Menopause symptoms

Menopause is certainly supposed to happen Esspee but that doesn’t mean women should simply put up with it. We’re at the mercy of GPS who may or may not be aware of the best treatment and there’s a shortage of certain types of HRT - and patches are impossible to get. Can you imagine if this was any other condition? There would be an outcry - but because it’s ‘just’ the menopause it’s no big deal, even though many women suffer terribly from the debilitating symptoms.

GPs

I did not originally say that the menopause was a DISABILITY @endlessstrife. I used that term after you did.
I said that it was a DEFICIENCY just as diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, and should be treated as such. It is indeed the body going wrong in that it no longer produces an essential hormone which is simple to replace given the current state of medical knowledge.
I believe what @notanan was getting at was that, thanks to medical science, we now have the ability to correct medical problems which in the past we had no way of doing. We don’t think of telling someone in need of antibiotics that they shouldn’t have them because it is “not natural”.

@SirChenjin. I disagree that menopause is supposed to happen. I would be more likely to argue that women are not designed to live as long as we now do.
Interestingly enough men who have low testosterone have no trouble getting their HRT prescribed by GPs.

As I had a hysterectomy aged 31 due to cancer in Situ of the cervix, I did not get any real menopause symptoms until I hit 50! Then it was lack of sleep and hot nigh5 sweats that made me realise I had to do something. HRT was wonderful for me and I felt really well on it. Unfortunately, I suffered a pulmonary embolism whilst on holiday in Australia so had to come off all medications whilst they sorted me out!!
Now aged 69, I have rare hot nights but sleep patterns are never good but I can catch up during the day if possible. My advice is that you do nit have to suffer or carry on regardless. See if your surgery/ clinic offers a menopause group. If not, ask for one to be established. Never be a martyr to the menopause. We are all different and cope in different ways. Some recommend black cohosh but it wasn’t for me. Talk to your GP and explain your issues. They are better trained to deal with this nowadays.
Good luck

Apologies Esspee, I meant to type endlessstrife - it was in reference to her earlier comment about how the menopause is supposed to happen

For those of you who suffer with vaginal dryness I suggest you go to your GP. I’ve suffered with it for years until I decided to ask for help. I tried all the over the counter remedies but had no luck there. My GP (a woman) was very understanding and has given me Vagifem. It’s amazing and because it’s inserted directly into the vagina there’s no oestrogen entering the bloodstream. It’s been a Godsend for me!

I'm not sure if it's a menopausal symptom, but my patience for misogyny is zero! I feel more like an empowered woman today than I did before menopause!

Hi ,I was in Asda today and noticed a magazine called 'menopause' it seemed to have some really interesting articles in it, I too cut out all caffeine, that does help a little, hope you find something that helps you ? xx

Welshgirl21 Do hope you are feeling supported by many of the comments on here and knowing you are not alone. I have battled with anxiety and insomnia as well as flushes. Took HRT eventually, delayed due to family history and it has helped, but not out of the woods yet. Keep talking to us on here. Sending you flowers ?

@Summerfly. So glad that Vagifem is working for you.

May I ask where you got the idea that no oestrogen enters the bloodstream from vagifem? When you use patches and gels the oestrogen is absorbed through the skin. With Vagifem you are inserting the oestrogen into your vagina which is rather like the inside of your mouth. It is impossible to prevent the oestrogen being absorbed into your body though it is said to be in smaller amounts than patches.

Acupuncture really helped my aches and pains and now at 59 I’m pretty much pain free.

Good diet low in meat and processed foods is a big help. And recently discovered making a hot oat milk with maca and cocoa really helps you to sleep.

Only my mum really understood what I was going through no man can possibly understand ? it’s a terrible time.

Alioop
How fuvking dare your doctor refuse you HRT. go back to him and demand it.

Seriously - why are women putting up with male doctors refusing them HRT? Would you take your car to a mechanic who can't drive? I have a lovely male doctor at my GP surgery - however if its anything to do with periods, contraception and HRT I see a nice female GP instead. I am 50 and in peri menopause - she said I can stay on the mini pill until at least 55 and then we will see about HRT. Stand up for yourselves ladies - because nobody else will!

@Menopauselbitch. I almost spat out my tea when I read your comment. Bet your doctor is scared of you! ???

@Welshgirl21. Are you feeling any better today?
I hope knowing that so many woman suffer, and lots of us have found a solution, has helped you feel a little less isolated.

Please let us know how you are.

It is not just male GPs who refuse HRT. I have a young female GP and when i asked about using HRT when i was in my early 60's she said No.
I have terrbile issues with my skin and joints which are causing me all sorts of mobility issues. Plus i feel really anxious all the time.I have told my daughter that as she gets to 'that' age go on HRT right from the start, dont try to 'ride' it through like i did. She sees the issues i have and obviously doesnt want to go the same way. Looking back my mum suffered the same things and HRT wasnt available then .

I have had the menopause for about ten years, terrible sweats, aches, mood swings, etc. etc. Recently my GP prescribed a low dose blood pressure tablet and although it has not cured my symptoms the sweats are slightly less.

I've got every pigging symptom going and not suitable for HRT as it gives me thrush. I have enough trouble fighting that off with the dryness as it is. My IBS is also worse since the menopause symptoms ramped up a notch 2 years ago. Mind you, I've lost a stone in the last year due to the fact I can't eat anything fatty. No complaints there!
A decent diet helps, so does plenty of fresh air, gentle exercise (even just walking for half an hour a day), and talking about it to your family and friends. I find a lot of women don't talk about it but it's a huge part of your life. My husband is amazingly patient thank goodness, and keeps me laughing about it.
Stay positive. You're not alone x

My vegan DD put me off HRT when she told me how it was produced but, unlike many of you, my symptoms originally were just hot flushes and occasional unexplainable anxiety. Not too bad really. That began 10 yrs ago, now have dryness, tiredness, complete loss of libido and aching joints so I'll look into the 'natural' remedies. If I'd read advice from someone like Esspee earlier I might have done something earlier. Best wishes, Welshgirl, hope you improve soon.

@justwokeup. No doubt your daughter told you that mares urine was involved in the manufacture of HRT. Please let her know that that was in the dim, distant past.

It concerns me that uninformed people can put off those of us who otherwise could have a far superior quality of life from getting the help that we need.

The natural remedy is oestrogen. That is what your body lacks. Alternative medicine is unproven quackery. If it was proven to work and safe it would become standard medicine.

I would also suggest that you get a bone scan as after 10 years you almost certainly have osteoporosis and there are treatments for that which do not necessarily involve hormone replacement if you still don’t want to try it.

Yes, Esspee it was 10 years ago. I guess things have changed since then. Very helpful advice, thank you.

@justwokeup I've been taking estradiol for 31 years. It is manufactured from soy and yams. I'm sorry your daughter's misinformation has led to the problems you are experiencing now.

I'm 64 and I feel like I have a last burst of hormones!! night sweats, irritable, feeling low and have mood swings......HRT tablets in my early 50's did not agree with me. Was never offered alternatives … Any other ladies dealing with this ??

Welshgirl, wondering how you are doing this wk. I've been checking in to see if you have been around. Hopefully when you see how many of us ladies are chatting about this hateful time in our lives you don't feel so alone. Big hugs