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[Kaz210909]

Hi all,

I'm 43 and I've been having changes to my cycles, bleeding gums and bad breath for about 12 months, but wasn't sure what was causing it. More recently have started having issues sleeping, occasional night sweats and being a moody cow to my husband, so I went to the doctors after speaking to my mum who started menopause in her very early 40's.

Doctors have taken bloods to do hormones and other tests, she hasn't said no to treatment but as I'm under 45 might need to speak to their specialist menopause team when the results come back.

But in the mean time she told me to research symptoms, HRT, treatments etc on this website, but I have no idea where to start.

Thanks in advance.

[Flossieteacake]

I can understand that as forums can be tricky to navigate. Perhaps putting one of your symptoms in the search bar and seeing what comes up may be a start?

As for HRT treatments here is a link of options.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatment.php

Everybody will have different opinions. I believe in starting at as a low a dose as possible to allow the body time to adjust. I have found starting with the lowest oestrogen patch which is 25 first and just see how that goes. You will need oestrogen and progesterone but when starting both at the same time it can be difficult to know which one is giving any side effects (not saying you will have as many do not). Once you know your body is fine with the oestrogen then you can find a progesterone.

I am sorry you are having these horrid symptoms but do not worry because they are common in peri and can be resolved.

[CLKD]

Hi!   A GP should prescribe on symptoms once initial blood tests are back.  Checking for thyroid function issues, low VitD etc. is important.

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart feelings and progress.  Something to discuss with your GP, husband and with us here.  MayB print off 'advice for husbands' - read and pass over ;-)

What does your Dentist suggest for the bleeding gums etc., mine is really clued up on peri-menopause ...... as well as listening to my explanations ;-).

When was your last monthly period, more or less?  Working from there as periods wax and wane during The Change, we need to go at least 12 months without a bleed to be menopausal - however, Nature can throw in a curved ball when we have to start counting again 

[Kaz210909]

Hi CLKD,

My dentist has no clue, he's an old man as was the only NHS one we could find when we moved. When I mentioned it at my last appointment he just said it's just normal hormones.

I'm still having fairly regular periods (used to be 28 day cycle like clockwork) now they can be a bit more varied in timescale and they range in intensity now from extremely heavy to very light.

I don't really have anyone else to speak to as my mum struggles through her menopause as my dad didn't want her to take anything at all.

My hubby is trying to be very understanding, though he sometimes doesn't get that I'm just tired and grumpy and it's not him or that I want him to fix it. I just want to be grumpy.

[CLKD]

Print off 'advice for husbands', read and hand over ;-)

As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains as well as gums may begin to recede and bleed.  MayB use Tipees between the teeth regularly, which will encourage good bone health.  If the gums bleed don't worry as this stimulates healing.  I have to get bits out of my very crooked teeth at least 3/4 times daily!  A bit of a chore.  It does keep the gaps healthier than ignoring them.

I use a child's size brush too.  Easier to get behind the teeth and is gentle on the gums which require massaging.  Many years ago a dentist told me that gum health is important and needs more attention than teeth.

R U in any pain?    I too enjoy a grumpy day, you're not alone there!