Menopause? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Menopause?

231
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:02

Hi there!

Wonder if anyone can offer me some advice? I am planning to go to the doctors but know some of you lovely ladies may be able to help me with advice too!

I have only had one period in the last 3 months- have never had any problems in the past at all, not lost tons of weight, not pregnant, no major stress going on- other things that would cause this lack of periods! I feel all hormonal around the time it should be but it never comes- the hormonal "want to kill someone" phase used to last for 1 day- now it's like 2 weeks. It's horrible cos am so emotional and keep thinking I am just due on don't worry and then it doesn't happen.

Does this sound like the start of menopause? I am 40- that's quite early isn't it?

Is there any supplement I can take to help with the hormonal feelings that is available here and can anyone recommend a nice understanding doctor who can give me menopause advice.

Thanks in advance for any advice- this is really starting to get me down :(

1236
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 18:49
Eeeeek have a needle phobia just to add to things- oh well will have to suck it up- can't carry on like this! Cannot say thanks enough for the info :) Don't worry too much. Just take a deep breath. Most decent docs can diagnose by symptoms alone but is better to have that little blood test. I'm a nurse and most sympathetic nurses and docs are able to reassure nervous people who hate needles. Be brave my girl !! x
231
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:55
Eeeeek have a needle phobia just to add to things- oh well will have to suck it up- can't carry on like this! Cannot say thanks enough for the info :)
1236
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:52
Thanks twocats- I have been there before in the past and like it there- so will get an appointment with Dr Nicola! Feeling a bit better already now I am taking some action on this :) Thank goodness for EW! How do they check if it is the menopause or not if you don't mind me asking? And Joyce- am so glad it's not just me- what these poor men have to put up with hahhaha- I know I am doing it but can't seem to contain it!! Good job he's very patient! edited to add- have made appointment with Dr Nicola for next week- thanks so much!! edited by Licorice on 25/08/2011 They can check hormone levels in blood and urine tests. :)
231
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:44
Thanks twocats- I have been there before in the past and like it there- so will get an appointment with Dr Nicola! Feeling a bit better already now I am taking some action on this :) Thank goodness for EW! How do they check if it is the menopause or not if you don't mind me asking? And Joyce- am so glad it's not just me- what these poor men have to put up with hahhaha- I know I am doing it but can't seem to contain it!! Good job he's very patient! edited to add- have made appointment with Dr Nicola for next week- thanks so much!! <em>edited by Licorice on 25/08/2011</em>
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:40
Try Dr Nicola at the Dubai London Clinic, Festival City and she sorted me out with when my Menopause started. Good luck :)
1236
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:39
Thanks Joyce... my mum had a hysterectomy at 38 which brought on her menopause early so I have no natural family history to go on and I'm the eldest daughter so have noone to compare to. She had it bad though and still has hot flushes today at 63 cos she came of the HRT after all the scares. It's the mood swings that are getting to me the most- I am usually really happy go lucky except for one or two days a month so you can imagine I am not feeling the best- I like to understand things so I can deal with them. Hate feeling irrational and emotional for no reason- my poor OH is really getting it in the neck! Bless him! Have heard of black cohosh- will maybe wait till have seen a doc so I know what it is. Hope someone can recommend a nice doctor :) Yes, it wise to be checked rather than assuming that you are menopausal. As I said, HRT isn't suitable for everyone but I was fine on it and was checked every 6 months max. I had a new lease of life and all of my symptoms vanished. I am now 56 and have been off HRT for about 3 years now and feel fine apart from various mild aches and pains LOL! My poor DH bore the brunt of my head spinning exorcist type rages until I got treatment. Hope you find a good doc soon x
231
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:27
Thanks Joyce... my mum had a hysterectomy at 38 which brought on her menopause early so I have no natural family history to go on and I'm the eldest daughter so have noone to compare to. She had it bad though and still has hot flushes today at 63 cos she came of the HRT after all the scares. It's the mood swings that are getting to me the most- I am usually really happy go lucky except for one or two days a month so you can imagine I am not feeling the best- I like to understand things so I can deal with them. Hate feeling irrational and emotional for no reason- my poor OH is really getting it in the neck! Bless him! Have heard of black cohosh- will maybe wait till have seen a doc so I know what it is. Hope someone can recommend a nice doctor :)
1236
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:21
I had my menopause at 39, same as my mum but didn't recognise symptoms as I had previously had surgery (endometrial resection) for very heavy periods and was no longer having periods. My probs were "dryness" and mood swings. I saw my doc for what I thought was thrush only to be told that I had started the menopause and my discomfort was not due to thrush!! I was advised to try herbal remedies like Dong Quai or Black Qohosh, neither of which I liked as they upset my stomach but know ladies who swear by these meds. I ended up on HRT because I was so young and felt great on it. Again, HRT isn't for everyone and you need to be carefull monitered. I would go and see a sympathetic doctor and discuss your options as well as determining whether or not you are menopausal. It is normal for women who are approaching menopause to start having very irregular periods and 40, although unusual for menopause is not unheard of. Good luck :)
231
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 12:17
Ahhh thanks Amy- nice to get a quick reply- am bouncing of the walls here :) Maybe I am secretly stressed :) This is stressing me for sure :)
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY