Questions for those who have been through menopause

[RoseRazor]

Ive just finished reading Louise Newsons book on perimenopause and kept breaking down in tears becayse I related to everything. Highly recommend it if anyone suspects peri and wants further clarification. My symptoms are bad today but of course I knew that was coming because my period is due. In fact I think my symptoms are now more reliable at tracking my periods now then my actual period tracker. They’re all over the place atm but you bet, as soon as I feel tit, it all starts. I have quite seriously changed over night since spring. Not just mentally, but physically. I look 10 years older. My life has completely turned upside down. At times I thought I was going mad or schizophrenic or dying!!! I suspected hormones right away because I’d only felt like this briefly after having a baby, but because I was young and still having periods I was open to the professionals suggestions that it was my mental health/stress/heart conditions UNTIL I started to get dry eyes, leaky nips and the hot flushes. Those are massive red flags for me. Then I realised my periods were weird and things were happening in a hormonal pattern. It’s so obvious it’s my hormones but I’ve now suffered 6 months because of them refusing to respect me. 6 months of missing my children growing up, work, special events, flipping out over the silliest of things, feeling broken and ugly, sobbing in my car too scared to drive because I couldn’t concentrate. If only they’d trusted the fact I knew my body better then they did. That’s what this all boils down to. They just assumed I was a silly little woman, flapping, pill chasing, a hypochondriac.

I won’t stop now until they give me HRT. I’m on the war path now. I can’t string a sentence together most days but I’m hoping I can channel all this menopausal rage into something productive.

On the plus side, I’m actually thrilled. I was planning on getting sterilised soon but nature has decided to help me out. Well… I hope… knowing my luck this will drag on until I’m mid 40s!

 

[Notworthy]

I'm in peri, not menopause just yet.

Around 12 mths ago I was having major palpations and spoke to a GP.
I did mention peri and tests and she said that the FSH levels can change daily so unless I was under 30 they wouldn't do those tests. She said that at my age they go on symptoms and that as far as she was concerned with the list I gave her that it was perimenopause.

She took the palpations seriously though and had me in that day for my BP and referred me for a 24hr heart monitor, although she agreed to this after me telling her about my family history.
The cardiologist had no worries at all looking at the results and said it could be age/stress and signed me off.
I still get them now, but not on the same chest crashing scale that I was.

She's right about the hormones fluctuating but NICE guidelines are not to do an FSH test if over 45, duck only knows where the stupid bint got under 30 from

I cannot begin to tell those of you that have been fobbed off by your GPs how much rage I am feeling on your behalf. It's bad enough that we have to endure the menopause but to then be treated like we are idiots is unacceptable. Please all read the NICE guidelines and if anything you've been told by your GP is incorrect, report them.

 

[RoseRazor]

Has anyone used Superdrug to get HRT? I’m just looking online now and they appear to sell both patch and cream through their online pharmacy. Is that the same thing?

 

[ginger tea]

Hi looking for advice, iv got a call with my doctor on Tuesday morning is there anything that I should say ?? Thanks

 

[Notworthy]

Hi looking for advice, iv got a call with my doctor on Tuesday morning is there anything that I should say ?? Thanks

Read the NICE guidelines beforehand. What do you want to get from your GP

 

[ginger tea]

Read the NICE guidelines beforehand. What do you want to get from your GP

I would like to go on HRT, thank you I’ll go have a read

 

[Cupcakemum]

She's right about the hormones fluctuating but NICE guidelines are not to do an FSH test if over 45, duck only knows where the stupid bint got under 30 from

I cannot begin to tell those of you that have been fobbed off by your GPs how much rage I am feeling on your behalf. It's bad enough that we have to endure the menopause but to then be treated like we are idiots is unacceptable. Please all read the NICE guidelines and if anything you've been told by your GP is incorrect, report them.

I'm nearly 47 so that's why she wouldn't run the tests.

The NiCE guidelines are really helpful though, thank you!

Isn't it awful that we have to try and remember all this info to advocate for ourselves when we can barely remember our own names some days!
This is what puts me off going and why I feel that if I wait until my symptoms are even worse then I'll have more chance in getting help

 

[Notworthy]

I'm nearly 47 so that's why she wouldn't run the tests.

The NiCE guidelines are really helpful though, thank you!

Isn't it awful that we have to try and remember all this info to advocate for ourselves when we can barely remember our own names some days!
This is what puts me off going and why I feel that if I wait until my symptoms are even worse then I'll have more chance in getting help

The 1st statement was in response to someone else who was somewhere around 30, Because no one else commented between that comment and my comment to you both comments appeared together.

 

[yeoooo]

Hi looking for advice, iv got a call with my doctor on Tuesday morning is there anything that I should say ?? Thanks

i second the NICE guidelines and maybe have some of your own notes on how youve been feeling

write down what questions you have along with what information do you need from the call

eg night sweats lack of periods
i want to know about HRT and if im able to get some
what are my options and side effects

i always ask the doctor…if you were me what would you ask / want to know

 

[Notworthy]

Not sure if the NICE guidelines were updated a couple of weeks ago. There were some changes but those changes were

i second the NICE guidelines and maybe have some of your own notes on how youve been feeling

write down what questions you have along with what information do you need from the call

eg night sweats lack of periods
i want to know about HRT and if im able to get some
what are my options and side effects

i always ask the doctor…if you were me what would you ask / want to know

I don't think we should be saying IF we can have it, just that we want to go on hrt to improve our quality of life

 

[Jwren]

Research is now showing that going on HRT before your estrogen receptors shut down can significantly reduce your risk of dementia and Parkinsons aswell as other conditions predominately suffered by women so not sure they have anything to be smug about. I think the benefits of taking HRT outweigh the risks considerably

Interesting as I was told by a senior BC specialist as I had breast cysts to avoid HRT if possible (low dose vaginal estrogen doesn’t come with same risks) thankfully I’ve found other things that have made a difference.
Also it’s not discussed enough whilst on HRT if you drink you should limit alcohol as it increases your risk further of BC, as it ups estradiol levels. One of my friends who enjoys a drink mostly at weekends wasn’t aware of this, they kept upping her HRT as it wasn’t working for her and the following year she was diagnosed with BC, thankfully caught early and doing well after chemo.
Also HRT depletes certain nutrients as does OC so it’s important to make sure you replace those nutrients.

The smugness from not taking HRT comes from the same place as the smugness from having a natural childbirth. Not sure why these women want to put themselves on a pedestal, there's no prizes given out.

I‘ve no smugness from not taking HRT but some of us need to be more cautious. I’ve had plenty of symptoms and it would have been easier to go on HRT but personally I’m glad I didn’t, as I would never have known I could improve things without it.
My mother was on HRT patches for around 15 years + and when she came off she went through all the symptoms of the menopause again.

I would say read as much reputable and scientific evidence as you can on the menopause and HRT before you make your decision because at the end of the day it’s your life/body that‘s going through it.

I agree, the benefits of HRT aren’t really discussed. It’s also proven to prevent/lessen a lot of bladder issues such as urgency and UTIs but they never say about that either

Lots of women on HRT still have to take vaginal oestrogen to improve those issues. You don’t have to take HRT to improve those problems and a low vaginal oestrogen cream/gel etc comes with less risk but it all comes down to the individual, their concerns and risks.

 

[House of Tea]

Interesting as I was told by a senior BC specialist as I had breast cysts to avoid HRT if possible (low dose vaginal estrogen doesn’t come with same risks) thankfully I’ve found other things that have made a difference.
Also it’s not discussed enough whilst on HRT if you drink you should limit alcohol as it increases your risk further of BC, as it ups estradiol levels. One of my friends who enjoys a drink mostly at weekends wasn’t aware of this, they kept upping her HRT as it wasn’t working for her and the following year she was diagnosed with BC, thankfully caught early and doing well after chemo.
Also HRT depletes certain nutrients as does OC so it’s important to make sure you replace those nutrients.


