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[DreamyEyes]

This is my story.

I started getting menopausal symptoms when I was about 15 years old. I had no idea what was going on, this was back in 1976.

I was diagnosed with 'Premature Ovarian Failure' at age 24. I was not given any kind of support or advice at the time. The Doctor who diagnosed me actually patted me on the head as he explained to me I would never be able to have children.

I didn't talk about it with anybody. I couldn't tolerate HRT at all which was down to horrible side-effects. I tried some vaginal cream at one point a few years ago and ended up with a horrible yeast infection.

I have seen a few GP's over the years who have not been helpful at all. Most of the things I do to stave off osteoporosis, heart disease etc have been down to my own research.

I have been having quite a hard time lately with symptoms so I thought I would join a forum where people know exactly what I am talking about.

Some of my symptoms I experience are feeling too hot most of the time, night sweats, extreme insomnia, headaches, chronic cystitis, and very dry skin which gets very itchy. The worst thing for me is the lack of sleep, I feel cranky and irritable most of the time. I also can't tolerate very much noise at all. I don't know if this is common or not but I also experience terrible anxiety at times especially when in the car.  I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia years ago but I wonder if all the joint stiffness and muscle pain is down to the Premature Menopause.

On top of all the symptoms, I am raising my three year old Granddaughter because my adopted daughter is not able to raise her due to developmental disabilities. I love her dearly but she is very very exhausting.

Thanks for listening.

[Foxylady]

Welcome DreamyEyes, you have alot on your plate! I would love to say things have moved on now with the medical profession, but not really, although some get lucky with a good one! Is it worth looking at HRT again (depending on when you last tried it) as new preperations available which may be more suitable for you. Where you ever referred to a menopause clinic or a specialist? I would say you are spot on doing your own research & implementing changes etc to reduce the impact on your health for future (I've done same). Most of the symptoms you mention I suffered from over 3 years before getting HRT (approx 5 months ago, new regime for last 3 months &my life has turned around, sleeping at night - one of my biggest issues). Let us know how you get on. x

[jillydoll]

Hi,Dreamyeyes...

Wow, you've had a bad time of it havnt you! What that must've been like I can't comprehend at such an early age.....I'm so soo sorry.....
Like what Foxylady says, go to your GP and get referred off to a menopause clinic, or specialist..
There are more HRTs available now, and they might suite you....your probably about 56/57 ? So if I were you I'd definitely get down the docs and get this sorted ASAP....you've been suffering long enough. The joint pains are a mixture of both probably, and you don't deserve to have that on top of everything else, especially looking after a three year old...
The anxiety is a symptom of menopause, and if you take a look, we have an anxiety support thread, which discusses everything about the dreaded anxiety and depression......you have my sympathy Dreamy, you've been through hell, and if your GP refuses you a referral, go see the practice manager and make a complaint! .....you deserve treatment.
Good luck, plz keep posting and let us know how your doing.....we're here to help if we can....xxxx

[CLKD]

The other web-site to look at is the Daisy site.  I think 1 has to pay for information.

Do you mean that your grand-daughter has development difficulties?  Do you get any support via various agencies, charities etc.? 

   browse round.  Make notes.  Decide which symptom you would like to ease first.  Take a list to your Practice Nurse and have a chat?

We have threads on everything: noise, what we are wearing, we talk about menopause sometimes 

[Kathleen]

Hello DreamyEyes and welcome to the forum.

I was twenty in 1976 and can confirm the patronising attitude of the medical profession at that time. It's bad enough that you were subject to it then but you certainly don't have to stand for it now.

I agree with the other ladies that you need expert help and there is plenty out there.

I hope you find an effective regime soon, you certainly deserve it and have waited long enough!

Take care and keep posting.

K.

[DreamyEyes]

The other web-site to look at is the Daisy site.  I think 1 has to pay for information.

Do you mean that your grand-daughter has development difficulties?  Do you get any support via various agencies, charities etc.? 

   browse round.  Make notes.  Decide which symptom you would like to ease first.  Take a list to your Practice Nurse and have a chat?

We have threads on everything: noise, what we are wearing, we talk about menopause sometimes 

My granddaughter does not have developmental disabilities. Her mother,  my daughter does. My adopted daughter has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and none of her issues were genetically inherited by her daughter. My granddaughter is a normal rambunctious ball of fire. When my daughter got pregnant, the choice was to take custody of her daughter or have her given up for adoption. There was no way I was going to give up my only granddaughter for adoption. Of all the things in my life, she is the most beautiful. No regrets there.

[DreamyEyes]

I have to say I am more than overwhelmed by the responses so far. Lots of great advice which I am going to follow up on. I am going to make an appointment with my GP and ask for answers. I will respond more tomorrow after I have had time to digest things.

Again, thanks so much, I appreciate all the responses so much.

[Katejo]

I have to say I am more than overwhelmed by the responses so far. Lots of great advice which I am going to follow up on. I am going to make an appointment with my GP and ask for answers. I will respond more tomorrow after I have had time to digest things.

Again, thanks so much, I appreciate all the responses so much.

I started to type you a reply on my phone and then lost it when almost complete!  I think you would benefit from Vagifem (or similar) to sort your cystitis symptoms which sound like VA. It has worked for me and greatly improved my sleep.

[Foxylady]

A problem shared is a problem halved as they say! Lots of helpful advice throughout the forum/website. If there's anything in particular your looking for info on put it into the search & any threads covering it will come up. Thats lovely re grand daughter, I have some professional experience of FASD so I understand how difficult it can be for everyone, especially the individual affected through no fault of their own. x

[CLKD]

You are a HERO  .......... 'ball of fire' - great!

Let us know if we can help, as suggested below.