Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: BrightLight on February 01, 2015, 06:23:53 PM
-
Hello, I am feeling a bit freaked out again and isolated. It's been just over a week since I was told I had gone through menopause, followed by the first missed period ever, night sweats and insomnia that I have never had before, feeling like the energy has been drained out of me, feeling weak and not robust. My head being in a mess - one minute relieved that this marker signals the end of my ambivalence around not having children and then realising it certainly doesnt and I feel more of a freak than I did. Old, purposeless and lost - I was actually feeling a little bit of that before but now I feel my body is now on it's downward slope and needs my attention and I feel confused.
So............ I have read a lot here and some things relate to where I am at, the signs of perimenopause for instance but not really as lots of my symptoms that I think were related last year have passed - I feel something is different. New symptoms are the night sweats and adrenalin rushes and a renewed sense of 'slowness' that's all I can describe it as, a flat, energyless feeling.
I am guessing that if my ovaries did indeed 'fail' just like that (I tend to think they did) my body will be recovering (?)
I have joined the Daisy network for Premature Ovarian Failure and none of the posts on the forum seem to link to my experience - most are younger and are having fertility treatment or some sort of cycles or if not they might do. Ovarian Failure means you can begin cycling again sometimes (?)
I know this post is all over the place, but I genuinely can't understand anything clearly of where I am at and what to expect? Will my hormones continue to operate and as per all info if I go a year without periods then that is postmenopause. Do symptoms carry on? Why would they carry on if I wasn't ovulating or ovaries have 'failed'. It feels to me like my whole system has calmed down and there are only low levels of all hormones, though of course I can't be sure, but if you are no longer ovulating and bleeding, then I presume the symptoms of imbalanced hormones will subside.
I read that post menopause can show MORE symptoms with increased flushing etc Do you think something more is around the corner? So confused :(
-
It sounds as though your GP was less than helpful with his comment about premature ovarian failure. From what I can gather, with my very limited knowledge, that sounds like a red herring - you say that you are able to trace your symptoms back over the last 2 years, which makes it sound like you've been going through perimenopause and are now moving towards being menopausal. Missed period, new symptoms - sounds like the next step towards menopause.
I can only say that I've no idea I am on that path - I haven't missed any periods, but I am getting the fatigue, insomnia, night time palpitations and adrenaline rushes, sweats, mood swings, blood sugar issues, spots, changing hair, skin and nails, changing cycle lengths etc.
Menopause seems to be one of those things that can only be said to have happened in hindsight, ie after 12 months without a period. Seemingly, until then, anything and everything goes, symptoms wise.
-
Hello BrightLight and sorry to hear that you are suffering.
You are clearly confused and I'm not surprised. I wonder if you would consider emailing Dr Curry on this site as I'm sure she will be able to help you. I understand it costs £25 and although I've never done this myself other ladies have and found her replies very useful.
Whatever you decide to do I wish you well and sending hugs.
K.
-
Honorsmum - thanks, yes I think I have had symptoms, although not typical and the Ovarian Failure aspect has confused me. The Dr was clear that my FSH levels of +80 suggested menopause as it takes some time to reach these levels (?) I think I am going to have to ignore what he has said and live in the unknown.
Kathleen, yes I am confused. I feel a bit foolish for not expecting this, I knew that I haven't been balanced for a year, skin changes etc and even though the Dr said I was too young for menopause I put it down to that in some ways, thinking it was the start of things that might take a few years. I had sudden pains during my last period and spotting and then nothing.......
Thank you for the suggestion to email, I will keep that in mind. I have a Dr's appointment on Tuesday with a new doctor who might help me get my head around all this.
Just tried to have a conversation with my partner about what this means to me and although he is understanding, he is not understanding of the issues of childlessness it has brought up. We need to resolve and talk about this aspect if I am to move through this with as much grace as I can muster - it was his 'lack' of definate interest and resolve that resulted in drifting past the child issue (as well as some bereavements) and I never felt we reached a clear understanding. Oh dear, what a mess................I think I need to go and listen to music for a while or dance around a bit to distract ;)
-
This is all about choice for me - that's the way to feel empowered again and quite frankly the last few years have felt slightly overwhelming for one reason or another and I am desperate to 'get a handle' on things and make positive choices.
