Monica Patel, 52 from San Jose, California talks about her ordeal with early onset menopause, a history of cysts and fibroids and how she handles the complications of menopause
I would like to talk about all three phases perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. I was perimenopausal when I was 37 years old and post-menopausal at 52 years.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go to a doctor?
Below symptoms led me to go see doctor as they seemed unusual. I also had very low energy and always felt very tired no matter what I did like more rest, sleep etc.
- Heavy prolonged periods.
- Hot flashes.
- Night sweats.
- Sleep problems.
- Mood changes.
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism.
- Acne
What tests were done? How did the diagnosis come about?
- Blood and hormone panels
- Ultrasound
- Tracking periods duration at each cycle time
What was your reaction to the diagnosis? How and when did you break it to your family?
I felt frustration and helplessness. I shared with my partner and explained how it can impact our relationship. I let the family know in casual conversation and asked my mother questions along the way about what she had experienced.
I visited an OB/GYN and had a follow up physical exam. This was followed by an ultrasound. I was tested for hormone balance. No medication was required when I was first diagnosed in my late 30’s. I had regular ultrasounds every year and found fibroid and thickening of uterus lining. Next we found cysts on my ovaries.
Were there any complications from the primary condition?
Previously, when I was 33 years of age and I was traveling to Europe on a business trip, I could not keep much food down. Upon returning back home I went in for an ER (Emergency) visit and was immediately asked to get an ultrasound. I was told I had a massive ovarian tumor around my left ovary. Was admitted the next day for abdominal surgery to remove an ovarian cyst (oophrectomy) that had turned into ovarian tumor and it was ~15lbs in weight. It was deemed benign.
I had more symptoms all along as age progressed - month long and super heavy periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, low energy, weight gain and slowed metabolism.
At 39 years of age I went in for an ultrasound and was told I had massive fibroids and thickened uterine wall. I was given the option to have a partial hysterectomy and leave my right ovary intact. I went through it in 2010 right before I turned 40. I did not need HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as my hormone levels were good with one ovary.
What medications are currently on? Pls mention all allopathic, supplemental, herbal and any alternative medicines and indications of each.
None
What kind of specialists (including Physio/ Occupational therapist/ Psychiatrist etc.) do you consult and how often?
I had wrist and ankles issues from normal activities, my doctor sent me to get bone density test and that concluded with the diagnosis of osteopenia.
Osteopenia is when your bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily, which is the hallmark of osteoporosis. Your bones are usually at their densest when you're about 30. Osteopenia, if it happens at all, usually occurs after age 50.
I saw a physiotherapist and an orthopedic specialist to address early onset of osteopenia in my wrists and ankles.
Do you have a family history of this condition? Is it an inherited disorder? Was genetic testing done?
My mother also had early onset and had a full hysterectomy to address fibroids and heavy bleeding at the age of 48 years old.
What changes have you made to your lifestyles because of this condition?
My exercise routine includes:
- LAgree reformer (pilates type) 3 times per week - 40 mins class
- Boxing for cardio once a week for 50 mins
- Strength training 2 times per week for 50 mins
This helps me with sleep and energy levels.
Diet - reduced dairy, gluten, sugar, increased greens and working on eating more protein. Making small changes to also manage post menopausal weight gain.
Related Reading: Management of menopause
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with it all? Did you see a counselor for support?
Photography, travel, having friends over as I love to cook and entertain. Going for walks to get out and get fresh air as I work from home full time.
I see a therapist to address overall mental health due to other factors in my life along with menopause related challenges. A therapist helped me with depression and mood swings during this time, I did CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy and continue to for maintaining good mental health.
Related Reading: Dealing with early menopause
How has your family supported you? Who has been your biggest support/companion through it all?
My mother was with me when I had my oophrectomy surgery at 33 so I could rest and recover while she took care of my 5 year old daughter.
When did you break the news to your friends and relatives? How did they take it?
Overtime and before each surgery, I did speak with my friends and relatives. I am very open about this topic and hope more women will pay attention and increase their awareness on this topic.
Did you inform your workplace? If yes, how did they handle it?
Yes and took enough time off for both surgeries.
What were some of the challenges you faced? Pls mention any specific times and issues that were difficult.
Over the last 20 years I have had weight gain and acne, hot flashes and profuse sweating, vaginal dryness and overall dry skin, brittle nails and thick facial hair. The weight gain and facial acne caused a lot of discomfort. The hot flashes and profuse sweating in public settings caused me embarrassment. Running hot all the time is my biggest problem to date.
The other challenge is also in staying active and eating healthy. As I work from home 100% of the time, my step count often stays below 1000 steps. Usually when I went to work I got in ~10000-12000 steps daily. I recently joined program called NOOM to stay on track for my overall health including weight and increasing activity levels.
What is your present condition?
Post-menopausal, still have challenges with hot flashes and profuse sweating, vaginal dryness and thick facial hair.
What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
Pay attention, address it sooner than later, talk to professionals about your challenges and issues. Be proactive, get bone density tests and exercise regularly. Talk to your daughters about it openly and explain why it is important as they may have the same issues in future.
