Premature Ovarian Failure, Anyone? (mildly TMI)

[liberty3701]

So, I turn 31 tomorrow, and it appears that I'm going through menopause.

I haven't been officially diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (sometimes known as early menopause), but both of my sisters and my mother had/have it, though I'm significantly younger than any of them. I have many classic symptoms of menopause -- increasingly wonky periods, low libido, discomfort during intercourse, and, most recently, hot flashes and night sweats (can I just say, WTF?). I don't want kids, so luckily I don't have to deal with that whole kettle of fish.

The reason I haven't been diagnosed is because the women's health people at the student health center (I'm a grad student) are over their heads on this one, but I do have a referral to get a transvaginal ultrasound to check out the old uterus and ovaries, and I'm hoping that doctor can point me to someone competent in this field.

And I have to say, ever since I got my first period, I kinda hoped/prayed that I would get early menopause because menstruation is such a pain, but it's ending up not being the wonderland I hoped for. So I'm looking for some insight from women I'm not related to, and I suppose some support from people going through the same thing. All my friends are around my age, and they can't really relate.

I have a few questions, some of which are about menopause more general:

Are there any resources on premature ovarian failure (and, I suppose, menopause more broadly) that you would recommend? Books, websites, etc?

Have you done hormone replacement therapy? How did that work out for you? If not, why not?

Is there any hot flash remediation that has worked for you?

That's all I can think of right now, but I reserve the right to add more if I think of more.

Thank you!

[Palo Verde]

My mother went through this when she was 37. She warned me about it because she said there was a high chance I would too, and so if I wanted to have children I shouldn't delay too much. Well I'm 44 and no sign of it yet, so I guess I avoided that.

I know she had a hysterectomy and went on hormone replacement, but this was a while ago when both those things were more common, so you need more up-to-date medical information.

http://www.earlymenopause.com/

[liberty3701]

Thanks, Palo Verde. That website is HUGE and will keep me busy for a while.

[ytorres]

Hello, I'm 37 now and was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure back when I was 21. I know how you feel, WTF!? Make sure you get a lab for FHS levels, also Estrogen levels. With an FSH level lab you'll be able to see if POF is what's causing you this symptoms. High FHS levels are a major sign (you shouldn't get high FSH levels unless you're going thru menopause). You can ask for this, maybe your friends can help. You should visit your OB/GYN that way you could get more help.

When I was going thru it I had no one to talk to this about, no one could relate (I was sweating inside the movie theatre when everyone else was using sweaters! lol) I had all the symptoms and felt miserable. What I founf that helped me a whole lot was getting in touch with the POF Support Group http://www.pofsupport.org

They're great! I was even able to go to one of their annual conferences and hear doctors who are doing research on the condition, explain to us about it. The women there are very knowledgeable and have good resources, knowledge is power!

Once you know more about what's going on with your body, get a proper diagnosis, and start learning more, it will be easier to cope with it all.

Hope things get better for you! And keep yourself cool (especially this summer!) Take care, y.

[liberty3701]

Thanks, ytorres! I'm definitely going to pester my doctors, though I'm kind of pissed at them since I've said something was wrong for almost 6 years now. Blergh.

The website looks like what I've been looking for. I have so much reading to do!

And thanks for the perspective. I think that's what I needed most.

[astro]

Find the right state and you might be able to get your transvaginal ultrasound for free!

[liberty3701]

The thought had crossed my mind, Astro. Thanks for the lulz.