Managing menopause naturally

[That1950sMum]

I'm really suffering a the moment with hot flushes, poor sleep and itchy skin. Just wondered if anyone has had any success with natural remedies or changes in diet.

[VanillaSugar]

Thank you for this. I think I’ve just gone from peri to full menopause. What can I do about my mood swings?

[That1950sMum]

I'm glad I started this thread. So much good advice. I still don't want to try HRT so am giving up caffeine and trying Menopace to start with.

[ParisUSM]

I also have chosen not to use HRT (and incidentally left the menopause matters forum because of the way anyone who took this path was patronised) and have found that keeping vitamin d, and ferritin levels up have helped many of my symptoms. Most of my worst symptoms come from my fibroids and HRT wouldn't help there.

Unfortunately in perimenopause, oestrogen levels can be through the roof at times and many of the symptoms are from hormonal imbalance. I wish more information was given on this rather than everyone assuming that oestrogen depletion is the only thing going on.

[PollyPerky]

Why do doctors carry on prescribing the big standard when they know there’s a good chance it won’t agree with the woman? Purely budgetary?

I think sometimes it's lack of knowledge rather than money.
With gel for example, you need a separate progestogen so this raises the issue of which and what dose.

No HRT is expensive. And it's far cheaper than putting women on drugs for other health issues they may have later, or hospitalisation for fractures.

You can see prices here on this website.

menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php

They are a bit out of date I think but not more than the cost of an NHS prescription.

[Abra1de]

Those approaching GPs for HRT really need a kind of hologram Polly to go in with them and insist on the ‘better’ varieties.

Why do doctors carry on prescribing the big standard when they know there’s a good chance it won’t agree with the woman? Purely budgetary?

[ssd]

interesting thread and lots of good advice for women like me approaching this stage....I dont have my mum or any female relatives to ask, so hearing of lots of different experiences is great.

[Copenhagen]

Gel is definitely the best option for those who choose HRT as you have control

[PollyPerky]

Ah I see! I did feel queasy at first- like morning sickness, but got round it by halving the dose and using am and pm.

[Copenhagen]

I was the gel. Just shows how different we are and how different our tolerances

[PollyPerky]

A lot can depend on the way the estrogen is being delivered and the dose. I was advised to start with a tiny amount- gel- so I used about 0.4mgs a day for a couple of weeks, then increased to 1mg, the up to 1.5mgs which I've stuck to. This was very gradually over 4-6 weeks so my body gradually got used to it. Most pills are 1mg or 2mgs so you can't really adjust the dose. Patches are bit easier as there is more variation in dose availability. Sadly too many women are just given 'bog standard' pills and if they don't work, they give up.

[Copenhagen]

I was on oestrogen only & bloated up like a balloon. Good point women react differently so one can have side effects and one can feel wonderful. Sounds like you are on the wonderful end

[PollyPerky]

Not all women put on weight with HRT. I've not put on any weight and have used it for 10 years. The scientific research shows no connection with HRT and weight gain. Any weight gain can be temporary- perhaps bloating due to the type of progestogen (there are at least 3 different kinds and women react differently.)

Copenhagen There are also multiple links in this thread to the RCOG leaflet on alternatives to HRT. No one can say what works categorically as an alternative because the only thing that is proven to work for hot flushes etc is HRT. With other options it comes down to trying them and seeing what helps you. That can be a long and expensive process.

[Abra1de]

I think the trouble is that the NHS will often prescribe the cheapest version first. At least that’s what happens here. None of my friends have stayed on it as they all put on a sudden amount of weight. It was changed but the substitutes were no better.

[Copenhagen]

HRT didn’t suit me. Made me put on weight 1/2 stone in six weeks & felt bloated & uncomfortable. Always find it funny when people say no it’s the menopause when I was in the menopause before & didn’t gain weight. For me it was HRT......but that was my experience. I was lucky though as came off fine & feel better. For some HRT is best & for others like me it’s not the best option but my symptoms where hot flushes & in the grand scheme they are annoying in the summer & sometimes enjoyable in the winter. Do what works best for you. We are all different and respond differently. I think that there is no need to put multiple links in about HRT as they are pinned on this board. So what alternatives worked for others posters.

