Anyone else experiencing this as menopause?

[Eliza22]

Nine months ago I was fit and training for 25k. I'm 53 and in the throes of menopause. Suddenly, I started to feel "off colour". Symptoms: fatigue (as in totally knackered); constant nausea; feeling "full" all the time; waistline/abdomen expanding; unable to lie on my sides due to nausea/abdominal discomfort so, sleeping propped up. My GP referred me to a gastroenterologist (for all things digestive).

Had: abdominal scan, gastroscope, blood tests for coeliac disease, anaemia and hepatitis screen.... All came back negative.

Left it 4 months but went back today with continuing symptoms. Nothing's changed only now I have to undo all my zips I'm so "fat" and I feel like I'm about to go pop! I'm SO uncomfortable. GP said it's probably menopause and to keep taking the irritable bowel syndrome meds (I honestly don't think it's IBS) and anti nausea tablets (even in the night if it wakes me up) and because I have high BP and a family history of stroke, I can't have hrt.

I could cry. I've gone from being as fit as a flea and slim to a stone plus overweight, no energy and feeling like I have constant "morning sickness" to go with having swallowed a brick.

Am I a hypochondriac? I don't WANT to be ill but I feel shocking.

What can I reasonably do? AIBU to expect my GP to think along a different line other than "possible IBS/anxious menopausal woman....NEXT!"

because I have high BP and a family history of stroke, I can't have hrt.

Incorrect.

High BP is not a reason to avoid HRT. if the high BP is treated- lifestyle and drugs- then you can have HRT.

Likewise, family history of stroke- what exactly? I could say the same- my gran, mum and dad have all had strokes but that was in their old age. That doesn't count.

Recent research shows that HRT actually reduces build up/ plaque of the carotid artery by 50%.

I think your GP ought to arrange a pelvic scan. Not wanting to frighten you but the symptoms you describe are also indicative of ovarian cancer- advanced stages.
This is highly unlikely but they ought to have referred you.

This is very useful- from the charity Ovacome www.ovacome.org.uk/beat-ovarian-cancer-with-ovacome/symptom-checker.aspx

My mum had 9 by-pass grafts at 51 so, two years my junior. My dad had his first stroke at 53. My blood pressure remains high, despite a hefty dose of anti-hypertensive treatment.

Transdermal HRT is not associated with clotting. Pills are.

There are blood tests you could have to see what your clotting rate is, and they could also do a scan of your carotid artery to see what was going on there.

I think you need expert advice from a consultant. The reasons for your parents' strokes could be complicated- perhaps lifestyle , diet, smoking etc were factors? It doesn't mean the same will apply to you.

I have just checked in the book on menopause written by a very eminent gynae I see . The fact that parents have had strokes is not mentioned as an 'alert' to avoid HRT. A recent stroke or heart attack in the woman is.

Many GPs are not clued up on all of this and are over cautious.

I've reported your post Venus as it's a personal attack and it is also highly inaccurate in the accusations you make.

I think venusrising is a bit out of order. I've never seen pinkfrocks pass herself off as a doctor, but to always suggest that someone seeks a second opinion if they aren't happy with the advice they received - as above.

Also, she's right, a lot of GPs are not aware of menopause, HRT and latest research. It's really worth having this pointed out to you so you can ask more questions.

I wish I'd been on here when I started peri and I wouldn't have been mucked around by a doctor who know less than nothing for 2 years till I got a second opinion. And I'm on HRT and much happier.

Also 'risk' is a really interesting discussion - heightened 'risk' can mean any number of things in different situations and knowing to ask the question about how it will actually affect you in your situation is really important.

It may be that the OP has been through all this with a GP but others reading this may not and it could be really helpful.

I'm absolutely on board with the fact that people should self-diagnose on the basis of numpties on the Internet, but I don't think pinkfrocks is doing anything other than suggesting that people ask more questions and consider the options. In quite a directional way - but that's seems to be her style.

How is "your GP ought to arrange a pelvic scan" and "I think you need expert advice from a consultant" anything other than a recommendation to seek medical advice?

Watching with interest as I'm exactly the same. Chronically exhausted, on a strict diet but my jeans zip bursting open and feel full and nauseous all of the time. All tests come back normal!
I know how you feel Op just want to feel well again.

Sympathies Ladybird!