Early menopause - how did you cope?

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IrenaP
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Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby IrenaP » Sun Oct 08, 2017 12:34 pm

Hi,

I am 42 years old with young children. For the past year I have been having irregular periods - and after several ongoing investigations I found out I have reached early menopause (defined as reaching menopause before the age of 45). Doctor wants me to go on HRT. I would love to hear from other mums to hear how they coped with this. Nobody in my family hit menopause before the age of 50. I feel a bit like it's the end of the road, and that I have aged too quickly! Any advice?
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ceecee
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Re: Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby ceecee » Sun Oct 08, 2017 2:25 pm

Hi,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this at the moment. I don't have any personal experience to share but have heard of a charity that you may find some information and support on https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk. I'd also really recommend taking HRT until at least early 50s- you are only replacing what should naturally be there, preparations have really improved and there are versions that are identical to your body's hormones that your GP can prescribe. All the best x
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IrenaP
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Re: Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby IrenaP » Sun Oct 08, 2017 6:38 pm

Thank you! I’ll look there.
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Mills1234
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Re: Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby Mills1234 » Mon Oct 09, 2017 6:09 am

Hi, I was put into menopause at 39 due to having to have my ovaries removed. The advice I was given was to take HRT until around 50, to offset the risks associated with early menopause. As a consequence I'm on high dose HRT, which will gradually be reduced in time.

For me, the HRT has been fabulous and has stopped any of the issues associated with menopause. I was very worried about coping with mood swings and lack of sleep, when looking after two small children! As I understand it there are loads of variations of HRT, from patches, creams, pills and combinations with the coil. Chelsea & Westminster has a specialist team if you find your GP is unsure of the options. For me, high dose daily pills have been fine once I got in the habit of taking them at the same time everyday for consistency.

It can sometimes feel a bit funny thinking about a phase of life being over, especially no chance of having more children and it being something that happens to "old people", but to be honest I just try not to dwell on those thoughts as it's done, and they won't make me feel any better about it. Luckily the HRT has made day to day life absolutely fine, maybe even a bit better mood wise than without it before! Good luck and do get in touch if I can help x
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IrenaP
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Re: Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby IrenaP » Mon Oct 09, 2017 7:30 am

Thank you! I am worried about the HRT but sounds like it’s not a problem.
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janee
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Re: Early menopause - how did you cope?

Postby janee » Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:38 am

I had an early menopause as well. I tried to battle on with very bad hot flushes and lack of sleep before going on to HRT, which was a life saver. I don't know how anyone put up with me for the couple of years beforehand. (As a teacher there were times when I had to leave the class unattended to stand outside the room so that the pupils didn't see the sweat running down my face and body).

However, that said, I gather that most people do not have such a hard menopause as I had. It seems to run in families - I know my mother had a very bad menopause and my poor father had to suffer (it was at a time when you didn't talk about these things!) So perhaps talk to your mother or father (for grandmother).
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