Hi everyone,
Im new to this site, and this is my very first posting.
Im just wondering if anyone knows whether undergoing IUI treatment can prompt early menopause?
Im 44 years old and was first diagnosed as going through early menopause in Oct 03.
Approximately one year or so before this diagnosis my husband and myself underwent IUI treatment in order to become pregnant. According to the doctors my ovaries etc. were all in perfect functioning order. The problem we had in trying to conceive was apparently due to my husbands sperm mobilty.
Therefore I was just wondering if the IUI treatment could have be at all responsible in triggering my body into going into early menopause?
Would really appreciate any feedback.
Thanking you in advance.

Possum,

I'm so sorry you've gotten no replies to your question! I just came on after being away on vacationfor a week, and want you to know that I can feel the concern you have for being thrown into early menopause.

You know, these kinds of things are impossible to tell, really. There are women on this site who are in their early 30's, and going through natural menopause, while others are almost 60, and still having regular periods.

I feel for you, trying to become pregnant, and now finding that this may be more difficult with an early menopause.

Wishing you well - maybe someone will come in with more specific experience in this to share. It's amazing the degree to which hormonal changes can affect our lives.

Wishing you well,

JJ

Thank you for your reply JJ. It's greatly appreciated.

However, unfortunately the chances of my becoming pregnant are virtually nil.

The reason being is that I have a Mirena IUD inserted in order to provide me with progesterone.

Having tried various forms of progesterone, I've found that the Mirena has the least amount of adverse side effects and seems to be the only form of progesterone that my body can tolerate taking.
Im also on Estaradot patches (Oestradiol 150 strength dosage).

I just wish someone could tell me what caused my body to go into early menopause. I keep thinking, "was it something I did"? "could I somehow prevented this from happening"? "why me"?
So many questions, and no answers...

I dont know...all I do know is that I feel so sad and so empty, as though my life serves no meaning. What do I have to look forward too? Not much really...I feel as though I have aged ten years overnight after that day that I was diagnosed as being in early menopause. I feel as though my body has failed me, and there is nothing that I can do about it. I feel so helpless and still grieve about the real me that died that day.
If only there was a way that I could bring the real me back...but I know that she's gone forever and it still saddens me to think about it.

I apologise for the depressing nature of this posting. I guess, that Im still trying to come to terms with whats happened to my body and to try and make some kind of sense of why this has happened...

Thank you for your well wishes, and thank you for allowing me to express how I am feeling...

possum

Hi Possum,

It breaks my heart to hear you saying that you feel your life has no meaning... The disappointment at not being able to have a child must be HUGE - I can only imagine.

It is so hard to say why people start menopause at all different ages. To some degree, it is genetic, altho' not in all instances - many women start at about the time their mothers did.

I don't really feel there's anything I can say to ease your loss. I hear how hard it is, and do pray you will find your way into a new place. Sometimes life is just really, really tough.

Best wishes dear Possum,

JJ

I'm sorry, Possum. I know others in the same boat - unable to bear children. What are your feelings on adoption? For some, that has been the way to go.

Possum, although the cause of my infertility was different, I certainly know how you feel. I went through five hellish years trying to conceive, without success. I felt the same hopelessness and lack of reason for living that you do. I read someplace where infertility was described as "cancer of the soul" and I'd have to agree with that assessment.

Anyway, I had IUI, along with IVF and took TONS of fertility drugs, but it didn't cause early menopause, so don't beat yourself up.

My husband and I did turn to adoption and it truly is the best thing that we ever did. We have three incredibly wonderful sons and I can honestly say that I'm glad I never got pregnant because these guys clearly were meant to be part of our family.

Good luck to you!!!