I‘ve no smugness from not taking HRT but some of us need to be more cautious. I’ve had plenty of symptoms and it would have been easier to go on HRT but personally I’m glad I didn’t, as I would never have known I could improve things without it.
My mother was on HRT patches for around 15 years + and when she came off she went through all the symptoms of the menopause again.

I would say read as much reputable and scientific evidence as you can on the menopause and HRT before you make your decision because at the end of the day it’s your life/body that‘s going through it.


Lots of women on HRT still have to take vaginal oestrogen to improve those issues. You don’t have to take HRT to improve those problems and a low vaginal oestrogen cream/gel etc comes with less risk but it all comes down to the individual, their concerns and risks.

Hi, what non HRT things have you found worked?

 

[Sideboard Bob]

Has anyone found that treatments for perimenopause/menopause have helped with depression?

 

[Notworthy]

Interesting as I was told by a senior BC specialist as I had breast cysts to avoid HRT if possible (low dose vaginal estrogen doesn’t come with same risks) thankfully I’ve found other things that have made a difference.
Also it’s not discussed enough whilst on HRT if you drink you should limit alcohol as it increases your risk further of BC, as it ups estradiol levels. One of my friends who enjoys a drink mostly at weekends wasn’t aware of this, they kept upping her HRT as it wasn’t working for her and the following year she was diagnosed with BC, thankfully caught early and doing well after chemo.
Also HRT depletes certain nutrients as does OC so it’s important to make sure you replace those nutrients.


I‘ve no smugness from not taking HRT but some of us need to be more cautious. I’ve had plenty of symptoms and it would have been easier to go on HRT but personally I’m glad I didn’t, as I would never have known I could improve things without it.
My mother was on HRT patches for around 15 years + and when she came off she went through all the symptoms of the menopause again.

I would say read as much reputable and scientific evidence as you can on the menopause and HRT before you make your decision because at the end of the day it’s your life/body that‘s going through it.


Lots of women on HRT still have to take vaginal oestrogen to improve those issues. You don’t have to take HRT to improve those problems and a low vaginal oestrogen cream/gel etc comes with less risk but it all comes down to the individual, their concerns and risks.

Nothing to do with HRT at all. Drinking alcohol, whether you take HRT or not, increases your risk of breast cancer. Over the age of 51 there is a 1 in 7 chance a woman will get breast cancer and the things most likely to increase that risk are drinking, being overweight, smoking, not exercising regularly and having relatives that have had breast cancer. You're using research from 2002 that has since been debunked

 

[Jwren]

Hi, what non HRT things have you found worked?

A multivitamin with decent amount of B vitamins, Starflower/cod liver oil, Probiotic and Magnesium. Granted it’s not cheap but I shop around and buy when on sale. There are various forms/types of Magnesium, I take Magnesium Glycinate. Magnesium is important for heart health, bone health, blood pressure etc (lots online about its importance) it’s also depleted by stress and vitamin D. So if anyone is taking Vit D Magnesium is very important, it also regulates vitamin D. Vitamin B is good for MH issues. I also use Blissel gel if I have vaginal dryness, it‘s fairly new and a very low dose of Estriol.

I was suffering from tiredness, depression/stress/crying spells, panic attacks, palpitations, digestive issues, facial flushes and felt I was losing my mind. I appreciate what I take is not for everyone but it’s worked for me, I also try and exercise most days if only going for a brisk walk.

 

[House of Tea]

A multivitamin with decent amount of B vitamins, Starflower/cod liver oil, Probiotic and Magnesium. Granted it’s not cheap but I shop around and buy when on sale. There are various forms/types of Magnesium, I take Magnesium Glycinate. Magnesium is important for heart health, bone health, blood pressure etc (lots online about its importance) it’s also depleted by stress and vitamin D. So if anyone is taking Vit D Magnesium is very important, it also regulates vitamin D. Vitamin B is good for MH issues. I also use Blissel gel if I have vaginal dryness, it‘s fairly new and a very low dose of Estriol.

I was suffering from tiredness, depression/stress/crying spells, panic attacks, palpitations, digestive issues, facial flushes and felt I was losing my mind. I appreciate what I take is not for everyone but it’s worked for me, I also try and exercise most days if only going for a brisk walk.

