Feeling rubbish, HRT or not?

[Shallysally]

So, I’m post menopause, age 50 and 2 years since last period.
So far symptoms haven’t been so bad, I’ve managed with exercise, good diet, supplements and fans!

These last few months I’ve been having real brain fog, feeling low, sore joints and not sleeping well at all. I can’t remember the last time I slept for more than 2/3 hours in a stretch.

I’ve spoken previously with GP about HRT, she advised against it due to family history, maternal grandmother had breast cancer.
Also, when she was talking about the risks, ovarian cancer risk was mentioned, it was a while ago though so don’t really remember the conversation.

I’m fairly fit, weight is ok, just fed up of feeling rubbish. I’m on high dose vit D as level is low, but I feel this is more than that.

I’d really welcome any advice re symptoms and if I should seek a second opinion ion re the HRT.

I can really recommend Jane Pangbourne's page on FB, The HRT Truth Collective, lots of factual information and very reassuring

Oh sorry posted twice!

Thank you @190190tnt I’ll check her page out

Glad to hear that GP was supportive. Would you keep us updated every now and again? It would be lovely to hear that life was better for you.

I have an appointment booked to speak to someone tomorrow due to your thread. Fingers crossed

I spoke to my GP today and have been advised that they agree I am peri and suggested I consider black cohosh or red clover or I can have HRT gel/patch. I have been advised to read on patient info and decide. I need a blood test to make sure my night sweats bare not related to anything else, she explained they don't check hormone levels as not reliable. So up to me now.

@Trampoline11, thank you. Aww yes of course I will, it’s lovely to have someone who is bothered! And same goes for me, keep us updated.
If you want to chat then feel free to PM me
And I’m so glad that you have made a start on finding some help, good luck!

@Rupertpenrysmistress, it’s good they are being thorough. I’d never have known re vit d deficiency if my GP hadn’t have done bloods first.

I managed on the black cohosh for a few years, do your reading and decide from there.
The fb page mentioned above is really useful, lots of advice and there’s a link to Jane’s website that also has guides and a blog on it.

Hi @Shallysally. How are you feeling? I know it hasn't been long but so much want you to feel better x

Ah hey @Trampoline11 it’s a week since I started and not noticed any real differences yet. Joints seem a little better, although last night I needed to take some pain relief after painting fence panels 😬

Side effects aren’t too bad, bit headachey, today am quite weepy and some abdo pain but hopefully these will settle.

How did you get on at your appointment? X

Well, if you will do silly things like painting fence panels ...

I spoke to the nurse on the phone which was positive. She was concerned about the pain in my back and wanted me to see the GP. Had my appointment and it was just the same as when I had gone about my aching back the last time! Physio etc. I will give it a go though. (I couldn't go last time as the gym was shut.) It wasn't long ago that I was walking my dog quite a long way and kept pushing myself to go a bit further before having to sit down as suggested.

Anyway, I brought up the HRT question and she wants me to have blood tests done before prescribing which will be the 25th August..

GP's seem so reluctant to delve into hormone stuff don't they? I am on the waiting list for the private clinic mentioned on mn. It's a waiting game now.

I hope your weepiness, headache and abdo pain go away x

Well it’s good that they are being thorough.
My question really your back would be, it’s ok to have the physio, but what is the cause of the pain?

I know in the Jane Pangbourne’s Facebook page, she would suggest that it is probably hormone related and that, alongside any physio etc, you should have some HRT added in.

Don’t forget about the protective factors of HRT to.

I think Jane also has a website, she has written many guides full of advice and info, definitely worth having a read x

Hi @Shallysally. Mind if I ask how you are feeling? Any positive changes? Or negative if you want to tell us!

I have a session with Jane tomorrow which I thought was October the 7th not September. I'm glad her reminded me!

Hi @Trampoline11. Ah I’m so glad you have a session booked with Jane!

I’m four weeks in now, and sleep is definitely better, as is the brain fog. Less breathless, didn’t even think about that being a symptom.

Hot flushes have increased but that’s to be expected. Had a four week review with GP and he has said that I’m on it indefinitely so that’s a relief.

How did you get on @Trampoline11?

@Shallysally. Hi, just wondering how you were feeling as it's been a few weeks/months now?

Bumping this.
I am in my 3rd week of tablet hrt. [Femoston 1/10]
Started well, went emotional and weepy for a couple of days [mid tablets]. So bad felt had to tell work as made an error of judgement and then majorly broke down at my telling off meeting. Still feel diminished...
Just need to know this rollercoaster likely to settle? 3 month trial. At present seem to be different mood/symptom day to day
Getting lots of head tilt smiles from my younger female managers now...

Oh @DinkyDaisy sorry you’re having such a rough time. It’s horrid isn’t it

So I’m four months in, definitely feeling better. I don’t feel that I’m at an optimum, but am waiting until been taking the Tibolone for six months to see then.
But physically, so much better. I don’t hurt, I can kneel down, and physically my muscles are stronger.

Emotionally, still a bit mood swingy, but I can cope with that.

It’s very normal to have reactions as you reintroduce hormones to your body. Expect some level of anxiety, I wasn’t prepared for that, it’s a proper overwhelming butterfly in your tummy, tingling body feeling. Distraction helps, listen to music or a podcast, mindfulness-what can I see, smell, hear etc.

Does your employer have a menopause policy? They need to be supporting you, menopause is a recognised women’s health issue and should be treated as such.

Please be kind to yourself. Try and eat well, get some rest, fresh air and have a nighttime routine. These things really do help, along with the HRT.

I'm 47 and on hrr. Still having regular periods, though much lighter. BUT, hugely emotional, inconsolable at times before I started HRT.

I thought it was unfair on my kids to see my crying all the time so I took the plunge. So far, so good!! And such a relief! I no longer feel overwhelmed by my life.

Thank you ShallySally. I feel so diminished by it all.
Glad that things should hopefully improve!
No menopause policy....
Got stressful couple of weeks coming up workwise so need to try and hold it together...Thanks again..

@Itwasgoodwhileitlasted, keep going! So glad to hear you are starting to feel better!

@DinkyDaisy, has your manager set out how you will be supported? What is their understanding of the symptoms of menopause?
Symptoms are real, if you had a “physical” illness you would, I presume, be supported? Should be no different for menopause issues.

Hi @Shallysally. How are you feeling these days? My GP has prescribed HRT today so I'll start it tomorrow.

I'm so nervous because if this doesn't work, I ma have to accept that I am just a grumpy, emotional, achy woman!

• may

Hey @Trampoline11, I’m doing ok thanks. I’ve been referred to gynae as the Tibolone isn’t as effective as it initially was.

I really hope your HRT helps you. Just be prepared for the initial symptoms as your body adjusts to your hormone levels rising. Let me know how you go!