Severe mental health

[Hugsandsmiles]

Hiya,

I am suffering from.severe mental health and intrusive thoughts due to memopause.
I haven't had a period for 15 months. The symptoms are debilitating and Very severe. I've had to give up.my full time job as well as I couldn't cope any more.
I'm a complete mess and the worst symptom is the death and health anxiety.
I've been on antidepressants but nothing is helping.
My doctor said I need to go on HRT but I am scared of the risk of breast cancer and don't want to go on it.
I also feel suicidal on days and the feeling is very overwhelming. I told my doctor I wouldn't do anything silly because of my children but keep getting suicidal thoughts.

Has anyone else suffered these symptoms and have got better over time?
And any advice on HRTs safety please?

I would really appreciate advice. Thanks

Awful that you are going through this OP. I have no input to give on any of your post other than I was reassured very definitively by my GP that these days the risk of breast cancer with HRT (unless you have family history) is minimal and I was content with that reassurance.

So sorry you're suffering so much. HRT massively helped me in v similar circumstances. I still have issues with mood but that's to do with difficult external circumstances. I'm not plagued by the horrible suicidal thoughts that I got before HRT.

And any advice on HRTs safety please? @Hugsandsmiles

The best thing you can do is your own research to hep you decide.
There is a lot of information out there on risk (very small) and benefits.

Here are a few links to get you started.https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2021/09/Breast-Cancer-and-HRT.pdf

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WHC-Infographics-JANUARY-2023-BreastCancerRisks.pdf

This shows the risk per 1000 women over a 5 year period. It doesn't differentiate between the older progestins and Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) so it's not completely accurate for women using Utrogestan.

There is also some new evidence showing that using Utrogestan as the progesterone part of HRT doesn't increase BC risk for at least 5 years.

The risk to women with severe mental health in early 50s is significant. From the comments you make and how it's affecting your life to this degree I would argue that any risk of potential breast cancer (which you have every chance of NOT getting) is less significant to what you experiencing here and now 100%.

Your logic here is not rational for this reason. You are afraid of something that might happen rather than addressing something which IS happening.

I have a feeling if you give HRT a go there is every chance you will realise this is an anxiety response related to your mental health rather than a concern that's proportion to the risk posed by breast cancer.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/perimenopause-suicidal-thoughts-menopause-mental-health-b1933346.html?r=52593

It sounds a lot like your doctor is trying to give the message that the reason antidepressants and anti anxiety drugs haven't worked is because you aren't depressed or your anxiety is likely related directly to hormones.

It's very common but very misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.

The fact it's being suggested now is a good sign.

Some women are particularly at risk of this - I believe if you have previously had post natal depression or autism you can be at higher risk.

I have very severe phobias of health care professionals so I get that part of it too. I also understand how it can become difficult to rationalise in this state.

The rational response to being so unwell that you have given up work is to get medical treatment. You are now at a state where you see physical ill health as somehow worse than mental ill health yet your quality of life and how you have had to give up work suggests you have a problem as bad as a physical one.

Try the HRT. If, after 3 months, you don't have a noticeable difference in how you feel you don't have to continue. The risk from this is minimal.