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Early premenopause/menopause
I am 38 years old and had a vaginal hysterectomy (removing uterus and cervix but keeping ovaries) for severe adenomyosis in Sept 05. During surgery one of my overies bled a lot and my doc said he had to take a section of it to stop the bleeding. He did not think it would affect its function. Did have quite a bit a post-surgical vaginal bleeding. No problems until about 5 weeks ago, started noticing some slight depression, occasional night sweats and slight vaginal dryness. Over the last 5 weeks, the vaginal dryness has become quite severe with virtually no moisture whatsoever. This has caused a lot of irritation on my labia, etc. It feels okay in the morning with no irritation, but by afternoon/evening, it is extremely dry and slightly irritated/red from no moisture at all. I have also noticed a decrease in libido in the last couple of weeks and wetness during sex has decreased considerably. I have an appointment with my GYN in 3 weeks but thought I would ask your opinion in the meantime. Could this be menopause/pre-menopause? I feel like I am awfully young for this. Don't know my family history since both mom and granmother had hysterectomies (taking overies) at 40 or so. I have tried some lubrication which helps for a short while and feels much better. I have read your archives about Replens, which I will go purchase tomorrow. I am just concerned that at 38, I am hitting menopause or pre? Could you please give me your opinion on this? The thought of this at this age worries me greatly. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
A. Getting some Replens should be helpful. It is over the counter and often helps with vaginal dryness. It does sound like you are going into menopause. The bleeding after your surgery could have been due to your ovary that was bleeding during the surgery, but most of the time it is due to the sides of the vagina where the uterus attached to it. Even if one ovary is damaged, the other one usually continues to provide enough estrogen for most women to wait many years to enter menopause. Nevertheless, a small percentage of women do go into menopause early (before age 40 by definition).
When you go to see your doctor, ask to have a blood test for FSH. Follicle Stimulating Hormone starts to rise as menopause comes closer. Also ask to have a blood test for estradiol and testosterone. If you are entering menopause, discuss risk factors for taking estrogen. Using a small amount of estrogen on your labia will relieve the irritation if the Replens doesn
When you go to see your doctor, ask to have a blood test for FSH. Follicle Stimulating Hormone starts to rise as menopause comes closer. Also ask to have a blood test for estradiol and testosterone. If you are entering menopause, discuss risk factors for taking estrogen. Using a small amount of estrogen on your labia will relieve the irritation if the Replens doesn
Oh, forgot to add that I have been under a great deal of stress lately. I don't know if that is a contributing factor as well.
Thank you for your comments. I hope this is not the case given my age..however, I guess I will deal with it if it is. Yes, I have had all my children so not an issue. What are the risks/benefits of estrogen? I have read somewhere about increased heart attack and stroke? If this is too much of a risk and I am truly going into menopause, what would be my options?
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