How to get out of a menopause funk?!

[petitdonkey]

That’s the only way to describe it really.. I am 47 and on hrt patches. They have taken away the physical symptoms of hot flushes and dryness but I’m left feeling…. Empty I guess. Everything feels like a huge effort and I just can’t be bothered to do much- I used to be super sociable and in half term with the kids I’d pack things in but I can’t seem to be able to find the energy or inclination .

has anyone hit upon a magic supplement or solution? I don’t think I’ll be only one feeling like this.

petitdonkey I didn’t get testosterone ok the NHS no but it is available, so ask your GP for it.

@petitdonkey testosterone is available on the NHS but it's usually prescribed as a last resort once your estrogen levels are sorted out. I'm 4 months into an increased estrogen (after 2 years on previous regime) and really starting to notice a difference.

Plus I am caffeine free and take vit B complex, vit D and magnesium supplements. The caffeine free massively helped reduce anxiety, I'd highly recommend to anyone with that symptom.

@petitdonkey Testosterone is not available in all areas. It is blacklisted in some and in some others there are prescribing requirements (like it has to be started and monitored for 6 months by a gynae specialist before GP can be asked to issue)
It's also important to know that it is only helpful in around half of women who try it

I wonder if this loss of joy is just something to do with female ageing rather than hormones. I am early 60s and think almost all my friends have it whether on HRT or not

Arg but a nice cuppa is one of the few joys left 🙈🤷🏻‍♀️

Oh goodness, I’ve come into mumsnet this morning to see if anyone else is utterly joyless - and here you all are! I’ve taken HRT for 2 years and it’s been great in many ways, for example, I can now sleep. I did have testosterone gel at the beginning but stopped it quickly as it gave me really bad acne (not just a few spots, cystic acne all over my face, neck and chest). Has anyone else had this? I’m going to try the B6 others have recommended.

🤚 checking in. I feel utterly joyless interspersed with chinks of happiness but when im doing something like buying a gift for someone or hear praise but it's like a drug hit and wears off pretty quickly ! Currently in bed under a dog that wants a walk and getting up is going to be a challenge. BUT I will say having him makes me get out. I've also just chucked my job in for a totally new one after 20 years. Mad? Probably

Still struggling here too. I have a private video consultation booked for Monday evening with a specialist GP to try to help me get to the bottom of what I actually need to be on. Everything is too much effort, I'm not waking up at 4am in a blind panic as I was previously but just feel meh all the time.

👋 @Blisterlip I’m on the verge of chucking my 25-year career and retraining to do something totally different 😱 I’m really hoping it’s not just hormonal madness driving the change

@HeraldicBlazoning i feel the same - HRT sorted out my insomnia and anxiety but yes, there’s a lot of ‘meh’ still. I’m also wondering about going to a private clinic. Please come back and tell us how you get on. I hope it’s useful.

Friend had a career in banking which over time became awful pushing loans, etc on customers she knew could not afford it. Open university degree over three years, she finally fell into somethin she loves at 50.

Go for it I'd say. The Bank did allow her to go part time though

I am too feeling like this total lack of energy, my mojo has totally gone. I am also noticing I am aching a lot especially my legs is this a normal part of this horrid time x

Oh God. This is my fear. Sometimes I wonder if I have Alzheimers. I feel it is affecting my work and it causes anxiety on top of anxiety. I feel terrible for you. I really hope the work situation has improved. Hope you are ok. The description 'brian fog' doesn't really cut it I think. I don't think there is enough info out there on this. 'Lacking word retrieval' is a better definition for me. I can't grasp the words I need during conversations. I'm fine writing things as I have the time to source the words. It is really embarrassing.

47 as well, it came on so suddenly. It’s been horrible.

Mine hasn't been sudden but I do think HRT patches have helped but I think I will go back to the docs and see if more can be done. Maybe you should see a Doc too?

Oh God. This is my fear. Sometimes I wonder if I have Alzheimers. I feel it is affecting my work and it causes anxiety on top of anxiety. I feel terrible for you. I really hope the work situation has improved. Hope you are ok. The description 'brian fog' doesn't really cut it I think. I don't think there is enough info out there on this. 'Lacking word retrieval' is a better definition for me. I can't grasp the words I need during conversations. I'm fine writing things as I have the time to source the words. It is really embarrassing.

Went to doc, she’s been great. I’m starting to feel a bit better. No HRT, but I’d definitely consider it. It’s just that I was on top of the world one minute, and now I’m in this “place”.

Just seen this. Been on Evorel Conti since January this year and though it does help with brain fog (a close friend takes it and it helps her) and I think it has affected my work (not all work, I do temp contracts). Anxiety has been bad for past almost 2 months but has got better. I’m ok thanks but ditched the sage and menopace max, on Tescos menopause supplement which is much cheaper!

I was at a party last weekend with 3/4 other women of a similar age and we were all complaining and comparing menopause symptoms. What’s worse for me is it still feels like a dirty little secret, when it shouldn’t be. I only found out about magnesium tablets (I did know before) until I compared symptoms with friends. Mentioned it to doctor and not a lot they can do unless change HRT and prescribe antidepressants which I don’t want!

The good thing is, I don’t think it’s Alzheimer’s!

I’ve found talking about it helps.

I have been lurking around Mumsnet for 10+ years and this thread and post prompted me to sign up ad say thank you.

I believe I have been peri-menopausal for a few years now but this post really hit home with the staring at nothing. I can find it quite comforting which worries me.

I have lots of issues and have started HRT but this was so good to read and know that I am not alone.