Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: purpleunicorn on March 21, 2014, 10:43:34 PM

Title: Another one joining!
Post by: purpleunicorn on March 21, 2014, 10:43:34 PM

Hello ladies

I'm 45, and pretty sure I am hurtling towards menopause. I have no problem with that; I've had my 3 children and am looking forward to being period free!

I suffer with quite widespread arthritis so generally feel pretty grotty most days, but over the past few months I have what I believe are meno symptoms. Firstly I have started suffering from pretty extreme vaginal dryness. The skin is so fragile there that even wiping with tissue can cause the skin to bleed. I have horrible itching, and burning. Not like cystitis burning, more a burning of the skin. The past few months my periods, which have been as regular as clockwork for 30 years have gone haywire; 8 day bleed, then a week off and then another 5 day bleed...much lighter than I am used to. And now night sweats have started, I woke up last night feeling like I was drowning! On top of that I have developed rosacea on my face; I have never ever suffered from spots and now the whole of one side of my face is covered!

So...menopause?

I have booked an apt with my GP on Monday, so have the weekend to think about HRT (if it's offered) and the pro's and cons.

 :)

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: honeybun on March 21, 2014, 10:50:23 PM

 :welcomemm:

Oh it's fun this meno lark.  :o

It sounds to me as if you have vaginal atrophy. HRT will help a lot but to get it under control quickly you need to use a vaginal preparation as well. Vagifem is very good.
If you have a look at the green menu on the left you will be able to see what's available.

Some GPs are a bit clueless so if you go in well informed then you have more chance of getting what you want.

Browse around and join in.



Honeyb
x

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: Dyan on March 22, 2014, 02:14:46 PM

Hi purpleunicorn :welcomemm:

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: purpleunicorn on March 22, 2014, 04:21:58 PM

Thanks for the welcome  :D

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: Dancinggirl on March 22, 2014, 06:01:43 PM

Hi purpleunicorn and welcome to MM
Sounds like meno to me. At 45 you are too young to be without oestrogen so I hope your will GP give you HRT - you will need it to protest your heart and bones. As suggested by others, you may need local oestrogen as well as full systemic HRT.  Try some vaginal moisturisers for the time being as they can really help with discomfort.
Do read up all the info under the headings to the left of this screen and, if need be, print stuff off to show the GP.  Some GPs are not up to speed on the meno and HRT so we often have to lead them to the right conclusions (without actually telling them their job!!).
The better informed you are the more likely you will get the right treatment.
GEt back to us if you have questions.
Good luck  Dg x

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: Mrs January on March 30, 2014, 05:34:51 PM

Hi Purple unicorn


Welcome to MM and all it has to offer you lovely........

Mrs J xxx

Title: Re: Another one joining!
Post by: Wombat on March 31, 2014, 09:45:04 AM

Hi purple unicorn,

Welcome, it is a great forum, everyone is really supportive xx