Menopause - Health + Injury

25/03/2010 at 09:13

It’s been several weeks since I should have had my last period and I’m v. regular. I can’t even remember the last time I missed one altogether. Also I have been getting the odd hot flush. They don’t last v. long maybe 2 or 3 minutes but I’m also getting them at night as they wake me up.

I’m in my early 40s so I’m wondering if this is the menopause?

Any other symptoms I should be looking out for? I’m not grumpy – yet!

kittenkat

pirate

25/03/2010 at 09:21

Your GP can do a blood test to find out.

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

25/03/2010 at 09:55

Cheers, kk

Feels a bit early to see the doctor, may leave it another couple of months to see if anything changes.

kittenkat

pirate

25/03/2010 at 10:18

My friend was convinced she was going through an early menopause; turned out she was pregnant!

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

25/03/2010 at 10:20

Oh - I'm definitely NOT pregnant

Bear B.Hind

25/03/2010 at 10:48

You can get menopause check kits from Boots, not sure how reliable they are, otherwise just wait and see.

Saffy Sweety Pea

25/03/2010 at 13:09

Little Nemo, go to the doctors and get checked out. I've got the same issue at the moment and am 42. My doc did loads of blood tests cos apparently can also be caused by liver, kidney or thyroid problems, which I'm sure you haven't got, but best to be sure. I've always been very regular but periods suddenly stopped and apparently it's not uncommon for the menopause to start this way without any other symptoms....I haven't even had any hot sweats, but test results showed my hormones are menopausal. Everyone assumes that we go through it at around 50. Doc says 51 is average in UK, but early 40's is within normal range so nothing to worry about.

skotty

25/03/2010 at 13:24

overwhelming desire to buy a new sports car and run off with girls half your age.

oh, you mean the famale menopause...

25/03/2010 at 13:43

Little Nemo - welcome to my world!

I started in my early 40s and haven't got over it yet

(now nearly 48). Don't forget to start making lists cos sure as eggs is eggs, you will forget everything! You will welcome winter as you won't get so many hot flushes in the cooler weather! Say goodbye to polo neck jumpers and hello to wearing layers for ease of stripping off!

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

26/03/2010 at 09:42

Hello - didn't get a chance to reply yesterday as it was a bit busy at work.

BBH - thanks, I might see if I can pick one up at the weekend. I'm off on holiday next week and I think I could relax more if I do this before I go.

SSP - will go and see my doctor next month when I can finally get some time off work. It would be sensible to rule out anything else just in case.

Skotty - I can't drive

minardi - I was hoping the hot flushes were temp. and would go once hormones had settled down. I'm already a bit prone to overheating and v. disorganised, really hope it doesn't get worse! Here's hoping for a coolish summer...

Drys

04/04/2010 at 13:38

Sorry to depress you, but the hot flushes can last for several years. I recommend the "Chillow" as a way of cooling down at night.

Pink Armadillo

05/04/2010 at 21:05

I'm 40 and was going through the same thing with the horrible hot flushes and night sweats - I've been using a natural progesterone cream called Serenity (about £18 per pot which lasts weeks, google it and you'll find it) you rub on a bit morning and night, can take a couple of weeks to kick in but completely eliminated my hot flushes and paricularly my night sweats (which were much worse!). Periods still all over the shop from 3 weeks to 6 weeks but less PMT and no sore boobs anymore either. Hope this helps, let me know if you want any more info.

Sunluvva

05/04/2010 at 21:13

the GP can do a blood test which will tell you if you are perimenopausal (beginning) or further down the line - I think it's something to do with the pituatry gland but not 100%. I had the test at 35 and was already well into the menopause. If you are 100% sure you cannot be pregnant you could ask for this test for confirmation.

If you don't want HRT there are loads of natural aides and remedies, the one pink armadillo isusing seems to work for her so worth a try, although what works for one person won't necessarily work for another but there are plenty to try.

Good luck, don't let it worry you and remember it really is just nature doing her stuff!

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

17/04/2010 at 19:06

Belated thanks for the extra replies

I did the test from Boots which was negative and I also felt a bit PMT-ish last week. I haven't had any hot flushes for about a week now but still no sign of my period. I'll try and get a doctor's appointment next week to see what's going on.

Cheers

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

14/05/2010 at 13:07

BOING!

I'm not menopausal

Blood tests all came back normal week and period has finally started this morning. Phew! Must have been stress/long working hours/horrible sore throat from earlier this year that threw things out of kilter.

Kiwihelen

20/05/2010 at 20:40

Hi there,

Cute ginger kitten for your atavar!

You are in the age range where things start changing. My sisters were telling me with glee this exact fact when I was down visiting in NZ...they are both through and on the other side, except for the hot flushes still making the odd visit.

One of my perimenopausal delights the last few years is getting night sweats in the couple of days before my period. First time I have been ever able to work out when the damn thing was due to start.

Helen

Mozzy

20/05/2010 at 21:48

One of the few advantages of being 40 plus is that you can tell everyone that you're menopausal when in fact you're just in a very, very bad mood. And get away with it!

Saffy Sweety Pea

21/05/2010 at 08:58

Mozzy wrote (see)

One of the few advantages of being 40 plus is that you can tell everyone that you're menopausal when in fact you're just in a very, very bad mood. And get away with it!

Oh yes, how true !

I currently explain every little mood swing and every stupid thing I do by saying 'hormones' with a big grin on my face

flubble

21/05/2010 at 09:58

oh this was great reading this thread lol cos its like reading about myself,the night sweats,the forgetting everything & having to make lists,moodiness & the kids looking at you like you are a demon of sorts.....

has anyone on here suffered the dreaded insects crawling up your arms feeling & the jeans that fitted you in the morning feel distinctly tighter in the evening thing????

I have to say though that, on a personal note for myself, the fact when you never have a period again is flippin fabulous,well I think it is anyway oh the freedom & extra money is great !!!!

Little Nemo - waving, not drowning!

21/05/2010 at 16:25

Hmmm, while I'm glad that I'm not menopausal (yet), I'd forgotten about how much I hate periods! Blood everywhere, foul temper and horrible back ache. So far today:

I've had a complete meltdown at work
had to change my knickers
and managed to leak blood on my chair

Thank God for Nurofen and chocolate