General Chat

heres the rest of it............ Other later menopause symptoms include effects from changes in collagen production, a protein in skin, hair, nails and tendons. As its production is affected by falling oestrogen levels, the skin may become dryer, thinner, less elastic, more prone to bruising and skin itching may occur. Occasionally, a 'crawling' sensation may be experienced but it is unclear whether this is due to skin changes or changes in the peripheral nerves. Skin symptoms often respond to oestrogen replacement, but some women have developed skin itch when taking HRT. In this situation, a change in type or route of HRT may help. Hair thinning, dryness and the growth of unwanted hair can be explained by the lack of oestrogen and the relative excess of androgens in the menopause (the adrenal glands and the ovaries continue to produce some androgens including testosterone, the effect of which is no longer overridden by oestrogen). However, hair loss may be more dependent on age rather than hormone related and response to HRT is unclear. Thyroid disease and iron deficiency can also cause hair loss and should be considered, particularly if there are other clinical signs. Susie xx

Anne think someone said before you can get a kit from boots that tells you if you at the stage yet . Don't quote me on that though could of got it wrong. Oh add forgetfulness to the symptons as well (no I'm not joking)

Anne - could be the start of things, keep a note and see your doctor later on, at some point you can have a blood test to be sure. Could be down to stress or emotion too. Take care, and good luck with having an easy time. Liz

Just found this honey on a sight menopausematters*co*uk Why do menopausal symptoms occur and what can we do about them? Menopausal symptoms, which affect about 70% of women, are believed to be due to the changing hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, but many factors such as diet and exercise, lifestyle and other medication can influence the symptoms. Therefore, for some people, life-style factors such as reducing/stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, reducing caffeine intake, reducing stress, eating healthily and taking regular exercise can considerably help the symptoms of menopause. For others, HRT can be very beneficial, and indeed menopausal symptom control is the main indication for using HRT. If HRT is taken for symptom relief only, a trial period of stopping HRT is recommended every 2 years or so to assess whether or not treatment is still required. If, on stopping HRT, it's found that menopause symptoms recur then treatment can be restarted if it is felt that the benefits outweigh the risks. Alternative therapies may also be considered for menopause symptom control. When do menopausal symptoms begin? Many women notice early symptoms while still having periods, when the hormone production is declining very gradually. This stage of gradually falling and fluctuating hormone levels is often called the 'climacteric' or the 'change' and often begins in the 4th decade and can last for several years. Because ovarian function fluctuates, women may experience menopause symptoms intermittently. Some women experience an early, or premature menopause following which, symptoms may occur immediately, depending on the cause. Immediate onset of menopause symptoms often follows a surgical menopause. The duration of 'early' symptoms is very variable from a few months to many years and the severity varies between individuals. What are the symptoms of menopause? Early menopause symptoms include Physical, Sexual and Psychological problems. Physical symptoms include: Hot flushes Night sweats Palpitations Insomnia Joint aches Headaches Flushes and sweats (known as vasomotor symptoms), are due to altered function of the body's temperature control. They can occur without warning but may be precipitated by a hot drink, alcohol, stress or moving between areas of different temperatures. Headaches, palpitations (sensation of heart racing) and dizziness may be associated with vasomotor symptoms. Insomnia (sleeplessness) or disturbed sleep (leading to tiredness and fatigue), may be partly due to the night sweats, control of which can lead to an improved sleep pattern. Joint aches commonly occur, often affecting neck, wrists, and shoulders but recognition of their possible association to menopause is often lacking. Psychological menopause symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty coping and forgetfulness may be related to hormonal changes, either directly or indirectly e.g. due to sleep disturbance. However, other life events such as worry over elderly relatives, teenage children, and pressures from work commonly occur around the time of menopause and may contribute to such 'symptoms'. Sexual Problems may be caused by vaginal dryness due to low oestrogen levels, resulting in discomfort during intercourse. Effective treatments are available. As both men and women get older, interest in sex may decrease but this particularly affects women. Treatment of other menopausal symptoms may indirectly improve libido by improving feelings of well-being and energy levels, e.g. by improving sleep through control of night sweats, but restoring hormone levels can also improve sensation. Relationship problems have an obvious effect on libido, so hormonal treatment may not always be the 'magic' solution! Later menopause symptoms are due to the effects of oestrogen deficiency on the bladder and vagina and include : Passing urine more often by day and/or by night Discomfort on passing urine Urine infection Leakage of urine Vaginal dryness, discomfort, discharge, burning and itching Download the After Menopause Booklet (pdf. 350k) Vaginal and bladder symptoms are very common and can cause significant distress yet are often under-reported and under-treated. Women are frequently too embarrassed to discuss these problems. Very effective treatments are available and should be discussed. For vaginal dryness, non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers may be used. For bladder and vaginal symptoms, local vaginal oestrogen (tablet, cream, pessary or ring) can be very helpful. Low dose, vaginal oestrogen can be used when systemic oestrogen is inappropriate and can be continued in the long-term without any known adverse effects. Vaginal oestrogen may be required in addition to systemic HRT since in some women, the systemic HRT, although helping symptoms such as flushes, may not be sufficiently helpful for vaginal symptoms. more.........

Thanks Deb - that looks like a good site :O))

hellooooooooo fair one there is this web site that may answer your questions: www.*menopause-online.*com/ Just remove the * Hope it helps -x-

Anne Sounds about right will get longer between or more often no reasoning to it. Mind you 48 is a normal one for me hence hubby always thinks I'm preggers he should be so lucky as to get near me.

What about the 'mechanics' (if you know what I mean) ?? Day 48 and still counting :O((( Feel like pooh ...........

Anne Headaches, Hot flushes tearful for no reason

Julie - been having hot flushes since I was 36 lol

Not being at that stage yet I can only mention what I have heard other people say ie hot flushes, night sweats. Juliexx :-)

........ does it kick in - does the age you 'started' as a girl relate to what age you finish ??? What are the signs ???