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Original poster

Perimenopause and asthma - any doctors around?

9 replies

feelingmean21 · 09/04/2021 19:37

I'm pretty sure I'm going through the perimenopause. I've had bleeding on and off since a very heavy period two weeks ago, at times it is heavy still. I was taking Agnus Castus, but that made the itching I get before a period worse, so stopped it. I am now taking Red Clover.

I'm always slightly anaemic, even when my periods were regular and a few months before lockdown my GP said my iron stores had gone down as much as losing two pints in a few months, so to check in February last year - this didn't happen due to lockdown.

I've had pretty bad asthma since I was a toddler. I take Seretide (Serevent and Flixotide combined) , Atrovent, Ventolin and the Montelukast pill. My asthma gets worse before a period as well as when I get a cold. Right now my chest is pretty tight (but manageable). I also have a stuffed up nose, but have nasal polyps, which I have Mometasone for, but am not taking right now due to recurrent nasal skin infections.

I feel pretty dizzy, especially when moving my head (I've been getting this for the last few years ONLY two weeks before a period, so I'm convinced it's hormonal, but my GP disagreed, even though it followed a pattern). Right now, due to the fact that I don't know when my period is due, due to it being all the time, I seem to be suffering from PMS (bloating, upset tummy, asthma, dizziness, shouting and short-tempered), along with bleeding.

I've found some iron tablets and am keen to take them, due to the fact that I am pale when I pull my lower eyelids down, although my capillary refill doesn't seem too bad (although my fingernails are white anyway).

Is it possible that anaemia makes asthma worse? If not and it is hormonal, is there anything I can take to improve it?

OP posts:
Original poster
feelingmean21 · 09/04/2021 20:11

Hopeful bump! Also now worrying it may be related to AZ vaccine I had (although it is 4 weeks ago I had it).

OP posts:
Bagelsandbrie · 09/04/2021 20:18

You need to go back to the Gp and get some proper blood tests done before you start taking iron tablets. It may or may not be anaemia related. I have anaemia and asthma (and lupus and Addison’s etc etc) and when my anaemia is worse it definitely makes me feel breathless but I don’t think you should try and guess what’s affecting what.

I would be wary of taking stuff like the red clover and Angus castus. It can do all sorts of things to your hormones and you may be better off asking about HRT - you don’t need to have blood tests to begin HRT if you are in peri menopause but it can help to rule out other things (I am 40 and I’m in early menopause due to my autoimmune conditions and I take HRT). Google the Newson Health website and look at the free online resources there.

Original poster
feelingmean21 · 09/04/2021 21:04

Thank you, I asked about HRT but was told that I couldn't have it until my periods had stopped (I'm 51 so surprised, especially with the non-stop bleeding). I only started the Red Clover this week, so will stop. Thank you.

OP posts:

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Bagelsandbrie · 09/04/2021 21:10

That is absolutely NOT true.

You can start HRT if you have periods - you can use the mirena coil or mini pill as contraception if you need to and take oestrogel and utrogestan alongside them. There is no risk of blood clots with oestrogel as the gel is absorbed through the skin and doesn’t pass through the liver in the same way. Anyway that’s a bit by and by but it’s all there on the Newson Health website. Your Gp should be able to prescribe the correct HRT on the nhs.

51 is the average age of menopause in the UK so they should definitely take you seriously!

lborgia · 09/04/2021 23:10

Whilst I've never thought it through, it makes complete sense that the two could be connected.

Agree with pp, you absolutely need some blood tests, and treatment.

I would have no qualms about taking iron in your position, it honestly isn't going to do you any harm in the first few weeks, BUT, you need the blood test before you take the iron, otherwise they will think you're ok iyswim.

Persevere, if there's another gp at your practice, speak to another one.

Original poster
feelingmean21 · 09/04/2021 23:22

@Bagelsandbrie thank you. I did think some took it before, but the GP was quite dismissive and tried her hardest to put me off, saying I needed to wait until they stopped completely or the risks would outweigh the benefits as I'd be on them too long.

@lborgia Thanks, I will take all the advice and make an appointment. I feel as if I'm wasting their time or being a nuisance, even more so during CV, but will bite the bullet.

Thanks again.

OP posts:
CommanderBurnham · 10/04/2021 07:40

You also need to be checked out for the intermittent bleeding. Could be fibroids.

Bagelsandbrie · 10/04/2021 08:13

[quote feelingmean21]@Bagelsandbrie thank you. I did think some took it before, but the GP was quite dismissive and tried her hardest to put me off, saying I needed to wait until they stopped completely or the risks would outweigh the benefits as I'd be on them too long.

@lborgia Thanks, I will take all the advice and make an appointment. I feel as if I'm wasting their time or being a nuisance, even more so during CV, but will bite the bullet.

Thanks again.[/quote]
You can stay on many types of HRT for life now. The advice many GPs give out is so outdated.

Hope you manage to get some answers and feel better soon.

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