Talk me into HRT

[DustyLee123]

So I’ve got the Mirena in to control my heavy frequent periods. I asked about HRT gel some time back and got it, but stopped after 3 days due to bleeding. I started and stopped once more due to bleeding again, and then decided to give up.
So now I’m fed up of being angry and getting no real pleasure from life. I don’t think I’m depressed, I enjoy walking the dog and coffees out. I just can’t find any motivation to go on holiday, buy clothes, go to a gig etc.
Im reluctant to take it because this is my only symptom. I’ve no not flushes, I sleep ok ( when it’s not hot ! )due to magnesium and a good sleep routine. I take omega 3 for achy joints, and vit B for energy. That’s the way I prefer to do it, treat each symptom individually and as naturally as possible. But I give up on the anger and lack of pleasure, I can’t find a cure.
I really don’t want to take HRT. I’m really concerned about the slight cancer risk, and I’ve just lost a relative to cancer very quickly.
So please talk to me about the benefits to a 52 year old who is fed up of being angry and hating her husband.
Thanks.

@DustyLee123 Sorry- I didn't mean to sound snappy, and it wasn't aimed at you. But the women who sail through it are few and far between.

@JinglingSpringbells totally agree re: those who sail through meno. I think they are few and far between these days and probably always have been.

@SameKeyThough have you had any developments with HRT? I'm in similar position to you but nervous to try it because of risk of destabilising already fragile mh

@kizziee I am 3 weeks into oestrogen only HRT, and have an appt with a private gynaecologist next week to discuss my options. I think there has been an improvement in my mood, although I did have a severe dip last weekend. So who knows? I think my own hormones are fucking things up. I have managed to reduce my mirtazapine and diazepam which says something I think. I'm really hoping HRT is the answer, but also don't want to go anywhere near bloody progesterone ever again, hence the gynae appt. I've had nearly 2 years of this shit.

And as a side note, when I first had my 'breakdown', which I attribute to largely to perimeneopause, I was slim (BMI about 21), ran 5k every other day, lifted weights, ate a protein rich pescatarian diet, didn't drink alcohol or coffee. And my life has been destroyed by perimeneopause. So anyone telling me my lifestyle was in any way to blame can fuck right off.

@SameKeyThough really hope things get better for you with the the oestrogen and you can find a solution with the progesterone side of things.

I have heard of women just on oestrogen and have regular scans to check the health of your womb lining.

It's a total bloody nightmare I know.

I know exactly what you mean when people point the finger at lifestyle. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly 14 years ago now, the assumption was that I must have brought it upon myself. I was 38, slim, didn't drink or smoke and ate well. It came from no where and battered my brain and body for months. Those ignorant people as you say, can fuck right off to the moon!

Best of luck 🤞

The truth is that 75% of women have menopause symptoms and some are severe.

The other point is that many of the ailments women have after 50 are linked to menopause but never recognised as such. Aches and pains, stiff joints, bladder issues, insomnia, anxiety, etc.

Decades ago, a close friend of my Mum spent 30 years suffering from 'nerves and anxiety' and insomnia (after age 50) which were probably linked to menopause but she took other drugs to control them, till she died from a heart attack at 80.

HRT is not for everyone and some women manage perfectly well without it.

Suggesting that lifestyle, weight etc is the reason for menopause symptoms is, frankly, offensive. Lifestyle, weight etc can all impact a person and I imagine make things better/ worse, but a woman can be as "clean living" as she likes and still suffer.

OP - I think that you need to go back and look at the statistics re cancer. There's a lot of scaremongering about HRT and cancer which isn't necessarily borne out by the actual statistics. It's also very important that you weight the marginally increased risk vs your quality of life.

@SameKeyThough thanks so much for the reply. I think I'm probably a bit older than you because I've been in full menopause for a couple of years but I totally agree with your comments on lifestyle. I'm trying to get a bit of stability first and then hopefully try HRT. Too scared to try it at the moment in case it tips mental health even further.

Ps @SameKeyThough I wish there was more advice available for women in menopause who have had mental health problems previously.

@kizziee tell me about it. I'm very lucky in that I can pay for health insurance/private treatment (up to a point - I'm not loaded!) but even so I've struggled to get my psychiatrist to think about the hormonal element and the menopause specialist to understand just how bad my mental health can be, and that I can't risk jeopardising the small gains I have made. I think it says a lot that when this whole shit show started and I was sectioned I was in such a state, neither of the 2 NHS psychiatrists or the private one I saw later even mentioned menopause. Despite my history of PND. To be honest I have to not think about it too much or I get quite angry.

@SameKeyThough I recognise all of that. It's such a complicated jigsaw.