Suffering from so many symptoms 😢

[ForeverDelayedEpiphany]

Heel pain that started over the past few days alongside the most awful excess saliva. Terrible brain fog, tinnitus, gingivitis, severe period pains (much worse than I had pre-pregnacies and I was very used to bad periods).

Just everything. It's been going on for about 5 years now since my youngest daughter was born and I'm so fed up.

I'm 43 and can only try HRT if I make sure it won't exacerbate my movement disorder symptoms as I'm very sensitive to medication side effects (my movement disorder was caused by an off label antipsychotic).

God knows what I'll do if HRT doesn't agree with me. Feeling lower than ever now and pretty desperate for something 😕

I hope HRT works for you. Like many others I thought I was losing my mind before I took it, genuinely thought I was getting dementia as the brain fog was so bad (I once couldn't remember my children's names, as in, I know I have children but but but...!), every joint in my body hurt, menstrual flooding, depression, hair loss around my hairline, insomnia etc. It all fell into place when the horrendous, clothes soaking hot flushes started and I realised I was menopausal.

Along with HRT I also follow a few specialists on instagram and can recommend DrMaryClaire.

Find time to exercise; I lift dumbbells three times a week and use a cross trainer three times a week for cardio. I try and look after Future Me as the shock of the effects of Menopause made me realise good health is a gift.

Eat healthier food. It's your personal preferences, time and budget of course but I really found sugary food and chocolate were affecting me badly and so I cut them out. It's very hard and I am definitely a sugar addict, I can spend the whole day thinking about Dairy Milk without ever buying one. I eat fresh food now, cook from scratch with very little processed food, although it's difficult to avoid.

I still struggle with insomnia (hence my 3am post!) but have decided after two years of it just to accept it as part of my life and routine.

100% envy for women who sail through it without even a sniff of a hot flush.

Best of luck and I wishing you strength and resilience to get through it.

Hugs, OP. I'm awake due to family worries, but had dreadful insomnia and crippling anxiety before HRT. You may need to tweak your dose at first, but it works very well for many women. It killed my insomnia almost immediately.