Psychological Impact
Women going through a premature menopause are likely to turn first to their GP. However, the journey from there to diagnosis may be a lengthy one. HRT is readily available but the psychological issues are often either not ‘heard’ or are poorly understood.
Premature menopause brings with it a wrenching emotional change along with the physical. Your emotions are already affected by the fluctuating hormones in your body -- and the reality of your condition impacts on your emotions even more. In fact, a study conducted in London found that premature menopause was associated with higher than average levels of depression. The single most upsetting element of premature menopause, according to all the women surveyed, was the most basic: their loss of reproductive capacity. It didn’t make a difference if they had children or not - or even if they had been trying to have children. The sudden switch from fertile woman to irrevocably infertile woman was the biggest blow of all.
Joining The Daisy Network and talking to others with the same condition through our Networker scheme or simply reading about them in our newsletter Update can be a tremendous help in overcoming the feelings of isolation.
Daisy Network members have commented that one of the single most important steps they have taken in overcoming the psychological impact of a premature menopause is by finding and talking to a trained counsellor. Finding the right counsellor may take time but keep trying. Tele-Counselling is a support service we offer exclusively to our members.
Attending our Annual Conference is another positive step you can take. Meeting other women who are in the same situation and chatting about things which your doctor may think trivial, or you are afraid to ask can be a significant benefit. There is also the opportunity to ask experts questions outside of the ‘timed appointment environment’.
For help in finding a specialist infertility counsellor in your area visit BICA .
Depression
For most women, facing the menopause can be a very tough and lonely experience. It seems very understandable that a diagnosis of an early menopause may provoke feelings of worthlessness and uselessness and thus ultimately lead to depression.
Finding someone you can talk to who will listen and support you is vital. But often, it is better that it isn’t a friend or a partner, and a counsellor can fill this role admirably.
If you are worried about depression you should speak to your GP. Your GP’s surgery may recommend one of the associations listed below.
Talking to others with premature menopause can help and The Daisy Network has a Networker scheme in place to help you do just that. Also every new member receives a welcome call (unless they specifically request otherwise) so if you are worried about making that first call don’t be. Alternatively you can use our Daisy Mail service and communicate with others by e-mail. Tele-Counselling is also available on joining.
The following organisations can provide further information and support: