The menopause. Am I going through it? What do you do?

[hogu]

I'm 45 and periods are on and off. Mood swings are pretty bad at the moment but I'm blaming other factors in life for those.
What do people do if they suspect they are going through the menopause? Just carry on regardless or go to the doctors? Is HRT a must? I thought it's related to cancer so I'd rather not go on that but I'm just at a loss at what to do?

I read a book on amazon about menopause that suggested b6, magnesium, zinc and a few other things.

Cancer risks of HRT are overstated. Risks are now known to be much lower unless you have added factors - family history etc.

HRT is not a must as some women do cope without it. However for many women it makes a huge difference to quality of life.

It can also protect against certain illnesses and conditions in later life.

Mood swings can be a result of perimenopause. It can cause really high anxiety. Peri can go on for years.

Many women are prescribed antidepressants when they may be better off on HRT.

Definitely worth reading up a bit on perimenopause and go ask gp for help.

If it's affecting your life you deserve treatment and be prepared that some doctors will palm you off with happy pills after a five minute consultation.

If you can, ask for a referral to a menopause specialist.

Watch Dr Louise Newsome on YouTube, she gives balanced information on the risk/benefits of HRT. It has certainly made a massive difference to me.

I don’t want to go on HRT, but I’m having a mirena coil fitted due to frequent heavy periods and anaemia.
And I’m not completely ruling out adding oestrogen if the anxiety, hot flushes etc hit me.
I’ll do what I have to do.

HRT is brilliant.

HRT honestly changed my life! I was ok for a couple years but then the symptoms kicked in! I was low but not depressed, had brain fog, aching joints and would be wet through up to 3 times a night.

HRT gets a bad rap but honestly my life was miserable before it

HRT saved me, no exaggeration, and the cancer risk simply isn't true for most people. There is no need to suffer like you are.

There is a whole topic on menopause on Mumsnet under Health. There's some interesting stuff on there, although, as always, you have to dodge around the odd argument.

Long term HRT fan, BTW.