What happens without HRT?

[ByersGreen]

Are there any concerns about doing nothing.

I don't sleep well and have flushes. Weight is fine. Bit down tbh.
This will all pass I assume.

Is there a long term negative to seeing this through without any medication?

I too used to not sleep because of adrenaline. The more tired I got, the more adrenaline I seemed to 'produce' to keep me going and I was locked in a viscious cycle. Sleeping pills (zopiclon) helped to break the cycle. They taught my body how to sleep. Didn't need very many.

When I couldn't sleep, menopause related I'm sure, I visited the GP twice. First time I explained that I needed to function: pressurised job, 2 teenagers studying for GCSE and A Level, single parent etc etc.i had waited 3 months before seeking help. I was on the verge of collapse. I'm a mum if 8 hours a night person and was often awake all night.
I was told to read a book on sleep. I politely replied that I had researched and tried all types of remedy. He said I was an intelligent woman and would be able to sort it myself.
Second visit I was offered anti depressants.
Shameful disregard of someone's medical symptoms.

Perhaps it isn't hormone related then? If 4 different types of hrt haven't worked I'd go back to your gp and ask for cbt, maybe try anti anxiety meds and/or sleeping tablets if you've tried everything else. Hope you get it sorted*
Been to the GP, got my thyroid tested, all fine. I have tried anti anxiety med, and that helps, a bit, but it's addictive and couldn't be use long term. I've tried sleeping tablets, but they don't help as my issue is not with falling asleep but getting into deep sleep and sleeping tablets don't help with that, at least they never did with me. I've tried mindfulness, followed it to the letter, and did a 7 weeks sleep programme. They concluded that my sleep pattern was good and they couldn't understand why I didn't wake up feeling refreshed. They said that if I followed a good sleep pattern, I would automatically fall into deep sleep. I don't.

Thanks for your kind words.

Never was allowed hrt, now with hormonal depression, chemical, nasty stuff, along with mild bi polar.
No one would choose menopause, nasty phase

Thank you for your contributions, I have been avidly reading as I must admit I didn't know very much at all.

Another conversation with my GP I think as I know I'm not myself mood wise. Disappointingly when I last rang about not sleeping, (about 5 hours sleep,in total over 72 hours), all my GP suggested was OTC sleep aids!

Not a good enough response.

Stuck my first patch on today. Don't suppose I'd have any effects, good or bad, quite so soon!

@Pastrydame

Stuck my first patch on today. Don't suppose I'd have any effects, good or bad, quite so soon!

Patches work more quickly than tablets.

I started to feel more energised on about the fourth day, and my mood lifted.

The one downside of HRT to me is that I sleep better but wake at absurdly early times. That seems quite common with oestrogen treatments.

I'm so happy to read that (even the early bit, as I go to work very early - not good for you obviously! )

7 years on since my periods stopped and no HRT.

I had been suffering with low energy and insomnia but after tweaking my diet a bit more (the book Hormone Intelligence by Aviva Romm helped), those symptoms have gone too.

This means virtually no alcohol, sugar or caffeine and a plant based, varied diet and some supplements.

I teach yoga and swear by the yoga lifestyle generally - my physical practices include strength work which I hope will ward off osteoporosis.

I've been thinking about this. I seemed to go through menopause ok and don't feel too bad. I did think I should ask GP about it.

I do get night sweats but nothing major.

My mindset almost says if it ain't broke don't fix it. Thoughts please

My mindset almost says if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I think if it's not causing any issues, I wouldn't, either. So it depends how bad the night's weather are.

I do regular exercise daily and try to eat healthily. I also take some well woman supplements