Learning about HRT from social media it seems a no brainer that I need it but am I being ‘influenced’?

[Mostpeculiar]

For background I’m 46 always suffered with depression and anxiety made worse in my pmt part of my cycle

My cycles used to be regular as clockwork, light and last a couple of days. Now they vary from 22 to 33 days are much heavier and last a good 5 days

This mental state triggers insomnia, headaches and IBS with constipation, which I take peppermint oil, magnesium and omega3 because I’ll have read somewhere it’ll help!

The last two gp appointment I had before lockdown were due to developing Left hip and knee pain and for back of neck pain for no particular reason. For both I was told take ibuprofen 5/6 months on the pain isn’t as acute but I still have problems in all the areas

Durning lockdown I’ve had problems with my hearing I’ve become completely intolerant to any faint external sounds in bed at night when it’s quiet and I also appear to have developed an internal hissing sound that comes and goes and drives me mad

Last month I thought I had thrush for the first time in a decade and spent £20 on Canesten products but was concerned that they didn’t quickly alleviate the soreness but actually I never had discharge so was it even thrush?

Anyway if you’re still with me well done

So the Menopause Doctor appears in my Instagram now I’m aware of peri menopause but I’d never read up on HRT but reading her information took me down a rabbit hole where I’m currently thinking bloody hell I should be on it based on how many problems I currently try to manage that are classed as symptoms for women leading up to the menopause and I have to admit the thought of being right and that HRT would alleviate the above fills me with joy

But am I allowing myself to be blinkered by social media like I could have been about a new foundation in the past, am I seeing the full picture?

Worth trying

I was the same, same age as you. All symptoms disappeared after a few months of hrt

Transformational!

On the other hand, if it doesn't work, just stop taking it.

@TheLegendOfZelda

Worth trying

I was the same, same age as you. All symptoms disappeared after a few months of hrt

Transformational!

On the other hand, if it doesn't work, just stop taking it.

That sounds promising I’ll try and get a gp appointment

def see GP. I went 1.5/2 years cold turkey with the menopause cos I thought I coudl tough it out. I guess I still could. Been on HRT about 6 months, it is fab. I am never coming off it. Kids are very happy I am on it, dont think they liked the no HRT menopausal mum much.

@wifflewafflebiscuit

def see GP. I went 1.5/2 years cold turkey with the menopause cos I thought I coudl tough it out. I guess I still could. Been on HRT about 6 months, it is fab. I am never coming off it. Kids are very happy I am on it, dont think they liked the no HRT menopausal mum much.

I read a lot about how GPs can be difficult with this and still influenced by out of date ideas I really hope I get an ok one

@Mostpeculiar I don't think it's fair to put qualified drs in the same box as 'influencers' on social media :) who write about make up etc.

Are you looking at the SM of Dr Louise Newson? She's just one of many drs who are doing the right stuff with menopause and HRT, and she's trying to educate woman (as well as promote her own work, naturally.)

The problem is she is not an 'influencer' but an educator- so many GPs are way behind the times with menopause and HRT that she's trying to help women understand treatment options.

I've not seen her Instagram but I do see her on Twitter.

[quote JinglingHellsBells]@Mostpeculiar I don't think it's fair to put qualified drs in the same box as 'influencers' on social media :) who write about make up etc.

Are you looking at the SM of Dr Louise Newson? She's just one of many drs who are doing the right stuff with menopause and HRT, and she's trying to educate woman (as well as promote her own work, naturally.)

The problem is she is not an 'influencer' but an educator- so many GPs are way behind the times with menopause and HRT that she's trying to help women understand treatment options.

I've not seen her Instagram but I do see her on Twitter.[/quote]
Sorry my comment was less about Menopause Doctor and more about me believing everything I read sometimes without doing my full research I completely agree that she seems great I spent all afternoon watching her videos and it was enlightening but I wanted to check if they were other perspectives I should be aware of

I'm not sure really what you're looking for.
It's a medical site with mainstream and up to date information.
If you want to read other stuff, have a look at the websites of the British Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, the Women's Health Concern ( linked to the BMS) and Menopause Matters.

There are women who won't take HRT because of the small risks it may have, so ultimately it's a choice you have to make for yourself having read the research and the pros and cons.

