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[Linda1604]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and really struggling with stuff at the moment.  I'm 42 and post menopausal. Had my last period around 38 and unfortunately didn't go and see my GP until I was 40. Had the blood tests and then all of a sudden that was that - I'm now into the next phase of my life and I'm not ready and so unprepared for it...

The GP advised that I really need to be taking HRT until I'm aged 50. I've accepted that and understand the reasons. Anyway to start off with I was prescribed Elleste Duet, which wasn't great, then the doc upped the dosage which made me feel worse. I then tried Premarin - not good. Now I'm back on Elleste. The false periods are weird, painful and don't seem right.  In between that I've been on Paraoxitine to help with some symptoms and that really didn't suit me.

I've tons of menopausal symptoms and I'm struggling. Some days I think I'm going mad and just want to get back to feeling at least a wee bit normal again. I've been back to my GP and have been referred to see a specialist in HRT. I'm hopeful that with the right HRT I can get back on track at some point soon...

[Joyce]

      Hi there.

Sometimes it takes some ladies a while to find the right HRT for them.  I'm not much help as on oestrogen only & have been for a good while.

Glad to hear you will see an HRT specialist though. They usually are the best people.

[scriv]

Hi Linda..

I do empathise and sympathise as I too had an early menopause at 39. I really wondered what on earth was happening to me.  I was advised to go on HRT and did so although I was very reluctant to.
 
With the help of my GP, it took me quite a while and several different types of HRT before I found a regime which suited me. I got there in the end though and  eventually settled on a low dose patch Combi patch and used that until my early 50s.

By that time I had severe VA which caused some awful bladder issues and I started on Vagifem pessaries, which did the trick. I then found I could manage very well on the Vagifem alone.

Good luck with it all and do persevere.I am very pleased that I did go on HRT as I do feel that after a very early menopause, we do need it.  I hope you have a supportive GP because I was very grateful to mine in helping me through and hope too that your specialist helps.

[Linda1604]

Thank you so much for this. I will continue to persevere and hope I can get things settled in time. I've heard some positive things about the combi patches and I'm glad that they worked for you. I'm already on the Vagifem pessaries and they're ok. I've convinced myself that all this stuff going on is in my head and I need to be a bit stronger in dealing with all the symptoms. It's so hard without any sleep and a racing heart beat constantly though.... The menopause demon is a hard one to fight but I'll keep trying!

Glad things have settled down for you. Thank you for responding to my post. L

[Cassie]

I also went through it in my late 30's, have you considered the transdermal route, esp since you are going to be on it for so much longer,something like Oestrogel/Femigel,  it is the most natural method of taking HRT and I have had no side effects whatsoever, only positive effects, you can adjust the pump dosage as well, I would strongly consider that with Utrogestan, which is also Bio Identical, for early meno. All the best.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and Welcome Linda 1604
I agree with Cassie.  I had early meno and have mostly used Oestrogel.  You could have a Merina fitted which reduces side effects of progesterone or use Ustrogestan (bio-identical progesterone).  There are many other ladies that use a oestrogen patch with utrogestan which is another good way to go.
Look under HRT preparations, in the list to the left of this site, to get more info.
I'm sure there will more ladies along who will have advice.
Good Luck  DG x

[scriv]

Linda, have you had tests to check that your thyroid is ok? Sometimes thyroid issues are connected with early menopause.

[Hurdity]

Hi Linda
  from me too

I would agree with the others

You would be best off with a HRT composed of bio-identical hormones as suggested especially if you are taking them long term.

I use an estradiol patch (Estradot) but I think if I was in early menopause I would try the gel because it is easier to get a higher dose - which you will want at your age. The Utrogestan  (bio-dentical progesterone) is listed in the doc's little book as "micronised progesterone" if they haven't heard of it and taking them separately will enable you to adjust the dose of oestrogen to suit you.

None of this stuff is in my head and by all means try to be strong, but oestrogen deficiency has very definite symptoms and replacing the oestrogen is the best way to help. Only those who are unable to use HRT will need to look for other ways to help.

Hurdity x

[Suzi Q]

Welcome Linda Im sure oyu will soon start to feel better
Ive never taken HRT etc but it does seem right it can take a while for it to kick in BIG HUGS XXX