Menopause and HRT

Susan, 4 months

Oh dear, isn't it miserable for us women when we hit menopause and middle age? I really can empathise with so many of the comments above. And to be honest am glad to read them as I thought it was just me being a monstrous old bag! I'm 52 and have been feeling so terrible, on and off for the past 2 years. We had builder problems at the time, plus I've a volatile character anyway and have had depression, so just thought things were as 'normal'. However, extreme fatigue,terrible mood swings, loss of sex drive, sleeplesssness and feelings of hopelessness, had me down the doctors', to discover I'm in the peri-menopause.What a shock! But to be told that I'm no longer in my 30s, and that women "function in their 80s when their menfolk have died" and that "menopause is a women's handbrake" in response to when I said how tired I felt, didn't exactly make me feel like a million dollars. How dare he?! I don't want to just "function", feel old, look old or get old for that matter!. When I asked if there was anything I could take, the answer was 'No' and that there was nothing to recommend HRT. Though to be honest, I don't want to take this because of the abuse of horses for the urine, risk of cancer and weight gain, the other depressing thing about middle age. I was advised to "just get on with it", though he did prescribe anti-anxiety pills. I haven't taken any yet though. I'm trying to remain positive. To continue as 'normal':being active, eating more fruit and veg, cutting down on the red wine, adopting healthy diet and beauty tips I pick up from magazines, etc. But it's very hard. Luckily my partner's understanding but what man really understands these things? I feel that, daily, I'm fighting a battle against the debilitating effects of ageing and I feel pathetic and vain trying to look good for my age. But what's the alternative? I don't want to be written off, seen as past it or be overlooked, just because I'm a woman in my 50s.

Linda Fox, 10 months

perhaps it would be an idea to google HRT and PMU before taking these drugs. hundreds of thousands of mares and thier foals are tortured and killed to provide pregnant mares urine which goes into these drugs. Wyeth is putting out a new drug, APRELA which will increase the demand as well as increase the abuse of horses.

tracey wright, 11 months

I've been reading all our comments and I am sympathetic to what you are all going through. I had a hsyterectomy 15 years ago due to cervical cancer, I was 31 at the time and until December last year I was ok. i have since had the hot flushes during the day, hot sweats at night and I'm terrible at forgetting things. As I'm overweight anyway I didn't want to go down the HRT route so looked at other remedies and I'm pleased to say I've found something that actually works. Its called Ladycare. its a magnet that you pop inside your pants just under your belly button, you wear it 24 hrs a day something that took me a while to get used to as I go to bed nude. I wouldn't be without it now. If I'm going out and have fairly tight clothes on then I leave it off but most of the time its kept on and it is absolutely brilliant. No chemicals etc going into my body. It did take a couple of months of use to get the full effects.

Alex, 12 months

Hi, Im new to this sort of thing. Im 23 and been told i have premature menopause. Im have recently set up my own business and hold down a part time job too. In total i work 52 hours a week. I cannot take it at the moment! I am not yet on HRT, im waiting to see my doctor next week to sort it out. Emotionally i am a mess. I cannot afford to go to a gym or pay for any osrt of fitness class, I'm living off £200 pcm!!!! from my business, which only just covers my outgoings. I fell horrible, ugly and depressed. I feel my weight has balooned. I cannot afford to eat healthy very well, - the good stuff seems to be more expensive! I have no one to talk to, my friends my age are going out living it up, like they do at 23. The worse thing is b.friend who i have been with for a year doesnt understand. He thinks I eggaxerate (soz bout the spelling) he doesnt have time to listen. i feel very alone. What makes it worse is that i cannot have children, - i had an abortion at 16. I wonder if that is my punishment for what i did? Sorry to go on. It isa little reasurring that people are going through simular things. Does this ever get any better?

small, about 1 year

i just had to read your letters again to know there are others out there with symtoms like mine .weight around the middle cant sleep feeling hot tired cause you dont get a good night sleep forgettig to do things and my mouth doesnt say what my brain is telling it to had a hysterctomy at 40 been on hrt since have tried to come off it but each time symtoms seem worse seeing a lady docter monday let you know how i get on .

small, about 1 year

how do you find the answers to some of these problems cause i can relate to quite a few

VIVIEN A LAKNER, about 1 year

I have been reading all the above messages from women going thru the menopause and im so relieved to know im not going mad! I knew i was in the peri-menopause but didnt realise some of my symptoms such as unbelievable lathargy, emotional distance and deep fellings of depression/hopelessness were actually linked. I thought I was being lazy and selfish and im still struggling to get off my backside and do something about it. I have an appointment with a doc on Wede, but what can a twenty something male doctor, who really believes im over reacting, really do to ease my fears and hoplessness? Why isnt there a Menopause clinic in every town, with women doctors who have experienced the same and can have empathy for us? I have been undecided about going on HRT but I cant bear to live like this any longer, I have 2 young girls who I have distanced myself from, thus proving this is a family dilemma not just mine! I would love some support networks if anyone knows of any. Thanks Vivien aged 50

mandy wright, about 1 year

To Linda Know exactly what you are feeling have been taking medication for anxiety this last year and always suffered pms really badly and at 47 have now had menopause diagnosed via blood test at the doctors. Had been feeling much worse lateley esp mood swings, lethargic and depression. Night sweats occasionally but I find emotional state harder to deal with. Have decided to take hrt as I feel I have no choice 3 boys to deal with . Hope it gets better but Miriam Stoppard says it does help the emotional state and also aids memory loss and brain function. Mandye

JANE STOKES, about 1 year

well what they don't tell you is this...... when they take you off HRT you will have all the symptoms 10 fold and more....I was taken off HRT after 5 years and now feel worse than ever...night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain mood swings, depression etc....so after trying numerous costly alrenatives...... is there anything out there that can give you back the quality of life that HRTdid???

Lesley Moore, about 1 year

I just posted a comment about six minutes ago and this was supposed to be a reply to Jan who posted a comment 11 days ago. Is there any way you can alter my comment to reflect this? Many thanks.

Lesley Moore, about 1 year

I am so sorry you feel this way but I can empathise with this feeling. I divorced many years ago and whilst being on my own, I had a hysterectomy because of problems with fibroids. A few years later, I met a man who I later married. We are happy together but I have no interest in sex and my libido has disappeared completely. I was OK when on HRT but my doctor took me off it and now I do not feel nearly as well. My poor husband gets very frustrated with me and this causes arguments but fortunately he is understanding and I do try to please him but if I never had sex again, it would not bother me. My doctor has put me on Intrinsia patches but they don't seem to have made much difference to me. I also get these feelings of wanting to be on my own but what I would like to say is that having been on my own, it is not as good as you think it is, and to have a companion to share things with is worth its weight in gold. Think very carefully about this - there are problems that you would never dream of with being alone and, if possible, I would try it out first without any contact with your husband at all for, say, two or three months to see how you fare before making a drastic decision that you may well regret. I hope this has been of some help to you.

Tania, about 1 year

Hi everyone out there:) Im a 41 year old with 3 boys the youngest being 7 in June and believe it or not Im going through early menopause :( I will see my gynacologist again soon to discuss HRT. I have been taking cod liver oil/evening primrose oil capsules which have worked a treat with the hot flushes, apart from that Ive been ok really but although I excercise regular Ive put on some weight around my stomach and I believe Im carrying extra water since having more menopause symptoms!! I eat a low fat diet and I carnt see that Ive put this weight on due to eating fatty food! Does anyone know what I can do about it please help :)

jan, about 1 year

I am 53. I have 2 children Had a hystercomy at the age of 35. Came off HRT at 49 after supposed correct adivice from my consultant. Last 3 years have been terrible. Have always suffered with panic attacks periodically.But my feelings and attitude have totally changed. I have been happily married for 33 years but now I find myself wanting to live a life on my own. My husband has done no wrong. We get on well, hardly argue but my feelings have changed. I have been sufferring numerous menopause symtoms but this feeling issue is vey difficult and confusing. I find that any physical contact and affection has been lost. Am I just having a mid- life crisis?. I have been trying to fight these thoughts for the last 18 months but they wont go away. Is there anyone else who has felt lke this?

