Second menopause 🤬

[HeraInTheHereAndNow]

So, I’ve been on HRT for five years. Had to come off after medical advice from gynaecologist. And I’ve gone right back to the start. It’s bloody awful. And I’m older and less able to cope. The flushing and aches and pains are dreadful.

Any tips anyone?

@JinglingHellsBells responded!

The Countess of Chester hospital has a department dealing with menopause judging by the NHS website.

Like all drugs i believe you have to reduce them slowly rather than just stop.

As I posted before please ask for a bone density scan before making a decision to stop HRT. At your age you are allowed one every 3 years and need to chase for them IME - osteoporosis is dangerous and can be life threatening. I am 73 now and will stay on HRT for the rest of my life because if the danger of weakened bones. Good luck.

Chelsea and Westminster Menopause clinic is the absolute best. I have been attending it since Nick Panays predecessor Prof John Studd (I know!) When my GP wanted me to stop HRT I insisted on being referred back to C & W where one of the fantastic menopause nurses took me through my options, outlined risks and listened to me. GPs are not specialist. Always ask for a referral to a menopause specialist not just a general gynaecologist. I'll stay on HRT for the rest of my life, along with statins etc.

@sunshinesupermum Bone density scans are only offered to women who have a high risk of fracture for some reason, they are not routinely offered. (I have them every 2-3 years but pay for them.) How are you getting them on the NHS? Previous fracture or family history?

JingleHellsBells Thankfully no fractures as yet! Had first BDS as routine through C & W some years ago and have had subsequent ones because I had osteopenia (which wouldn't have been discovered without the BDS) This turned in osteoporosis during the 18 months I stopped taking HRT. Main reason I fought to go back on HRT and last year's BDS illustrated that my bones had strengthened again.

BDS should be routinely offered as so many women suffer from osteoporosis in later years and it's a known fact that ostroegen supports bone strength. Sorry you had to go private for them :-(

[quote borntobequiet]@JinglingHellsBells I’m totally comfortable with taking HRT forever! I couldn’t tolerate oral progesterone - makes me feel awful - and didn’t want the Mirena but accepted it as the only alternative. At that time I was bleeding very heavily for extended periods (was early 60s) and it stopped the bleeding as well. (My uterus hadn’t shrunk, apparently even now it’s in tip top condition - weird.)
So I don’t like the Mirena (I can feel it when I get a cramp) but I tolerate it and as I said, to my surprise my joint and muscle pains have improved. I’ve asked repeatedly for a hysterectomy but they don’t want to give me one…
Yes of course PM me if there’s anything else! I tend to give all the details in posts because I think it’s useful for women to know that menopause can be more than just periods suddenly stopping at 50-something and that’s it.[/quote]
Pretty please continue your back and forth in public - I am learning a lot and need it!!

@sunshinesupermum

JingleHellsBells Thankfully no fractures as yet! Had first BDS as routine through C & W some years ago and have had subsequent ones because I had osteopenia (which wouldn't have been discovered without the BDS) This turned in osteoporosis during the 18 months I stopped taking HRT. Main reason I fought to go back on HRT and last year's BDS illustrated that my bones had strengthened again.

BDS should be routinely offered as so many women suffer from osteoporosis in later years and it's a known fact that ostroegen supports bone strength. Sorry you had to go private for them :-(

I see! I agree 100% that BDS should be offered maybe more important than smears.

I am quite happy to pay for them as it's only once every 2 to 3 years and it's not that expensive if you work it out per month.

It's far easier than on the NHS as I get a full print out there and then (or 24 hours later) with a report by an excellent rheumatologist.