Where do I start? Support needed please.

[lifecanbelovely]

I’m certainly peri menopausal. Just turned 50. I lost my job in January, I’m near the end of an awful divorce. I have to move. I can’t concentrate, I’m depressed a lot of the time. The tiredness is terrible. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next few months. I haven’t the energy to do anything. I’ve completely lost focused, practically lost my short term memory, and I have brain fog constantly.
I don’t know whether to jump on the HRT band wagon. I don’t know whether I am just depressed. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Sorry to hear you’re having a tough time! I’m facing a hysterectomy, I’m 30. HRT seems great, I wouldn’t hesitate to be honest. My mum took it and it really helped her. Hope you feel better x

I'm really struggling, I feel anxious, weepy, short of patience, guilty, angry, tired and thoroughly depressed. Looking for supplements to try and help my mood. Everything feels like a struggle. I don't even know if this is peri menopause or just a shift in hormones.

Mothermason my mum took it too, before all the negative press about cancer links.
I am considering it. I’ve always tried to avoid meds wherever possible in my life. I may have to succumb this time.
ChefAtisle I am trying supplements at the moment. I’ve also been reading about diet. What have you learned? Maybe we can share. I’m sure there must be a diet for menopause thread somewhere. I’ve just started taking centrum women 50+. I’ll see if that helps.

The feelings, aches, pains, brain fog and memory were where I was at four years ago. Went to GP who suggested reading up on forms of HRT and come back once I'd made a decision. I opted for tablets. Best decision ever!
Within a few days, brain fog had lifted, pains had disappeared and memory was better and more "available".
Four years down the line, flushes have taken over again, so GP is increasing the strength of the tablet. I'm on femoston, I'd recommend it to anyone with similar symptoms.
Other options are to try the herbal route - Napier's Herbalists are great at recommending and helping. Sage helps with flushes, vitamin E and black cohosh are also recommended. They can also make up something particular to your symptoms.

I eat relatively healthy, lots if fruit and veg, balanced diet, very little fat except the crisps I refuse to give up. I haven't had the flushes or anything like that, just now it the effect on my head and moods that I'm struggling with. I'm 45. I'm going to try St John's Wort capsules. X

@lifecanbelovely

The negative press on HRT is now 20 years old and out of date.
Newer types are safer and the old research is flawed- you can read about this on the web.

Honestly, HRT for 5 years is super-safe and you can take it for life if you want.

Don't waste your time and money on vitamins etc. You can get all you need froma healthy diet- just eat 5-7 portions of fruit/ veg a day, oily fish, chicken, full fat plain yoghurt, peas, beans and lentils (full of weak plant estrogens), nuts, wholegrains, and you will get everything you need.
Cut right back on refined carbs, sugar, fried food and all the 'rubbish'!

I think eating well and exercising are really important during menopause. I also listened to a podcast yesterday that suggested CBD. The podcast was by BFN Big Fat Negative - worth a listen

After my initial shock due to my early menopause I find that hrt, daily training and good diet really help. :)

What's CBD? I have just been diagnosed with anxiety and depression but am loathe to take ads. Maybe HRT could work? My symptoms are the same as ahl134's. I am also trying to get into an exercise routine and improve my diet.

It is something that contains cannabis.

CBD does not contain cannabis. It’s part of the cannabis plant, yes but it does not get you Hugh. It’s totally natural, so if you don’t like meds’ it’s a good option. Have a google, I’m no ambassador! Ha. I have just heard people say it helps. And I believe it is something that won’t cause any harm to try. I will take it when I need it x

Hi everyone
I’ve just joined today and thought I would share my menopause experience with you.
I was diagnosed early menopause at 37. I was put on HRT and after a lot of trial and error to find the one that suited I was taking oestrogen orally and getting the progesterone part via a Mirena coil. This combination worked great and I stayed on this for 17 years. I was told
by a consultant I had to come off HRT when I was 55 as he didn’t want me staying on HRT for any longer. I did this and despite doing a very gradual reduction soon realised that all the symptoms HRT helped to get rid off came rushing back.
That was over 2 years ago and since then I have suffered hot sweats day and night, brain fog, weight gain, dry skin and hair, no sleep, restlessness all the usual symptoms.
I think in my opinion GP’s just don’t have the relevant training or knowledge to deal with menopause issues.
I asked my GP what would happen when I came off HRT and she didn’t know. What I didn’t realise was that all the menopausal symptoms would come back and I am back to square one.
Only benefit is, I have not had a period for years well since I went on HRT and still none, which is great of course but I would like to know where I am up to. Still having all the symptoms, where am I up to on this journey?