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[Mrsmac]

Hi

Many thanks for the add to this forum.

I am 50, and had a full hysterectomy almost two years ago.
I am not normally a moody or emotional person, but have recently had so much emotion going through me I have found it really hard to cope.   Bursting into tears, and feeling so angry at the same time.
I have been to see the Dr, who has put me on HRT.  I have had my doubts about it, and wondered what people on here thought about it, and has it had any benefits to you?

Many thanks

Sue

[CLKD]

 

Why doubts?  How much discussion and thought went into choosing HRT?  I am sure that Members will be along with advice, HRT protects heart and bones as well as giving relief to symptoms.  What were you hoping to ease ?

Do be aware of vaginal atrophy - did your GP talk 2 U about this?  We have several threads here but symptoms often present as urine infection-type feelings which can be eased by local HRT.

[Kathleen]

Hello Mrsmac and welcome to the forum.

Ah, the emotional rollercoaster that is the menopause, we know it well lol. You have come to the right place for help and support and I'm sure one of our HRT expert ladies will be along soon to advise you.

Take care and keep posting.

K.

[Mrsmac]

Hello again,
Thank you for the replies. 
I suppose I had heard the scare stories of HRT that have been around.  My consultant wasn't very helpful, and just asked if I wanted HRT, and did not discuss any of the details.  I have until recently been ok with my emotions, but all of a sudden I have been so up and down, I do not know if I have been coming or going.  I am not used to being unable to control these.

Thanks

Sue

[CLKD]

More recent studies show that HRT can be over-all beneficial.  Do browse round, make notes!  Trouble with the Medics is that they know stuff but rarely think to share their knowledge  . 

Is there a Nurse Practitioner at your Practice or a GP with an interest in womens' health?  Maybe a Menopause Clinic in your area?

Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful as well as taking a list of problems to each appt..  Work out which symptoms you need to ease first.

As oestrogen levels drop so moods can become unstable.  Also muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Also the body dries: skin, nostrils, deep in the ears, vagina ...... it ain't called "The Change" for nowt   

Do share your worries.

[Mrsmac]

Thank you very much 

I think that I have learnt more in an afternoon looking at this forum, than I could ever have imagined.  I will contact my surgery and ask about a women's health specialist, or if they can recommend one.

My muscles do ache, especially my legs, in particular my lower legs.  Didn't think that it would have all been connected.

This getting older stuff is a pain 

[CLKD]

Ain't it just!  I suffer with restless leg syndrome and have found that Nurofen or eating bananas regularly cures the feelings at night.

[samweller161]

Welcome, its a tricky time to be female thats for sure - next time I am coming back as man, I am not kidding 

As the other ladies have said, HRT helps with lots of things and the scare stories of many years ago were never proved to be accurate.  Personally (I take Elleste Duet 2mg) I would rather have a good quaity of life in the here and now rather than worry about what might happen in 20 years.  There is more risk of being over weight or drinking a lot than taking HRT.

Don't forget the GP's are just that "General" Practitioners" and whilst they know a lot about a lot, they don't all know the details.  You could be lucky and get a sympathetic GP of course, or a well woman clinic but there are specialists recommended on this site and they are well worth visiting (I saw Kathy Abernathy in New Malden).

Don't worry and don't google either!  CKLD is right, make sure your blood sugar is kept up by eating little and often - it does help

SP x

[ancient runner]

Mrs Mac - what sort of HRT are you on? And by full hysterectomy you you mean ovaries and all?
Sorry you're having a bad time. I think part of the problem is that women are conditioned to think menopause is just one of those things we have to put up with - and that for one reason or another, using HRT is 'wrong' - and it can be tough to get round that feeling. Not saying it's right for everyone I hasten to add. But if you need it, then you need it.

[Hurdity]

Hi Mrsmac

 

Getting older??!!***!!!

You are not getting so much older that you are of an age where you should even think about accepting that aches and pains are to be expected. You are a mere stripling compared to some of us  .

Seriously though - you do not have to suffer and as the others have asked - perhaps you had your ovaries removed too which would explain your symptoms. Even if you didn't it could be the first signs of menopause especially if you are also suffering from flushes and sweats? Sometimes the other symptoms start before the flushes, and are an indication of extreme hormone fluctuations - that will be happening if you still have your ovaries.

Also have you had blood tests etc to check for other conditions such as underactive thyroid that can also cause aches and pains? Also don't underestimate vitamins and minerals - it is so important to have a good diet at this stage to make sure you are not deficient and especially at this time of year - maybe take some cod liver oil for Omega 3 and to top up your vitamin D?

Anyway good that the doctor has started you on HRT - what type have you been given?

Do hope it starts to make you feel better soon

Hurdity x

[Mrsmac]

Hi

Many thanks for all the comments :-)

ancient runner - I am on Premarin 0.3mg, these are what the doctor recommended as a starting point.  I had a hysterectomy where the ovaries were removed.  This was due to fibroids - several large ones!

I have been told that it takes a while for these to have an effect, but do have an appointment now to go back and see our GP 'woman's' specialist, so now I will have more of an idea what to ask about.

Mrsmac x