Is my understanding correct - can anyone advise please

[WaterWorld]

Hi

I am 44 and suffering hot flushes up to 20 times a day for 4 months and no period since mid Jan. I have serious night sweats costing me maybe 1-2 hours of sleep waking up to 6 times in a night, overheated then chilled as soon as it passes for the same four months. Exhausting.

I have had similar symptoms last year and the year before for 2-6 weeks then it passed and my cycle resumed though not very regular.

I had not used contraception for the last 5 plus years with one miscarriage and no other pregnancies so realise this is beyond a long shot now.

Am I correct in thinking that if I have no contra-indications such as breast cancer risk that overall I would be an ideal candidate for HRT and that it would be pity to miss out on the potential benefits of this and pursue herbal remedies for the flushing?

I have seen two doctors, first in Feb and then the second this week. The first one wanted me to have blood tests three months apart so had first set in March which were inconclusive - and I can't bear to wait till mid June for the repeat as I am struggling.

Second suggested sage while waiting for the second blood test and also a varicose vein op to be out of the way then reconsider mid June.

I am not keen on trying herbal remedies as I feel that in thirty years time I might regret the lost years of hormones if my bones are suffering etc. But given the doctor suggested Sage aso m I missing something here?

Other symptoms are there such as reduced libido (possible more exhaustion related) and advancing prolapse (maybe not related don't know). Shorter fuse (again possible exhaustion related rather than strictly hormonal). Sorry for long post. Any guidance appreciated.

How are you feeling Fluckle ?

Meh. But thanks for asking Better now my period is out of the way though, feel far less highly strung.

Fluckle I'm so sorry you had that experience but it sounds so similar to my experience with my GP practice. My normally very good GPs just 'failed' when it came to hormonal issues. I was also prescribed ADs which helped with the mood swings but all the other symptoms remained. The ADs seemed to make my libido disappear as well. No matter what I said and showed in my diary they refused to accept the symptoms were hormonal because my FSH levels were low.

I eventually saw another GP - actually a locum and she was much more clued up, although I did mention NICE guidelines . She did blood tests and a scan to check everything was OK. Then I had the mirena coil which helped with the heavy bleeding and hormonal acne breakouts.

For the last 3 months I have had HRT ellest solo and whilst it's taken a while I have definitely had an improvement. I have stopped taking the ADs and my libido is back. My sleep is much better. I no longer have that crashing fatigue (It was similar to early pregnancy) when I had to rest during the day.

The hardest thing is when you are trying to get a GP to listen and you have zero energy to 'debate' it but I am glad I stuck with it. My GPs seem very reluctant to prescribe or even to refer to a consultant on a private basis.

Yes newname99 - I get the crashing fatigue too!!! All these stories and the information provided are inspiring me to persevere though.

Well day 14 here and feeling sooo much better with around 80% reduction in the flushes and sweats comparing yesterday to two weeks before.

I have been on 1.5 patches since last Wednesday because though I had improved on 1 the symptoms were still pretty disruptive. Due to start the progesterone part tomorrow.

A little update on month one.
It's day 26, so 12 days into the progesterone.

I'm ok, much better, flushes 99% gone, been on two patches for a week now 1.5 patches still left me with a few too many, only see them at very stressful moments now (extended family at the moment). Bit spotty :(
Back to doctors in a couple of days for a review.

That's great news WaterWorld, must be such a relief. Interesting how stress makes the hot flushes flare again though. I wonder what biologically causes that?

I've finally had my appointment through and have my ultrasound later this week, so I can finally clear up that there's no physical reason for my issues. Last step before tackling the GP again.