I can't believe that at 52y old (today!), I still am not ready for this! I have had my FSH tested several times over the past 2 years, and my FSH was always 7-8, my E2 around 183 (CDN), 50 (US), my cycles were normal, unchanged. My OB/gyn told me I had years yet before menopause hit.

Suddenly this cycle, my b/w came back with an FSH of 25 and an E2 of only 39 (CDN), 10 (US)! Despite the fact that I was still on day 3 of my period, my dr pronounces me in menopause! Which is ridiculous - the definition of menopause is one year without periods! Peri-menopausal - definitely, but not in menopause yet...

I started using bio-identical progesterone two years ago, but found it wasn't as helpful as promised. Finally I found using Prometrium suppositories & the cream together helped. But now my estrogen is so low, it is causing me problems & a lot of headaches, so this cycle I will start with the estrogen cream.

Happy Birthday, Katrinka!!!!

I really can't offer any advice on the bio-identical issue. I do have a question, when you said the Prometrium helped, what kind of symptoms did you have? Are you just starting the estrogen cream or have you taken it in the past. I'm curious because I need some help with my hormones as well.

Hi Katrina - Many happy returns (without peri symptoms!). Are we ever ready for the rotten symptoms peri throws at us? I think not.

I am 44 - when I had my first FSH/LH bood test last year my Dr told me I was post menopause - I tried to remonstrate about 12 months period free (I had been about 6 months then) but he gaily carried on and started waffling about HRT and stuff - obviously never been on PS!! I cant remember my results off hand but they were grossly raised (much higher than yours).

My next blood test 4 months later came back normal - and the test I had about 2 months ago was grossly raised again (and I am 5 months no bleed now)

I am not taking any hormones atall but am hoping to source some advice re bio-identicals soon - although not easy in the UK. I took HRT for just over 3 months last year and it didnt help atall - the progesterone part of the cycle made me feel even worse - so I stopped it.

I am exercising, eating a healthy diet, doing yoga and meditation etc etc etc - BUT my symptoms are unchanged - my health regime is helping me cope with the symptoms rather than getting rid of them. Ho - hum - it is just a waiting game I guess!

I hope you find a hormone mix which works for you

Mele