To not know who the hell to believe about solutions for hrt/perimenopause?

[BoPeeple]

I’m 40, so officially ‘too young’ to be perimenopausal according to my GP.

And yet I’ve been suffering from terrible insomnia and constant rage, so I asked my GP about HRT (see response above). She offered me the pill instead. Having sworn I’d never go on it again after trying a few years ago and feeling constantly podgy and bloated, I agreed.

I’m now one month in and I feel… constantly podgy and bloated. My sleep is no better. However, on the plus side I’m more relaxed about not getting pregnant (we were using condoms before) and, as a bonus, my acne has cleared up. I still feel the rage though, so all in all, not much has changed for the better.

Here’s what I don’t understand: I thought that progesterone was the main hormone in the pill, which is what increases in the second half of your cycle. But this used to be the time of the month when my sleep was at its worst (now it’s just the same all the time). How is the pill supposed to help? I feel that it’s oestrogen I need, not progesterone, but the GP won’t even discuss oestrogen gel etc.

Am I being thick? And do I persevere with the pill (Levest) and hope the bloating goes away?

Why is there so little help out there with this?

Your GP is woefully ignorant about peri-menopause, and this is not unusual. As for you being too young, that is absolutely wrong. My peri started at 40, and I was on HRT by 41.

If you can, I highly, highly suggest you go privately to a peri/menopause specialist. It is worth every penny, and they will not fob you off.

Thank you. I thought so.
I am on the waiting list for a private appointment but nothing’s come through yet… I’m not sure what to do about the GP - go back and tell her she’s wrong?!

Look up dr Louise newson - a great resource

@BoPeeple

Thank you. I thought so. I am on the waiting list for a private appointment but nothing’s come through yet… I’m not sure what to do about the GP - go back and tell her she’s wrong?!

I would. You can bring along the NICE guidelines for peri, too, along with any other reputable info you can find, and there is a LOT of it.

@PrincessofPeeves That’s who I’m waiting to see. But the wait is very long! I can’t find much on the website about the pill and whether it works for younger peri women…

Levest is a combined pill which means it has both oestrogen and a progesterone-like substance in it.

My hormones plummeted after having children aged 35. I would say it's very reasonable to think you might need it. I never got on with the pill for same reason, but hrt not for me as I can't tolerate the progesterone needed, so you will need to either try snd find one you can tolerate or think about lifestyle changes instead. And there are lots of things you can do to help.

Also Louise newson is not the only specialist! I got a next day appointment with a female consultant gynae who talked through my options after a particularly disastrous attempt...

Thanks @alwaysraininghere
I did think of trying someone else, but don’t know where to start.
I don’t think I’m great with progesterone either - whenever I’ve taken Norethisterone to delay my period the insomnia and rage has been horrendous. I just don’t know where to turn for sensible advice.

I eat healthily, lots of protein and veg etc, hardly any sugar, exercise regularly, am not overweight, barely drink, don’t smoke… take vit d and k and a probiotic…

My dr suggested minera coil and estrogen gel.

Check out menopause matters

I've been told continuity is better when you don't tolerate progesterone but honestly I'd rather pull out my hair or than put more of it in my body right now. I don't think I'm desperate enough essentially. Get your bloods checked for iron before you make any decisions. Most women are chronically low snd it can be topped up and really revive energy and prevent hair loss etc. Clean eating can help with hot flushes.

When I say continuity I mean mirena and gel but I don't honestly think it would help and I'd just add more problems. And then you get to the point where you are just constantly trying to medicate against artificial symptoms..:

What an ignorant GP. I know someone who had early menopause at 27 (admittedly, extremely unusual).
You're legally entitled to a 2nd opinion from a different GP. A blood test that was analysed for hormones can be helpful but right now blood tests aren't happening in a lot of areas, so might not be easy to arrange yet.

@alwaysraininghere , what's symptoms did you have when you say your hormones plummeted? feel like this too op, I'm 36, almost 37 and I feel I'm in peri too. I have v bad PMS now, horrendous for around 3 weeks of the month, the relief I got from getting a period before just stopped and I still feel on edge even after period. Loads of sleep issues and bad night sweats before periods (I've been to Dr about these as know they can be caused by other serious problems). I can't talk about it with friends the same age as they are all TTC/ pregnant and defo don't want to hear this! I had my third DC at 33 and definitely not having more kids but just worried this is starting earlier than I expected..

I’m feeling a bit lost as well. GP doesn’t think it’s peri because I’m only mid 40s and regular, and has suggested mirena.

I had pill in my 20s and developed depression which I think was linked though she wouldn’t comment on that. And I had very strong hormone effects from pregnancy and bf-ing.

I’m barely holding it together with an extremely high needs child and I just cannot risk plummeting into a depression. I’m hesitating to agree to anything that I can’t stop quickly if I have to.

But I just don’t know where to find trustworthy information.

I also get left focal migraines and I can’t remember which contraceptives I can and can’t take.

@thelegohooverer I feel exactly the same - lost. I also have a history of severe PND so I’m not even sure she should have put me on this pill.

I just don’t think some GPs add things up. I suffered terribly from insomnia when I was pregnant so think I have a problem with progesterone - and she’s gone and prescribed me a contraceptive pill that has quite high progesterone (Levest (Microgynon)). Without doing a hell of a lot of research ourselves what are we supposed to do?

FWIW, I’ve always said to myself that I will NEVER agree to any hormonal contraceptives that I can’t stop instantly myself. So if I were you I would avoid Mirena, because you’ll be relying on them to take it out. I just don’t trust them to do what’s best for me I’m afraid.

I’ve always said to myself that I will NEVER agree to any hormonal contraceptives that I can’t stop instantly myself. So if I were you I would avoid Mirena, because you’ll be relying on them to take it out. I just don’t trust them to do what’s best for me I’m afraid

That’s exactly what I’m feeling

OP if you want to Pm me I can tell you who I see.

When I asked to have a coil, the lovely sexual health doc said they could never tell who it would suit and they would absolutely take it out if it didn't suit. For me, it's been the best thing ever as it sorted out a lot of issues in one go. Just about to have my 3rd, wished I'd had one sooner and now going to combine with patches, hopefully.

Op I have had exactly the same problem. I’m 43 and blatantly perimenopausal like you. Have every symptom under the sun, small child and a teen to think of, work full time and I’m absolutely on my knees. GP would have none of it. Said I’m still getting periods, so no hrt. Prescribed pill like you (gederel) and I’m too scared to take it, as in my 20s the pill always made me completely depressed and also huge! Just don’t know what to do now. I already take citalopram for anxiety (very low dose) which helps a bit but not enough. I’ve started taking menopace vitamins that has helped with my dry wrinkly skin at least..but constantly feel like I can’t cope though so angry with my go for not helping. Feel like I’m falling to pieces