Any post-menopause ladies on here? PLEASE tell me life gets better after Perimenopause?

[ACheesePaniniJustForMeeee]

Does life get better after Perimenopause?

Please, please tell me that it does.

I am 53 in March and have been in peri for almost 8 years and it has NOT been an enjoyable experience.

It has exacerbated all my long term chronic issues which were previously under control. IBS-D and functional dyspepsia being a couple of them and despite endless horrible gastro tests and trying everything under the sun to help control my gut issues (Almost daily nausea, acid - a very unpredictable gut and dashing to the loo is a common things for me these days to the point I often don't want to leave far from my home). I have tried everything to reduce these symptoms but nothing helps, I am sure hormones and stress are causing these huge flare ups.

My decades long period problems also became so much worse during peri and despite constantly being told by my gynaecologist it was normal during this phase of my life, two years ago at the age of 50 I actually discovered (due to me pushing my gynae for more tests), I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. This was all following on from a failed uterine ablation, my gynae had told me it would be the 'cure' to all my period problems - it wasn't, it failed causing more pain and pushing me to discover the endo and adeno. I am now awaiting a hysterectomy for the adeno and excision surgery for the endo, I am terrified of surgery as I have lost fail in the gynae department which of course does not help my already very anxious state of mind.

Tried HRT but that made all my current gynae issues worse. I am hoping I can take it after the surgery to help prevent the heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia my poor mum suffers from.

My life long anxiety jumped to a level I never knew existed (nor wished to) since I entered perimenopause, it's a daily and unwanted issue that I have to carry with me (waking with anxiety, anxiety and panic attacks on/off all day is a regular things now to the point that I almost expect it) and despite daily exercise, healthy eating (have to due to the gut issues), drinking only water and meditating every day my poor mental health never bloody leaves me. None of this is helped by the fact that as soon as I entered peri my lovely MIL died from cancer and my dear mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and is now in the late stages. And I seem to find myself part of this so called 'sandwich' generation - caring for elderly parents (one terminally ill) and dealing with your own teen dc's issues is stressful enough, I did not need a myriad of peri symptoms on top.

To say that I am very depressed would be an understatement.

I feel so mentally and physically unwell every single bloody day. I live in hope things may improve post-menopause (god knows when that will be though).

Please, please tell me things can get better.......please.

So sorry you are going through this. My main symptom was anxiety but a low dose of sertraline worked a treat. I couldn't take HRT so that was my only option. I was very sceptical and terrified of side effects but it absolutely saved my life.

Positives after menopause

• no more hormone related migraines that blighted my life
• no more PMT
• no more periods (it really is wonderful to never buy a tampon again)

Unfortunately there are downsides. The lack of oestrogen is a nightmare. I have vaginal attrophy and a few bladder issues and obviously I aged 20 years overnight!!!

Still, I feel so much calmer. Am still on the sertraline and am looking to stop soon. It really does get better.

Thank you.

I have tried a couple of SSRIs but they made the gut issues worse. Last week I was prescribed Escitalopram by my GP, only a small dosage and she says I could even cut them in half and start low and slow so I may try that over the Christmas break.

I'd love to be free of hormonal migraines, since my first pregnancy 20 years ago I've struggled with migraine with aura. Only ever had them during my periods and pregnancy so definitely hormonal for me.

I'm looking into pessaries for potential vaginal atrophy, I'm hoping they may help?

Good to hear the Sertraline helped you. They help my sister and best friend too.

I just started perimenopause at 40 and had stage 4 endo since my late teens. I swear by the ketogenic diet (although I don't have to be quite so strict these days as PM seems to be improving some things). I had issues with constant nausea, acid, throwing up whenever I tried to eat (my gut issues all seemed to be the top half) and nothing else seemed to work. It might be worth trying it for a few months (if you're not a fan of meat, you can do a pescatarian version). The first week or so can feel rough while you switch over, but it gets easier after that.

I used a combination of Ibuprofen for pain management/fever and Mefenamic Acid for the week+ I was bleeding (these days Ibuprofen tends to be enough). Switching to keto also seemed to reduce decidual casts, so I wasn't having to deal with contractions every month. If you're getting anaemic, also ask about iron shots (I went through all the alternatives for several years, until one nurse suggested injecting it and that was the only thing that helped normalise my iron levels). If you can bring down the overall inflammation, that tends to improve any gut issues as your body isn't in constant 'battle mode'.

Hang in there! It won't last forever. I almost feel guilty for admitting that I'm looking forward to menopause like I'm waiting for Christmas! I missed a period for the first time in forever a few months ago and was euphoric! The last year or so has been the first time in decades that I've had a small preview of what it will be like to not have to base my entire life around how much pain/mess I'm in. The human menstrual system has massive design flaws and needs evolving!