What else helps aside from HRT?

[SpaDaysAreMyFave]

I took a bit of HRT in the past and it didn't agree with me. I have a Mirena coil which sorted out most of my symptoms and I am approaching 55, so even if I wanted HRT they might not give it to me.

I have been so good since I had the coil 4 years ago. I felt like a new woman. Lately though I have been feeling a bit tired. That said I do burn the candle at both ends. I just worked 4 full days over the weekend with 2.5 hour round trip commute, I went to a concert, and last night did a 6k run. This morning I am knackered. I also have a home to run, teen DC to look after and pets.

This is what I am doing to help myself through this period of menopause;

Carry on with my coil
Weights, yoga and running
Be more sociable with other women
Get more sleep
Accept myself and not worry what others think of me
Say no at work when they try and overload me

However, I don't feel like I am doing enough now, and think I need to start helping myself a bit more;

I don't take any vitamins and supplements. I just don't know what to take.
I feel a bit anxious. Not loads, but it is there, on a low level all the time. My mood is a bit low. It has been lots worse in the past, but it is a bit low.
I am doing lots of exercise, but feel I need to have more goals, and tailor it a bit more.

So, aside from HRT (if you are it) what other things do you do to help yourself get through this time?

Unless you need the Mirena for contraception, maybe think of having it out?
Some women find it causes low mood.

Did you have it at 51 for heavy periods?
On its own it's not 'hrt' or a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Unless you keep it and add estrogen as HRT.

You are nowhere near old for HRT!
Women can start at any time even into their 60s.

TBH it sounds as if you need a better balance in your life- no wonder you're tired.

I had more energy and slept better when I had oestrogen. I just have the coil now. I'm 55. Agree with the comments on the coil and low mood, I'm not finding that on the coil but did when I was on progesterone previously with a pill and oestrogen.

I can't take oestrogen at the moment but would like to go back just to help sleep.

I'm finding that a normal day is now tiring for me. I'm trying to accept that and embrace an early night and/or a nap. I'm avoiding booze (not completely) as can't do hangovers any more, I'm eating well.

I'm also saying no to stuff more - so I should be at a pub quiz tonight, but honestly that's a near midnight bed time and I've got to be up at 6.30 tomorrow. I can't do that anymore - well I can't do it and be nice....

I've got a GP appt for bloods just in case there's something out of kilter - that might be worth you trying?

I had flooding, periods ever 2 weeks, I felt terrible. I went on eostrogel and utrageston and they both made me feel terrible. I swapped out the utrageston for the coil and within days I was a different person. I’ve always had progesterone issues and had to have suppositories to sustain 1st trimesters in pregnancy. I stopped the estrogen gel as it made me feel awful. The GP said it was ok just to have the coil.

4 years later I asked about now removing it and my GP said give it another year. I don’t have symptoms like hot flushes, insomnia, itchiness. I’m just a bit down, and a bit tired, but then I am very active. I’m nowhere near as down as I used to be in my cycle or perimenopause, but I can see I’d benefit from being a bit happier.

I think a few tweaks, some vitamins and supplements and adding a few more things into my life would benefit me.