Linda, about 1 year

I have sufferd extreme pms all of my life - disrupted all my relationships. I started the menopause at 37 (doc confirmed with blood test) but then got pregnant (?) at 39. Had a period 6 months after the birth of the baby, with terrible results. Anxiety attacks, physical collapse. Went on the mini pill continually to prevent further periods. Came off the pill about a year ago had no periods. Had months of sweats - day and night. Doc did further blood tests, definately post menopause but last week had a terrible week crying continually. I have had to use anti depressants most of my life as well as contraceptive pill to control the terrible mood swings adn anxiety i expereince during ovulation. Doc has not suggeted any actual cure and i don't want to have to take these two forms of medication for the next 20 years - or more. Does anybody recognise these symptoms and have any advice?

Maxine Robb, about 1 year

I am 47 years old, I have been having menopausal symptoms for about three to four years. Although, at the time I did not realise it I thought it was PMS. I have since this year made some changes to my diet, such as, replacing milk with soya milk and soya products. Also, taking supplements such EPA fish oils, Novagen Red Clover, a good multivitamin, osteocare and glucasmine sulphate for my joints. I have also gone back to the gym. I have never felt so well in years. Maxine

linda, about 1 year

I am nearly 56 and hoping I am through the worst of my menopause but this may be wishful thinking. I found that walking and yoga and a change in diet made a huge difference to all my symptoms but I am still susceptible to hot flushes if drink coffee (even decaffeinated) or tea or alcohol. I also could not have coped without friends to talk to and a long-suffering husband. I am sure I was horrible for some of the time. I know that 30 minutes walking in fresh air a day can make a big difference. There is yoga specially for the menopause. There are loads of cookery books that show what foods to eat more of and plenty of advice on what to avoid. But it is really difficult to get started and stick to a regime. Are there any programmes for menopausal women that can get you into the habit of eating the right foods and doing the right amount of exercise? I am sure that would help so many of us to cope with symptoms.

susan, about 1 year

IS ANY RESEARCH BEING DONE TO FIND A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE THAT WORKS INSTEAD OF HAVING THE WORRYING SIDE EFFECTS OF HRT.

carol dilley, about 1 year

hulo i am 51and the only 2 signs i have of the menopause is sweats and lack of sex drive this has been going on for a year now.my doctor,who is a lady,will not put me on hrt,so what am i to do,iv have only been married for 2 years some one tell what i can take thank you carol

RUTH Brewer, about 1 year

Do I have to be concerned if II had gone through the change and have had no peroids for 13 months now I have started to loose again.

ANNE LEACH, about 1 year

I too had been on HRT tablets for several years and on the male Doctors advice came off them, with disasterous effects, hot sweats day and night, aching joints, especially in the legs and general flue like symptoms all the time. On consulting a female doctor several months later she advised a gradual weaning process, taking one tablet every other day for a month, then every two days. This is where I am at now and it seems to be working. I am approaching 60 and have been going through the menapause for the last ten years so hopefully will be at the end some time now, but would certainly recommend the weaning process.

Judy, about 1 year

I had a hysterectomy in 1999. I'm 56 in June this year and have been on HRT since I had the operation with absolutely no problems at all .... felt on top of the world. My doctor advised I come off HRT in July/August 2007 as I had been on it for a number of years and honestly my life has been a nightmare ever since. I think the worse of it is that when you are ill, you kind of know how long roughly it will take to get better, with the menopause, you have no idea how long it will take to pass and it's so debilitating. I'm tempted to go back on it for another year in the hope that by then I will be clear of it but I just can't make a decision and I'm worried about whether going back on it will give me problems. My lady doctor said I could go back on it if I wanted. I work full time and so losing sleep etc makes getting up to start a fresh day in an alert state of mind, really difficult.

Trish, about 1 year

I had a hysterectomy around about 1994 and a few years afterwards I was put onto HRT patches which worked absolute wonders. After 10 years I came off them because of all the scares regarding HRT. My skin is now extremely dry so dry in fact its embarassing, my hair is thinning and dry and my nails are brittle. Is there anything I can take to alleviate these problems? I did ask my doctor if I could go back onto HRT but he does not seem to understand my problems.

sarah, about 1 year

hi hazel im 24 i had the same problems as you i am having a hystorectomy monday. keep on to the doctors and ask them to refere you to the gynea unit at your local hospital.best to gat it checked out i have endometreosis of the ovaries. your problem could be a number of things ive been through it all!! keep on to them and good luck