I am sure I am overthinking the why's and wherefores ;)
-
Hi again BrightLight
I echo what the others have said and so sorry to hear you are suffering and it's confusing at first and especially with the turmoil of hormones as well, and coming to terms with not having children - for that alone you have my deepest sympathies (empathy?) - as I know I would have felt the same in your position.
I agree with honorsmum that it sounds as though your GP hasn't helped the situation, by telling you you have gone through menopause. It is much more likely that you haven't got there yet! I urge you to read as much as you can about menopause and peri-menopause form the information on this site. From what you have said and as honorsmum says - you have been peri-menopausal to your knowledge for at least 2 years.
Just because you miss a period and have one very high FSH level does not mean your ovaries have suddenly failed. This would be very unusual. Many women like you go through several years of symptoms before even starting to miss periods. Then they become irregular until you finally have the last period - which you won't know until 12 months have past (unless you start HRT like I did - in which case you guess at when you're post-menopausal). It is possible that they have packed up ( in terms of ovulation) now but it is unlikely and as I said, they have probably been struggling for some time ( ie re oestrogen levels) even if you've managed to ovulate.
Of course I can't say what will happen with you but I strongly suspect you will have other periods and your hormones will continue to fluctuate until you finally reach menopause - but I might be wrong.
In terms of what your hormones do following the last period - oestrogen doesn't just disappear all at once. It continues to decline quite sharply (or you could say gradually in terms of how much you will notice it) over the next two years until it levels out at the level it will stay.
There is every variation in how women experience symptoms - from those who get hot flushes as soon as oestrogen levels start to drop even before the first missed period - to women who barely notice anything at all throughout the whole process and beyond - into post-menopause - and all stages in between.
Some women never experience flushes and sweats, others just through the time when hormones are fluctuating and they die down once menopause is reached eg at the two year point, but for others they might go on for ten years as you may well read on here - you won't know which you are and you don't want to do the experiment on yourself!!!
So the most extreme hormone fluctuations - which cause intermittent symptoms ( loads of them!) occur throughout peri-menopause, but as oestrogen levels decline permanently there are other long term symptoms (of oestrogen deficiency) which some women only begin to experience (or they worsen) after the 2 year drop.
One such symptom is vaginal atrophy which some lucky women do not experience at all, and others do not begin to notice until two years post-meno. Other intangible (ie not obviously apparent early on) effects of oestrogen deficiency include for example osteoporosis because oestrogen is responsible for keeping our bones strong and healthy.
I hope this ramble is of some help to you - the more you read the more you will understand.
You may be one of the unusual women who have regular periods with a few minor symptoms and then your periods stop just like that - but I must stress that this is more unusual!
Hurdity x
-
Could it be that your doctor uses the word "menopause" as a catch-all term, that covers perimenopause as well as menopause? Reading around, one blood test can't diagnose menopause while you're still having periods, and depending on when it was taken, the result could vary by up to 30.
Also, GP s seem to have very limited expertise in the peri/meno, mostly, so maybe he just doesn't know exactly what he's talking about?
Hopefully, the private GP will be more helpful - is he/she knowledgeable about women's health?
Your partner sounds similar to how my husband was on the subject of children. I could never get him to commit to saying he wanted them or he didn't - he just said he didn't know, which is not something you can work with as a woman, if you do want children because you can't be a bit pregnant!
Of course, you're now in a very different situation and I'm guessing your partner is unable to grasp the concept of what you feel you've lost - maybe it would help to talk to a counsellor?
-
Gosh, Hurdity and Honorsmum you are so thoughtful and kind.
I really do think I am one of the un-usual ones, I only say this because I think I have signs of postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency. I can barely write this because it has freaked me out so much, but in the last week I have noticed I have zero cervical mucus and there is dryness, my breasts have lost ALL fibrous tissue. These things may have been happening to some degree over the last couple of months, I thought I was imagining it. The dryness has gone away for now. I have also lost the fat on my face to some degree, but this has been happening over the last year. Before last year I had none of these symptoms.
I just found an article on a Fertility website that explains that sometimes the ovaries stop responsing to FSH and LH and don't release eggs or estrogen, rarely this can reverse. I really hope the new Dr can help with reassuring me about these changes as I am certain they are signs of no estrogen............for now or forever, I accept that there is nothing definate. I really have been a bit freaked out though.
