Hi,
I was hoping to get some information from you wise ones. My OBGYN seems to think that I am in the beginnings of menopause...but, I'm questioning it.

My troubles seem to stem from one ovary that isn't working properly. For the past few years, I'll go through spells with my right ovary when I will skip the period that corrolates to its use. In the past, ths ovary has had small cysts and I've always been able to determine when I'm ovulating on that side- it's fairly touchy.

My doctor had some blood drawn and said my "levels" were 16 on a scale of 1-20 (20 being menopausal.Last year, when this same situation happened, I was an 11.)

He's put me on hormones to stimulate a period...Now, this is my question. If I can determine that I'm only missing my period on the months that I'm trying to ovulate with my right ovary and failing- wouldn't you be more concerned that something is possbly wrong with that particular ovary? Not just blindly trying to "jump start" my cycles?


I'm 39 and have no one left in my family to ask about their menopausal patterns. My maternal Aunt had a hysterectomy and my Mother went through menopause whle takinig chemotherapy for breast cancer that was estrogen- linked. (She took HRT trying not to have to have a hysterectomy and instead fought breast cancer for nine years. She passed away ini '95.)

So, am I wrong to question the doctor's methods or should I request further testing? Or what?

Oh, I do have Multiple sclerosis and I've been told that MS can produce an earlier than normal menopause. I've had night sweats for several years now and I've always chalked them up to the odd personal thermostat that the MS has created in my body. I'm very heat and cold sensitive and it's difficult to find a balance.


Suggestions? Opinions? I'm open to your input.

Thanks!

Anybody?

I'm all ears-

Hi there, could very well be that you've entered the wide world of menopause! You can't tell a THING from the blood tests, at least in my opinion. The way you will know is tracking your own feelings and symptoms. I'm not that familiar with MS so I'm really not sure if what you are experiencing has anything to do with that. BUT.........if your age is in sync with the date in your name (67) then you ARE at the age where lots of women start with the menopause passage!
HUGS!

Thanks for your response...it's good to know not to put too much faith in the blood tests. I'm just skiddish about ovarian cancer -any, cancer really.
I asked my doctor if I should be alarmed that this ovary was cystic (it has been for years) and he told me if it bothered me he could take it out. I then asked what good that would do in the big picture and he really didn't have a response.

I'm trying to be proactive about my care but I don't really know how to go about it.

Again, thank you !!!

Hi Georgia! Since menopause is *ovarian failure* then perhaps your Dr. is just taking it at face value. Since you are coupled with other significant medical situations, perhaps a second opinion would be worthy. Question is does he want to stimulate a period or regulate a period? If you really were getting deep into peri, stimulation dosen't make much sense but then again I've spent 0 time in Med. School.
I can understand your worries over it. Sounds like your concerns are enough to make you nervous and do warrent that 2nd opinion. Keep us posted!
Hugs,
Girlsmom