WINIFRED, about 1 year

I had a hysterwctomy at 40 and was put on hrt now 53 i,m trying to go with out it but the hot flushes memory loss sleepless nights is having a big effect on my life i want to go back on them

Janette, about 1 year

I am 47 and menapausal, I have hot sweats and restless nights, but i am putting on weight (feeling very bloated) and finding myself breathless even a little faint, is this normal?

mari, about 1 year

i have been on hrt for 5 yrs.it gives me a withdraw bleed every month. ive never had a proper period for 5 yrs. what chances do you have to become pregnant

jennifer, about 1 year

i am going through the menepause i am 49but am having sleepless nights not only with night swaets but a very itchy vagina iv had tests for thrush and its clear they put it down to the menepause is there a treatment for this its driving me mad thank you

gail, about 1 year

i had a full hysterectony due to suspected cancer 15 yrs ago at the age of 35,i was put on hrt 4 days later, i felt fine on the hrt but these last 3 years i have had 3 lumps , 1 each year, first a breast lump,then a batholins cyst, and i have been just refered to have another breast lump checked, the doctors has taken me off the hrt but i am worried how i am going to react to not having the replacement hrt as i was on them for so long, gail

Lorraine Hutchinson, about 1 year

I had a hysterectomy in 2000, and fro about 2years post surgery I felt wonderful, I lost weight, no pain each month, it was great. Then 2 years ago I stopped smoking and started having pain in my legs, the weight started to go on from no-where. I was having sweats at night, feelin low, and having bad sugar cravings. I have had blood test done that confirm I am in the middle of the menopause, as they had left me with one ovary when they did my op. My weight is really getting me down, and had my B/P checked by my GP on several occasions and it is higher than it should be. I dont want to go on HRT. because of the risks involved. I would love to take something on a daily basis that would make me feel good about myself. I no I must lose the weight! I am 5.2 height and weigh 13sts. Any advise would be good.

Hazel, about 1 year

I need some advice desperately. I am 21 years old and suffer from terribly heavy periods with large clots. About 2 weeks before I am due on I become extremely dizzy, my breasts swell, I become bloated, faint, feel sick, suffer from night sweats and hot flushes. Do you think I am going through an early menopause? I am currently being treated for epilepsy but I feel this is the wrong diagnosis as I know it is all linked in with my periods. Please help Hazel

ETHEL, about 1 year

IN REPLY TO YOUR STOREY YOUR NOT ALONE .I HAD A HYSTERECTOMY WHEN I WAS 28 I KEPT MY OVERIES WHEN I WAS 40 I STARTED HAVING HOT FLUSHES THE DOC PUT ME ON HORMONE TABS WHICH JUST GAVE ME HEADACHES THEN HORMONE GELL I STAYED ON THAT FOR TEN YRS THEN WHEN I REACHED 54 I STARTED HAVING HORENDOUSE SWEATS IN THE DAY THE DOC TESTED MY BLOOD AND SAID IT WAS HORMONAL AND PUT ME ON HRT PATCHES IM 55 AND A HALF NOW AND IVE JUST COME OFF THE PATCHES BECAUSE I WAS GETTING PAINS IN MY LEGS AND NOW IM GETTING HOT SWEATS AGAIN QUITE OFTEN.I OFTEN WONDER IF IT IS ALL HORMONAL AS RECENTLY IVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES AND OVERACTIVE THYROID WHICH CAN ALSO CAUSE THESE SYMPTOMS HOPE THIS HELPS YOU A BIT YOUR NOT ALONE TAKE CARE,

Mrs Khan, about 1 year

i am 50 i had my last periods in august i am worried about black circles under my eyes i thought it was due to menopause. please give me some advice.i am very worried.

Rosemary Roberts, over 2 years

I trying to trace a product mentioned in a story called 'Vital women' by Sheila Buckley 59 from Bradford, west york. pls email thanks Rosemary

Gill, over 2 years

I had a hysterectomy when I was 29, I have kept my ovaries, now the age of 52 I am having plenty of hot sweats day and night, gone off sex and feel very depressed. I also suffer with a under active thyroid ad want to make sure I get the right tablts they will help. Any ideas....

angela wild, over 2 years

Yes I am 47 and just started,hot flushes especially at night,no period since april thank you for advice angela