Early Menopause - Personal stories

These stories are of a personal nature written by individuals with early menopause and with their express permission. The Foundation takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content, or any of the actions, experiences or concepts described by the writer; nor does it necessarily endorse or recommend any of the treatments, products or services that may be referred to. If you are concerned about your health in any way it is advisable that you speak to a health practitioner.

Karen

My story is...I was 28 years old. I already had two beautiful children, one of each. So I guess in a way, you could say I was lucky!

The trouble started when I tried and I tried... and again tried to fall pregnant for what I thought would be the final time. Looking back it was a very frustrating time for all.

I had missed periods, so off I went to do a home pregnancy test only to come up negative. Then off to the doctor convinced that 'this time I must be pregnant', only to have my doctor put it (missed period) down to stress and it will happen when it happens.

Needless to say this went on for some months. Then there was the depression, mood swings and hot flushes - my god! I started to see a counsellor who thought I had post natal depression. After all, my little girl was only two years old and a handful at that. We put the hot flushes down to anxiety attacks.

By this stage I was in severe depression and felt totally out of control. I went on antidepressants for a while but that wasn't really my thing.

Close to one year after I had my very first symptoms, I was diagnosed with early menopause at the age of 28. The youngest age my doctor had seen personally.

I still find it difficult to talk about. You could say embarrassing and ashamed leap to mind. But as I mentioned earlier, I do realise I am one of the lucky ones because I was able to have two beautiful children. If I'd left it a few years later, then I might not be so lucky.

All the same you still can't help feeling a little bit cheated and envious when sitting with the kindy mums having a coffee and the conversation goes like this, “I’m going to have another one when Tommy goes to pre-school, what about you?”

I just smile and reply, “No more for me”.

Maree

In the early days Maree sat in consulting rooms and heard the same comment: "You could not be menopausal - you're too young. It's all in your mind".

Maree was diagnosed with premature menopause when she was in her early 20's. At a time when most women are thinking about starting a family Maree was coming to terms with infertility.

"I always knew I was different. By the age of 17, I had only menstruated twice," says Maree. "Back then, I didn't dwell on this abnormality because other things were happening in my life, like starting a career."

Maree was eventually diagnosed with premature menopause in her early twenties, soon after she arrived in Australia.

Managing early menopause

Over the past 15 years (since she was diagnosed) Maree has tried the whole range of hormone replacement therapies (HRT), as well as complementary therapies.

"I began researching and looking for treatment options not available in Australia".

"I told my (future) husband that I didn't think I could have children, but that did not deter him. My husband has been a great support and accompanied me on my journey. In fact, if it had not been for him, I know I would have crumbled a long time ago."

"Many people suspect my condition, but because premature menopause is a closed issue, they don't like to ask. And, I don't rush in and confide in others. If my work colleagues knew I was menopausal and unable to have children, then they would feel uncomfortable, especially talking about their children. In these subtle ways, my condition always impacts on what I am doing."

Maree reports that she takes one day at a time and continues to seek treatment which can effectively manage her symptoms.

Please note:

Karen

Maree

Managing early menopause