I don’t take HRT. I take all that you take and more, apart from Blissel. I feel like I am losing my tiny mind at time. The anxiety over nothing is off the scale.

Has anyone taken CBD?

 

[Jwren]

Nothing to do with HRT at all. Drinking alcohol, whether you take HRT or not, increases your risk of breast cancer. Over the age of 51 there is a 1 in 7 chance a woman will get breast cancer and the things most likely to increase that risk are drinking, being overweight, smoking, not exercising regularly and having relatives that have had breast cancer. You're using research from 2002 that has since been debunked

It absolutely has got something to do with it if you take HRT and alcohol you up your BC risk further, it’s why it’s stated on the instructions to limit alcohol when taking HRT.
HRT and alcohol both up oestrogen levels (that’s the point of HRT) which can be a cause of BC.
I think I will take the advice of a Senior BC specialist over you.

It absolutely has got something to do with it if you take HRT and alcohol you up your BC risk further, it’s why it’s stated on the instructions to limit alcohol when taking HRT.
HRT and alcohol both up oestrogen levels (that’s the point of HRT) which can be a cause of BC.
I think I will take the advice of a Senior BC specialist over you.

Another article about HRT and alcohol BC risk.

Nothing to do with HRT at all. Drinking alcohol, whether you take HRT or not, increases your risk of breast cancer. Over the age of 51 there is a 1 in 7 chance a woman will get breast cancer and the things most likely to increase that risk are drinking, being overweight, smoking, not exercising regularly and having relatives that have had breast cancer. You're using research from 2002 that has since been debunked

Unlike you I don’t believe influencers/private menopause experts who often profit from our menopause suffering, nor are they cancer specialists.
Even Cancer Research UK recommend you minimise the time you take HRT to reduce the chances of some cancers.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk

I don’t take HRT. I take all that you take and more, apart from Blissel. I feel like I am losing my tiny mind at time. The anxiety over nothing is off the scale.

Has anyone taken CBD?

Sorry I’ve never taken CBD as I found that Magnesium Glycinate 200/300mg a day helped my anxiety but hopefully someone will be able to help you on taking CBD.

 

[yeoooo]

Not sure if the NICE guidelines were updated a couple of weeks ago. There were some changes but those changes were
I don't think we should be saying IF we can have it, just that we want to go on hrt to improve our quality of life

all medications and treatment should be considered for each patient after an evaluation. The “if” element comes into play for each patient when the medical practitioner weighs up their medical background and other medications that they are taking in line with what they need, side effects etc. just because there is a medication out there it doesnt mean should automatically receive it - its patient focused.

 

[Snowjoke]

It absolutely has got something to do with it if you take HRT and alcohol you up your BC risk further, it’s why it’s stated on the instructions to limit alcohol when taking HRT.
HRT and alcohol both up oestrogen levels (that’s the point of HRT) which can be a cause of BC.
I think I will take the advice of a Senior BC specialist over you.


Another article about HRT and alcohol BC risk.



Unlike you I don’t believe influencers/private menopause experts who often profit from our menopause suffering, nor are they cancer specialists.
Even Cancer Research UK recommend you minimise the time you take HRT to reduce the chances of some cancers.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk

Sorry I’ve never taken CBD as I found that Magnesium Glycinate 200/300mg a day helped my anxiety but hopefully someone will be able to help you on taking CBD.

I just wanted to add, HRT is recommended after cancer treatment for certain types of cancer in women. If it was the case that HRT specifically caused cancers there is no way they would recommend that to those that have already had treatment for cancer.

ETA: that is direct from an oncologist and specialist menopause clinic

I don’t take HRT. I take all that you take and more, apart from Blissel. I feel like I am losing my tiny mind at time. The anxiety over nothing is off the scale.

Has anyone taken CBD?

Yes I love CBD oil i use it everyday, a mint infused one. It’s amazing for anxiety and sleep

 

[House of Tea]

Yes I love CBD oil i use it everyday, a mint infused one. It’s amazing for anxiety and sleep

Can I ask which one you use? it’s a minefield!