Hello newbie here
I am 37, and a few months ago I had key hole surgery to remove a 7cm cyst (I named her Cynthia) from my ovary.
During my stay in hospital the hospital staff enquired about my situation and in particular to my cycle which was easy for me to answer I don't have one... I have been on the contraceptive injection (depro provera) since I was 15, so I haven't had a period for 22 years!!
On hearing this I was asked by my friend that was with me "when that time comes, how will you know when you are going through menopause", well this got me thinking you know what I don't know.
So on getting out of hospital I checked what the symptoms and it seems I have quiet a few, in isolation I hadn't put the link between my night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, my mood swings etc.. And I am sure is related my nails have always been rock solid they are now weak as paper, my hair is lank and my joints ache (although I am a gym goer so it could be that), I also cannot seem to curb my comfort eating.
Anyway I saw my doctor, we agreed I'd take a short break from my contraception and then go for a blood test, although I think he only agreed to the blood test to appease me, he'd already pointed out that 43 is considered early for menopause so it would be highly unlikely that I was.
Whilst waiting for my blood results I visited my grandfather who confirmed my deceased grandmother had experienced menopause at 30, so it seems it's in the family. Mum isn't someone for going to the docs and with the stigma of HRT she didn't go straight away so it's not on her record + she had thyroid so her body was all over the place.
My Blood tests came back and it was borderline low, he wants me to have a second blood test 4 months after the first one to check levels and has suggested if levels are lower that HRT is an option at that point.
I don't want children so my life plan isn't affected by this, so I am actually mentally dealing with it quite well. i have always kidded everyone that I am younger than I am, this makes me feel old.
How do I cope with sleeplessness now, I have always been a put your head on the pillow and be out in seconds person, that's gone and staying asleep is a nightmare. As a migraine sufferer not sleeping properly is one of my main triggers. Is there anything I can do before my second blood test or should I go back to the doctors early?
Do you think the presence of Cynthia could have brought this on? (Night sweats / insomnia has been going on at least all year if not longer)
Thanks