Honorsmum - thank you for sharing the situation with your husband, yes you can't really be a bit pregnant :) I do have a counsellor, partly because of the no children issue, so she is being very helpful as I negotiate all this.
The private GP seemed to know what she was talking about on the phone, she says I need to be tested for prolactin levels incase the pituatry gland is involved for some reason and talked about HRT and other strategies we can use to get my health on an even keel. I also talked a little about the emotional impact this is having and how a basic lesson in biology would be helpful to me. If the ovaries have stopped responding for some reason, it's quite hard not to know why, but if this is the case they say there is often no clear explanation - sometimes it is autoimmune which is why they check thyroid.
-
The private GP sounds proactive, at least, which will be reassuring to you.
I think once you gave a clear picture of what is going on and a plan of action to tackle the physical symptoms, you will be in a better place to deal with the emotional side with your counsellor.
I should have said, we eventually went on to have 2 children but it was a very rocky time in our marriage, with my biological clock ticking loudly but my husband undecided.
-
Brightlight
I started getting peri menopausal symptoms in my mid 30s - I'm afraid premature ovarian failure is more common than we think. Unfortunately many GPs are simply not up to speed about how to treat this and you need some speciaist advice to prevent the long term health problems Hurdity has highlighted.
Whether you get menopause symptoms or not I would strongly recommend you have HRT unless you have health issues that prevent this.
It is a confusing time but at least these days the hormones that are lacking can be replaced through HRT and this will carry you forward to a healthy future.
Coming to terms with the possibility of not having children is another matter that should be addressed by a specialist. Ask for the relevant referrals so you have a full picture of the right way to move forward. Keep posting. DG x
-
The private GP sounds proactive, at least, which will be reassuring to you.
I think once you gave a clear picture of what is going on and a plan of action to tackle the physical symptoms, you will be in a better place to deal with the emotional side with your counsellor.
I should have said, we eventually went on to have 2 children but it was a very rocky time in our marriage, with my biological clock ticking loudly but my husband undecided.
Thank you, it is proving easy to forget my plan of action and take it step by step when I really just wish all of this would go away :(
-
Brightlight
I started getting peri menopausal symptoms in my mid 30s - I'm afraid premature ovarian failure is more common than we think. Unfortunately many GPs are simply not up to speed about how to treat this and you need some speciaist advice to prevent the long term health problems Hurdity has highlighted.
Whether you get menopause symptoms or not I would strongly recommend you have HRT unless you have health issues that prevent this.
It is a confusing time but at least these days the hormones that are lacking can be replaced through HRT and this will carry you forward to a healthy future.
Coming to terms with the possibility of not having children is another matter that should be addressed by a specialist. Ask for the relevant referrals so you have a full picture of the right way to move forward. Keep posting. DG x
Thank you. How right you are with the comment about GP's being in the dark about things - did I mention the female GP I went to see after the phone call said, ah well take a look at the NHS website and look up menopause!
I have booked the repeat blood test at my regular GP's as advised and to then talk about HRT, that is all they offered and werent interested in my symptoms. Meanwhile I am seeing a private GP tomorrow who is also a wholistic doctor, I recognise everyone sees their health differently and I am someone that sees my health in a wider perspective and I can tell that my thyroid and adrenal function is impaired - of course it is, because it is part of the same system in the body.
I am saying this because I hope to create a package to support the whole lot and interested in bio-identical hormones for the reason that if properly prescribed they will be made up to the levels your body needs. The thought of going back and forth to my regular GP for monitoring fills me with anxiety, I just know they won't take account of my emotional health or anything else. My current counsellor is private, I went through the NHS last year and they deemed me not unwell enough for referral as such - I had some useful CBT and was advised I needed to find a private therapist, which is fine and I did.
I am fearful of medication, I only took Birth Control pill once, in my early 20's and was sick and depressed. I haven't had anti-biotics for 20 years or neurofen - it's not because I don't value medicine, I do, I am just very sensitive and have so far managed to avoid medication. It's scary to me, but I will make sensible choices. If there are no other ways to protect my bones etc I will use HRT - been reading that they are now not sure about heart protection. To be honest it's all trial and error in my opinion, we just need to find the right balance for ourselves with all that is on offer. I even react to the dentist anaesthetic and he only uses a minute amount.
