Bad temper!

I usually let DH know that I'm feeling in a bad mood so he knows to brace himself for flames when they come! It helps him a bit and he's more supportive. I also take myself off for a short walk to cool my temper.

Unfortunately night sweats are the bane of my life and I'm having to sleep in another room so that I can have a bed to myself and it's easier to find a dry patch of sheet. Poor DH.

I've not started HRT yet but looking at it from all angles. I might give evening primrose oil a go. I've use it when I had mastalgia and it worked a treat so... it might be a good alternative for me to HRT and will try it for a while.

I too had a horrendous menopause. One of the main things I remember is crying so much, particularly in work, which wasn't a good thing! I was grouchy, unreasonable, had hot flushes, night sweats - I don't think I slept more than a few hours for a whole year. Then the GP put me on HRT. My life was transformed and I stayed on it for about 3-4 years. It was the best thing since sliced bread. But you must listen to your own doctor and he/she may have good reason for not allowing you to take it. But I hope you can.

Please consider HRT, even with existing medical conditions it can be taken. The problem is that a vast majority of doctors are simply not aware of the full facts on menopause. I would suggest looking at Louise Newson the menopause dr for a world of information before talking to your gp. Good luck.
www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/

I know what you mean as I also suffered from this. My moods were terrible but I did come through it. I never had HRT but I found plenty of exercise helped and some good friends around to talk to. I had just split with my partner and I was glad that I was on my own with my youngest son. Also I can honestly say that I never took it out on my son but I did cry a lot when he went to college. Try and have a word on the phone with a good GP and explain the whole situation. There are some very understand GPs out there. Take care and be kind to yourself and you will get there. There is much nicer.x

I have read quite a bit about menopause but usually it just mentions mood swings rather than the constant rage I seem to suffer from! Everyone seems to annoy me at the moment ?

see the brilliant article by Caitlin Moran in Saturday's Times. required reading.

I was the same, I was so annoyed at everything and everyone, which was so unlike me. I even had a go at my daughter for doing housework for me!!! I’m now on HRT patches and hope I can stay on them for years to come.

Would love to see GP but it’s phone only for now and that’s when we had the conversation about risky HRT. We have a history of Breast cancer in my family.
I used to take Evening Primrose oil and will try it again, thanks for reminding me about it
Glad to hear I am not on my own though! It’s having a negative effect on family relationships as even when I try not to get cross apparently I sound snippy!

Couldn't have HRT but evening primrose worked well

Hi
I'm also like this. I have days when I get on so well with my husband and then others when I'm thinking I just want a divorce. I never used to be up and down all the time. I'm no help as I don't have any good suggestions just thought I'd say your not alone.

Normally I get an oestrogen implant twice a year. When my oestrogen levels are low I get extremely assertive and will stand no nonsense.
When my last dose of HRT was due I was given £100 by my bank and £60 by my telecoms provider after I had cause to complain to them about their poor customer service. So it worked for me.

Incidentally HRT is life changing so in your situation I would thoroughly investigate the risks versus the positive health benefits.
Menopause is still a taboo subject. Nobody talks about the health problems other than the obvious hot flushes. Are you prepared for the osteoporosis? the vaginal atrophy? loss of libido? Alzheimer’s? prolapse? incontinence? Cardiac risk? Ageing? etc. due to lack of oestrogen?
I suggest you become well informed and request a referral to a menopause clinic to discuss your options.
Good luck.

Go and see your GP

Soya products have oestrogen mimicking properties - I bizarrely started to enjoy soya milk as a drink and could have drunk whole cartons of it! Lol.

Google it if you want "scientific" info. There I'd also an old thread here on Gransnet (possibly more than one) about the menopause which had lots of "real life" info.

Me also. I had a dreadful row with my husband yesterday. I feel constantly irritated. I'm having bad hot flushes at night and am usually up between 2-5 am. I've always been overweight but my stomach is ballooning now. I can't have hrt as I've had b/c. I can't even stay in bed as I have a 10 year old. Sorry I have no wisdom on the subject, but no, you're not alone! All the best xx

My experience of menopause was being either murderous or suicidal, all the time. I too wasn't very sure about HRT, but was persuaded by my doctor. It was absolutely the best thing I ever did. I took it for about 5 years, then came off. A life saver in all senses.

My Daughter has used Evening Primrose with some success.

Jenpax It’s not unusual it’s like permanent pmt. without the m ! Lessened as further into menopause but still there. A friend has used patches and said they helped but I’ve used nothing .