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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Menopause or not?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Menopause or not?
by Out of answers, May 15, 2003 12:00AM
Back in January of this year I had my gallbladder removed and since then I haven't had a menstrual cycle. I was having a slight round of hot flashes and night sweats, but nothing real major. I went to have lab work done, which showed definitely I was in menopause. The doctor said my FSH was extremely high so he put me on Estrogen Therapy. I started my period last week after almost 5 months of not having one. I went 7 days, which the first 4 days were real heavy. After it was over and to this day a clear mucous type systance has been coming out. I was wondering about if I should be worried about that and the fact if you think I am not going through menopause since I started my menstrual cycle finally. Someone told me sometimes your menstrual cycle can be delayed because of surgery and since that is what started the delay. I don't understand tho why blood work showed menopause. I will add to you that I just turned 41 last month, which I am young for menopause, but I hear does happen. I really haven't had any other symptoms, maybe alittle bit moody and would cry at drop of hat when I was on period. Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 16, 2003 12:00AM
, May 16, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
A high FSH does suggest menopause. Although it occurs around age 50, there are cases where it starts as early as age 40.
The symptoms you are describing may be due to peri-menopause (i.e. the transition into menopause). As a result, menses become irregular, and heavy breakthrough bleeding, can occur during longer periods of anovulation. Thus, vaginal bleeding becomes unpredictable in both timing and amount.
You may also want to reconsider going on estrogen replacement therapy. Recent data has contradicted previous reports of benefit. Estrogen therapy has now been linked with an increased incidence of heart disease and breast cancer.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
A high FSH does suggest menopause. Although it occurs around age 50, there are cases where it starts as early as age 40.
The symptoms you are describing may be due to peri-menopause (i.e. the transition into menopause). As a result, menses become irregular, and heavy breakthrough bleeding, can occur during longer periods of anovulation. Thus, vaginal bleeding becomes unpredictable in both timing and amount.
You may also want to reconsider going on estrogen replacement therapy. Recent data has contradicted previous reports of benefit. Estrogen therapy has now been linked with an increased incidence of heart disease and breast cancer.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Can I ask you what your FSH level was? I'm 30 ( no kids yet) and one doctor I went to said I could be going into menopause or at least peri-menopause and another doctor said I have a problem with my hypothalmus which basically means when I want to have kids I'll have to take shots to make me ovulate... I desperatly want to have children so it would be devestating to me if I was in menopause.
Thanks,
Jen