Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: CassieH on July 19, 2022, 08:05:27 AM
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Hello
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It’s good, health wise. It means longer exposure to your own hormones.
It’s going to be difficult with the mirena to know if you are menopausal as your bleeding will be changed by that. So be on the lookout for little symptoms and signs that might be low estrogen.
Have you had bloods done and is your FSH still low?
You should be having whatever mammograms are recommended, starting age 50. Not more frequent.
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Hi Carole there’s a thread on here all about late menopause. I’ll try and find it for you. x
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You're not alone there are many of us with a late menopause. The way I see it it's an advantage as we have oestrogen for longer. The only drawback has been doctors who don't believe me, there seems to be a textbook somewhere that says everyone is meno at 54. Some are in their early sixties before they're meno.
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Morning.
Peri-menopause are the years leading to the final period = menopause. My periods waxed and waned when I was about 48 :-\ ..... for several years. I've been fortunate in not suffering too many symptoms!
Browse round. Make notes. We discuss most things on the Forum, even menopause ::)
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U are being received, Loud and Clear ......... go to your profile and press 'see posts' (I think). Profile box white on blue above. Clear as mud on a hot day?
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My FSH is still low (4) - yet I had every single symptom in the book from low estrogen. Admittedly, I was on desogestrel POP which suppresses estrogen levels - but still.... you can have these symptoms and yet still officially not be menopausal yet. The two things don't necessarily go together because hormones fluctuate during peri...
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https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,36765.0.html
This is the post / thread I was thinking about x
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They ask those two questions are routine probably because of the old research that made suggestions that HRT might cause breast disease and if implants are in situ, films have to be taken in a different way so that they don't pop ;)
Don't panic! Why would a late menopause increase those risks? Oestrogen keeps heart and bone structures healthy. If you've had the ovarian cancer screening you should be OK.
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Some of the NHS routine screenings are stopped after certain age levels although we can continue to request them. Probably due to research finding out that certain diseases are less likely to be problematic after a certain age.
Let us know how you get on.
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Carole, I hope you take this the right way and aren't offended - it's meant to be reassuring - but really, you're not in some kind of totally different category of women :)
Everyone goes through menopause (if they live long enough). And everyone has a before and after that. Whenever it happens.
When it happens is a bit irrelevant (besides the fact that you get your own hormones for longer) - you will still face similar situations to other women, just later than they have. It doesn't mean their experiences are somehow not relevant to you.
For eg, when you say re Davina and Louise Newson telling people they need estrogen - " I love them both to bits and I’m sure they are very informative for the vast majority of ladies but in a way they have alienated late onsetters as it is never mentioned. "
They don't really mention it, because it's not a problem. You will still need your estrogen, just later than others. Menopause happens at different times for different women. I am 44yo and quite early. There are many women who are 55yo and, in terms of hormones are in a similar place to me - but I don't see the situation as me being in a totally different category.
We all go through the process, just at different times/ages and it's a bit irrelevant what those ages are - the process itself and hormone levels are more important than what age you are.
Lastly, you are not at increased risk of anything due to having estrogen longer. Just like you wouldn't be if you were on HRT either. As someone else says, those questions they ask at breast-screening are really outdated and irrelevant and risk worrying women unnecessarily. I predict they will stop asking that soon. Unless they are doing some huge study or something, but even then they are not differentiating between women on body identical hormone HRT and women on synthetic hormones, so it's not really going to help us much in terms of risk.
And no, the Mirena is not considered HRT without adding in estrogen as well. It would be considered either contraception or management for heavy bleeding. If you wanted, you could easily ask your GP for some estrogel and try a squirt of it a day and just see how you feel and if it helps with the brain fog. You are on the Mirena, so you are covered for progesterone up to 100mcg patch or 4 pumps of estrogel at least, so you have the freedom to experiment with it if you ever wanted. If it doesn't help yet, then stop for now.
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We R a Mine of Info ......... 8)
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It was Davina who made me realise my symptoms were due to peri, aged 57 at the time (unlike my gp who offered ads). She doesn't have time to go onto every nuance but imo she's relevant for women and men of any age, everyone should have at least a basic knowledge of meno.
