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[prUdence]

I'm 53. My last period was 3 years ago. I've coped with the flushes, the brain fog, the bladder issues and the odd sleepless night. But I'm now having what I'm assuming are menopause symptoms that I just can't cope with ie generalised itching and restless leg syndrome. I also get what feels like mild electric shocks [mainly in my legs]. Last night, yet again I didn't bother going to bed. There's just no point. [so apologies if this is a rambling mess]
My sister has encouraged me to take HRT [she's a GP] but I've been reluctant because I have genuine anxiety about taking any medication [I had a severe reaction to a drug once and had to be hospitalised]. I'm also manic about weight gain.
I don't know if HRT would help the itching and the restless legs. I don't know what type of HRT is best. This is a new territory for me. What I do know is that I'm at the end of my rope. I'd really appreciate some advice before I approach my GP.
Thanks.

[Machair]

Restless legs can be caused by many things including low iron and magnesium. I would try some magnesium oil from the health shop and rub that into your legs before bed and see if that improves it. If not I would ask the GP for blood tests as it may not be menopause related.

[babyjane]

hello prudence and welcome to the forum.  I am sorry to hear that you have found us in desperation but I hope it helps.

I suffer with restless legs and I personally believe low potassium could be the cause as I read the fact once on a patientuk website.  Anyway I started eating a small banana every day and it seemed to help.  Then they started making me nauseous so I dropped to only three a week and I get more RLS again now.  I had it last night in bed and that coupled with my husband's snoring means I didn't sleep well and I had been doing much better.

Not sleeping is horrible, I had bouts of insomnia some years ago when I was in perimenopause so I sympathise.

Browse round the forum and read threads that catch your eye.  I have found it helpful, supportive and sometimes just really good company depending what sort of day I am having as no 2 days are the same.  Enjoy 

 

[CLKD]

 

Restless leg syndrome was cured for me by eating several bananas every day.  I got sick of them after 6-7 years  so now take Nurofen if necessary.  I can feel them pulling in the day but the awful sensations begin when I lay down at night.

Sometimes people can be sensitive to the fillers or what the medication is packed into  .  If you don't want to take what your sister suggests then go and discuss with your *own* GP! 

'bladder issues'  - what exactly?  There are local products to insert into the vagina which can ease any dryness, for me it felt like razor blades up there  .  Fortunatly my GP recognised my repeated bladder 'infections' as atrophy and prescribed accordingly.  Job sorted!

Browse round.  Make notes!

[Mary G]

Welcome to MM.

It sounds as though you would really benefit from HRT and not just in the short term, there are also the long term health problems of oestrogen deprivation to think about.

Having been on many different types of HRT that didn't work properly, I can recommend the Oestrogel/Utrogestan regime, it is the best form of HRT by far in my opinion.  It is bio identical and flexible because you can adjust the dose to suit your needs.  I would never use anything else.

I have had restless leg syndrome on and off over the years and the only thing that finally cracked it was vitamin B complex and magnesium. 

[Tempest]

Hi Prudence!

If it's any help regarding adverse reactions, I must be the worst case scenario and I have just started using Estrogel! I have multiple drug allergies that cause anaphylaxis, and my surgeon was very reluctant to start me on anything and I went 1 full year following my TAH/BSO with nothing.

I found a lady Consultant at my local Menopause Clinic who felt confident enough to help me. I was very, very anxious about it! We chose transdermal HRT as this doesn't go via the liver, and therefore the risk of a catastrophic reaction is much, much less. And guess what? Nothing bad has happened and I am probably the most allergic person you could wish to meet! I was actually under the specialist anaphylaxis clinic here for over 3 years for testing and monitoring, just so that you get the idea! You can start on a very small dose if you are nervous, just to 'test' and build up your confidence, and then move to the therapeutic dose that is right for you after a couple of days if all is well (which I'm confident it will be)!

As I understand it, it is not usual to experience significant weight gain on HRT. A bit of fluid retention is usual, but usually settles down too as your body adjusts. I'm just over a month on the Estrogel, and have gained just 3 pounds which actually fluctuates throughout the day (I.e., I'm no heavier than before HRT in the morning, but get a little puffier as the day moves on). Your sense of well-being should improve, so you will hopefully be more active too - so that will be a bonus to maintaining a good weight.

I'm sure some of the more experienced ladies will be along soon to offer more advice, but I just really wanted to respond to the allergy issue for you.😊