tearful1
I doubt apologies are in any way necessary. For many ladies HRT is seen as a big compromise and unfortunately brings a sense of failure. That very British 'Stiff upper lip' puts a great deal of pressure on us women and comes from a time when women had no alternative. In Victorian times women who had a bad menopause were often put into an asylum.
I think honeybun is concerned that you are looking for 'natural methods' when in fact HRT, particularly bio-identical HRT, is probably the most natural way to reduce and treat meno symptoms. Alternative remedies and supplements also have to be approached with caution as these will often bring side effects if not taken properly. Alternatives are often expensive and certainly have no guarantee of working.
I don't want to put a pin in your balloon as I quite understand you are reluctant to take HRT which can bring some side effects and doesn't suit everyone. I myself have tried acupucture, chinese herbs, homeopathy, and the usual herbal remedies like Black Cohash with absolutely no benefit - I have spent a fortune not only on these products but on various therapists who were trying to help. I do think some supplements are worth taking as I mentioned above, however, many of us are very sceptical about the so called 'natural way'.
The menopause is different for everyone. There was an interview with a leading gynae on 'Women's Hour' many years ago and he described four different experiences of the menopause. I am going to paraphrase now, but essentially he explained: " women fall roughly into four different categories. 'Women one' will sail through menopause with few, if any symptoms; ''Women 2 will experience a few months of flushes and other symptoms but they settle quite quickly; 'Women 3' will have flushes, nights sweats and other symptoms for 2-3 years before things slowly settle down and, lastly, 'Women 4' will have full menopause symptoms for 10 or more years." This only describes women who go through menopause at the normal age of 52 - premature Menopause, as I experienced, is a whole other ball game!!!
I have never been happy to use HRT, I see it as a necessity. Now, at 57, I have managed to come off HRT and have few menopause symptoms but I am suffering horribly with Vaginal Atrophy which will probably be a lifelong problem - painful and very depressing. I'm using local oestrogen which is not working yet - I'm hoping it will eventually work as there really isn't any alternative!
You could be lucky and only have a few months or a couple of years of symptoms. Only you can judge how much these symptoms are impacting on your life. Life is short, don't waste it.
HRT is a very personal choice - be happy that choice is there for you.
Keep us posted about your progress - we are here to support you. Good luck. DG XXXX
