To ask how perimenopause/menopause has changed/is changing you emotionally

[Kitchendisco21]

This might be a difficult one to pin down but I really feel like perimenopause is like going through puberty backwards- it’s incredibly challenging and I find myself questioning everything in my life- people, jobs, my relationship with DP, what I really want, who I really am. It feels quite shocking at times.

Aibu to ask how perimenopause/ menopause is changing you?

@AlbertBridge

Vitamin D MASSIVELY lifted my mood too, when I first started taking it. And very quickly.

You're right about Vitamin D - I'm not saying I'm super happy every day but it's made me far less moody and I wish I'd known about it sooner!

Can anyone tell me what dose/strength of vitamin D you take please?

NHS says not to take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 iu) of Vit D per day, though that errs on the side of caution as others say that doses up to 10,000 iu are generally ok.

This has some useful stats about how much is needed for optimal health www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-vitamin-d-to-take#How-much-vitamin-D-should-you-take?

The stat about post menopausal women needing 800-2000iu per day is probably a good benchmark.

You might also want to look at vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc and they help with vitamin D absorption.

I think magnesium is supposed to be the most important there helping improve vitamin D levels.

@Athrawes

Angry. Intolerant. Ended my marriage. Disciplined at work for speaking my mind rather too bluntly and irreversibly damaged my career. Basically stopped being a doormat but there are consequences to such huge changes in character and in hindsight, HRT could have saved my relationship and career.

This was exactly my experience but I don’t regret it, I stopped being a doormat!!

@CaveMum and @inferiorCatSlave I've just had a conversation with a Dr in my local surgery who said exactly this! He says that the nhs recommended vitamin D levels were determined in 1962 and they are way out of date and far too low. Mind you, he has a German accent and name, and I think doctors there are keener that British doctors on supplements and vitamins.

I take the strongest Vit D I can find in the supermarket/Boots. It really helps.
I have been to the GP today to ask about peri (I am not 40 yet) and I got exactly the answer I expected i.e. no, you're not, you're too young etc. I really do tick a lot of the boxes though!

I just bought vit D.Thanks for this recommendation. Here goes.

Thank you @CaveMum & @InferiorCatSlave I've been and bought some on your advice
Much appreciated

To add to my previous post. The doctor also recommended magnesium citrate tablets to help with sleep and to support bone health in peri and menopausal women. Suggested Solgar 200 mg tablets from Amazon.

Oh this is all so familiar, I had severe depression- suicidal thoughts and anxiety on another scale, if you knew me this would be a massive shock, I was the most positive, upbeat go get person, until the menopause - but when the menopause cloud hit - wow it hit big . Fortunately two things happened, I had a great Dr who prescribed HRT (4 years ago) and a very knowledgeable and supportive DH, who read everything he could about the menopause. He has cuddled me as I have cried and screamed, he has given me space when I needed it, he has taken the kids out when I was at my most volatile - HRT saved my life, my family and my marriage. I am so happy now, I have enthusiasm for travel, exercise and living a wonderful life. My relationship with my kids is amazing, 4 years ago it was awful. If you can get through the menopause without HRT, fantastic but if not go see a Dr and don't be brushed off, if they aren't sympathetic.

@wantanotherdog

To add to my previous post. The doctor also recommended magnesium citrate tablets to help with sleep and to support bone health in peri and menopausal women. Suggested Solgar 200 mg tablets from Amazon.

Thanks for the recommendation. Is it the straight up magnesium citrate or the one with calcium?

@CaveMum Seems to be the straight up magnesium with no calcium added.

I wish this could be moved to classics
It's been invaluable to so many by the look of it

I'm coming out the other side but quite like my intolerance to things or people that are no good. HRT saved my life.

Just wanted to pop back and say that on the back of our chats about vitamin D I’ve upped the amount I’m taking and I do think I can feel a difference,

It’s only been 4/5 days but I feel like I’m sleeping better and my mood has definitely improved. I’m now taking 1200iu (30ug) which is 600% of the RDA, compared to previously taking 400iu (10ug).

Thanks this is reassuring thread. I am angry, anxious and my heart is like ice! I am unmotivated and bored of life. I feel completely different than i did 18months ago! Presume it's peri as i have some other signs that menopause is on its way!

Can I ask what exact differences do you think that HRT Made to your mood/ temperament and did you feel that alcohol coupled with HRT turned you into an anxious ridden mess ??? My experiences here ...

I don't suffer fools gladly anymore, or not at all in fact. Why do think most of the people opposing the excesses of the gender ideology movement are women of a certain age? We just won't take this crap lying down and are prepared to push back.