Saying hello!
I'm new on here so just saying hello! I'm 43 and going through early menopause. No surprise to me as my mum, aunt (identical twin sister to my mum) and grandmother both in very early 40's. May sound odd but I had assumed for a long time that was normal as had no other reference points, if that makes sense. I don't have any children, my choice, but I did let my husband know if he wanted children to let me know before it was too late.
I had my first hot flush when I was 39, though thinking back I had signs before then but hadn't put things together. Periods became more spaced apart, lighter. Then had a 3 month gap followed by one light period then stopped completely nearly 2 years ago, I did have a couple of days light bleeding followed by 2 days spotting in December so went to doctor and as it had been 20 months since last period I was sent for internal ultrasound for post menopause bleeding though appointment took two months to come through.
I'm guessing it took so long because my age, low risk and the fact I'd had abdominal ultrasound and CT scan (for bladder/ kidney related issues a year ago for mild pain / swelling feeling in my right side, which I still have it and still undiagnosed as can't see anything wrong) anyway I had the internal scan last week, no issues, said bleed probably a last hurrah (my words not hers)
However she also did a visual check up and said I was very dry due to low estrogen, and prescribed vagifem saying would help with pain also. I have suffered with pain during sex on and off all my life but I have to admit to finding it worse the last 3 or 4 years and I find any excuse to avoid as now as have no desire either! So really hoping this will help, only three days in so time will tell.
I got the usual 'you are young for menopause' line, which sometimes comes across as though they don't believe me, and I have to explain family history, but on this occasion it sounded like concern, she asked if I was on HRT, which I said no, I'd not really contemplated it, if I had any symptoms that bothered me, hot flushes, night sweats etc (I've had hot flushes and night sweats on and off. At the moment more on than off!) and if any osteoporosis in family (both parents, mum in her mid fifties and dad after hip fracture in his eighties) She suggested I might want to think about about HRT and have a chat with my doctor, and also about osteoporosis prevention due to early menopause.
Which has led me to this website which I have found very useful so far and I think I will make appointment with doctor.
I've told two doctors that I was going through menopause, first was when I was peri, and second when I was post menopause and neither mentioned options of HRT, if I had any symptoms that bothered me, or if family history of osteoporosis, just 'ok' when explained mum was also same age. (One specialise s in women's issues! ) Any advice on what I need to ask my doctor about / mention with regards HRT and also osteoporosis prevention when I go would be appreciated as I'm not very good at talking to doctors so thinking of taking list of questions with me.