ME and my hormones!!! Start periods at 13 and had terrible pains every month (school used to call for ambulance) went on pill at 17 which allowed me to have a life. Came off pill aged 30 to start family. Had a Girl two years later and a boy two years after that ( I was now 33). My periods never settled down after having my son and when I got to 36 i went to the GP about it and she sent me to have a D&C. After D&C my periods stopped completely!!! I tried chinese herbal medicine which got things back working but I wasn't happy taking it and it was very expensive. Went for check up back at the hospital and was told the blood tests showed I was peri-menopausal and put me on HRT. My mother then dropped the bombshell that her periods had stopped when she was 37 (premature menopause in the family!!!) Had to try various types of HRT and in the end went to Amarant Menopause Clinic (London) and paid for consultation - was put on gel and monthly progesterone so I could control my levels with the gel and it was great. Down side was that I got mild period pains but everything else was so much better I stuck with this regime for over 10 years. Got to 49 and thought it was time to come off HRT and let nature take it's course. Slowly came of the gel and all the nasty symtoms of menopause emerged once more. Unable to control my body temperature (hot flushes at least 3 times an hour) lack of sleep through night sweats and that horrible creeping up and down the body, aching joints, depression etc. persevered for the next 3 years(it has to get better soon?) and then I just happened to apologise to an older friend ( in her early 80s) that I couldn't even have a sip of wine because it caused such terrible hot flushes and she looked at me aghast and told me to go on HRT at once - she was still on HRT and she was still working and living a fill life. because of it!!!!! In the mean time I have moved and there is a Menpaouse Clinic at local hospital and I seek advice try various continuous HRTs and end up with Marina and gel. It's now over 4 years with this combo and I'm 57. Got to make a decision as to what to do next. I've moved to Suffolk ( so no Menopause Clinic). Since I last reviewed my HRT, I see on your site, that very low dose HRT is coming through positively. I use less than 2 doses of gel each day and this keeps most systems at bay. Should I give Femston Conti Low Dose a try or should I try the slightly higher doses first (e.g.premique low dose or Kliovance?) Sorry to be so long winded but my life is pretty stressful with so many family and work commitments - I need help over this.
