Premature menopause

[jadeywade]

Found out today that my dd is going through a premature menopause...at the age of 21 . It would explain a lot, but I'm still so ð??? for her. There seem to be other issues that she's worried about too but the doctors aren't taking much notice . Has anyone else had any experience and know anything about the side effects of someone going through this so young??

[erilou38]

I have started a premature menopause thread recently as i am 38 and going through premature menopause. Menopause under age 40 is classed as premature. You might like to take a look at my thread, it's on the Menopause Board. Also, there is The Daisy Network, which is nationwide support group for women under 40 who are going through menopause. 21 is very, very young, your poor daughter, my heart goes out to her. I expect she hasn't even been able to have children yet. what a devastating thing to happen to a woman as young as she. Your doctor will need to start HRT asap for your daughter as she will have to go for years without the benefits of oestrogen. Premature menopause will have a negative impact on her health. She will likely suffer from osteoporosis and heart disease at a much earlier age so will need protection in the form of HRT until she is at least age 50. You must be very worried and feel sad for your daughter. I'm so very sorry that you are in this heartbreaking situation.

[FadBook]

I experienced this at a young age too. It unusual but not as uncommon as you think.

Pm me if you like or she can.

The www.fertilityfriends.co.uk wenbsite have a great chat board (more 'hunny' and 'hugs' than I like but the early menopause one has a lot of younger women on than what you'd expect).

She doesn't have to medicate - there are risks of course, but there are risks to being on HRT for do long too.

She can still have a baby. I did.

Two pieces of advice -

1/ Don't blame yourself as her mother. She's got enough on her plate than to feel sorry for you. I had this with my mum, it wasn't helpful or nice to have to comfort your own DM because of something you'd 'done' that had made her sad.

2/ encourage counselling. I went on self destruct mode. Didn't respect my 'failing' body. Didn't explore how I felt. I was young and should have been supported by the NHS / my GP. Counselling helped me later on, wish I'd had it earlier.

[Crusoe]

Hi
It will be ok! I am 45 and had premature menopause at 16.
I was on HRT for about 10 years but came off of it because of concerns about long term use.
I am careful to eat well, maximise my bone health and to try and look after myself ... It is working so far.
Your daughter can still have children via the wonderful gift of egg donation. Unfortunately it didn't work for me but egg donation has good success rates especially among the premature menopause group.
I went on to adopt a fab little boy. I am a mum, a wife,I'm happy and healthy, premature menopause put lots of hurdles in my way but you can get over them.
I suggest your daughter tries to talk to others in the same position, that really helped me.
Crusoe