@JinglingHellsBells

I'm not sure really what you're looking for. It's a medical site with mainstream and up to date information. If you want to read other stuff, have a look at the websites of the British Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, the Women's Health Concern ( linked to the BMS) and Menopause Matters.

There are women who won't take HRT because of the small risks it may have, so ultimately it's a choice you have to make for yourself having read the research and the pros and cons.

I’ve saved menopause doctors, menopause matters and I’ve found another U.K. one positive pause all to my phone and I’m working my way through whilst procrastinating ringing GP thank you

Have made a gp phone appointment for tomorrow just need to find some confidence and self esteem by 8.30 tomorrow shame I can’t pick some up from Morrison with my milk lol

I was 45 and fully menopausal. Like you, I did lots of research and head much help on the menopause boards here. JHB (poster above, is amazingly helpful and knows her stuff inside out)

There are so many symptoms, that after the fact, make so much sense.. just not at the time!

I have been taking the (bio identical) gel and progesterone tablets for 5 years and have not looked back. Bio identical hormones, protecting (vitally) the bones and heart. I DO NOT want osteoporosis in my 50's thanks! A very dangerous thing to get.

You'll get your confidence! Do NOT be fobbed off with anti depressants, please. Take he NICE guidelines with you. As you are only 46, it is really important to take HRT (in my view)

Good luck.

Sorry, I see it's a phone appt. Just read through the NICE guidelines so you are fully armed in case your GP is not up to date.

@BillieEilish Thank you :) Can I just make one tiny point? It's body identical HRT you (and I ) use. The bio-identical is a term drs are trying to stop being used/ confused as it refers to compounded HRT which is a) off licence and only from private clinics [not to be confused with excellent drs who also work privately] and b) potentially dangerous. Dr Louise Newson and Menopause Matters (blog) have long explanations of it.

Oh Lord! Sorry! I just nearly added to the problem...

Keep up the good work explaining it over and over , I can't believe I got that wrong. I confused bio with body and you clearly have your work cut out here! I do know the gist, but must steer clear of proper medical terms and advice!

I'll leave that to you experts.

I had my gp phone appointment god I feel chewed up and spat out I’m so used to keeping my armour plating/buttons redcoat on and I didn’t even get to the hrt bit I talked about my hip and knee problems then my hearing problems and he said the word arthritis and that he wants me in to examine me and check my hearing, it was at that point I said how I was aware of peri menopause for a while but had just started reading up about hrt and wanted to discuss it he said yes and I’m going in a week on Thursday we’ll see what happens

Butlins redcoat= always happy and smiling. Really need to read before pressing post grrr

Yes, yes, yes and yes OP, even down to the tinnitus! (or however it's spelt).

My GP also started going on about 'inflammation markers' when I talked about joint pains. I had the blood test on Monday so will await result.

Bottom line for him, I was too young for meno (I'm 48) and regular-ish periods meant I was not experiencing hormonal symptoms. What else causes hot flushes then, I asked. He didn't answer that.

I am going private.

Take the NICE guidelines with you if you are meeting him face to face and ask why he objects to giving you HRT. Good luck!

@jackdawdawn

Yes, yes, yes and yes OP, even down to the tinnitus! (or however it's spelt).

My GP also started going on about 'inflammation markers' when I talked about joint pains. I had the blood test on Monday so will await result.

Bottom line for him, I was too young for meno (I'm 48) and regular-ish periods meant I was not experiencing hormonal symptoms. What else causes hot flushes then, I asked. He didn't answer that.

I am going private.

Take the NICE guidelines with you if you are meeting him face to face and ask why he objects to giving you HRT. Good luck!

My mum was at the menopause stage at 48!

So after a weekend of hrt learning I spent yesterday on arthritis websites

My face to face is next Thursday I’ll let you know how I get on I’m not expecting things that be straightforward but I agree if I end up getting nowhere I’ll also go private. My concern is my lack of hot flushes, I’m not sure how much GPs are aware that a decent percentage of menopausal women don’t get them

@Mostpeculiar Oh well OP, at least you will probably get offered blood tests for your joint pains, and probably FBC to exclude other stuff, they don't seem to mind doing those on the NHS. At least if that possibility is eliminated, you can focus on what is causing your symptoms.

