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[Mojitojojo]

Hi there! I'm new on here, but not new to the persistent, confusing and torturous symptoms of the Perimenopause. I have had a particularly difficult few months and the last couple of days have just totally overwhelmed me. I have felt very isolated and like I am going totally nuts with this on my own, so decided to google forums and found this one.
From reading various posts I can see I am not alone after all; there are bloomin' hundreds of us suffering, but each of us seems to have our own individual hell that is very similar to someone else's.
I already feel better from reading some of the stories and advice on here, but anyone got a good remedy for the all-consuming gloom, anxiety, low mood dungeon I am currently living in?
This is so not who I am! I never let things get the better of me and I never take pills unless I am almost dying, but I would do anything to escape myself right now. Yesterday I was battling going to the docs and begging for 'happy pills' or euthanasia, whichever would work quickest.
My poor family.
I know this will pass but any tips on surviving the lows would be most welcome. 

[Dotty]

I would say HRT.

Over the years I think I've tried every natural remedy available. I just wish I'd taken HRT much earlier . X

[Vieja Bruja]

HRT has definitely helped with a lot of my symptoms, I tried AD's for a short while but they weren't for me, the HRT has lifted my mood and my energy levels are getting back to normal.  This time of year doesn't help, it's cold and dark and it's hard to get motivated some days. 

If you can find time try to get some time to yourself, go for a brisk walk, join a manageable class, challenge yourself a little and love yourself a lot x

This is such a lovely and supportive community, I check in about once or twice a week when I can.

[CLKD]

  browse round.  Make notes.  Join in. 

[Mojitojojo]

Thanks ladies.
My GP won't put me on HRT as I am apparently too young (43) and not fully menopausal yet, as in I still have some periods.
Have any of you had trouble getting GP's to prescribe HRT? Or should I fight for it?

[Hurdity]

Hi Mojitojojo

from me too


Aaaarrrgghhhhh!!!!! Another ignorant doctor!!!

Your GP is totally out of date - if you are peri-menopausal (your cycle is irregular and varying by more than a week each time), and more to the point if you are going to enter menopause (last period) before the age of 45 then this is an early menopause and it is particularly important to take HRT in order to protect your heart and bones - at least until the natural average age of menopause of approx 51/52.

How often are your periods and how have they been over the past year - ie short long heavy light etc? What symptoms are you getting besides anxiety? If you are getting the typical symptoms of flushes and sweats and periods are irregular then this alone qualifies you for being peri-menoipausal and obtaining HRT. However not every woman gets flushes and sweats and are more affected by some of the psychological symptoms and mood swings as the hormones fluctuate.

Some women take the combined contraceptive pill to see them through this difficult time - as this regulates the cycle so preventing mood swings. There are a couple of pills which are similar to HRT  (same oestrogen) - called QLAIRA  and ZOELY - with only a few tablet free days and can be prescribed up to age 50 - ish.

Otherwise standard HRT should help like Femoston for example. Find out if there is a doctor in your practice who specialises in gynaecological issues/women's health and make an appointment to see that one ( also check at reception which one is best for menopause and HRT).

Read lots of information from this website - starting with top left (tabs on pale green banner) - menopause and diagnosis and see how you go. https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/menopause.php

Here also is an article about the peri-menopause which you might like to read:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/magazine/pdf/Article%20-%20Perils%20of%20the%20Perimenopause.pdf

Do ask any more questions if you need to, good luck and let us know how you get on.

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Your GP should get up to date  .......... maybe see if the Practice Nurse is any more clued up?

[Mojitojojo]

Thanks all.
Hurdity, I have seen 3 docs 1 of who was the Gyne specialist.  The last one asked me to hold off as long as possible and said the pill was very risky at my age 😣😲.
My periods are extremely irregular. At first much, much heavier, now much lighter. They are usually up to 80 days plus apart, although over the Summer they suddenly got closer together like 17-19 days.
I have only ever had 2 hot flushes since this began nearly 3 years ago. Instead I suffer low mood or anxiety and mania, breast tenderness, bloating, massive weight gain/water retention, crushing fatigue, blinding headaches nausea, depresdion,disturbed sleep, sweating, itching, weird body odours, thinning hair, hairs growing out of my chin, you name it and I've had it.
On top of this I have hypermobility and because of the decline of Oestrogen my soft tissue is now failing. I have early onset OA in my neck, left hand  right foot. I get acute pains in my muscles and joints and am in constant pain from something. I take a miriad of supplements to help but I have no ligament tension in my right sacro illiac joint or my right ankle. I have had an umbilical hernia repair and am avoiding surgery for chronic prolapsing piles!
I feel 92!
But hearing all your advice and reading up on the articles on here I am going to go back to my Doctors and i sist on some action as I can't carry on like this!

[LoriPA]

A progesterone-only birth control pill (also known as POPs) helped with my peri symptoms in addition for what they were originally prescribed (endometrial hyperplasia). I'm also on Prozac for major depressive disorder; everything appears to be working so far.

I hope a workable solution is found for you. No one should have to suffer in silence.

[Mojitojojo]

Ok. Have gpt myself together and made a GP appointment with a new lady GP and I will see what comes of that. Having read up further about my symptoms, stage of Menopause and possible treatments I feel better equipped to go and adk for treatment now.

You have all been very helpful and supportive.

Thank you so much 😙😚😚

[CLKD]

Go in and ask "Have you heard of X, Y, Z to help menopause symptoms?" as well as taking a list with you, "Can we work through and prioritise what is required to ease how I'm feeling" and NO ONE is ever too young for menopause.  Some girls menstruate once/twice and then never bleed again .......... from early ages.  So you can dismiss that idea ;-)

let us know?