Peri menopausal

[Shoegal0305]

I'm hoping some of you lovely MNers will be able to make sense of how I'm feeling?

I'm 46, most definitely peri, periods all over the place, moods up and down, hot flushes, brain fog......... the list goes on.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst which proved to be a normal fluid filled cyst, I went to the GP after a bit of pain and irregular bleeding. I also got told I had a fibroid. Fast forward a few years, bleeding is so heavy I'm soaking thru a super plus tampon and a pad in an hour or so. Not so much pain, but feeling uncomfortable. Bleeding not regular. Have a lot of spotting. Feel bloated. Tearful at the silliest things. I've never had any problems with periods throughout my life so it's all a bit of a shock.

Been to see GP, awaiting a pelvic scan at the end of the month also need to get bloods done around the same time, haven't made that appointment yet as GP said to tie it in with the scan. I'm petrified of what the scan will show. I have quite bad health anxiety about myself, despite being a healthcare professional myself, I think that little bit of knowledge is scary haha. I'm a single parent so that increases my anxiety. If I'm ill
Who does everything I need to do?! I know I'm letting my imagination run riot I just need some reassurance I'm not going even more mad than I currently feel?

Currently nursing a bad cold and horrible cough so been stuck indoors for a few days which obviously doesn't help my mood!!!

Shoe it sounds that you are terrified without any serious reason. I think that you are very anxious about your health and you need to relax! Your symptoms are too common during peri and try not to worry so much!

Emerald thank you. For as long as I can remember, and I don't know why, I've had a crippling irrational fear of having to have an operation. Never bothered me when I was younger. Since I hit 40 it's all gone a bit downhill lol and especially after the cyst I was petrified in case I had to have an operation.

I think being peri in itself brings anxiety but when it brings to the forefront my already present fears it's snowballing.

shoegal Have you thought of trying CBT? It might help you control your thoughts.

If you are a HCP you must be aware of its benefits.

There are online courses/ programs and books like Mind over Mood , and CBT for Dummies.

Working on them in your own time might help?

For the flooding, your GP could offer a Mirena coil or HRT. Are you willing to discuss both with them? The Mirena would sort the heavy bleeds and you'd only need estrogen alone with the Mirena which would stop the flushes and brain fog. No need to suffer! Educate yourself on the options and ask for help.

Queen thank you. Yes I am aware of the different options. GP has put me on the mini pill for now as need to see what scan shows? I'm thinking fibroids may be a contra indication for the coil??? Anyway the mini pill has reduced the flooding but only by a small amount I'm still bleeding heavily. I know my fears stem from the fact that I have this real fear of having a general anaesthetic...... I've never had one, so not sure what's caused this fear?

why are you agonising over a GA when you aren't having one? I'm puzzling that one out!

Don't you think you are imagining scenarios that may not happen? Ever!

You have a scan booked. Even if you have a fibroid it's not a big deal. Are you assuming it will be operated on? 50% women have a fibroid or two and most don't even know unless it's huge and they have a scan.

And NO ONE likes the idea of a GA! who would?
But for most people it's a matter of life saving surgery or something to make quality of life better, so it's grit your teeth and get on with it, IF it happens.

Do you have a history of worrying over stuff that's not happened and may never happen?

Really suggest you try CBT either online or with a CBT practioner.

What kind of HCP are you? (it covers everything from nurses, to pharmas, drs, speech therapists...)

Queen, I'm a paramedic. I put my green uniform on and I'm a different person haha I can take anything and anyone on. I come home and I'm still a struggling single parent with hormones that are going haywire, no support and health anxiety (about myself!!). I often find myself telling patients not to worry and how everything will be ok and yet I can't take my own advice!!!

As I've said a little knowledge is scary! A lot of my colleagues are complete hypochondriacs, and I mean that in jest, but we all worry..... worse case scenario. Maybe it's because we spend our lives seeing folk at the worst point in their own lives? I've done my job more than two decades I guess it takes its toll? 15 years as a single parent, faced bankruptcy, maybe it's just hard wired into my brain to always expect the worst?

Ah okay.

But as a paramedic you are seeing people in emergency situations. That's very different from being treated yourself for something all women go through (menopause) where the investigations (if any) are planned and treatment is available.

I do think you ought to purse CBT even if just buying one the books - Mind over Mood- which will teach you hard to not hardwire yourself any more in the way you are. You've gotta do some work on yourself if you want to see some changes.

There are clear treatment pathways for heavy bleeding and menopausal symptoms. I had a fluid filled cyst for over 2 years and was scanned every 4 months. I know how it's worrying. BUt look at it the other way- knowledge gives power, so instead of having a bit of it, learn more about meno and the things you worry about, and reassure yourself!