Is this Menopause??

[JingleThoseBells]

I've been feeling so low lately. Poor self esteem, tearful, worthless. I don't really want to see friends etc. Just generally miserable ( I think I'm hiding it relatively well so far) but feel on a bit of a knifes edge tbh. I'm 49, but had a partial hysterectomy a few years ago, so have no way of knowing re periods etc.
I'm not sweating buckets in the night as I've heard some people say, but I am waking up quite a lot feeling very warm, opening windows etc.
I don't really want HRT if I can help it, but I don't honestly know all that much about menopause (feel ridiculous saying this). My Mum just said she sailed through it other than being a bit argumentative.
Do my symptoms sound like Menopause? Does anyone have experience or advice please? 🙏

If you have had a hysterectomy, you probably need HRT to replace that oestrogen you lost. And also if you are feeling depressed , teary and warm. All those symptoms are typical of menopause.

Why do you not want to take it? See your GP and discuss options.

I would definitely discuss with a Dr it only gets worse there are so many symptoms but feeling low will get harder I take medication to get me through life also on hrt I got help after feeling so low it was hard to get out of bed at weekends why keep suffering in silence. It's not helping you.

The type of HRT usually prescribed is what's known as body identical which means chemically identical to what your own body produces, and is usually derives from yams and soya. Its not much different from taking vitamin D or vitamin b12 if your body is having trouble producing those.

Your symptoms sound severe enough to cause you significant problems.

At the moment it's bearable although not ideal obviously! Have good and bad days. I'm not a fan of HRT personally, so would prefer to avoid if at all possible. I don't really want to go down the anti depressant route either. Guess I'll just have to endure unless it becomes unmanageable

Why are you against HRT OP?

Increased risks of breast and ovarian cancers. I also have slightly high BP, So increased risk of clots and strokes. I don't want HRT.

I think the risk is much reduced with modern HRT although I am no expert

Thing is you can't sail through no oestrogen, and you are already suffering. The solution is HRT and if you don't want the solution then the next best thing the GP will offer you is anti depressants.

I'd rather take the risks, incidentally HRT has lower risks than the pill and other drugs.

But it's absolutely your body, but yes in answer to your question it sounds like that stage of life, eat super well and get weight training.

On and a friend of mine who can't use HRT recommends dr vegan supplements to everyone.

The risk is very tiny with new types of HRT. Indeed, unless you have a family history, you have a higher risk if you are obese or drink.
There are different types of HRT, and some are lower risk.
I am on it myself and it has really helped with hot flushes, feeling low, and lack of energy.
The other thing I would suggest is exercise. I walk, swim and lift weights. I also don;t drink except very rarely and have a good diet. I feel reasonably ok.

This is outdated information and in fact, HRT can actually protect you against some cancers, cardiac heath, bone loss, etc. Don't suffer needlessly and do some reading on the latest studies

HRT will help. You are you so against it?

I have felt the same for the last 2-3 years, unfortunately I’m much younger, 38 and in premature menopause (elevated FSH, low Oestradiol), eggs almost non-existent and ovaries shrinking. I would struggle to describe life as worth living during the last few years, it’s been so hard, I felt I was losing my mind, so anxiety ridden, and suspicious and vengeful, such a poor view of myself and struggling to maintain work, friendships, etc.

Anyway, I’m in my final week of my first months worth of HRT patches and the change has been incredible, I haven’t felt this good in a long, long time, I’m happy and care free, my problems are in proportion, I can respond rationally to my anxious/paranoid thoughts, I look at myself in the mirror and I like myself again, I felt motivated to get a new haircut, I’m changed my make up to something more suitable for my skin, I’m enjoying selecting my clothes again, my appetite is better and I want to eat whole foods, my partner says I’m like a new person. HRT has been such a lifeline.

Please consider the HRT, it can be a real game changer.

Did they not follow up and check your blood for hormone levels. Go back to your doctor and ask about it.

This isn't true, it's outdated information.

You sound exactly like me 😏

Honestly, OP, the risks are tiny, and hrt protects against other diseases. As a PP pointed out, transdermal hrt has no increased risk of stroke, and being overweight and drinking even a moderate amount of alcohol has higher risks for cancer.

Get HRT! Patches don’t increase the risk of blood clots. Many studies show that the cancer risks are exaggerated!