I feel like I have been hit by a bus!

[Diversion]

Age 52, I have always had regular periods until last year when I skipped two and then the intense rages started. Things cooled off for a while until a missed period in May this year when the hot flushes started and I was exhausted and achey. In September I then bled for 6 weeks and had no hot flushes. Bleeding stopped and the hot flushes returned along with being emotional and very moody. The aches and exhuastion also returned and I now have a very bad back and knees, have no concentration span at all, no energy and feel like a very old lady. I am also eating way too much, have piled on weight and hate my reflection in the mirror. I completely feel like I have lost who I am and as someone who was pretty young at heart I am completely gutted. Is this normal or should I see my Dr, I refuse to take HRT due to the risks.

Sounds familiar... I think they prescribe venlafaxine antidepressants for menopausal symptoms sometimes if people can’t have/don’t want HRT. There’s also sage, black cohosh (I think this may have side-effects). It sounds like it’s a struggle getting through the day with these symptoms so I think I would talk to your GP.

The risks are no more than being overweight or drinking more than a modest amount. Do more research before you decide.