-
Why Bio-identical hormones? :)
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php
All of the current HRT's except the PREMIQUE or PREMPAK have bio-identical estrogen hormones.
So you can save your money with normal HRT for a start.
The prog part is also available with UTROGESTAN which is supposed to be the closest to our own.
Its been more an American thing when they have dispensing chemists who will formulate the HRT in a customised way.
The trouble with the so called BIO-ID items is that they are not controlled in the same way as HRT you see on the above MM pages.
There has been problems in the past in the way BIO-IDENTS are prepared and their content.
The following link gives good background to what I've mentioned above and might save you this part of the road that has less signs than you'd like.
http://www.studd.co.uk/bioidentical_hormones.php
:-*
-
Hi Peegeetip I can't begin to get my head around those options - I am hoping my GP will tell me the one he suggests and the Private GP will give me information on the biodenticals.
It's my understanding that neither are 'natural' as they both are chemically produced. My interest in biodenticals is that they do base the compound on ingredients from plants but the main interest I have is that they are prescribed and made to your own requirements. The downside I suppose is that these are not regulated, they can't be because they are made for each person. I will gather information and see.
I can well believe that there is a lot of money to be made in this industry and that the approved products supplied through the NHS are standardised and therefore you avoid any risk in terms of quality etc With the biodenticals I think people could sell these without really prescribing them properly, with just a saliva test for example. It seems logical to me that if blood tests were taken to ascertain your hormone levels and then re-checked etc you will get a prescription closest to your bodies needs as possible.
Perhaps I am being a little idealistic ? ;) I'll soon find out
-
Hi Brightlight
Peegeetip, Hurdity and others has given you very good feedback.
I really understand your wish to feel in control of this process but I'm afraid it is a matter of trial and error. I believe your first priority is to see a gynaecologist to get a proper assessment of where you are in your menopause and discuss your options in regards to fertility.
I really think you are over thinking this. What many of us are trying to tell you is be careful of alternative therapists/doctors who claim they have a more natural way to treat the menopause - you point out yourself there is a lot of money to be made from unscrupulous people. This area of medicine has been extensively researched and research is still being carried out by the leading doctors and scientist around the world. Many drugs are derived from plants and other natural sources and most HRTs, as has been pointed out, contain oestrogen that is bio identical. I'm not sure what you mean by 'chemically produced' as one could describe everything in this way. The non prescribed treatments that contain any type of hormone could potentially have more risk factors as they are not carefully produced and controlled.
Please don't expect your GP to know what is the best HRT to recommend - sadly many of them are very out of date, most of us using the closest natural HRT regime of Oestrogen in patch or gel form with Utrogestan for progesterone, have had to go to a private gynae to get this prescribed as it is not widely known about. Many GPs will simply give the old fashioned HRTs like Prempak which is cheap and well known. The information on this site is one of the best for understanding what is available and the feed back you get from all us ladies will hopefully help you in this journey.
Not all ladies do well on the bio identical HRTs types - some women actually prefer some of the other preparations. Femoston is very popular as it has got bio identical oestrogen and the progesterone is close to bio-identical and many women find they actually feel better when taking the oestrogen/progesterone phase in Femoston - it can be the progesterone phase that is the problematic time on many other HRT types. Many women find they feel sedated on Utrogstan which is the closest progesterone to our own.
The rule of thumb is to start on a low dose and increase until you feel you have your symptoms under control. Blood tests are notoriously unreliable, particularly through the peri stage as our own hormones will be fluctuating. Though you have missed a period you may find you have an erratic cycle for some time as Hurdity pointed out. 2 years after your final natural period, it is possible to find the best dosage but even then, as we get older, it is wise to be on the lowest dosage possible.
AS to what your requirement will be in regards to dosage etc. - well this will change over the years and you would need to go to a private gynaecologist to get the kind of tailoring that you want to achieve. Most of us discover the right dose ourselves - blood tests won't necessarily help with this. I personally would not go to a private GP for this type of treatment I would spend my money on a gynaecologist who specialises in treating menopause.
