Does this sound like peri-menopausal symptoms?

[cakedup]

I would really appreciate some insight and/or shared experiences, it could really help me get through this as I'm struggling.

I had a hysterectomy about 1.5 years ago, but kept my ovaries. I'm 46 years old.

I'm just wondering, how does peri menopausal symptoms differ from PMT?

I've lost track of where I am in my cycle. But every now and again I just get this oppressive feeling. It can be predominantly physical - where I get crippling fatigue - different to just feeling very tired. Or, as it is at the moment, predominantly mental - I'm feeling tearful and sad, and finding it hard to stay motivated (although obviously there is a lot of crossover). There's nothing really wrong, I'm happy with how my life is. Just a hollow feeling that I can't shake off. I'm usually a get up and go person!

I've started keeping a diary. This has been going on for longer, possibly since my hysterectomy. So far documented:

Jan 26th - 30th - crashing fatigue
W/C Feb 25th - feeling low and unusually anxious but this may have been purely due to an awful fallout with my dad
March 16th - 19th crashing fatigue. Felt bit better after 10 hours sleep.
March 20th - today - feeling low and tearful

One minute I think, I'm fine, there's nothing wrong! But the low feeling just takes over.

When I first got the crippling fatigue, I went to my doctors and since then had a couple of round of full bloods and apparently nothing wrong, except low vit D (now taking supplements) and thyroid levels were fine but need 'watching' as tiny bit low.

Snap. Same age and that awful fatigue has hit in recent months. The low mood is only really hitting in the past couple of months. Up to now I have tracked my symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort around ovulation and headaches (bad headaches which are a relatively new symptom). I was only thinking this morning that I need to start adding these new symptoms to the list, as I hauled myself out of bed feeling like a 90 year old. I will organise blood test this week but I imagine nothing will show up. I spoke to a friend recently who has been having tests for palpitations. I suggested menopause as all tests have come back fine. I dont think she realised it could be a symptom but you'd think he doctor would have mentioned it - she's over 50. She has herself worried sick but as she said, if the gp told her it could be menopause then she'd accept that and get on with it.

Drum2018 thanks for replying, it's reassuring although i'm sorry you're also not feeling great. It's funny that you mention "feeling like a 90 year old" because I've noticed that as another symptom, just feeling SO MUCH older! And I'm not one to fear ageing generally, but literally feeling like I've aged 10 years very suddenly.

I also get the bloating, but not the headaches (I'm not prone to headaches generally although I won't speak too soon).

I didn't know palpitations could also be a symptom. I've been noticing my breathing is a bit shallower, not out of breath exactly but similar. Like how you breathe when your ill sometimes.

I would also find it easier if a gp could say "yes it's peri menopause and likely to last x amount of years".

I've just dragged myself to the gym (the fatigue not a problem today) but was still feeling a bit bleurgh so finished early and just went for a walk in the park. It has helped. It's like I have to make a constant effort to not let myself dip.

Hi there Although you kept your ovaries, they are known to fail usually within a couple of years of a hysterectomy.

Your symptoms sound classic peri but you are also on the young side ( average age for meno is 51.)

My advice is see your GP and seriously think about HRT at least for 5 years till you are average meno age, to protect your bones and heart but also help your symptoms now. The risks are practically non-existent for women your age and the years on HRT don't 'count' till you get to 51-52 anyway- before that it's just topping up your hormones.

JinglingHellsBells wow - no-one told me that about the ovaries!! Your symptoms sound classic peri this is so helpful in itself, it's just so reassuring and easier to deal with when there is a reason for it.

I can't take HRT as I have a history of breast cancer - even though I had breast cancer 20 years ago and been clear since then.

It's 'well documented' (as they say) that ovarian function packs up after a hysterectomy- one thing your drs should have told you.
This is one reason why they try to avoid doing them now because there are negative effects often.

The thinking on HRT and breast cancer is not black and white. There are women using HRT who have had breast cancer. Not all HRT is equal risk for BC and it's been pretty much established now that it tends to fuel an existing tumour rather than cause it, so if you really suffer with meno long term it's worth talking to some specialists- certainly not just a GP.

You sound like you come from a medical background JinglingHellsBells so appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Ovaries packing up after hysterectomy does make sense. When I first had the hysterectomy, I would still physically feel like I was on my period every month whereas I don't anymore.

Next time I have my breast screening I will mention it to my new oncologist. Tbh the oncologist I saw for my check ups for many years (and has now moved on) was very strict about this kind of thing (even told me to stop breastfeeding!!) and very anti HRT so would be good to now get another opinion.

I'm a medical author /writer and as such spend a lot of time researching and interviewing doctors for information.
My own consultant told me he has women who have had BC on HRT but there is also info about this online- it comes down to quality of life and often choosing the safest type of HRT.

Jingle please can you help me? My own GP and oncology depth will not support my request for HRRNW. Not even an oestrogen cream for dried out bits! I'm ten years from my breast cancer diagnosis and have been cancerenamed free in this time. I'm having to spend money I don't have to see a private specialis, in the hope she will help me. But even if she can, how am I to pay for on going prescriptions? They are denying me the right to make an informed decision regarding my own body!

Hi Blitzen What is HRRNW?

This is one report you might want to read.

"International Menopause Society Writing Group. Recommendations for the management of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. 2010. (Sturdee)"

“For women with breast cancer, non-hormonal therapies are preferred but, where these are ineffective, vaginal estrogens can be used at the lowest effective dose with appropriate patient counselling

I'm not sure of your finances but a one-off appt with a private consultant is around £200 and the cost of the drugs is no more in some cases than a prescription. Ovestin cream which I use is around £7.50 a tube which lasts for 6-7 weeks using it as directed.

Sorry Jingling, my tablet was running away with me.

I went to the GP on Monday. Was told no vagifem or similar. Wasn’t even offered replens, which I don’t find effective anyway.

I’ve got an appointment to see a private specialist in three weeks. She is charging £260 for an hours consultation, which I think is reasonable, but I’m having to borrow the money.

My point is, I am being denied a cream, which is readily available on the NHS. I don’t understand. They will not quote me any statistics on the risks of using the cream. I have written to the oncologist for evidence. Why would some consultants prescribe HRT and not others?

Well your GP's talking rubbish.

If you want to PM me the name of the person you are seeing, I may have an idea of who they are.

Yes, they are all different and some have different views on things.

Jingling I’m going to PM you shortly. Thank you.