Aaargh, another menopause thread

[Williamisoverrated]

I have been wondering about this for a while now. Like seemingly lots of others on here. Am 45 and have the usual erratic periods (heavy or none for months), stupid headaches which go on for weeks and which painkillers don't touch, creaking and painful hands, feet, hips etc, wild mood swings. No hot flushes though. I had a test done for Rheumatism which was negative and saw my neuro (I have MS too...confusing the issue, that's for sure) who says it's nothing to do with it. Got my periods with 10 and that must make you use up those eggs more quickly, no? And now it all seems to become clear to me. This must be peri menopausal. Anyone else with wild headaches and pain like you've been run over by a bus? Oh, and I've put weight on!!! Shall I get HRT? Or can I be saintly and do this 'naturally'?

God no don't suffer !

Get yr GP to do hormone levels to see you could be well ito the menopause as I am now on patches - all this symptoms are same.
Bloody awful isn't it?

Thanks, you're right. Strangely, the fact that it's prob this heartens me in a way and makes me a little less anxious. The thought of Rheumatism or new MS lesions got me all worked up. On the other hand...bloody awful!

Know what you mean-thought I was cracking up so was quite relieved!!

If your headaches are not related to the MS or your cycle, or if you haven't normally suffeerd from migraines then I would definitely get these investigated. it is not normal to have headaches that last for weeks and which painkillers cannot alleviate.

I developed (pre-menstrual) migraines during peri-menopause and I still am susceptible to them even when post-meno - I am no HRT (especially when I stop taking the prog or have wine with the prog!). Sudden drop in progesterone or oestrogen levels can cause headaches though - so maybe due to fluctuating hormones?

I agree get some blood tests done although these can be unreliable indicators of menopause while you are peri.

I agree with Bossybritches - if you are low in oestrogen - don't suffer. What's the point of spending years in misery? - HRT is definitely the way to go especially bio-identical oestrogen (estradiol - avoid the horse pee ones) and progesterone (Utrogestan) - although this means two products during the second half of your cycle.

Saintly? No!!! Martyr!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your input you two. Went to the doc yesterday anyway and asked for a blood test. The headaches are half stressing half hormone related I think. They are more tension headaches than migraines. Deffo not neurological I have been told. Will see how it goes and then ask for some HRT. I'm not going to suffer!!!