Appointment with GP to discuss menopause

[Daddylonglegs1965]

I have waited weeks for GP appointment with women’s health specialist to discuss menopause now I am not sure about it and unsure if my symptoms are attributable to the menopause.

Background: I am over weight, 54 haven’t had a period for 2 years, I have an under active thyroid and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (in remission).
Symptoms - Disturbed sleep and night sweats on waking (neck and hair back of head is soaking) this has been going on for over 10 years (when I was pregnant with the DC and before my Lymphoma was diagnosed). I have cut down on alcohol, coffee and hot drinks (I also have hot flushes during the day where my glasses which I wear all the time steam up and I get hot, bothered and embrarassed). I wear lightweight almost summer clothing all year round as I can’t stand being too hot and uncomfortable. I have lost my libido. My biggest thing is my mood swings, irritability, short temper and angry out bursts mainly with my teenagers and DH. Mainly because I am tired and I want them to help just a little around the home. I also really struggle cooking and following a recipe. I get very hot and bothered, I need new glasses so have to hold the recipe close and reread it umpteen times as I forget and struggle to understand it and I am very short tempered i get stressed if things are ready at different times and struggle. So DH does a goodly chunk of the cooking (as well as working extremely long days) I work part time and I feel like a lazy failure ( even though I am sometimes doing other things whilst he’s cooking such as washing, ironing, laying table, recycling etc. Also my teen DC make comments to family members which they think is hilarious about dad being a better cook which I find embarrassing and upsetting. Sometimes I feel so stressed about certain social situations I won’t go (if I think somewhere will be too hot), if the arrangements aren’t clear or if someone going is super confident and can be a bit patronising is going. Then I get upset with myself. As well as getting angry I can cry quite easily. If you have got to the end of my post what do you think.

I would say that it is still worth going to the appointment with the information you have just posted here.

yep, menopausal symptoms.
Go to your appt if you are thinking of taking meds to help (antidepressants or HRT). If you don't want meds, it is debatable if it is worth going as you can research natural alternatives yourself

Have a look at the menopause matters website

I am not sure about it and unsure if my symptoms are attributable to the menopause.

well, they tick every single box for menopause! Weight does make these symptoms worse, so if you can lose some, great. Are you on drugs for your thyroid?

You need to decide what you want from your GP. If they say yes, it's menopause, then what? Do you want HRT to control all these symptoms?

@Takemetomars Anti depressants are not to be prescribed now for menopause- huge campaign by specialist drs to stop GPs giving these, under direction from NICE.

Yes I have been on levothyroxine for almost 20 years.
I don’t know whether they would give me meds as I am overweight I maybe too high risk? Normally I like the natural route but it’s a minefield. I also have achey joints shoulder legs and feet.
I am checked for Lymphoma every 6 months. But worryingly if it transforms one of the symptoms is night sweats but my haematologist knows I have been having night sweats for years.
Sometimes I feel like I am going mad with my inner heat, irritability, tearfulness and moods. The DC and DH pick me up on saying the wrong words in a sentence I think I have said one thing but I have actually said something else. Other times I feel ok.

It does sound like menopause symptoms. I am now 2 years period free and the first year of that wasn't too bad- hot and bothered, some hair loss and lack of libido but thought I would get through it naturally and be able to manage it....
Then all he'll broke loose, I became a moody, bad tempered, emotional wreck. It was so bad I didn't want to be in the same room as myself. It was honestly like being possessed when I don't mean that lightly.
It was then that I realised I needed help so off to GP, prescription for HRT and I cant tell you how much better I feel. I am calm, rational, no emotional roller coasters, no sweats or flushes. I feel like me again.
I know HRT isn't right for everyone but I am in otherwise good health, slim and exercise every day. I don't think I could have carried on the way I was . I hope you can get some help with your symptoms and things get better for you.

Northernmum100 - you describe exactly how I feel when things kick off? Can you tell me which type of HRT do you take please?
DH is lovely and understanding but sometimes I feel like I hate him and I wonder how he puts up with me. Similarly with the kids I waited years to have them and I absolutely love them to pieces and would do anything for them but when my moods happen/the rage takes over I feel other things. Then I feel like a bad horrible shouty mum and not who I want to be.

@Daddylonglegs1965 I'm not being critical here, but what are you doing about the weight? Being overweight post menopause is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer- 7 x the risk of using HRT (28 extra cases per 1000 women compared to 4 extra using HRT.)
Can you get some support for this? Maybe look into Michael Moseleys fast 5;2 diet? it's really important you try to address this.

You won't be denied HRT due to weight- that's a myth.

But you might feel loads better on it and be motivated to exercise.

You should use a transdermal type like patches or estrogen gel which have no extra risk of blood clots. What works for one women isn't right for the next. You will need to try some and see what suits you.

Good luck with your appt!

I was prescribed Femoston conti by my GP with no problems. With regard to family, try to find a calm moment (not when you are having head spinning Exorcist moment...) and sit down and explain how hurt you are and strugglimg and how at any other time you might laugh it off but right now you just can't and would really appreciate their support until you find yourself in a better place. X

This is a good list to start the discussion, it's not just mood swings and tropical moments!
promensil.co.uk/34-symptoms-of-menopause/

Thanks I am not doing anything about my weight @ the minute. I know I should do and it would help with my self esteem and other things.
Last summer ahead of three social occasions I was really looking forward to I lost two stone and was starting to feel really good. I was going to the gym, walking or stepping more and I was more careful about what I ate.
But this year I feel so tired most of the time I barely have the energy to get my trainers on or go upstairs to put my gym stuff on and because I feel and look fat and out of breath I don’t want to go to the gym. Most night times we watch TV and snack as DH is also tired.

I can absolutely recommend going to the appointment.

I was exactly in shoes & unsure whether to go to my appointment which was 2 weeks ago. Like OP I am on levothyroxine & am overweight (although this is improving thanks to WW). I was precribed zumenon 1mg to provide me with extra estrogen as I have a mirena coil which already provides the progesterone

I can honestly say that although it has only been a couple of weeks I feel so much better - mainly the crippling anxiety (never ever had this before) has almost completely gone, my memory has come back & my energy levels have increased a huge amount.

OH even mentioned the other day he doesn't feel like he's in trouble any more

Obviously, it isn't for everyone but I can honestly say it's given me back myself & i'm so glad I went

OP - please feel free to PM me with any questions if you'd like to

Vesperia - thanks. That sounds extremely promising. I need to do SW, WW, healthy eating or a couple of men at work have lost weight with a VLCD a brand beginning with E. I can’t decide what to do but know I do need to do something.

The Dr Mike Moseley Fast Diet book is only a few quid online. You do two days a week with 500 cals and the rest of the week eating normally but within reason. Normal weight loss is around 2lbs a week. Recipes in the book too. WW and SW don't tend to work. They are so prescriptive they take personal responsibility out of it whereas with a 5:2 regime you can make choices and it's for life.

Thanks all appointment in half an hour have mixed feelings about going.

I have been given HRT patches called EVOREL Conti has anyone any experience of these please?
I have just picked up the prescription and am looking through the leaflet.
I also got a free referral for three months of slimming world.