Sue Richards, regular Canadian gal, heats up as her reproductive Best Before Date expires.
Wednesday, 2 November 2005
Not everyone comes to menopause naturally and in their own time.
Sudden or early menopause is common and usually very traumatic for the woman and her family. Sudden menopause can be brought on by or be due to an autoimmune disorder, a hysterectomy, anorexia, chemotherapy, a reaction to medication or radiation.
Women younger than 45, who experience full menopausal symptoms (not perimenopausal symptoms) are considered to be experiencing sudden menopause.
Premature menopause is menopause that occurs before 40 and as a result of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF).
Sudden menopause is as the name suggests….sudden. Hormone levels drop over a period of days, weeks or months. Due to the early and abrupt nature of this type of menopause, more time and attention is required to develop coping strategies that will help alleviate intense symptoms.
Premature menopause is less abrupt but can be equally devastating.
Because of the nature of both sudden and premature menopause the woman will experience a different level of emotional reaction to her situation than someone who comes to menopause in due, natural course.
If the disease or the treatment that is prescribed has contributed to the onset of sudden menopause, (like breast cancer), then the individuals situation is that much more challenging and complex.
Psychological issues will likely need as much attention as the physical. Often, a woman facing sudden or premature menopause has a deep sense of being ripped off, feelings of intense anger and deep frustration.
If you know someone facing sudden or premature menopause, try to recognize the full picture they are facing and act with compassion toward them.
If this is your story, be as kind to yourself as possible. Seek support. Accept help and comfort whenever offered. Breath deeply.
You’ve got a pile on your plate.
Sue Richards
November 2nd, 2005 at 6:23 pm
Hi Sue, I am researching hot flashes (and related subjects) and came across your post, this post. You probably know how easy it can be to get sidetracked online! Just wanted to say that I found your blog quite interesting and wanted to wish you all the best. Thanks! Deb http://www.herbsandnaturalremedies.com
November 4th, 2005 at 3:51 pm
Thanks for your comment and the visit.
I added a posting about your Eat Well to Be Well site on The Breast Views Blog
Sue Richards
January 3rd, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Hi Sue - I am 40 and just had my bambino at 39 - I found out yesterday that I have sudden premature menopause and am in shock. My husband and friends have been wonderful and are helping me through this. I have asked for help at work through our Health & Wellness program and have purchased some books. As an anthropologist I am mourning the progression and rite of passage of menopause. Being thrown straight in is unsettling and shocking - I feel angry and sad and relieved and shocked and angry…I will try and be more kind to myself, your words offered an understanding that I was looking for.
Thank you.
Rani
February 3rd, 2006 at 10:57 pm
[…] Sudden and Premature Menopause Causes of ‘The Pause’. Dealing With Sudden Menopause […]
January 21st, 2007 at 11:32 am
I have just gone through 6 months of hell with sudden early menopause. Finally started HRT 12/1/06 and am feeling better but not back to old self. What a shock it was. Never felt worse in my life. Anxiety, depression, joint aches & pains, terrible fatigue, rashes, severe pelvic pain, etc. Best of luck to all that go through this. It is an unbelievable feeling to get through.
February 22nd, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I stummbled across your blog, looking for answers my Dr failed to answer. I had a complete hysterectomy on Feb 8th due to severe endo, a raging infection, and an 11cm cyst..(not my first of that size). I am 36. The hospital didnt give me HRT until the day I checked out. The day after surgery..I had 2 Dr’s leave my room and a nurse quit her job because of my antics! No one seemed to understand why I was behaving so badly. And these are HEALTH PROFESSIONALS! Upon arriving home I started HRT, only to find out the dosage they had given me was for removal of one ovary! I have had it changed but still dont feel myself. They have me on 1.25 of Premarin daily. I am wondering if my best bet is to request a hormone panel since the Dr doesnt seem to care? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.