Hello ladies,
My very first post a few weeks back now was regarding my severe bone and muscle ache. About a year ago I found getting out of bed was a real pain - literally. The pain and stiffness has since spread to my hip. If I have a full day it's really bad - feel about 90!. I wasn't until I found this forum that I realised It could be menopausal. I did get a very constructive response but have no idea how to retrieve my old post so cannot remember exactly what was suggested.
Basically - I'm 54, been on the contraceptive pill on and off since I was 18. About 5 years ago I had a polyp removed( I was also getting a little spotting between periods). My gp put me on the mini pill desogestrel so I haven't had a period for 5 years. I'm sure the Dr told me at the time it would help mask the symptoms of the menopause but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the case.
I have since realised since joining menopausal matters I also have other symptoms - very dry skin, brain fog, severe burning after intercourse - hasn't a clue that was called VA! About six months ago I was walking up with my clothes sticking to me - I honestly thought I had the flu! This seemed to ease off after a while - I now think they where hot flushes. My goodness I cannot believe how ignorant I've been.
One the advice of Hurdity - I'm sure it was, I went to the Dr.
Basically, because I have no idea when my menstrual cycle is, she wanted me to have a FSH blood test six weeks apart. She said if they both show I'm postmenopausal then I can carry on taking the mini pill for a year then Bob's your uncle over and done with. The thinking behind it was that I could have become menopausal only last week so by carrying on with the pill it will cover the year free period. Does that make any sense? Anyway, I've had my first FSH result ( 27.1) with a added comment that I was in the postmenopausal range. I know labs class results differently but I does not seem to correspond with what I've read. I have my second test later this month.
I think the main question I want to ask is, once I come off the mini pill in maybe a years time, because I will no longer be getting any progesterone from it, could my symptoms really escalate?. Apart from my severe bone ache I seem to have got off lightly. I can cope with dry skin and VA as long as it stays as it is. Certainly don't like the brain fog!
Tbh I've been put off hrt after reading a lot of your posts, never realised it was so complicated- patches, gels, pumps, sounds very scary. Maybe it's only the ladies who are having trouble rather than ones that are benefiting who do most of the posting. Don't mean to sound negative, clearly I am not suffering like some of you ladies. Really think there should be more information out there on the menopause. My sister was just as ignorant as I was!
Think I've covered it!