Do keep us posted about your progress. DG xxx
-
Very well summarized DancingGirl and covers all the topics really well.
I would not expect too much from the docs. Have a particular HRT from the MM list for Peri/premenopause.
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php
Don't waste your time on the postmeno options as your still having periods.
If I was to approach the my Doc from the start again then I'd go with the advice of some of the other ladies.
FEMOSTON as with all in the list (except Prepak options) are bioidentical estrogen and the progesterone in this one is known to be the kindest too.
Estradiol 2mg
Dydrogesterone 10mg
If you take a look at the youtube list that was posted on MM too.
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,26537.0.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZSztD9p4co&list=PLAjwoYuItHS-4jvjL6gJgM7o-vpr0PVk6&index=4
The latter link actually talks about the benefits of Dydrogesterone based HRT also.
Given that your showing a lot of signs then I'd say you probably need to think about a medium dose HRT to start with at least.
So going into the doctor and asking for FEMOSTON 2/10 would be a good starting point I'd go if I was starting again.
From there once you've taken religiously for at least 6 months then you can look to adjust and customise to a patch/gel or other route.
Doc will probably say try for 3 months but this is way too short to kick things back in. But thats very unlikely and far to short a time.
In my opinion don't waste your time and money on the private route till you've tried the above.
Your choice but we can only try and help you avoid extra cost and wasting your time.
:-*
-
I feel quite upset reading these comments, I do understand where you are coming from and appreciate your viewpoint but it's still upsetting to me. It may be that I am at a very 'firstt stage' getting my head around all this and not really knowing what this change means to me and how to 'treat' it. I am hearing warnings about the results of not taking HRT and what that will mean and a pressure to DO something quick. It's not that I want 'natural' Id just like to approach this without feeling I am ill or in danger somehow.
I may well be over thinking things with the HRT or otherwise, simply because I have no idea what it all means and am struggling. Your information might sink in later on, but for now I feel almost as if I have an illness that I better quickly sort out or else..........I am doomed to future health issues, atrophy etc etc I guess HRT is a solution to prevent all of those - but I don't really feel it's that easy, or maybe it is.
I am going to a private GP purely because my GP will not talk to me about anything, not the symptoms or other health concerns or lifestyle situations that come into the mix. I thank you for trying to educate me and as I said, perhaps it will make more sense to me in a little while.
Peegeetip - I am not having cycles, as far as I know I am showing signs of post menopausal status.
DancingGirl - I tried for 4 days to find a relevant menopause doctor or nurse to connect with and couldn't, I will try again. There is nothing in my area and I joined the DaisyNetwork and have not had an email yet with contacts on it that they offered.
-
BrightLight - I really feel for you.
I know there's a wealth of info on the left hand side, regarding HRT options, but the idea of almost self-medicating, ie going to your GP and telling them what you want, is pretty terrifying to me, and while other people's experiences are helpful, it's still a big thing to have to face.
Personally, I'm taking one step at a time, which for me means keeping a mood/symptoms diary and waiting to see a specialist. I'm trying to keep in mind that period/meno is not an illness that needs an immediate cure - a bit like adolescence, it's more of a marathon than a sprint...hard, when you're feeling rubbish!
Whereabouts in the country are you?
-
Thank you honorsmum - it really is a big thing for me, the changes in myself as well as the idea of going to the GP and asking for what I need when I don't know yet. I am in the South East/Sussex. Going to take a step back for a bit and hope my body doesnt fall apart before I get my head straight ;)
-
Have you tried the Find a Specialist search?
Are you anywhere near Surrey, or could you travel there - there seems to be a couple there.
-
Hi BrightLight
sorry you feel upset. If particular comments upset you let us know?
I too felt upset at the time when I first started to understand that my "illness" as you've put it too was actually something the doc was not explaining to me either. Sending me for tests that were not needed for other illnesses I didnt have.
A lot is down to the "dismissive" nature we find around "peri and menopause".
Unfortunately your seeing that first hand.
Sorry but there have been quite a few different posts recently and I was sure you'd said you still had a cycle of sorts more recently.
Others have said going private is expensive and you might only end up with the same options you'd have had on the NHS if you had a "proper" doc.
Its quite hard trying impart our experience and what we found best in the short time we have on the forum. In real life we could talk things around the block till the next cup of tea or coffee or till you were more comfortable.
