Blood work is in..... No menstral periods

[Downrivergirl]

I am writing again, because I now have my blood test results back, and still dont really have any answers.. Was hoping someone could give me a little insight, on what just might be happening.. I am very concerned.. and not sure if I should be worrying myself sick over this.
39/F No period in 7 months. pelvic and paps came back fine. I had my tubes tied 8 yrs ago.. not pregnant. I don't feel that I am under an excessive amount of stress.
The dr. did blood work. and here are the results.

Estradol  42
FSH  64.4
LH  38.6
Prolactin 14.4
TSH  1.177
Testosterone 23

I do have an appointment, for a second opinion, but not sure if it is really necessary.. All I know is that I am very worried because of my age, and not having a regular cycle anymore.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. From your blood tests, it looks like you are entering menopause.  Given your age of 39, this is called premature menopause meaning it is before the age of 40 which is the youngest age menopause usually occurs.  Your estrogen level is still in the low normal range, but over the next few months to one year, that level may become lower and you might find that you have symptoms such as heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, sleep difficulties or hot flashes.  All of these are common and can be treated with either low doses of estrogen or alternatives to estrogen.  It is also possible that these symptoms won’t happen to you but at least some of them do occur in about 75% of women.

The main thing that is at issue is having children.  That is likely not going to be possible now, but since you had your tubes tied, that is likely not going to be upsetting to you.

You might have a period again, but it will likely come less often, maybe in 3 months or more, or not at all.  Most women with the hormone values you have won’t have regular periods again.  All of this is normal; it is just happening a few years sooner than it does in the majority of women.

The important things to do now are to get a bone density to see how thick your bones are.  When menopause is starting, bones lose calcium rapidly for about 3 years.  Be sure to go on a calcium supplement and try to exercise 30 minutes 3 to 5 times each week.  Talk to your doctor about a plan to treat symptoms if they come. There is definitely nothing to worry yourself sick about.  But it can be a time to plan ahead and just be aware of what is happening.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD

[Bonnie B.]

Hi.  There is a website called earlymenopause.com which is very helpful for any woman who thinks she might be experiencing menopause before the age of 40.  The women on there seem to really know a lot, and are  very supportive of one another.