You could always ask GP if they would consider giving you a short trial of HRT to see if it helps with your pains and anxiety.

The lack of hot flushes is a bit unusual but short cycles are very indicative of perimenopause. I think these indicate no ovulation, therefore zero progesterone - maybe that explains your very protracted PMS symptoms. I think hfs are more a sign of low oestrogen. Ypu maybe have a year or so to go before that starts to fall. Let us know how you get on!

[quote jackdawdawn]@Mostpeculiar Oh well OP, at least you will probably get offered blood tests for your joint pains, and probably FBC to exclude other stuff, they don't seem to mind doing those on the NHS. At least if that possibility is eliminated, you can focus on what is causing your symptoms.

You could always ask GP if they would consider giving you a short trial of HRT to see if it helps with your pains and anxiety.

The lack of hot flushes is a bit unusual but short cycles are very indicative of perimenopause. I think these indicate no ovulation, therefore zero progesterone - maybe that explains your very protracted PMS symptoms. I think hfs are more a sign of low oestrogen. Ypu maybe have a year or so to go before that starts to fall. Let us know how you get on![/quote]
Of to google FBC I’m clueless that’s interesting about low progesterone thank you

I’m 44 and I’ve been on progesterone and the gel for 3 months.
It has been an adjustment but there are so many benefits. I’ve not slept so good for a long time which is wonderful.

The menopause doctor on Instagram is the practice I go to—one of her colleagues usually but she has emailed me advice. You can trust her, esp when she says to find a doctor specialising in menopause.

Dr Louise Newsom (Newsom Health) also has fab, free series of podcasts www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/podcasts - brilliantly informative - if you work your way through [some of] them before GP appointment you will almost certainly have more menopause expertise than he/she had training ! Good luck. ps I've never had a hot flash/flush and was still having periods but totally floored by extreme anxiety and low mood. Like many, I was prescribed ADs at first but did more research and went back to GP for HRT instead - definitely what I needed. hth

@soberish

Dr Louise Newsom (Newsom Health) also has fab, free series of podcasts www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/podcasts - brilliantly informative - if you work your way through [some of] them before GP appointment you will almost certainly have more menopause expertise than he/she had training ! Good luck. ps I've never had a hot flash/flush and was still having periods but totally floored by extreme anxiety and low mood. Like many, I was prescribed ADs at first but did more research and went back to GP for HRT instead - definitely what I needed. hth

Funny enough I subscribed to the podcast but not sure if headphones are a good idea with my dodgy hearing

Had a chat on the phone with a GP at my health service practice this morning. My own GP had ordered some routine bloods for me last week. All came back normal, except FSH which was off the scale, 39 and 'postmenopausal' apparently, as much as that daft test is ever any use for a 48yo. So he (reluctantly) had to talk about HRT and concede that it might be appropriate (my regular GP had said I was 'too young for menopause' pre-tests).

However, I got the feeling he was reluctant and started talking about other options such as ADs and black cohosh 'which is a more natural approach'. I was flummoxed by this as I wasn't expecting the NHS to recommend herbal remedies, esp. something like BC which has been linked to liver problems. I wouldn't want it anyway. I tried isaflavones and yam extract last year and they were useless, and even if they did help with vasomotor symptoms, how would they protect or help your:

bones
heart
urinary tract
mood
memory

...and every other damn process that seems to be impacted!? Anyone else been offered this by a GP? Didn't think it was even regulated.

I had a chat on the phone today with a GP from my practice. Had some bloods done last week, all normal apart from a very high FSH reading (as much use as that is for a woman over 45). So he reluctantly conceded that I was 'in menopause' and eligible for treatment.

I did get the feeling that he didn't like the idea of HRT because he started to talk about 'alternatives', ADs and black cohosh.

This flummoxed me as I didn't think the NHS would recommend unregulated hormones, esp black cohosh which does have that link to liver problems (I know it's rare but even so they are usually very risk averse when it comes to herbal medicine).

I still want HRT and am determined to get it, whether from NHS or privately, because even if BC does help with vasomotor symptoms how on earth could it assist with:

bone density
heart health
urinary tract lining thinning
sore eyes
fatigue
memory being screwed

and all the other horrible symptoms? Has anyone ever been offered this by their GP? I feel like I'm living in 16something and consulting a bloody monk.