I am originally from Spain, but I have been living in the UK for the past ten years. When I arrived here at the age of 33, everything seemed to be going well. However, when I turned 35, I began to experience various challenges. I started having hot flushes, my confidence plummeted, and I struggled with mood swings and irritability. Given my family’s nursing background, I suspected it could be the early stages of menopause. Nevertheless, at the age of 35, it seemed highly unlikely. It felt ironic that these symptoms arose just as my boyfriend and I were contemplating starting a family.
Concerned about these changes, I visited my GP, who agreed that I might be entering the perimenopause phase. However, they informed me that in order to be 100% certain, I would need to go without periods for a year. If I desired to have children, they advised me to undergo fertility tests and hormone treatments. Seeking further opinions, I consulted doctors in Spain, and they confirmed my GP’s diagnosis.
During this time, my personality underwent a significant transformation. I had always been an outgoing, confident, and lively individual, but now I struggled with self-assurance, decision-making, and even questioned my purpose in the UK. My boyfriend also noticed the substantial change in me. Over the next three years, I experienced highly irregular periods, with two periods in the first year, one in the next, and eventually, they ceased altogether at the age of 38. Throughout this period, I coped with hot flushes, mood changes, and depression. I sought psychotherapy through online sessions, which provided some relief. However, after a year and a half, my therapist felt I had made progress and discontinued our sessions, as I appeared to be in a healthier state.
Nevertheless, with a confirmed diagnosis of early menopause at the age of 38, I yearned for an expert who could address my questions and concerns. After conducting thorough research online, I discovered Dr Kalentzi. Following my initial consultation with her, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Dr Kalentzi prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for me. Initially, I started with progesterone for the first six months, then introduced oestradiol. After a year, we added testosterone. All three treatments proved to be life-changing. The first two significantly alleviated my hot flushes and mood swings, and I also employed the coping mechanisms I had learned in therapy. However, it was the testosterone that truly boosted my self-confidence. I even joked with my father that if I used the entire tube of testosterone, I could run for president!
After the initial three months of treatment, I began feeling like myself again. Once I incorporated all three treatments, I fully regained my extroverted nature, reminiscent of the person I had always been. Having experienced an early menopause caught me by surprise, but I am immensely grateful to Dr Kalentzi. Every time I required assistance, she responded promptly and offered her support.
Given that I have aunts who also experienced early menopause, I have made it my mission to tell women about the importance of having a backup plan once they reach the age of 30. In addition to focusing on their careers and financial stability, I recommend that women consider doing an egg count and freezing their eggs if necessary. Life can be unpredictable, and half of my friends have become egg donor recipients for different reasons.