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[Jessicaponies]

Hello Everyone,
   I am Jessica and I am 36 and have recently been told I am going through an early menopause, this was a bit of a shock to both of us and the symptoms started about 6 months ago when I started getting hot flushes which initially my husband though amusing as I would need to kick the duvet off during the night as I was so hot, when usually I would still want the electric blanket on in May, I have felt tired and I am used to working long hours which I enjoy and I have also become very irritable and short tempered, and ache a lot.
   I hadn't had irregular periods as I am on the pill although the last couple of withdrawal bleeds have been a bit on the light side to say the least. Hubby and I don't have any children and while they weren't planned my GP who has been next to useless saying its just a matter of course and early menopause isn't that uncommon and hasn't even suggest a blood test but added it would be very difficult for me to conceive now if I wanted to (hubby had a vasectomy a couple of months back and we are waiting for it to take effect).
   My Libido is still there but its starting to feel drier down there than I would like. Its great to read some of the other post on here and know that I on not the only person going through the change.

Kind regards,

Jess.

[Taz2]

Hi Jessicaponies - welcome to our lively and helpful forum - you will get lots of support and advice on here.

I do think that it would be useful for you to have a blood test although you may need to come off the pill first (not sure on this but someone else will be along soon with more experience) just to see what your FSH level is. The higher the level the more menopausal you are if that makes sense.

Have a look at the menu at the top of the screen under Menopause if you haven't already which gives advice on premature menopause or POF/POI as it seems to be called nowadays. You will see that HRT is recommended due to the fact that oestrogen helps to protect your heart and your bones. Up to the normal age of meno, which is thought to be around 50/51 you produce this yourself so if you are not on HRT you will be missing out on fourteen years of protection. Any HRT risks don't kick in until you get to normal meno age because you are merely replacing what should have been yours naturally. HRT would also stop the vaginal dryness and help to support your pelvic floor as lack of oestrogen can cause the ligaments and tissues to become weak.

Have you been given any information about The Daisy Network which deals specifically with POF/POI? It's a good site. You can access it here https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk/about-poi/what-is-poi/  although not all of the information is available if you don't join as a member.

Someone else will be along soon with their advice too.

Taz x 

[Jessicaponies]

Hi Taz,
       Thanks for the welcome, looking at the daisy network site now. 

[Janice68]

Hi Jessicaponies,
Just to say hi and welcome to MM. You're so young to start going through this menopause bless your heart!! It's certainly a journey!! Taz has got you started more people will come along with info. I can't use hrt only local estrogen so I can't advise on hrt.
Take care Jan x

[Jessicaponies]

Hi Janice,
           My GP hasn't even mentioned HRT I think he thinks some of this is all in my mind. I am ok for now but it does get me down on some days. I have already have a browse through on here and lots of interesting info.

Jess

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM Jessicaponies
I had a premature menopause and this is not to be taken lightly.  You need to be properly diagnosed and given HRT if your oestrogen levels are dropping.  HRT will protect your bones, heart and bladder for the long term so you really need to get clued up and get yourself properly assessed - blood tests etc need to be done. I would ask for a referral to a gynaecologist for specialist advice.
REad up all the info on this site and get back to us with questions. DG xxx

[Janice68]

Hi Jess, I know what you mean about docs thinking it's all in your mind they have caused me so much anxiety in the past!! Lack of understanding etc. I'm seeing a different doc now she has experience of it and she is very sympathetic to me cause of what I have been going through etc.
Forever tired with it all too .Your very lucky your working I can't at the moment.
By the sounds of it you need local estrogen for your dryness eg vagifem.
Others will be along!! Keep posting
Janx

[Noodle]

If Jessica is still on the pill, isn't that stronger than HRT? So won't she be getting the protection that is so imortant for early menopausal ladies? (I assume this only applies to Combined Oral, with estrogen, and not Progesterone Only pills).

[Taz2]

Yes you can be prescribed the oral combined pill or HRT.  If Jess is getting hot flushes etc. while on the combined pill then it may be that HRT would be a better option? Not sure about the difference in strength between the two I  must admit!

Taz x

[CLKD]

 

Make sure that you discuss the HRT options with your GP/Practice Nurse so that you can make an informed decision.  Browse round, make notes!

[Dancinggirl]

I think the hormones are generally different in the Contraceptive pill and many women use progesterone only contraceptive which won't include the essential oestrogen. There is a contraceptive pill that has the natural oestrogen - i think it is called Quaira (spelling probably wrong) ?
It is important to get probably diagnosed if oestrogen levels are dropping in your 30s and 40s.  DG x

[Cassie]

I went through early meno and stayed on the pill till 40 when I found the rub on gel worked a treat, all the best you are not alone.

[Jessicaponies]

Thanks for your welcome everyone, I am on Cilest and been on it now for a while and the combinded pill since I was 15 without a break.

[Hurdity]

Hi Jessicaponies

If I haven't said so already then  from me too.

I am puzzled as to why you are getting menopausal symptoms while on the CCP because as the others have said you are getting plenty of oestrogen - but I have read that women approaching menopause can get symptoms during the pill free week because you will still get that dip in oestrogen - even though your actual oestrogen levels should be fine in terms of protecting bones and heart. It is often recommended that younger women who start to go through an early or premature menopause do go on the pill because it contains the high oestrogen dose that you need as well as controlling the cycle and eliminating most of the menopausal symptoms - especially at first.

That being the case I do hope you are getting specialist help and have been referred to a menopause clinic due to your age, and your symptoms despite being on the Pill. Maybe you are not absorbing the hormones well although it would not work as a contraceptive if you weren't!

As Dancinggirl says you might like to think about Qlaira due to it containing estradiol rather than the synthetic ethinylestradiol, and although the oestrogen dose varies somewhat like in the natural menstrual cycle,  it only has 2 tablet free days. Here is some info:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/contra2.php (scroll down)

Hope this helps

Hurdity x