The Pill and early menopause

[Chicksville007]

Hi, I seem to go going through and real miserable patch in my life. I'm 45, married with two boys (15 yrs and 5 yrs). I seem to be having one long period at the moment. Then it will stop for about 3 to 7 days then start again. I'm feeling very down and unattractive, very un-desirable. Down right ugly to be honest with no sexdrive. Over the last year I've gained to bit of weight which doesn't help, so none of my clothes fit.

Anyway, I believe that I maybe starting the early stages of menopause; I do get very hot where as before I didn't, I've been told I'm moody and miserable all the time, off/on periods and generally life being to much for me.

I have seen a Dr before who said the way I feel was probably down to having an active 3 yr old (he's 5 now) which didn't make me feel much better. But I'm going to make an appointment tomorrow and ask to go on the pill because I've heard it can help.

Has/ is anyone tried this to see if being on the pill helps with these symtons? Do you think a boost of oestrogen and progestogen will cheer me up? It is starting to effect my marriage and I don't know if it me feeling sorry for myself or my husband trying to pick fights all the time. I seem to be stuck on a rut and it's making my husband and myself miserable.

Please help

[AuntieStella]

The site "Menopause Matters" has lots of useful information, and it is definitely worth a browse before you see your GP.

Here's their page on the Pill during the perimenopause which I hope you find helpful.

[Chicksville007]

Thank you, I've had a read and will have a good look over the website. Trouble is I'm a smoker so will have to do something about that x

[Pinkfrocks]

Smoking is known to bring the menopause forward by a few years too. It's highly likely that at 45 as a smoker you are heading for the menopause.

You would also be at a higher risk of blood clots with HRT if you smoke.

Do you want to stop?

[CointreauVersial]

Very probable that it's the menopause approaching. I'm 47 and haven't had a period for a year now, but went through pretty much all you describe in the few years leading up to it.

It is worth chatting to your GP. Mine put me on the mini-pill (Cerazette) but it really didn't work for me, so I came off again after six months.

[perkin40]

Well iv'e never smoked in my life and i was diagnosed perimenopausal at age 37, although i think it began around age 34. So smoking bringing on early menopause is, in my book, a load of old twaddle!
I'd say that at 45 you are most certainly menopausal and yes you can take the Combined Pill, it's basically just a stronger dose of HRT. My doctor offered the Pill to me but i choose HRT instead as i always found that taking the Pill in my 20s made me feel ill. Think the hormones were too strong. You may be ok with it though, but there are special warnings with both Pill and HRT if you are a smoker.

[Pinkfrocks]

perkin- they are 2 different things you are talking about.

what you had was premature ovarian failure (POF).


www.healthline.com/health/menopause/causes-early#Overview1

see lifestyle factors.

We are talking of 1-3 years in women who'd normally have meno around 50.

[Chicksville007]

I smoke about 2 to 3 a day and it's mainly down to the fact that I feel so stressed out about how I feel plus have started a diet by cutting out all carbs and sweets, chocolates etc. do you think this would have a huge impact on taking pill?

[Pinkfrocks]

you'd have to ask your GP but tbh a 45 yr old smoker is not the best candidate for the Pill.
I know they allow it up to 50 for women now but that is usually only if you have no lifestyle risks.

If you only smoke 2-3 then maybe it won't be too hard to give it up?