Personally I'm just glad I didn't let my body slip any further than it had already.
From your posts that seems to be cornerstone of your own fears.
If you want the time to step back, make up your mind, take as long as you want then your most welcome to.
But no point any of us not mentioning some of the problems/chronic conditions and further illness that can occur later.
I certainly wish my doc had.
I wish you all the best for your next step.
:-*
-
Hi Brightlight - I am very sorry if you feel upset - I never wish to make any women feel things are urgent or indeed that they must pursue a certain course of action. When I first started posting on this site I did get a response that upset me - sometimes things can get quite passionate on here. The menopause and how to treat it is a very emotive subject and many people have very strong ideas.
You are certainly not ill or indeed unusual as the peri menopause phase often starts in our 40s and it can take many years before we are out the other side into post menopause. Over the years I have tried so many things and have experienced good and bad advice regarding menopause treatment but generally I took a pragmatic approach - did my research, looked at my options, took professional advice and then made my decision. This is what you are doing which is quite right. Maybe your private GP will be a good sounding board and be able to refer you to the right specialist. I just get very upset when GPs don't address the issue of premature menopause correctly, so feel a strong wish to direct any women facing this issue down a positive road to finding the support they need. When I lived in Germany, if you had a gynaecological issue you simply went straight to a gynae - probably a far better, more cost effective way of dealing with things. Finding a specialist gynaecologist here in the UK can be challenging depending on where you live.
I so, so wish I had found this site sooner as I have put myself through some unnecessarily tough times and I've learned so much from everyone on here. The more you know the empowered you will feel.
Do keep us posted about your progress. We all wish you well and are here to support you.
DG xxxxx :hug:
-
Hi Brightlight
I completely understand your concerns, confusion and turmoil.
When I first became peri-menopausal - or knew that I was - ie I missed a period - I thought - here I go, menopause. I may have said earlier or on another thread that I knew very little about menopause (despite having studied Biology) apart from the basics and there was no way I was going to use HRT. I wanted to do everything naturally to the extent of using "natural" plant compounds such as Black Cohosh which were not as safe nor effective as bio-identical hormones. I later realised that only HRT would help and that by using "body identical" hormones, in the most natural way possible (transdermally) this would involve least risk.
I can see that you are still struggling with the idea of starting on the menopause journey so that you might not want to think about specific types of HRT yet - but at least the information is here for when you are ready. However you have been recommended specific products because of your mention of bio-identicals and the others were just clarifying what these are.
I really wanted to take up your point about these which Dancinggirl has already mentioned too. All the products you will be prescribed - whether privately obtained "bio-identicals", or NHS bio-identical HRT - are artificial in that they are synthesised in the lab to produce the chemical hormone in the right formulation. There is a really good article here which explains it all better than I can - it's an American site because there are so many more paractitioners there trying to prescribe "bio-identicals", due to the different health-care system.
http://www.womenlivingnaturally.com/articlepage.php?id=177
I think elsewhere you were talking about health and menopause and asking for other women with an early menopause to give their experiences. I thought you might like a link to this paper which was posted as part of World Menopause Day in October - on this site. Called "Prevention of Disease after Menopause". It's quite technical but skim through it and you will see evidence of the importance of HRT in this especially amongst younger women:
http://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/white_paper/wmd_white_paper_english.pdf
It also stresses the importance of a complete assessment of lifestyle at this stage in our lives - the holistic approach - which I remember you mentioning and which is so important that it is now recognised as key to our good health as we age:
Evidence-based prevention for the diseases noted above include lifestyle management, cessation of smoking, curtailing excessive alcohol consumption, a healthy diet and moderate exercise, as well as mentally stimulating activities.
This approach is also recommended by Dr Currie too on this site - a short section on diet exercise and lifestyle: http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/diet.php
There is a lot more I could say but you've probably got enough information at the moment. As you will gather all of us on here are very keen to share our experiences and recommendations on here and to help you at the stage in your journey where some of us may not have had help - and to save you time and perhaps money too!
It's your journey though, and take from all this what you want, and if you need any more help, hope we can give it!
Take care
Hurdity x :)
-
Hello
Peegeetip - yes, it can be very hard to communicate on a forum and I am seeing that this issue is so personal and unique it makes it harder.
