Early menopause
Question:- I’m 35 years old and for approx 4 years I’ve been having really bad hormonal problems, my periods are now irregular and only last 2 days, I’m getting headaches and have really bad moods for at least 2 weeks a month when I’m irrational and tearful. My libido is GONE. my quality of life is really suffering. I’ve been to my GP so many times !!! my mum started the menopause at 38 and my maternal grandmother at 41 so its running in the family. …………Help
Reply:- Premature menopause, also called premature ovarian failure and early menopause is defined as the onset of menopause before the age of 45 and affects one per cent of women. There are many possible reasons for this including diet, smoking, auto-immune diseases, cancer treatment, but with your family history this is to be expected. The symptoms have a dramatic effect on every one, not just yourself, it’s important to try to alleviate them as much as soon as possible.
Although your GP has not been supportive ask to see another within the practice, asking for Thyroid function test, this gland is the main leader in the endocrine system of hormonal balance, check its not under active, as well as hormone levels, as these are never the same at any time of the month.
Does anyone else have this problem and how have you helped yourself?
Debra Moore said:
July 28, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Hi there to all ladys who are on the Menopause early im 46 years all and have had all the tests feel like a pin cusion but was told by my G.P THAT I AM NOT GOING MAD!!!An that the results have said i am in the full swing as my docters said, I am now into my second week of been on the tablets PREMIQU, And i can say to all ladys out there their is life out there and have now stopped crying and am getting my zing back, So lady’s how are early if your told to hang in there and you will get through it say so why should you life is to short why spend it feeling grap?so lady bring out your zing and go back an see a G.P WHO WILL LISTEN XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Donnagh said:
February 17, 2010 @ 7:38 am
I’m 33. My last period was February 2008, and it was a flooder, had to come home from work to change my clothes.
I have gained a stone and a half in the last 18 months, and had bladder and bowel control issues, as well as a problem with piles.
The night sweats have been a real pain, but at least my husband has stopped waking me up to ask if I’m OK- bless him.
Headaches, low mood, fluctuating between trying to do everything all at once to struggling with the weight of the duvet.
I have been on various anti-depressants since November 2008, the GPs like to change them every so often, when I go back and tell them I still feel horrible. Currently back on Fluoxetine 20mg/day, but I’m back at the ‘it’s not working’ stage…
I told my nurse I was really concerned about the weight gain and low mood about a year ago, she pretty well brushed me off and told me to get more exercise. About six months ago I told her I felt my hormones were out of whack, and asked if she could change me to a combined contraceptive (currently on the mini pill) she told me that changing my hormone levels when I was already ‘down’ was a bad idea.
Barged into the GP for my Prozac refill, and garbled about the sweats, the bladder urges, the lack of desire…blood test results due back this week.
My head’s a mess right now. I don’t want more kids, but I don’t want to be told I CAN’T at 33. My periods were never a problem, apart from the fact that I rarely had more than 2 a year, but I don’t want to be a dried up old lady when all my peers are having more babies. I’m really confused, I don’t know if I am menopausal, depressed, or suffering side effects of PTSD, and I’m worried that the FSH tests are going to come back normal, leaving me in the same quandry I’m in now.
If the doctor asks me if I’m ’still a bit weepy’ I think I’ll bite him on the nose!!!!