[Emerald13]

It’s a combination of factors that cause osteoporosis and a very common cause is an early meno. It’s a very helpful link, thanks.

[CrabappleBiscuit]

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10091-menopause--osteoporosis

This explains it well...I think.

[RaininSummer]

I seem to be passing through things without needing HRT though so guess I will still get osteoporosis etc. Surely if it is so beneficial it should be encouraged for all women of a certain age.

[Astrabees]

people my mothers age (91) seem to accept that osteoporosis, broken hips and incontinence are just normal signs of ageing. I don't think my generation will put up with all that nonsense HRT is a really valuable tool in the armoury against it. I'd suggest that anyone who feels there are medical reasons not to take it gets a professional and objective view about it, certainly some people who have had breast cancer continue to take certain types in risk assessed safety. I'm sure that there are other methods of reducing the symptoms of hormone deficiency but HRT is the gold standard treatment.

[CaraBosse1]

at my posts being deleted. No personal attacks from me.

[TellsEveryoneRealFacts]

i am thanks. I think of my auntie who was bent double from her 30s and think 'fuck that for a laugh'. Women need to know options and that doctors don't always know the latest info on HRT.

[Emerald13]

Sorry tells for feeling so bad! I’m 42 and on hrt. My body started to suffer a year ago and my gyn was absolutely careless! My last gyn said that I have to take hrt high dose immediately, he sent me for bone scan and blood tests. We have to take care of ourselves cause nobody will do it for us! There so many women who just know nothing about meno, they trust wrong gyns and spent their lives suffering! Hope you are in better health now!

[TellsEveryoneRealFacts]

Ok, Polly, so you've potentially caused fear in women who can't take HRT. What do you suggest they do? I know you're not engaging with me but you really ought to offer them some alternatives.

you of course are free to offer your own alternatives.

Personally, i have a before HRT and an after HRT story. I went into early menopause at 42, and my female doctor refused to give me HRT, as I was apparently too young for the menopause. It took 7 years for them to give me HRT. I finally went back when I was literally on my knees, unable to climb the stairs at the end of the day. And bearing in mind my job was Head Gardener, it wasn't like I wasn't getting exercise all day every day.

I had all the symptoms, and my whole body ached from dawn to dusk, and my bones literally felt as if they were hollow towards the end. My male doctor finally gave in, and prescribed HRT. I put one patch on, had two more hot flushes and haven't had one since. I was eventually bone scanned, and turns out, due to lack of estrogen, I have osteoporosis. Great. At 49.

I have not seen any scare mongering and for those giving Polly grief, you are as free as she is to give advice on the topic. If you do not like it, do your own research and counter it. Otherwise - give it a rest. HRT can literally change your life into one that resembles being human again.

[bananaskin123]

Well past meno now so can't really offer any advice but just to say I had a post meno bleed last year and had a Mirena coil after investigations as to why it happened. I was surprised to be offered this at my age but it seems to have done what it was supposed to in my case, ie thin the lining of the womb. Polly was so helpful during this time and at other times when I have posted.

[PollyPerky]

My link to the RCOG info was for ssd as a continuation of her comment. It wasn't in response to the request from Cara with whom I am not engaging further and whose snipey post has been reported.

[gnushoes]

Two things here. 1. I don't believe Polly is scaremongering. What she is doing is countering 20 years of scare stories about HRT which are putting lots of women off even considering the idea. Good for her. Believe her or not but don't have a go at her.

1. mummyretired you might have read that hot flushes don't go on beyond six minutes - not in my experience. Pre HRT I'd have a flush going up my back in bed which lasted hours. I believe they're called ember flushes. They completely knacker any thought of sleep.
   

As you all were.