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I think that could be similar throughout my menstruating years ....... I kept it quiet. Pain was intense but I never said much due to the off handed reactions, as well as not telling male teachers.
Also I knew about 'the change' but not the possible effects. As with VA, we need to talk a lot more.
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Oh right. Well, you're not a freak and neither is anyone with very early menopause either. Everyone is unique. By the way, maybe think of your late menopause as your super-power(!) rather than making you a freak. ;D
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Hopefully our sense of humour has lifted your spirits?
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I have problems with men discussing periods >:(. A few weeks ago in the Sat sports press, a male journalist was talking about how women deal with periods during different sports. Why would he be interested :-\ ........ some of it was about wearing white at Wimbledon. I suppose most coaches are male ? Committees; mainly male ?
I think it depends on how old we are and how we were raised?
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Perhaps try to be a bit more accepting of yourself? If you had a friend who had an early menopause you'd want to be supportive not think of them as a freak. You're not off the scale unique, you may not find soneone amongst the small circle of women you discuss it with but there are several on here. IMO we're a lot better off than those with an early menopause. For us it's irritating when doctors don't believe us or don't have the experience, for them it can lead to actual harm if they're denied oestrogen to protect their bones and heart. As well as losing the ability to have children.
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How about writing to a dedicated womens' magazine suggesting an article? Women and Home for example? Cosmopolitan? I don't know what mags are on the news stands these days, other than animal related news or crosswords.
I think Covid has a lot to answer for, I haven't kept up with many people ......... am gradually getting back to a social group related to hobbies, otherwise ::)
You're amongst friends here, all of use are in different stages.
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I can cope with Joe public not being well informed about it but you're absolutely right medics should be more clued up.
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Hi, I'm hoping some of you are still contributing to this thread, as it was exactly what I was looking for - I'm 57 and the websites I visit literally terrify me into believing there is something deathly wrong with me because they all mention 50 - 54 as the END of perimenopause. On recommendation, I just bought Mariella Fostrup's book on menopause, and she quotes in her introduction that '51' is the time when perimenopause ends, and that she had 'textbook' timing herself. I couldn't continue to read the book after that sentence because it was immediately apparent there would be nothing in it that applied to me. There is a troubling silence about late menopause, and it is a lonely place, for any woman like me who is still perimenopausal beyond her mid 50s.
I'd be very keen to speak to anyone in the same position as me, as I tend to hide it from my friends, who have all menopaused so gracefully and in the 'normal' time frame.
I was delighted at Christmas 2021 when I had what I thought was my last period, then, July - out of the blue, a period. And I don't recall the PMT really subsiding completely until I had another period this month - nothing unusual about the length or flow - Then this month, another, with the worst PMT I have ever had and the most tender breasts, which is awful because I have 32J size breasts, so they are heavy and difficult to lie on at the best of times; now they are my worst enemy, and what is most alarming is that non of my PMT seems to have subsided, 3 days after my period has ended. I don't mind saying I am an absolute mess and feel like I am on the verge of tears, constantly. I don't feel like going anywhere, I just want to be on my own all the time, and am constantly, 24/7 haunted by worry about how I feel both mentally and physically. I have absolutely no idea who to turn to. My GP is never, ever available - appointments now are with a practice nurse or a locum - and when I did see the GP last (just before lockdown) she said there was nothing to worry about - lots of women have late menopause, even into early 60s, and so I should perhaps take some antidepressants and look after my health and lifestyle better. She did blood tests which came back all ok apart from a bit low on iron, and I had a cervical smear which is fine. I declined the prescrpition for antidepressents.
I can't tell you how lovely it would be to know if there are any other women out there around my age, feeling and experiencing what I am, or would like to chat about what seems to be a never ending perimenopause.
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Perhaps try to be a bit more accepting of yourself? If you had a friend who had an early menopause you'd want to be supportive not think of them as a freak. You're not off the scale unique, you may not find soneone amongst the small circle of women you discuss it with but there are several on here. IMO we're a lot better off than those with an early menopause. For us it's irritating when doctors don't believe us or don't have the experience, for them it can lead to actual harm if they're denied oestrogen to protect their bones and heart. As well as losing the ability to have children.
