Supplements

[cleowasmycat]

Hi, can anyone recommend a decent supplement hat doesn't cost the earth please. I keep reading about magnesium but it's pricey!

what are you wanting it to help with?

You can get magnesium in Tesco for a couple of quid.
I use Tesco or Asdas menopause supplements.

I think it's making me miserable. I'm already on sertraline but I'm very low.

@cleowasmycat You need a discussion about HRT with your dr. This is the first line treatment for menopausal anxiety and depression, not antidepressants.

Thanks, going today. I've been on sertraline for years.

Maybe do some reading around menopause, HRT and depression? The website of Dr Louise Newson is a good place to start. www.mymenopausedr.co.uk

I understand the connection just don't know how to solve the issue. Doc has increased sertraline from 100g to 125g. Didn't seem keen on HRT due to risks and age (I'm 45). My periods are generally 3-4 months apart and hormone tests showed significant drop. Is HRT an option? Should I see different doc?

Your dr is a fool. They are going against NICE guidance which says DO NOT GIVE WOMEN ADs for menopausal related anxiety and depression.

here
Psychological symptoms
1.4.5Consider HRT to alleviate low mood that arises as a result of the menopause.

1.4.6Consider CBT to alleviate low mood or anxiety that arise as a result of the menopause.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

Ensure that menopausal women and healthcare professionals involved in their care understand that there is no clear evidence for SSRIs or SNRIs to ease low mood in menopausal women who have not been diagnosed with depression (see the NICE guideline on depression in adults).

What do they mean risk due to your age? You are 45. There are almost zero risks. Too young? Too old? Neither is right!

See a GP who knows about menopause.

Your doctor is useless, as are most when it comes to peri-menopause. HRT is a lifesaver and that's what you need, not antidepressants which are probably making you feel worse.

www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood

I haven't been newly prescribed anti-depressants. I have a long history of depression and anxiety. He has suggested increasing it.

I appreciate that - your history- but you also say you are in peri with irregular periods and your blood tests show a fall off in hormones.

This is the reason you should at least try estrogen because the lower levels are likely to be the cause of your increased low mood.

I cannot fathom out why your GP refused you HRT on that basis, and why they mentioned your age (?) how is that a factor? or the risks? For a woman your age the risks are very low and you are more at risk of losing bone density and developing osteoporosis if your periods are getting further apart at only 45.

I went to my Drs today and she tried to push ADs on me. I said if you can find one that doesn't put on weight and have sexual dysfunction effects I will have some, she started looking online while I sat there knowing she wouldn't find one. She is now seeing if she can get hold of HRT from in house pharmacy due to the shortage, she even asked me to ring round local chemists to see if they had any stock.

Update - I'm speaking to a female doctor tomorrow.

Early morning call from dr who prescribed HRT without batting an eyelid!!

Good news- result!