Hi there,

I have posted a few times and got good advice re various symptoms regarding peri menopause etc.

I recently had a blood test which showed that my hormones are "okay" atleast thats what the receptionist said!! Not sure quite what that means but I havent had time to make a Docs appt to discuss it properly.

I havent had a period for a few months now but they tend to be very irratic these days. I am 48 so I guess its to be expected.

What I wanted to ask advice on is this.... my dear mum had a hysterectomy at 39 but her ovaries were left intact. She has had a terrible menopause and is still experiencing hot flushes at the age of 82!!!!!!

She has never been able to take HRT for medical reasons and over the years has had breast, bowel and bladder cancer but at the moment is cancer free thank god!

Does it follow that I will probably have prolonged hot flushes like my mum did? I wont be able to take HRT either I dont think and dont really want to as there is an increased risk of breast cancer and I already have a slightly higher risk cos of my mum having had it.

I dont think I am having hot flushes as such at the mo although sometimes I do feel really hot but from what I've read and from what my mum has told me, its nowhere near as bad as that.... yet!!

I find it quite embarrassing to discuss menopausal symptoms, I dont know why, its almost like I feel ashamed! Thats so ridiculous I know!

Any advice or life stories appreciated!

Love

Hi Icepop,

I think that we tend to follow our mums with the general timing of starting menopause but it doesn't follow we will get the same levels of suffering as our mums. My mum went through hades, I had very few problems. In fact, all I got problems with are the hot flushes.

I can't take HRT myself but, along with others on this board, managed the flushes with herbal treatments. The only reasons i am having my current trouble is because I take prescribed medication which cases symptoms of the menopause. ie. hot flushes lol! And some women never get them. I didn't get them until I took this wreched medication or had caffiene.

Don't feel embarrassed, we are all going through it her so you are amongst friends.

I am so glad your mum is cancer free now, wonderful news for you all.

Jillxx