Menopause at 62

[Eviedog12]

Hi all, I'm nearly 62 and am experiencing some of the menopausal symptoms, i.e. flushes, achy joints and itchy skin. My GP won't recognise this as menopause as she says I'm too old and would have been through it by now . She won't do a blood test either.

Are there women here who have had or are having late onset menopause??

[Lara1244]

Hi there

I’m 63 and am still experiencing menopausal symptoms - worse since I had a total a hysterectomy at 59 to cure early stage womb cancer. I have a lot of health conditions I never had before - in addition to the problems you’ve mentioned - I have developed dry eyes, itchy ears, earache, urge incontinence, anxiety, mood swings and low mood, feeling depressed and insomnia. I also have arthritis. I have periods where I feel okay but they don’t last long. Menopause can last for years into old age. I made it my business to learn all I can about the menopause and feel I now know more than some doctors. You need to see another gp - preferably one who is nearer your age who will have more empathy and know more about the menopause. I have been referred to a menopause specialist by my gp and am waiting to hear. I expect to have hrt but want to start on low dose patches first. You can use hrt indefinitely if it improves the quality of your life - it’s all online. And that’s what I want - quality of life as I’m still working.but even if I wasn’t quality of life is so important.

Hope this informations helps

Lara x

[Eviedog12 in reply to Lara1244]

Hi there,

Thanks for replying. I'm still working too and some days feel like a zombie! This is the first time I've experienced these symptoms and the GP has fobbed me off with clonidine, a blood pressure tablet, to help with the flushing. Blood tests came back fine for other things but she wouldn't test for FSH as I'm too old apparently. You're right in that I need to see another GP. From what I've read, menopause can occur after 60, but not according to the GP. I hope you get the results you need from your appt. Good luck.

[wobblybee Administrator]

🤔 What does your GP think is going on if you are still having periods ..late onset menopause can happen. See someone else for a 2nd opinion.

It’s likely you will experience similar symptoms to anyone going through menopause at any time..

verywellhealth.com/late-men...

[Eviedog12 in reply to wobblybee]

I'm not having periods. They finished a long time ago. No symptoms then, but have them now. A bit of a strange one really. I've got endometrial hyperplasia so have the coil but that shouldn't make any difference apparently

[wobblybee Administrator in reply to Eviedog12]

🤔 It is unusual…and very strange not have had the usual menopausal symptoms previously. I hope a 2nd opinion casts more light..

[Lizzo30]

It could be the coil you have that is causing your issues what is the coil called I am guessing you were fitted with the coil to prevent endometrial hyperplasia

Btw it is scientifically proven drinking coffee prevents thickening of the womb

[Eviedog12]

Hi, yes I was. It's the mirena. GP doesn't seem to consider this at all.

[KBird01]

Whilst these are menopause symptoms, they also overlap with many other conditions. You say they've done bloods, but it depends which ones and how they're reading them. 'In range' doesn't necessarily mean optimal.

Did they do ferritin and what were your levels? I had many symptoms attributed to the menopause, but the main thing that helped me was that my ferritin levels were low. Not out of range, but once I started supplementing with iron, 90% of them cleared up within weeks. Itchy skin can be a sign of low ferritin/iron. Look up anaemia on the web for symptoms, but also look up 'iron deficiency without anaemia'.

i believe itchy skin can also be indicative of liver issues. Not to say this is the problem, but I agree with other responders that you definitely need to see another GP. If it isn't menopause, they need to tell you what it is. Good luck! 😊