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[Jakamoo]

Hi everyone, just a quick intro, I'm 50 and not really sure where I am with the whole peri/menopausal thing - all I know is that I haven't had a period for over a year, feel like I am completely rattling down physically, and my doctor really doesn't want me to have HRT because my mum was on it 20 years ago and ended up having 2 lumpectomies and a full mastectomy due to breast cancer which may or may not  have been due to her having HRT no one can really say for sure . Now, I know things have moved on a bit since then but my doctor is digging her heels in about why I really shouldn't take it and wants to refer me to our local hospital for further advice etc. Meanwhile the doc has offered me antidepressants for hot flushes and although I would consider giving them a try, surely these won't help the many other physical things that seem to be going wrong with me like painful achilles, knee, neck tendons, croaky throat, dry eyes and skin. My doctor seems to think that these things are unrelated to menopause but they all seem a bit coincidental not to be? Has anyone had a similar experience or have any advice re antidepressants? I dare say my mood which is pretty low at the moment would maybe benefit from them... I just don't know... Thanks

[dazned]

Hi 

Citlopram is the AD most commonly used for hot flushes but I too would be pushing for a referral to either a gyne or better still a meno clinic,check if you have one near you 

[Kathleen]

Hello Jakamoo and welcome to the forum.

I agree that hormonal treatment is what you need and although my flushes have never been severe I did notice an increase when I had forgotten to take my AD. I only realised my mistake the next day and after a particularly sweaty spell so I concluded that the tablets actually do make a difference and reduce flushing.

Wishing you well and I hope you get sorted soon.

K.

[CLKD]

  Your GP is SO OUT OF DATE    your Mum had a quality of Life until the diagnosis?  This is the most important issue, Quality of Life.

What type of breast disease did your Mum have, was it oestrogen dominant?  Mine was.  But I would insist on HRT as living with the small risk of recurrence but having relief from symptoms would be important for me.

You could ring round the Hospitals close to you and see if there is a Menopause Clinic.  Then ask your GP for a referral if she won't consider HRT which may well ease some/all the symptoms you describe.  Certainly HRT can protect bones and heart.

As oestrogen levels drop off so muscles become lax = aches and pains; things dry up, i.e. eyes, nostrils, ears, vagina, skin ……. there is lots of advice about which skin products to use and we have several threads on Vaginal Atrophy 

[Jakamoo]

Thanks all for your helpful advice. For the moment, while I'm waiting for acknowledgment/appointment re my hospital referral- I'm trying some Menopace to see if it makes any difference to the hot flushes - my sister recommended I give it a shot - nothing to lose apart from a fiver heehee! Oh, and lots of walking out in the lovely sunshine which can't help but make you feel a bit more positive about things! Will keep you all posted once I speak with someone a bit more specialised at the hospital who can maybe give me some options to consider - not ruling out the AD's either! Thanks ladies 

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on?

[Cecelia]

Hello jakamoo

I am in a similar position, painful achilles, stiffness after sitting, very dry skin, I now seem to be suffering from slight VA. I too started taking menopace around 4months ago and do believe it's helping so keep taking. I'm 54 take no hrt,not sure what's happening with my periods as I'm taking the mini pill so no periods. My worry is whether or not I will start suffering more when I come off them (Dr said 55 is cut off period). I've never suffered greatly with hot flushes, maybe that's due to the fact I run on very hot since being a teenager, in fact my first job was given to me due to my rosey cheeks! I've not been a member of this forum for long but have found it very helpful so keep posting.

C x

[CLKD]

Cecelia - dont' wait until the GP's cut-off period, discuss options B4 so that there isn't a battle!  Is it the GP's idea of 'cut-off' or is he/she so out of date …………. 

If you think you have VA then get treatment!

[Hurdity]

Hello Jakamoo

 

I agree - do get a referral to a menopause clinic re HRT and breast cancer before thinking about ADs - but I would definitely try these if HRT is ruled out by a specialist gynaecologist. I would never take them for hormonally induced low mood because HRT is the first line of treatment in menopause - only if I absolutely could not have HRT.

Hurdity x