I am 27 and have only had three periods over the past 5 years. I had chemo treatments years ago that the doctors had to stop my menses for. After the treatments were done they had problems getting them to start again but after 6 months they did. Then about 5 years ago they stopped. My weight is good and I'm no more stressed than usual and in the best shape of my life. Although I admit that I am happy not to have the irritation of a menstrual cycle, I strangely feel a little less like a woman now. I know that's not true but I still feel that way. My doctor has told me that my FSH is low to non-existant and this has triggered my early menopause. She also told me that it has been so long that this process is now irreversible. Is she correct that I can never have a child now?:( Are there any other things that I need to watch out for in menopause. Please advise my mother is only just starting to go through menopause and my grandmother died years ago. Please help me. I'm a little over my head here and I'm going through something that I shouldn't have gone through for another 30 years or so.

Hi,

I went through chemical menopause three times for varying periods. The first time I was 18. I think you have to do whatever you can to prevent what every menopausal woman is at increased risk for: osteoporosis, heart disease, high LDL, weight gain, depression, and vaginal dryness are the ones I can think of. You should periodically get your bone density and cholesterol levels determined as well as your bp. Problems can be corrected or improved with drugs and exercise. I really think you need to see a gynecologist or internist who specializes in women's endocrinology. If you live near Toronto I can suggest one good doctor.

What has your doctor said about hormone replacement? You can even take that and avoid getting a period. Was hormone replacement judged a relapse risk? I don't know about pregnancy but remember that women in their mid to late sixties have become mothers after IVF recently, and they were certainly menopausal.