My doctor informed me today that I am in menopause at 39. This has been going on since I was 35 when I had fertility issues including diminished ovarian reserve and smaller ovaries. I was a little insulted at how she pitied me and said she could only help if I was have hot flashes or depression. My sex life is at a loss and there is nothing she can do to help. Feeling frustrated with my doctor! Blessed we were able to have 2 kids at least!
Hugs and welcome my dear!
I'm very sorry to hear how your doctor handled talking to you about what was going on and that she doesn't seem to have any advice on how to help. I too was diagnosed with early menopause at 39 and when my doctor told me she was very shallow and callous. I went away from that appointment frustrated, confused, sad, and angry! I needed another opinion...or at least another person to talk to! And I'm happy to say that was one of my best decisions...my new doctor is wonderful. She asks so many questions and tries to "figure" things out for me. She's currently running some additional tests to see if my ovaries are starting to work again. (having monthly bleeds on continuous bioidentical hrt) It is interesting to me how it seems more and more women are going through menopause earlier--- I mean what's in our diet or environment that may be contributing? If you're in the Milwaukee or Waukesha (WI) area I'd be happy to recommend the Women's Health physician I see. Also very happy to hear you've been blessed with 2 kiddos! :)
Hello, I live in Montreal Quebec. It is not Toronto, but we are very close. I am also passing through the situation. I am 36 years old and diagnosed with Antimullerian Hormone almost indetectable, almost menopause. I have been feeling really bad, with headaches, vaginal dryness and a lot more anoying situations. I don`t have children. I am married and it has been very hard for me too. I believe that the HRT is the best option for our situation. Are you taking it? I hope you are doing better. Regards, Catalina.
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Hi Catalina, I'm sorry to hear about how you've been feeling. I too had a lot of crummy symptoms from headaches, hot flashes, achy joints, to brain fog...you name it, I had it. Yes, I am taking HRT. I started a little over a year ago and it has made a world of a difference for me--mentally and physically. My doctor prescribed bioidentical hormones (Vivelle Dot .75 and 100mg of micronized progesterone). Bioidentical basically means that they are the exact type of hormone that our bodies make and are familiar with. I was pretty concerned about side effects and so I sought a second opinion and asked a TON of questions. After must thought and prayer, I decided to go ahead and take the hormones. I will admit, some days I struggled with the decision and would take off the patch, then skip a pill at night to offset the other. But in the end, I found the medication to be more helpful than bothersome and after being on them for several months...currently have no negative side affects. I really found my current doctor to be helpful...always willing to discuss stuff with me. Are you happy with your current doctor? What have they recommended? If you're still desiring children, has your doctor mentioned anything that they can do to help? If you're not already taking a good multivitamin, vitamin D, calcium, and either eating plenty of fatty fish--or taking a fish oil pill...I would try that. I was never a fish eater and I may've mentioned in an earlier post, I was a big soda drinker...not sure if any of that had anything to do with my condition but I realized that truly getting the best stuff in our bodies can only help us. I am saying a little prayer for you! I hope you too are feeling better. Let me know if I can help with anything else! :) Michele (Peony1)
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Hello, Michele! Thank you so much for sharing with me your experience! This gives me hope for starting with more confidence the HRT. I am going to mention the hormones you are taking to my doctor. To be honest with you, I don't like the gyn doc i have, but in Montréal it takes a lot of time to wait for an appointment with any doctor. I have to be patient. I am In waiting list for a gyn with endocrinology experience. I decided with my husband that we are not going to have children. It's ok with me. I am an early childhood educator and blessed with having a lot of kids around me all the time! I know that having your own kids is different, but at least I feel in some way complete with my job as an educator. Good thing, I love fish! I don't smoke. Bad thing, I haven't exercised in a long time! I need to start working out again, going to the gym, yoga classes and meditation helps too! I will also ask the doctor about the calcium you say, it's super important! Well, keep in touch! I hope to talk to you again. Kind regards, Catalina. By the way, I wanted to ask you if the hormones regulate the metabolism too? Like body metabolism? Thanks for sharing that.
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@Cata Hello Catalina, I’m happy I could help you. We have some trouble with getting in with a new doctor around here as well…funny thing was I originally was going to have to wait even longer for my first pick, but when I chose my current doctor I didn’t have to wait too long, and personally I think I got the better one! Who knows for sure, but I’m very happy. I’m glad you’re seeking someone you’ll feel more comfortable with. It sounds like you’re off to a great start with how you eat and what vitamins you take. I find exercise to be helpful on many levels–that I think has helped my metabolism, but I do think the hormones did as well. I lost 15 lbs since starting them…I felt so much better that I actually wanted to go to the gym again, so along with exercise I also watched my calories a little more. Before I knew it I was losing weight. I’m a healthy weight now, so I’m not actively trying to lose. Keep in touch too! I would love to hear how your appointment goes. Take care, Michele
Thank you ladies for your support and sharing your experiences. I have not tried hormones as of yet. My worst problem right note is depression and anxiety. So I am going on an anti-depressant. I an hoping that will help for now. If not I will have to find another doctor. Best wishes and happy holidays ladies!
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@mwa1215 Hi there, I have a good friend who went through menopause right at the age 50 and she explained it to me that literally overnight she had intense feelings of depression and anxiety. It was so unlike her usual personality that she thought she was going crazy. Her doctor prescribed a medication that is considered “serotonin” uplifter…and since she’s started that she’s felt 100% better. I hope you find relief from your symptoms with your medication. If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you? Are you in menopause or perimenopause? There are so many things that can help, keep talking to your doctor and let them know how you’re feeling. Best wishes & Happy Holidays to you as well! Michele
@peony1 I will be turning 40 in two weeks. I haven't had a period in about 6 months. My bloodwork came back showing my FSH in a menopause range. I started on cymbalta this week and already notice improvement in my mood and anxiety! Next challenge will be my middle of the night hot flashes! Wish my mom was still alive to ask her questions and have someone who understands.
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@mwa1215 I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. That must be tough. Do you have any other aunts or cousins who could talk to you about family history and such? You can always talk to people like me on this site! 
We sound like we have similar paths. I too was diagnosed when I was 39 and without a period for 6 months. My FSH was 90…hence menopause. I had always felt a little anxious and to be honest with you I was wondering if my whole problem was due to being “stressed” “anxious” or depressed. Its crazy how hormones and everything all affect our day to day lives. The thing that helped me with my hot flashes was starting on HRT. I kid you not, the moment I started wearing the patch I felt different. It helped me in a lot of ways. My doctor who is a women’s health & wellness MD recommended the bioidentical type and told me that to help keep my bones as strong as possible, I should really consider taking the hormones until I’m closer to the ‘normal’ age of menopause (age 50). I was very nervous about taking them, because of all the risks you hear about, but I had to way the pros and cons and I’ve decided to go with what my doctor has recommended. I trust her. I hope you find relief for your hot flashes and I’m so happy to hear your feeling better! Take care-Michele