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[Briony]

Just came across this by accident. Whilst the DM may not be the greatest source of objective info, I did think it was an interesting read:


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2800760/should-women-hrt-menopause-experts-say-s-best-way-ease-symptoms-avoid-long-term-health-problems.html

[Taz2]

Thanks Briony

Taz x 

[dahliagirl]

Yes  - it was a good read.  I got carried away clicking on the arrows though

[Teapea71]

I think my general well being would be greatly improved if the fluctuations in my hormone levels were reduced. My Gp has refused to acknowledge my peri-menopausal symptoms because she believes my blood tests are 'normal'. I asked for a referral to an endocrinologist recently because my TSH had been fluctuating and I was suffering from crushing fatigue, weight gain (despite cutting down and increased exercise ) and looked and felt terrible. I had had a low TSH...0.07 or something to that effect ( it had always been between 2 and 4 on 150 levothyroxine) I had a retest and TSH was 7.5 (?) Gp upped thyroxine to 175 mcg...still felt awful after 6 weeks...I then asked for referral to endocrinologist. More bloods...TSH very low again. Endo thought higher reading was due to thyroid inflammation due to a cold...so gp had basically over dosed me even further with thyroxine! Now reduced to back down to 150mcg. However endo also had a look at my hormone levels...on the readings were my fsh was slightly elevated (13 & 17) which would be normal during the ovulatory stage of my cycle ( thus GP saying all ok) my oestrogen levels remained 420 and 520. He said at this time my levels should be nearer 1000-2000... Which points to peri! Even when my fsh is low (6.5) my oestrogen levels are always around 400. I never get that mid month surge that makes you feel great and randy! (Miss that sooooo much). It was such a relief to have confirmed by a specialist that my symptoms are indeed real! I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago, one ovary left and I am 44... I know my body and I realise that my thyroid contributes to some of my symptoms but at the same time I KNOW that my anxiety, mood swings, low libido, brain fog, urogenital syptoms etc are hormonal! My GP said I was obsessed with my hormones! I try to exercise (when I'm not dog tired)I eat well, don't drink caffeine, don't smoke...God knows what I'd feel like! I have also had to start taking vit D supps! I am focussing on trying to get back on track over the next 12 months...hopefully the new NICE guidance will give GP's a better understanding of menopause and treatment. Fingers crossed eh ladies? 
And they say life begins at 40! 

[Briony]

Know just what you mean, TeapPea - we shouldn't have to battle like this. My estrogen was down to 41, but because my FSH was 'within normal range' I was told it wasn't peri. Luckily, a change of GP and I started to get things sorted. Sooooo frustrating, isn't it?!!