Menopause

[Cathh39]

Hi
I’m 52 and am going through the menopause. I haven’t physically had a period for 4 years after having radiotherapy for thyroid cancer.

I have osteoporosis after a lifetime of really challenging autoimmune disease Ulcerative colitis. I’ve had broken bones after falls and a stress fracture on its own.

I’m just starting Elles duet 1mg and I’ve read the info and the GP knows my medical history. I have to be aware of so many things but I also have to protect my bones.

I’m having a dexa scan in two weeks time. The last one was osteopenia but that was 6 years ago now.

What have you experienced with it? Has it helped you?

I’ve only had 2/3 hot flushes in total my symptoms are çant remember or think straight. I have absolutely no libido and vaginal dryness and I was very active before. My mood is very low and I’m exhausted but don’t sleep well but that’s when I wake up.

Any experience you shared would be brilliant.

Thank you ladies.

@Cathh39 I'm sure you will find HRT helps all your meno symptoms.

But....your bones?!
Have you had a definite diagnosis of osteoporosis? Or have drs just assumed that? If you had osteopenia 6 years ago and since then have had more fractures, has no one referred you to a rheumatologist for a DEXA scan AND offered you drugs for your osteoporosis? DEXAs should be done every 2 - 3 years once a problem has been shown ( ie osteopenia.)

I feel concerned for you that you aren't being treated for this.

Also, with HRT, certain types are also licensed for osteoporosis in younger women but the dose may be higher than 1 mg.

I do hope this is all being discussed.

Thank you @JinglingHellsBells. I’m very concerned that they’ve completely ignored me with no treatments.

I had a dexa scan which showed osteopenia six years ago.

I’m having a new dexa scan in a few weeks. I completely smashed my ankle up into a lot of pieces after slipping on ice. Then broke a bone on my arm after falling over a few months ago. I was on steroids for long periods of time which also affects your bones.

So up till now I’ve not been given or offered anything.

I went to a Rheumatology appointment and it was a shite show. The Dr was horrible to me completely dismissive. I left upset and distressed. I have osteoarthritis and enhlos danios.

I have to wait for results but if It’s still osteopenia should I be taking medication for it?

That sounds weird.

What happened when you saw the rheumatologist? Dismissive of what? Was that before or after all these fractures? Has your GP followed up as they would get the report.

How long ago was that?

When you say you have to wait for results, do you mean you will have to wait for the results, as you have not had your DEXA scan now?

If your osteopenia was advanced ( you'd need to know your T-score) then it may have progressed to osteoporosis. You won't know until you have your scan.

There are lots of other things you need to ask for answers to. If you had radiotherapy on your thyroid, did that impact on your parathyroid glands? These control how calcium is used and if that gland is not working properly, then that affects bone density too. Did they mention any of this at the time?

I think you need to push your GP for a referral to another specialist and talk it all through.

Sorry you have not got the answers yet that you need, but HRT will only help, not make anything worse.

@Cathh39 I meant to leave this link, doh!

www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=1

If women have lots of fractures at a young age and have other risk factors (like you using steroids long term or having cancer treatment that can be a factor) drs are supposed to make an assessment using this tool.

Do you know if it was done? You could try adding your medical history yourself and see what it comes up with.

www.sheffield.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=1

Hi

No I’ve been ignored and just left to manage. They’ve not done anything.

I’m waiting to have a new dexa scan next week then it will go from there.

I’m in Scotland so don’t know if it’s any different? I don’t have any access to my medical notes.

Should I make a complaint?

Thank you for your suggestions.

Hi there,
I hope someone can help. I was prescribed Oestrogel because I was having hot flushes, night sweats and I couldn't sleep and I also starting put on weight. I had a hysterectomy so my GP said the gel was the best option. I have used it for two months and the first symptoms disappeared but I am not able to lose weight. A friend told me the gel treatment will help me to balance my hormones and I will lose weight but it hasn't happened in fact if I am not careful I can put more weight.