Kathleen, thank you so much for sharing that paragraph.
Ok, for those that do not know me from 'before', I will share my own experience again and clear up some misunderstandings about my title post.
I underwent oopherectomy for suspected ovarian cancer aged 46. Luckily, my complex cyst was benign on pathology. My Mum died of ovarian cancer when she was 54 - diagnosed aged 42.
I went without HRT for over a year post surgery and whilst it was rough, things were improving. I then read a lot of articles online and in the media about how I should be on HRT and against the advice of my surgeon who advised I persevere as my symptoms were manageable, I embarked on my HRT journey. At that time, I joined this forum..
I then tried various types of estrogen with fairly spectacularly bad results - but what I didn't know then was that I also had relapsing remitting MS.
I was completely sure in my own head that my symptoms must have been all menopausal, so continued to play around desperately with HRT doses and types, under the supervision of both my NHS consultant (who was helpful) and a private consultant who wasn't, and who prescribed me my last disastrous prescription last year that actually ended up with me being admitted to hospital for treatment (the Consultant subsequently then refunded my fees in full after my husband contacted them and told them what had happened as a result of their prescribing).
Fast forward, I now suffer from severe episodes of panic and episodic depression - mainly in relation to the events of the last 2 years. I continue to have the 'classic' menopause symptoms, and still see my operating surgeon, have access to Prof. Lumsden's team if needed, am under an endocrinologist, cardiologist, neurologist and a psychiatrist.
I have spent much time picking apart what might be going on for me menopause symptom wise, and what might be due to trauma and my other health conditions. What I can say from own experience - and this is ME - is that until I picked up so much stress with these events, my body was coping BETTER (as was mind) despite undiagnosed MS than it is now. I have of course again tried HRT recently and was hopeful it might help for symptomatic relief under close medical supervision. Sadly, it was evident very quickly that I would not be able to tolerate it.
So - my post isn't anti HRT (I was prepared to give it another go myself), nor is it 'sour grapes' because I cannot take it.
It is more a reflection on how we need to know ourselves - listen to what our bodies and minds are telling us, don't assume everything is menopause related and that we must above all take care of ourselves in general and LIMIT STRESS above all else. Stress has a more detrimental effect on the body and mind than anything else, and limiting it during the transition of menopause means that we a) keep our other stress hormones in check such as cortisol (which rises anyway as we age) - which accelerates the ageing process, can contribute to abdominal obesity, developnent of insulin resistance etc.
b) safeguard against developing new or worsening mental health problems which can persist post menopause such as generalised anxiety or depression which may not respond to HRT.
I hope this clears up a few things - and Wilks, I hope you won't leave as all members opinions are valued. xxxx
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Topic: Are You SURE It's All The Menopause? (Read 14973 times)