I just wanted to let folk know my story, I hope it helps someone.
In 2013 I had a full hysterectomy, and went into menopause the very next day I remember it as clear as day.
I was refused Hrt as I'd had a blood clot after pregnancy 21 years previously and I was told I probably wouldn't need it anyway.
Over the course of the next 3 years my mental health took a nose dive, I'd loose my shit with my partner, cry and scream like a banshee, get in the car and just drive ( often not being aware where) my memory was shocking, I'd have panic attacks, anxiety was through the roof and my entire body hurt like hell... it got so bad I had to leave my job in 2017. The doctor prescribed me anti depressants they didn't work, I was sent to a psychiatrist who worked his way through a long list of anti depressants ( 9) for me to try .. again non worked. I was sent to therapy where they dragged up past events and told me that was causing my depression .. therapy didn't work.
I was sent to a rheumatologist who said I had Fibromyalgia and there was no cure for it .
A became a hermit I didn't leave my house, get dressed go shopping nothing I barely existed.
Now fast forward to Sunday past where I came across Davina Mccalls Sex, myths and menopause programme on C4... Omfg !!! This entire programme was about Me ... my symptoms, mental health everything ... I sobbed and sobbed because I finally knew what the hell was wrong with me !!! ... I had over 20 of the 34 menopause symptoms on the show .... I wasn't mad I was menopausal !!
Women who have a surgical menopause can suffer more severe and much longer symptoms than someone who goes into natural menopause ... so why in God's name had not one of the 3 Gp's, 3 psychiatrists, x amount of therapists never asked me about menopause symptoms even though I was in my 50's ?
Why was I handed tablet after tablet instead of considering whether the symptoms I was having could be hormone related ?
10 years of my life I lost and can never get back.... after watching the TV programme, researching non stop I could and can be prescribed HRT .. in patch, gel or spray just not in tablet form .. I can be prescribed testosterone ( yes ladies produce it too infact 4x the amount compared to estrogen ) to help with muscle and bone pain, loss of libido, and energy.
On Thursday I go to see a menopause Specialist in my area - a doctor who specialises in perimenopause, menopause and post menopause to get the HRT I should have had 10 years ago.
I can't get those 10 years back but what I can do is share my story incase there are other ladies who are feeling as crappy as I've been, who can watch Davina and go to their doctors armed with information and not get palmed off with anti depressants that won't cure menopause symptoms!!
Thank you for reading x