I can also see that you are all sharing straight forward information that I never in my wildest dreams imagine that women had to learn, discover and share for themselves regarding starting a medication regime (HRT)
Dancinggirl - Germany sounds enlightened :) Part of getting through stages of life well is empowerment. If I had trust in my GP and the NHS, I guess I would have more confidence as I start this process.
Hurdity - you describe the process I am going through very well, it has to be me that works out the options and whittles them down, even if I end up coming to the same conclusion you all have ;) I do see that people are trying to help, save me time and money. I appreciate you sharing how you came to the knowledge that only HRT would help and the way to do it in the safest way - I had that exact conversation with the Private GP that I saw today.
I am aware that no HRT is natural - I totally get that, which is why this is hard for me, because I am weighing up risks and it's just a challenge. Prescribing from compound pharmacies is different though. I can make a good call on many things but this is the first time I have felt very nervous about doing so.
I also appreciate that the whole of ones life needs to be looked at as this phase signals a shift in how the body work in many of it's systems - I mentioned this on another thread. It's a point in time to reassess everything and check all risks and I do that on a regular basis and know where my weak points are and this extra piece of the puzzle means I need to re-jig a few things, which is fine, I just wasn't expecting too.
Interestingly both these aspects of 'concern' where what led me to seek help today from a private GP. I had 1 1/2 hours to talk things through and come up with a plan. I had no confidence that my GP would have the time or energy to talk through my risk factors, all the products available, where my health is at this point, why I might not have realised the menopause was coming and the options I have to choose from in how to approach this. If I use HRT I also want to know it isn't too much or too little and my interest in biodenticals from compound pharmacys was because in some ways this offers a more bespoke prescription. The private GP today thinks that at present my symptoms are more indicative of stress in my life than typical menopause symptoms (things could change) so the HRT would be for preventative reasons.
I feel much better placed to move confidently forward since my appointment today which includes going back and working with my regular GP to get the tests I need, the risk assessment done and the choices of products he will offer. I then have a choice to make as to whether to continue with him or use a pharmacy.
In my case I am on the cusp of the 45 year old parameter and it does make the choice less black and white - there are risks for HRT and there are risks if I don't use it. The one thing I want to discover is my current estrogen level which I will attempt to ask my GP for.
Does anyone have info to share on how the GP assesses risk and suitability or is that down to research and reading as well?
-
Hi BrightLight
Your GP will (or should) assess your risk of using HRT, based on the latest evidence from trials which gives an objective assessment. Therefore this will be based on your age, stage in menopause, time elapsed since menopause and the type of HRT - bio-identical ( ie estradiol and progesterone) vs synthetic/animal based such as Conjugated equine oestrogens (from horses) and synthetic progestogens.
S/he will then look at your medical history and see if there is anything that could increase the measured risk (which is extremely low) - such as a very close relative (eg mother) who died from breast cancer, stroke etc.
Assuming you haven't yet gone through menopause and the last period that you had was not your last - then you are likely to be over 45 when you actually reach menopause. If it does turn out to be your last period then you would definitely be advised to take some form of HRT.
Any research or reading you can do will only help you in your understanding of all of this - and you are giving yourself a crash course in what took some of us several years to accumulate!
Hurdity x
-
Thanks Hurdity - yes its a crash course.
I do have history that raises my risk, my mother had a brain hemorrhage with the primary cause being uncontrolled high blood pressure. I had mentioned this to my GP in passing last week and she said these risks are somewhat cancelled out by the fact I am younger so they are replacing what should be there.
I have not had blood pressure taken for a year, so I don't know about that either. I had a knee jerk reaction last week that I would not be allowed to take HRT even if I wanted to but it sounds as if I can albeit with a known risk. I sure hope after all this that if I do go ahead that these things won't send me back to square one.
GP today suggested I ask for Estrogel and Utrogestan.
-
Hi Brightlight
AS Hurdity has said, you have done a real 'crash course' on the menopause and I really hope this newly acquired knowledge will help. From the little you have told us about your NHS GP it sounds as though he/she is a bit more up to date in their knowledge than most so will hopefully be able to offer the support you need now you are armed with the info you need. Regarding your oestrogen levels, it could be worth phoning your GP surgery and asking if the oestrogen level was done at that last blood test and if so ask what the result was - you are entitled to be given this information. Sadly time is something NHS GPs do not have and it was clearly worth having the in depth discussion with the private GP.
