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Author Topic: No period for 5 months  (Read 2244 times)

Mchllwlkns

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No period for 5 months
« on: February 09, 2018, 11:58:47 PM »

I am 44 and have been having menopause symptoms for over a year now my last period was September 2017 - I'm hoping that is it now! I can't take HRT as have been advised by my gynaecologist that it would react with my dormant epilepsy- currently taking black cohosh which seems to be doing the trick. Any advice would be greatly received 😁
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Dancinggirl

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2018, 08:31:22 AM »

Hi and welcome to MM

You are young to be oestrogen deficient and some HRT for a few years would protect your heart and bones for the long term. I would seek a second opinion regarding HRT and the risks for epilepsy - I am NOT a doctor but I really don't see how HRT could trigger the reemergence if your epilepsy. Why not do an email to Dr Curry (who founded this site) to ask her advice. It costs £25 but as a menopause specialist she would know what would be best for you as you have epilepsy.
Herbal remedies also carry risks so you need to get professional advice about what would be safe for you to take.
What meno symptoms are you getting?
Lifestyle is the most important thing- so good diet and plenty of exercise and also good relaxation techniques.
Make sure you get enough calcium in your diet and take Vitamin D regularly if you don't get 15 mins of sunshine every day - particularly in winter.
There are alternative drugs that can be used for meno symptoms and I believe there are some that are used for epilepsy. Look under TREATMENTS on this site.
Keep us posted. DG x
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Mchllwlkns

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2018, 09:51:26 AM »

It was the pill that triggered my epilepsy last time so I know I cannot take HRT
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Dancinggirl

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2018, 09:55:07 AM »

OK - the hormones in the Pill are different to HRT and you would have the option of transdermal HRT which may be less of a risk. I would still seek a second opinion. If you can afford £25, I would email Dr. Currie.  DG x
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Mchllwlkns

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2018, 11:59:20 AM »

To be fair I'd rather not risk it!
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Taz2

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2018, 01:20:22 PM »

From this information it does seem as if it could worsen attacks so your gynae is correct in advising that it might restart your epilepsy.  https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/women/menopause

You may be lucky and not have too many symptoms as you go further into menopause. It is common to skip periods for quite few months and then go back to regular ones so don't be surprised if this happens to you. I had nine months, twice, without them before having to start counting again. Very annoying!!

Let us know how you get on with the Black Cohosh - it's always good to have feedback.

Taz x  :)
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Dancinggirl

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2018, 01:32:39 PM »

Mchllwlkns - I quite understand.  To help prevent bone and heart issues, I would really look at diet, exercise and lifestyle generally. Relaxation techniques are really helpful and an essential part of my coping strategies. 
You could still have local oestrogen if you develop urogenital atrophy (dryness, soreness, UTI type symptoms, urinary problems) as this isn't absorbed systemically so I doubt this would put you at risk.  I would certainly get into the habit of using vaginal moisturisers e.g. SYLK or the YES products are the best, and these can be bought online.

Things that can help to reduce flushes are:
No caffeine or alcohol.
No Hot spicy foods.
Eat small amounts often to prevent low blood sugar - you will find that low blood sugar due to not eating will make flushes worse.
You could try eating foods high in isoflavines ( e.g. Soya) and possibly take Red Clover?
Take Omega 3, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.

These are just some of things I do to help me cope.  I had a premature meno that started in my mid 30s and though I used HRT on and off for 25 years, I am now in my early 60s and doing without HRT - it's still hard though.  DG x
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aspie65

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2018, 02:23:04 PM »

Depending on what symptoms trouble you the most there are a variety of alternatives to HRT.   For example, I take pregabalin to help with the anxiety it causes me but it also reduces my hot flushes.  I know there are pills for sweats and hot flushes as my friend took them, and she couldn't take HRT, but I can't remember what they were called.  I would go and see an expert if you can and talk it all through.
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Mchllwlkns

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2018, 10:35:01 PM »

I'm doing everything I can black cohosh, vitamin d with calcium, vitamin b complex, changed to decaf tea, exercise 3-4 times (bodypump class) a week - have an allergy to lactose too so all in all trying everything I can to keep it at bay! Black cohosh seems to assist with hot flushes not as bad as they were
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CLKD

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2018, 10:53:42 AM »

Black cohash should be used for 3/4 months, then a break should be taken. 

How is your diet over-all?  I'm quite lazy at this time of year though I do love my greens  ::).   
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CLKD

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Re: No period for 5 months
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2018, 10:54:14 AM »

Goat products are different to those from milking cows .......if 1 can tolerate the taste/smell  :-X
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