible mood swings). Even though I don't have periods I do get very sore lumpy boobs periodically ( not every month). I used to get it before a period but nowhere bear as painful as I do now. It's starting to freak me out a bit now. I had a mammogram earlier this year which was all clear so not too worried but just wondered if anyone else not on HRT gets this?

[Rowan]

westie its probably because your ovaries are still producing estrogen but no progesterone to counter it.

One good thing is that you won't be having too many menopausal symptoms.

You could try some natural progesterone cream, this might ease the mood swings and ease your sore breasts.

[westie]

Thank you Silverlady.

I thought estrogen production was supposed to drastically reduce after menopause ? I must admit I haven't had hot flushes and some of the other symptoms that others seem to have ( so far that is). Does that mean that I am producing more estrogen than others and is that a good or bad thing?

[Gypsy]

I don't know about the estrogen/progesterone balances, but I've used Evening Primrose for sore/tender breasts for many years to good effect.

[Rowan]

I don't think its too much of a bad thing Gypsy, you could see your Doctor if you are worried, it does mean your ovaries are still producing some hormones but not enough to produce a period and you are getting so called "phantom" periods periodically.

Ladies who continue to produce some estrogen after their  periods stop usually have an easier time with menopause, but don't be worried if you do have an unexpected period your body might surprise you.

Why don't you see your Doctor as I said to put your mind at rest.

[westie]

Thank you Silverlady for your advice. I think I may well see my doctor as you suggest.

Don't know where I'd be without this site!

[Hurdity]

I hope you don't mind my asking but are you overweight westie?

It's just that fat cells do produce a different kind of oestrogen (estrone) so women who have lots of these end up with more oestrogen.

However as silverlady says - it could well be that you are still producing some hormones cyclically now and again.

If your ovaries could still be producing significant amounts of estrogen (sufficient to cause side effects) with no progesterone, then it is possible that the womb lining would continue to build up without being shed and you could develop endometrial hyperplasia.  Maybe as silverlady suggest you are not completely post-meno and may get a bleed.

If you are still getting mood swings then that does suggest you are not yet properly post-meno.

Tender boobs also can be caused by progesterone - many women suffer from them pre-menstrually - as you did - when progesterone is at its highest and oestrogen is low - so it's quite complex and we are all different.

If you are worried - then do go to the doctor - perhaps ask for a uterine scan, although you probably wouldn't be offered this unless you experienced unexpected bleeding. This is classed as bleeding after 12 months without a period - but in your case could well be a late period.

Hope that doesn't sound confusing?

Hurdity x

[westie]

Thanks Hurdity and no I don't mind you asking but I am not overweight- am 8 stone 10 and always have been so don't think it's a weight issue. As I said I don't get it every month just now and again but they do get quite painful. Maybe I am not completely through meno yet especially with the mood swings. I will check it out with my GP. Thanks for your help.

[jgr]

Hi westie, i use to get sore boobs just before a period, i am now two years into the menopause and i am on evoril conti patches. I occasionally get sore boobs, but i have had them this time now for about 2 weeks. Not too worried, mammo last year clear. I do think they are just related to hormone levels. Just another problem to contend with.

[westie]

Thanks jgr I think you are right. I did a bit of research last night and have found that certain foods can trigger  breast tenderness, tea and coffee being the main culprits . I don't drink coffee and normally have herbal tea but last week was at a friends house and drank normal tea all afternoon- think that May have set them off!!!! Am going to do some trial and error and see how it goes before I bother the doctor, I had a mammo earlier this year which was fine so not too worried I just hate not being in control!!