Post menopause bad symptoms return

[ElasticFirecracker]

I had a hellish menopause nearly 10 years ago, but I did recover. Over the last 9 months I've been exhausted, having bad night sweats and hot flushes during the day, lots of migraines and headaches, sugar cravings, badly aching limbs, getting lost, no working memory, not understanding things. I'm sure there are more symptoms but I can't remember. Last year I was feeling really well, and felt very fit I was eating well and exercising a lot. My exercise is reduced because of how I feel and my diet is ok, but could be better but I just don't have the strength.

Two doctors said it couldn't be related to menopause as I was through it, but a third DR has now said it most likely is meno-related and has referred me to a meno specialist. There is a very long waiting list for this.

I'm wondering what the meno specialist will be able to do for me. I have had oestrogen related breast cancer 4 years ago and so I don't think I can have HRT. What other interventions might be available to me?

Thank you in advance feeling desperate.

I am sorry you are having such a rough time it must be really hard for you.

All I can recommend is you take yourself to see a meno consultant and get advice. There are a handful of excellent ones in the UK, mainly London but elsewhere. It will cost around £250 for the appt but if you can do that it will be worth it.

Some are very into alternative things like acupuncture , diet and supplements as well as mainstream treatments. Drugs like anti depressants can be used with women who can't have hrt- to help with hot flushes.

There is also a very grey area re BC and HRT. some women are using it still - lots in the media about this recently where they told their stories. You will find them via google searches- they were in the Mail and Telegraph and I think there is one on Dr Louise Newson's website too.

Most are on a very tailored dose using gel and infrequent use of micronised progesterone. NOT suggesting that is for you but just for info.

Thank you so much @JinglingHellsBells you've given me a lot to think about.

My GP has referred me to the clinic run by Dr Choy Lee in Kent, but I have no idea how long I'll have to wait for it.

One if the worst things is that these symptoms are making it really hard for me to do the things that kept me fit and well, especially exercise, and I'm worried that if I get unfit everything will get worse. Just coping with the basic things in life is very hard.

Thanks also for the recommendation of the clinics. I will investigate, but I am not working and am in a financially precarious state as the moment, so I think I'll have to wait for the referral.

I'm amazed at how much has changed, and how much awareness has grown in the 10 years since I started the menopause. I had a really hard job getting anyone to understand that my symptoms may be menopausal and I was referred to a gynaecologist at the time who seemed to have little interest and I did have HRT for a while which didn't help that much, but she said there was no alternative, and that the problems probably weren't to do with my sex hormones.

Thanks again, I will investigate your suggestions.

I don't know about the cognitive aspects.

But have you had at least basic blood tests to look for some of the other causes of bone pain/night sweats/exhaustion?

Are you bleeding more easily (gums/bruising?), wheezing/breathlessness after milder exercise than what you usually find tough, or having repeated infections which seem to linger?

@ ElasticFirecrackerYour dr might want to refer you to the menopause clinic at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital which is probably the best in the UK. it's overseen by Mr Nick Panay and his team. There is a patient info leaflet online and I am sure they say no more than a 6 week wait for new referrals. He and the team are the best to work with you with your history. You can ask to be referred anywhere in the UK.

If you want to see anyone privately I could suggest names but if it's not an option I would push for the C&W.

@ElasticFirecracker

www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/womens-health-services/gynaecology-services/menopause-and-pms-clinics

Have you been tested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies? Lots of those symptoms can be linked to low iron and Vitamin D. Try the Vit D spray and a liquid Iron supplement (not Spatone, but Floradix or Feroglobin) for a week or so and see if any of the symptoms go. If it is this, you should feel an almost instant omprovement in energy levels, less aches in limbs, more mental clarity.

But I agree with others who suggest going to a good specialist to get your hormone levels checked.

@AuntieStella @milliefiori I have had various tests over the year. I know my B12 is OK, but I had been taking a supplement. I'm not sure about VitD, but will go and buy a spray today, and will also get Floradix.

I know I don't have the markers for rheumatoid arthritis, my thyroid is apparently OK, and don't have diabetes.

When I had breast cancer (post menopause) I had drugs that supressed my production of estrogen, and I had such terrible side effects that I had to stop taking them. The side effects were mainly joint pain and stiffness, total mental blankness, and extreme fatigue.

@JinglingHellsBells I had no idea I could ask to be referred anywhere, I will do that. I will make an appointment to see the doctor today.

Thank you all.