Help menapuse at 44

[maw13]

I have been experiencing hot flashes since my early 30's well after I had my son @ 35  (our 1st) I was still having problems w/ bad PMS and night & hot flashes. I went Tues for my annual I explained to my dr that I stop taking my bc on my last cyle on 10/3 so I could be tested for menapause, she said I was to young. I explained that it was like I was having PMS syptoms-cramps, bloating, moody, and The week before even after a week after my period I was feeling Lower abdominal bloating, and my insides felt sore like a ache or raw. I just wish I knew why I felt this way.my bloating is better today and my insides don't ache as much. I am having a bowel movement everyday not a "normal" for me i contribute that to PMS.....Doctor could you help me and at least explain some of these things going on. I would be very very grateful.......THANK YOU

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

There is no test for menopause.  The difficulty with checking hormone levels (specifically FSH and E2) is that they fluctuate such that a woman may appear menopausal or nearing it on one day and pre-menopausal on another.  If you are still having regular cycles off the pill checking a day 3 FSH and E2 may be helpful to determine how much life your ovary has left in it.  The higher the FSH the closer you are to menopause.  

Another thing I wanted to note is that it is odd for you to be having these symptoms while on the pill.  The pill contains estrogen and progesterone (like HRT) except in much higher forms.  So,I'm always uncertain what to make of a patient who complains of menopausal symptoms while on a birth control pill, because they are receiving the treatment that would be prescribed to a post-menopausal woman in much higher doses.  

I'd encourage you to continue to document your symptoms and speak with your ob/gyn about how they are evolving.  Hopefully, you and your physician will sort this out and get you feeling better.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[Alaina49]

Ask your ob-gyn about peri-menopause and having your hormone levels checked. My sister had the same thing happen to her in her thirties and she was put on HRT.  As I say to all my female friends, it is your body, you have to be your own advocate.  There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion if you are not satisfied with answers of your current ob/gyn.  But I am not a doctor, just a woman who wishes you the best in health care.

Alaina