I'm a mess and feel awful. Normally I love reading up on whatever I'm interested in, but I can't seem to find the space in my head to do this and I feel in such a fog and in constant grumbling pain.
I'm part way through menopause, I think. I'm 51, missed periods for three and five months and generally things are suggesting that I am part way through.
I feel dreadful. So bad tempered, depressed, so tired, headaches, low level pain in my whole body, bit of dizzyness and nausea. I came off anti-depressants a little while ago and have major work going on in our house at the moment - so the timing is crap.
What should I do? I have a blood test booked to check iron, thyroxine, for diabetes etc, and then a doctor's appointment next week.
I don't know whether I should opt for anti-depressants or HRT. I know the WHO says don't go for ADs to treat meno symptoms. I tried to look at the Menopause Matters website but am feeling generally feeble and pathetic and can't focus on it when I have so much to do. I wanted to do things naturally, but if I was low enough to need ADs in the last couple of years, I'm not sure I can crack it with natural things (plus I'm allergic to soya).
What sort of HRT would I be looking at, and by taking it am I just delaying the inevitable? Will my body and brain still have to adjust to reduced levels of hormones when I come off instead?
Thank you.
PS: I will reply, but have name changed and don't want to out myself - so will change back until I have a few replies.