Right around age 40 I skipped my first period in 16 years. I got so freaked out I bought a pregnancy test even though my husband had a vasectomy. Of course it was negative. Around that time I had an unexplained 10lb weight gain, my breasts seemed to get smaller, hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods etc. My gyn first did a blood test to check if I was starting menopause and it was negative. He then said the way to know for sure was a uterine tissue sample (which was done in office and sucked). That was negative also. He said he believe it was peri-menopause even though I was young. He mentioned that certain factors like smoking, autoimmune disorders and your mother's start of menopause could indicate when you might start it yourself. I also googled it and smoking and autoimmune stuff were mentioned over and over(I do both unfortunately).
I can't take it anymore. I was talking to my mom and she has had female issues and her doc put her on the lowest dose of the birth control pill. She mentioned that there are just straight up hormones but that the pill was what she was given and she trusted the doc she went to (she is an icu nurse and works closely with docs so I trust her).
I also am terrible with keeping up with my lady part visits. Its been like 3 years mostly because my doc was like " oh well. sucks to be you" and offered no support or suggestions. He is male and I only saw him for three years and do not like the idea of him telling my about my body TBH. I took my daughter this year to the gyn for the first time and for birth control. I love her midwife so I am going to make an appointment with her. What is the likely hood of me seeing her and having her agree with the pill idea? I was on the pill for years so I already know that it doesn't bother me. I also know that the estrogen could help with my lack of labido and dryness and all that other TMI stuff and symptoms described above.
Has anyone else gone through this so young? ( I am 44 now) What ways did you use to treat or cope. The sleeping issues its causing are horrible. Plus I am so forgetful and clumsy! i thought it was just me but the other day I googled it and those things were mentioned as well.
I thought I would be upset with the change as it meant that I could not have anymore children(I do not want anymore) or that my "true female purpose" was going away. I feel nothing of the sort. In fact it doesn't phase me and I wouldn't mind being rid of the whole situation.
Please share your advice and story or support.
Thanks.