Thank you for your reply. When I was in my early 50’s and first began to experience horrendous bleeding I discussed menopause openly with work colleagues and friends and listened to their own concerns and woes. Now at aged 57 1/2 I don’t feel able to start any conversation and just stay quiet if it’s mentioned. Maybe two years of Covid and less meeting up is to blame to a certain extend but I also feel late onset needs to be mentioned more in tv programs, nhs websites, etc, so doctors, medical workers and others are better informed and we are more likely to be believed.
I totally relate to this. I used to discuss menopause with friends at work, when I was in my early 50s, but then they all went into menopause, and I didn't, so when I would sometimes mention that I was having a period - when I was 56, they would say things like 'that's odd, ooh, I'm so glad I'm not having them anymore', or 'I'm sure they'll stop soon' and that would be about it. So I stopped mentioning it... to anyone. They are lovely friends, but they just can't relate to it. We go on walks together once a month, and the last time we went I so wanted to mention to them that after having not had a period for 7 months, I had suddenly had one, but I just couldn't bring myself to say something that I knew was alien to them. Being late perimenopausal is hard enough, but when it is also lonely, it really adds to the anxiety and low moods that you already grapple with. For me, aside from my complete inability to be rational or logical about it, which leaves me constantly worried that there is something medically wrong with me - it is the overwhelming loneliness of it. I hope all the ladies on here who are still perimenopausal in their late 50s and beyond, are not feeling isolated or alone with it.
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Good for your gp for telling you some women aren't meno until their early 60s, I've been told by a specialist I couldn't possibly still be having periods at 57 because everyone is meno by 54. Tempted to throw the evidence in his face >:( (can you tell bad temper was a symptom?). Shame she spoiled it by suggesting inappropriate treatment. There are always people here to chat to if you need advice or just to vent, we're all here because we've struggled with it. If you want hrt I would go back to your gp. Perhaps read the NICE guidelines first which say hrt should be used for meno symptoms not ADs. I was also offered ADs, it seems to be a common problem. I refused and asked for hrt which I got.
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Hi Carole,
I always imagined and hoped that I wouldn't reach the menopause before the age of 60 but, unfortunately, it wasn't to be. When I reached it at just 49 it wasn't even average, if the average is 51. I feel I have been cut short but I guess one can't chose when it's going to happen. The problem is that, at this age, there's still a lot of years before a woman can retire. I think if you have the stress of a job it can make the menopause even harder for you. I would say the later one enters the menopause, the better.
Karine
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Why would breast screening be different?
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HI, reading this with interest. I am yet a different category - went through peri early 50s with some issues but not debilitating. Stopped periods 54/55 and carried on the same. BUT 8 months ago aged 58 started to get issues and then full blown meno symptoms that have floored me for months now. So I'm not peri or late but symptoms have hit me late after post meno. But my age is my issue as it can dictate how well you feel and how/if you try some of the things suggested when you are younger that help. Also the emotional side of things for me at this age as we had made such a lot of plans for semi retirement as I thought I was going through it all ok and these have now been ruined..... feel so useless and as if life is ruined.
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HI, reading this with interest. I am yet a different category - went through peri early 50s with some issues but not debilitating. Stopped periods 54/55 and carried on the same. BUT 8 months ago aged 58 started to get issues and then full blown meno symptoms that have floored me for months now. So I'm not peri or late but symptoms have hit me late after post meno. But my age is my issue as it can dictate how well you feel and how/if you try some of the things suggested when you are younger that help. Also the emotional side of things for me at this age as we had made such a lot of plans for semi retirement as I thought I was going through it all ok and these have now been ruined..... feel so useless and as if life is ruined.
Oh ange, you are not useless. I know it is awful having to go through this but you are not useless. I am so sorry you feel your life is ruined. Is it possible to put those plans on hold and try them at a later stage? Perhaps once you get the right treatment your symptoms will improve.
