Ask Dr Anne Henderson your questions about menopause - £100 voucher to be won

Hello.
I was on tomoxifen after BC and now on another alternative as was perimenapause durung BC and now further along .
Apart from hot and cold. I get very tired and emotional. Usually over thibgs i coukd have previously dealt with. Its as if i can only handle a no drama and no stress life or i get distraught. Is that normal with menopause? I also have gone fiercly independent. Random i know and an eliment always have being so. However, now its almost pushing people away. Is that normal also.
Thank you for your time.
Mrs Steer

HOW do I know which are menapause symptoms and which are not. I am always hot, tired, etc. At what point are these things that should be a concern

im 53 had i period 10 months ago ,lot more ratty grumpy hot a lot,very forgetful,more stressed and get worked up easily.is this normal for perimenopause ladies

Does taking HRT help prevent issues with joints. Since going through the menopause i have had many issues with my back fingers, toes and now i think my hips. Lots of swelling, pain,herniated discs and stiffness especially first thing in the morning. I remember my mum being the same as she got older and if it is so i would like to prevent the same happening to my daughter if possible.

Im 68 and have been on hrt for over 10 years in many forms, but currently patches, utrogestan pills and testesterone gel.
My GP is a young lady who is not pro hrt so its always a battle. It took months for her to refer me to the nhs menopause clinic because I asked her about it when a girlfriend mentioned that there was such a place, I had no idea and my GP did not suggest it until I brought the subject up, I was so upset with her. I had gone up to that point. Anyway the NHS lady was fantastic and said I could stay on HRT for as long as I wanted to, I do take blood pressure pills but she reassured me that the pros outweigh the cons. My question is "why do i still get hot flushes, mainly after eating " also i feel that i should have breast checks and a smear occasionally but non on offer. I dont feel in control of my health what can i do.

I've had hot flushes for the last 8 or 9 years, most of which was perimenopausal however had to have a hysterectomy and oophrectomy about 4 years ago. My hot flushes were hard to cope with before, but are absolutely terrible since the op. I go brought red and sweat pours down my face and neck. I feel faint and nauseous. I tried everything that was recommended but can't take any type of hormone or things that mimic hormones due to complex disabilities and extensive medication. About 4 months ago, the flushes seemed to be further apart (although just as strong). I invidious hoped I was coming out the other end of the symptoms, but in the last couple of weeks, they've started up again with a vengeance.
Can you tell me why this happens please and if there's anything to help me cope. Also, is there a natural progression and anticipated length of time for these blasted flushes following the surgery please?

How long are the symptoms going to last - mine have lasted 5 years and are still going on?

Are there any natural remedies?

I am 56 and no actual period for two years but every month I get period style cramps, feel really grumpy and emotional, get spots on my nose (more like acne). I think of them as phantom periods, the last time it happened I dreamed that I was bleeding so heavily I had to sit on the loo! I sometimes have some spotting but rarely. I have been on HRT for three years but have lowered to half a 1 mg per day, and I have the Mirena coil.
For those with insomnia, have you tried Melatonin capsules? Melatonin is the substance that naturally makes us sleepy, so it’s not a drug. You have to buy it online though.

Is it true that if you are prescribed blood-thinning meds like Rivaoxyban & warfarin you can't take hormone replacement therapy meds?

Does menopause cause hair and bone loss?

I'm 52 and still having regular periods. Is this usual? When should I start to experience peri-menopause and is there anything dietary/exercise that I should be doing to prepare?

The menopause didn't seem to affect me when i first stopped having periods at the age of 53. The last two years (i am now nearly 58) have been more difficult with a little depression - that i never thought would happen to me, terrible insomnia, slight aches and pains and obsessive hypochondria (without seeking medical advice). Is this normal and will it improve?

I would value some general advice on diet and nutrition.

How long do menopause symptoms usually last, as I had a hysterectomy when I was 34 years old and I am not sure if I have started my menopause. But I have lost my confidence and don’t feel quite right. I am now 49 years old.

If you are one of the many women who lose interest in rumpy-pumpy following the menopause, is there any way back to a normal healthy sex life..... or is this the new normal?

thinking I am in the beginning of the menopause at 51, I am experiencing hair loss. Is this part of menopause or something separate?

Please help with Insomnia. It's exhausting, is there anything that I can do to help with this?

My last period was 5 years ago and I suffered terrible flushes day and night as well as having horrible mood swings. I tried a nutural progesterone cream, which worked for me. I stopped using it about 6 months ago and now my hair is thinning, my joints are aching and my skin and nails are showing signs of aging. Also lack of intercourse, due to it being painful has been non-existent for the last 3 years. Should I go back on the cream? Are there any products that will help with my hair, skin, nails and is my sexlife over? I'm 52 by the way.

Hi have not read whole script . I am 63 , used to have a mirina coil fitted so periods stopped . Forgot got about coil Forgot about menopause! It was removed around 10 years ago . No sweats , no nothing . So cannot know when I went through menopause?

are there any supplements that actually help during menopause?

what is the current thinking on the advisability of not of HRT if there is a history of cancer in the family? Also, is it possible to have HRT if you are post menopausal, and would it have any positive effects if you did?

I remember Germaine Greer saying that you could get post menopause acne. I used to have great skin but now have flakey, pimply skin on my arms and shoulders. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

My doctor absolutely dismisses HRT. I had a hysterectomy when aged 30. I'm nearly 60 now and still having hot flushes, tired, intermittently depressed and fearful of making decisions. This is a complete contrast to working me, who lead a team and was part of the leadership team. Will I stay like this?

I am nearly 69 and still get all the symptoms from menopause that started when I was 52. Worst ones being panic attacks with what feel like adrenaline surging into my stomach followed by an almighty hot flush and claustrophobia.
I am sick of it and on top of the stress of a recent close bereavement, it leaves me feeling suicidal.
Is there any way this will ever stop?