I went for my annual gyn checkup today...I love my doc...he totally "gets it" about menopause! Last summer he gave me a "bleeding chart" to record my cycles...he took one glance, and could see a pattern...after a month that I skipped, he noticed I spotted more--he said that's from sloughing off of the lining. He said will happen more frequently when you have a period AFTER you have a skipped period. I told him I skipped the last 2 months, but that in the last 2-3 weeks I haven't noticed ANY hot flashes, after weeks of them...he said "that means you're going to get a period!!" (hence the sore boobs too!). He's encouraging, kind, knowledgable, etc! Said I was doing great! He said when I've gone 6 months straight with no periods...then we'll talk about BHRT, if I want it. He said after 6 months, when you're really in the thick of it with symptoms (possibly..not necessarily)...that's a good time to make that decision. He's all for going natural, but offered me the help if I needed it.
One interesting note, a symptom he brought up..he asked if during the 2 months I had no bleeding, was I foggy headed?? I said YES! More like extremely "ADD"!! I just thought it interesting that he brought up that particular symptom out of SO MANY!!? He said metabolism would be more sluggish also.
Anyway..I felt good when I left. Am posting this in case it is helpful to anyone. I'm on Day 80 with no period.

You are so lucky. I am happy for you.I have good gyno but old school lol. I wish you the best. Terry. Oh is he a young gyno? They seem to me to have more knowledge from being straight out of school. I'm jealous!!!!! lol

You are so blessed to have a good...a very good...gyno. .

Really pleased that you have found a good doctor in this area. I just wonder why they seem so rare. Recently I went to see my GP for the first time concerning menopause and he was very 'nice' but seemed to dismiss all the symptoms with an embarrassed laugh, which is not that helpful. He also jumped in very quickly with the offer of HRT, seemingly oblivious to all the potential pitfalls and risks. I am sorry but I did not feel 'safe' in his hands. I felt that he just wanted to write me a prescription with no care for my long term health. I still feel very alone with all this.
When you next get to see your Doctor, try asking him what comes next. I have been 6 months without a period and I am most definitely in the thick of things. My question would be, if I go it alone and stumble on, is it likely that things will improve or are all the grotty symptoms that now blight my life, the shape of things to come. I know this is a very difficult question and everyone is different but this guy seems to be able to give good common sense advice. I am keen to hear what he says.


Regards,

XIII

Yes, very blessed indeed!

Yes, I guess I am blessed to have such an understanding KNOWLEDGABLE gyn!! Oh...he's "young" I guess you could say...maybe just slightly younger than me, late 40's, or 50? HA! I know his oldest child is 21! Anyway....I don't see him again for a year (hopefully)...so I won't get to ask him if...after 6 months...the bad symptoms just gradually disappear, or is it like this for the remainder!? Good question! My mind was reeling with SO much to talk to him about yesterday, and there was no way I could have gotten a chance to ask him everything. First of all..talk about foggy thinking...I couldn't THINK of everything to ask him! LOL! Plus, I was nervous, and we made alot of small talk (he's a reserve police officer on his day "off"...my husband just retired from same department...so we talk "shop")......but I know I can call him if I have any questions or problems, and he'll call me back. He's just so reassuring. He DID say it was actually GOOD that I was 54 and still cycling (after I complained!) because, he said, its GOOD for me! That was nice to hear! I told him my mom felt sooo good after being on Premarin for over 30 years. He said of course that wouldn't happen now...but he said it did have its place,and definitely did have its advantages. (He's the one who took my mom off of it, at the age of about 75!)

I should make a list of questions/concerns for my next visit. I went prepared with the bleeding chart he gave me, but nothing else!
Anyway, I love him. I had an ob/gyn once...delivered one of my children...everytime I'd go to see him all he would say during the exam, EVERY TIME, was "this is your vagina. This is where the baby comes out". LOL!!! I think after having 2 kids I kinda KNEW that already?? He was just plain weird.........

Isn't it nice to have faith in your doctor? I love my gyn too. He listened and helped me when I was suffering from severe anxiety a few years ago. He is a real gem.

VERY interesting about the hot flashes. I had major hot flashes for a couple weeks which stopped suddenly. I got my period 2 weeks later. I never knew the connection.