Where to start

[popsickle555]

Almost 42. I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. Both are very annoying but I cope.

i think I’m starting with peri menopause symptoms:

vaginal dryness
zero libido (other than on ovulation day when sometimes I’m keen)
brain fog / forgetful
more tired and aching joints sometimes

No mood swings, no anxiety or anything awful but I’d like to do what I can to help the above. Any suggestions? I feel very happy really in myself (other than I miss wanting sex) but don’t know where to start. Ideally would not like to go for HRT unless I have to as my mother had breast cancer of the oestrogen receptor form. I’m not totally against HRT but wondering if there’s a way to start before I go into that.

Oh and currently I do nothing at all other than treat my horribly heavy periods with various pain killers when needed. I take multi vitamins, eat loads of protein, low carb etc. But don’t do anything for my hormones or menopause specifically yet.

And last post…

I already am pretty sensitive (I think) to hormones. I get nausea and a lot of pain with ovulation (often the case with adenomyosis) and pre period I feel awful for a couple of days generally. Headache, fatigue, palpitations and loads of abdominal pain.

I found that my usual period symptoms got worse as I approached peri and I'm about 7 years into it now.

My best tips??

1. Menopace - excellent supplement - stopped the anxiety I was suddenly experiencing.

2. Fasting and just dropping a meal (breakfast). I cut 500 calories so my joints don't ache and I don't let weight creep on.

3. Look after your body - rest is key - stretching and exercise - good food - self care - recognise that you're a bit older (I'll be 50 in Sept) and I can't do what I used to do, but I have not stopped, I've just changed.

I'm not doing HRT either, I don't want to. I'm doing fine. I'm having gaps of 6 months now between small painful bleeds. I'm sad I guess. I honour each one!

You're so young and just at the beginning - I reckon once we realise that it doesn't go back to how it used to be and make the tweaks that we personally need, its OK and doable. Rest is KEY. Especially if you wake up at 5!

Oh God magnesium at night stops the 3am wake ups.