You said that the doctor you saw today believes that stress may be causing many of the symptoms you are having and there is no doubt that stress and anxiety tends to be heightened when peri meno begins.
If you do decide to try HRT the combination the doctor recommended today is what I am using and I have to say it's the best I've had in over 20 years - and I've tried just about everything. Dr Currie describes Utrogestan as 'Breast Friendly'. If you don't like it then you can stop - HRT is not an all or nothing choice.
Do keep sharing your progress and thoughts. DG x
-
Hi BrightLight
I would have thought your doc should take your blood pressure as a matter of course especially as you went about menopause - or perhaps it's just for women on HRT or over a certain age (I'm over 60!)? My doc says something pops up on her screen when I go to visit as it is a very simple preventative tool ie can highlight potential problems before they get too serious.
When you next go do ask for it to be done but beware white coat syndrome if you are an overly anxious patient!
Hurdity x
-
Hi, good evening from Wales, UK. I am 39 and new here, suggested by my GP.
I was preparing to have sperm donors over the last 18 months, no luck of a stable relationship. I then discovered the contraception in my arm had run out and had it removed last October.
I also have wondered about having my eggs collected, seems not available on NHS, is it too late for that?
I seemed to experience pains which I thought related to my Kidneys. I had no periods for 4 months and returned to my GP. I had a blood test and GP suspected I was having an early menopause. After my 2nd blood test 8 weeks, both showing an Oestrogen Low and FSH high and also had a bleed induced in the middle. I am waiting on a scan...soon I hope.
My GP said I am having an early menopause. It is suggested I take HRT.
I have been reading and firstly the 'possibility of getting pregnant' does not seem very positive. What are the possibilities?
I am understanding that a low dose of HRT will help the above levels, just as thyroxine I take for an under active thyroid. My brain seems to be suffering.
I had registered here when I found out last Friday and have been focused on my job since I finished at midday today.
I... Again... Trying to come to terms with something... Anything... It could be devastating...
-
Hi I missed 2 periods last Xmas and that's when my symptoms kicked in:night sweats, hot flushes etc... then my periods returned, but up in the air: 11 days apart, six weeks apart. Then they went ok and then I skipped another 2 this Xmas and then they came back normalish and then the most recent was what took me off to the docs. Apparently this can go on for years and if you ovulate you can still get pregnant, my mum did with me at 42. Don't give up hope. If you know when you ovulate, as I do by the pain, then discuss with your partner if you should actively try now. Lots of older women are having babies later in life, so it's very possible xx
-
Hi, thanks Mandy for your swift response.
Hope is holding me together.
-
Hello Rachie - I have a similar story to mandy, I have had a missed period once and various other symptoms coming and going. My GP wanted to diagnose early menopause in January after a high FSH reading, I have since had a second one which was normal. I have not had children but older than you at 44, now just 45 and had almost come to terms with it all, as it was also circumstances. I have left pursuing any treatment for now as my periods seems to still be arriving, albeit differently.
It sounds as if you have another appointment with someone - having a scan? Is this part of them diagnosing you with early menopause? I would suggest you try and get a referral to a gynaecologist from your GP to talk all this through or perhaps your GP can guide you to a fertility clinic. I don't think it is too late for you to pursue this, it's certainly too early to close the door completely. Please don't do that until you have investigated things more.
There is a website for early/premature menopause called the Daisy network and it has information for women, some in their 20's, on options for having children. It might be useful to read some things on there x
-
Brightlight please read my previous post to you and Rache. Also, I am not taking HRT and unless things become impossible will continue this way... it's your choice to make. I would also advise you see a private Gyno not a doctor. It cost me a couple of hundred but that was because I had a smear as well. Actually the consultation fee was a £120 and it was the best money spent. Unlike visiting a doc who has given you a 5 min time slot and you feel rushed, here you are in the driving seat and paying for every minute, so you can ask as much as you want and you are getting specialist advice. It is an incredibly rough time for some but there are people out there to help you and a wealth of experience on this site!! xx