I am 40 years old, turning 41 in a few months. Over the past eighteen months I have been experiencing many changes in my mood and cycle. Every month I have 7 days where I lose control of my life and experience bouts of anxiety and depression. I have tried lots of different things to lift these symptoms e.g. Reflexology, yoga, mindfulness, exercise, relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy but nothing stops these cyclical symptoms. I have been on a low dose of venlafaxine for several years after experiencing the same symptoms after the birth of my second son in 2008. I recovered well and had five or so years of good health. I am a very active fit person, so therefore I was totally shocked when in May 2014 I had my first bout of anxiety in four years, and I have had 7-10 days of anxiety ever month since. My skin is itchy all the time and I suffer from night sweats, insomnia and itching in more private places also. My memory and concentration are terrible. My poor kids don't know what's going on. I feel like a basket case, fearing what each day will bring.
My mother was put on HRT at 40 and sailed through her menopause. She is now 70 and thriving.
The doctor prescribed Estraderm patches last week and I have been using them since Sunday 6th of December, but I feel worse than ever. My body aches, I feel nauseous, headaches, heart burn and hungry all the time, as well as spaced out and tired!
Please can you help me make sense of this! I am at the end of my tether.