Sounds familiar - sadly
As oestrogen levels drop apparently muscles may become lax = aches and pains as well as hiatus hernia.
As oestrogen levels drop, the body dries: inside and out - i.e. skin, vagina, deep in the ears, eyes, nostrils ……
There are ways to ease symptoms but they don't work over-night. For vaginal dryness, regardless of any other HRT use, a GP can prescribe either
Vagifem or
Ovestin1mg. This is delivered every night for 2 weeks followed by twice weekly usage or more often if necessary. Other dryness can be dealt with by regular moisturising.
Over-the-counter pain relief can be useful for the various aches and pains. Acid reflux can be dealt with by i.e.
Rennies - I chew 2/3 tablets when affected. I also try not to drink, eat or take evening medication too close to bed time as laying down can cause symptoms. Some GPs prescribe what you are taking but patients can find side-effects, i.e. bloating and lack of relief with it.
Eating little and often might help. As will keeping a mood/food/symptom diary for 6-8 months.
It may well be hormonal effects. It ain't known as "the Change" for nowt! Browse round the Forum. Make notes.
What have you read that scares you about HRT? If it were as dangerous as some reports suggest, medics wouldn't be prescribing it