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Re: Ann
No, you're not the only one. Am 58 and a half, and still having periods, and yes, it's now getting me down. Have been educating my new GP about late onset menopause and as a specialist in the area - a stroke of good luck - she did go back to her support group and get more information. Also lucky to have support from my workplace. Good to see an article in this month's print edition of MM acknowledging the issue. People in the know cheerfully point to the longer lifespan, nice complexion, protection against some diseases but I need the energy and brainpower now for my job! Also, I've had symptoms of perimenopause for over a decade and PMS most of my adult life. I'm hypersensitive to progesterone, have recurrent stenosis of the cervix and very heavy, irregular periods. Am on HRT to try and regulate everything but still in the 'let's try a couple of things to see what works' stage. Thankfully, all the tests show nothing 'sinister' but it's really no joke just now - I'm just so tired of having periods, and so tired of feeling tired. However, thanks for this thread - we're not alone in this.
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Re: Ann
No, you're not the only one. Am 58 and a half, and still having periods, and yes, it's now getting me down. Have been educating my new GP about late onset menopause and as a specialist in the area - a stroke of good luck - she did go back to her support group and get more information. Also lucky to have support from my workplace. Good to see an article in this month's print edition of MM acknowledging the issue. People in the know cheerfully point to the longer lifespan, nice complexion, protection against some diseases but I need the energy and brainpower now for my job! Also, I've had symptoms of perimenopause for over a decade and PMS most of my adult life. I'm hypersensitive to progesterone, have recurrent stenosis of the cervix and very heavy, irregular periods. Am on HRT to try and regulate everything but still in the 'let's try a couple of things to see what works' stage. Thankfully, all the tests show nothing 'sinister' but it's really no joke just now - I'm just so tired of having periods, and so tired of feeling tired. However, thanks for this thread - we're not alone in this.
Hello Lisa. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. I am pleased to see you have an open minded GP who is willing to educate themselves on menopause. I too am sensitive to progesterone. It makes HRT so difficult.
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Hi, I'm hoping some of you are still contributing to this thread, as it was exactly what I was looking for - I'm 57 and the websites I visit literally terrify me into believing there is something deathly wrong with me because they all mention 50 - 54 as the END of perimenopause. On recommendation, I just bought Mariella Fostrup's book on menopause, and she quotes in her introduction that '51' is the time when perimenopause ends, and that she had 'textbook' timing herself. I couldn't continue to read the book after that sentence because it was immediately apparent there would be nothing in it that applied to me. There is a troubling silence about late menopause, and it is a lonely place, for any woman like me who is still perimenopausal beyond her mid 50s.
I'd be very keen to speak to anyone in the same position as me, as I tend to hide it from my friends, who have all menopaused so gracefully and in the 'normal' time frame.
I was delighted at Christmas 2021 when I had what I thought was my last period, then, July - out of the blue, a period. And I don't recall the PMT really subsiding completely until I had another period this month - nothing unusual about the length or flow - Then this month, another, with the worst PMT I have ever had and the most tender breasts, which is awful because I have 32J size breasts, so they are heavy and difficult to lie on at the best of times; now they are my worst enemy, and what is most alarming is that non of my PMT seems to have subsided, 3 days after my period has ended. I don't mind saying I am an absolute mess and feel like I am on the verge of tears, constantly. I don't feel like going anywhere, I just want to be on my own all the time, and am constantly, 24/7 haunted by worry about how I feel both mentally and physically. I have absolutely no idea who to turn to. My GP is never, ever available - appointments now are with a practice nurse or a locum - and when I did see the GP last (just before lockdown) she said there was nothing to worry about - lots of women have late menopause, even into early 60s, and so I should perhaps take some antidepressants and look after my health and lifestyle better. She did blood tests which came back all ok apart from a bit low on iron, and I had a cervical smear which is fine. I declined the prescrpition for antidepressents.
I can't tell you how lovely it would be to know if there are any other women out there around my age, feeling and experiencing what I am, or would like to chat about what seems to be a never ending perimenopause.
Hi Ann :)
Are you still active on the forum?
If so, I'd love to chat. :)
I know exactlky what you are (were? the post was 2 years ago now) going through.
i'm having a very late menopause myself and I do feel a bit like a freak...no-one to talk to about it.
I will try to message you if I can :)
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deleted - sorry, wrong thread :)