Immune system in bits

[questionersquestion]

I'm 53, I had regular periods until I had a major operation late last year (52 at the time). The periods came back a few months ago, but appear to have stopped again 6 weeks ago.

The biggest problem I have right now is that my immune system seems to be failing. Last week we went to France for the day. It was the first time I'd left the house in over 6 weeks.

I had a sore throat on Saturday, but had to see my elderly, frail DM. By the evening my head was also hurting. I don't understand how I can become ill within 24 hours, but I have. The cold is still making me feel shit, nearly 6 days later. It's now congested my nose and the cough is making me wheeze (and I don't want to have to take steroids as they make insomnia even worse). I keep getting hot flushes, I'm sure they are hot flushes not a temperature as they come and go. It isn't covid as I've tested twice.

I've also got warts for the first time and bruises all over.

Has anyone else got a rubbish immune system since becoming menopausal?

No one else has got this virus, not even my DM who is vulnerable.

I've suffered awful insomnia, I never have more than three hours a night and go at least a few days a week with no sleep for over 48 hours. Because I have bipolar the GP has taken this seriously as my MH has become affected and has prescribed Zopiclone and referred me to CMHT urgently. Even Zopiclone doesn't work.

I've been prescribed HRT patches, but am scared to take them until I've seen the psychiatrist next month.

My sister had her last period at 48 and has seemingly sailed though it. My closest friend had a hysterectomy, with oophorectomy earlier this year (41) and again seem OK, so I can't understand why I'm suffering.

Has anyone else found themselves getting sicker?

If you're only getting 3 hours sleep per night then that could be why you're getting sick more frequently. That level of sleep deprivation can definitely weaken your immune system.

But to answer your question, I've generally been healthy post-menopause, actually get sick much less frequently than I did when I was younger and taking care of a small child!

Absolutely my immune syastem completely failed.

I had early menopause at 45.

Was a dreadful thing the response. Got every virus my young DD brought home, everythng. Chicken Pox I ended up in hospital.

Never been properly ill in my life before, fit and healthy. Slim etc.

@questionersquestion First thing that I thought of was 'Covid'. You might want to keep testing as people I know have only tested positive on a 3rd test or when the virus was heavily in their system.

Why not try your HRT? Nothing to lose and it helps a lot of women with sleep.

Your friend who has had her ovaries removed is very unusual. Most women in surgical menopause are put straight onto HRT and she ought to be at 41, for future bone and heart health (this is in all medical guidance.) Women with menopause early are at risk. was this not advised? It doesn't matter if she has no symptoms.

Is your immune system a bit weak now because you have had a major op? This can really impact on it as your body is recovering from the trauma of surgery. It can take a long time for recovery.

Agreed. HRT absolutely helped eventually.

I think you should go and see your GP, as a matter of some priority, and get bloods (in particular a full blood count) done.

You have - unusual bleeding (resumption of menses, easy bruising), hot flushes, breathlessness, fatigue, an infection that's hard to shift, arrival of warts.

Please don't put this off - although it's way more likely that you've had false negative covid tests and all will be well in a while, that cluster of symptoms means there are a couple of other conditions that need to be excluded at the outset