Anyone else in full Menopause and not on HRT?

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Im 51, was being monitored as was peri this time last year when I saw my gynaecologist, back this week and blood test show im now in full Menopause.
Main symptoms are hot flushes, wooly brain at times and headache/ migraines.
On the appointment my Merina coil was removed ( had been in 9 years)
I dont live in the UK and they are not going to offer HRT because of my history of migraines. Instead Ive been out on a supplement with melatonin.
Anyone else not taking/ able to take HRT ?

@JinglingSpringbells I had been referred about 4 years ago after moving to Spain as I had a Merina coil . Ive had yearly check ups including blood tests.

Thank you for this thread, OP; it's been very useful. I'm a few years into the menopause now, with quite a range of symptoms. My GP told me that I couldn't have HRT due to my migraines (UK.)
I manage my symptoms to the best of my ability with a lot of supplements, which are costing me a fortune. I'd rather have HRT though, or at least the chance to try it.

I was through menopause by 45, now 62. I haven't had HRT. The only symptoms I had were hot flushes at night (not sweats), for which my GP prescribed citalopram off licence, which for some reason damped the heat. Sister is the same. I have excellent bones and cardio.

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Your doctor is out of date.

HRT pretty much stopped my migraines.

Okay. Doesn't happen in the UK on the NHS.
Mirenas aren't checked annually unless there are problems.
I don't know how taking melatonin is supposed to help menopause issues, other than sleep problems.

I'm sorry that not being able to take HRT has added to the distress at what you're going through.
Menopause is so different for everyone, it's not inevitable that you'll suffer badly / have symptoms which can't be alleviated with something else to at least some degree.
I think it can sometimes feel like everything is just downhill after the menopause, but that's not the experience for many.

I had endometrial cancer at 48 and went straight into surgical menopause. I’m 52 now and did ask for HRT a couple of years ago but was advised against it. My hot flushes seem to have lessened now, but I feel old; bits of me ache, the brain fog is real and my libido has gone awol. I’m ok, but I do wonder if HRT might have helped a bit.

I’m in my 50s and in peri. I have had my latest period nonstop since 16th October. My periods have been so incessant- weeks long with only 1-2days off in between, that I was seen by a gynae a few months ago who assured me it is all peri 🙄. I have been offered HRT over and over, but the idea of having a fake period/withdrawl bleed is really off putting? I just want to be done with it all and in full menopause. Spending a small fortune on SanPro in the meantime.

How are you getting on with the lions mane? I can't have HRT either and brain fog is crippling.

I have quite a few friends who are managing their menopause without HRT so it's certainly not a one size fits all. Before I started HRT I did try diet, lifestyle adjustments and adding supplements but my (mainly psychological) symptoms were significantly impacting my life so did going it in the end. If you feel your symptoms are debilitating I'd definitely pursue it and migraine shouldn't be a reason to discount HRT

Yes its to help with sleep problems .

Im not anti HRT, its just that my symptoms are mild - I hadn't asked for a Gynie appointment because of Menopause, it was a coil check and she asked if I had certain symptoms. My blood test showed I was in full blown Menopause. Also I dont think its a condition where there is a set in stone right or wrong treatment- it depends on the woman.
Also , as I have stated, in the region of Spain where I live ( Im Irish and work here so Im on the public healthcare system rather than private) HRT is not the first line of treatment.

It has been interesting getting different points of view.

It depends on the type and severity of migraine. I was advised against HRT because of chronic migraines (I suffer in excess of 100 days a year).

I'm 60 and more or less coming out of a hellish menopause without HRT. but that's all I'm saying. From experience, I know that any suggestion of coping with the menopause naturally does not go down well here.

Hi @Netcam it isn't just about vaginal dryness though.

My menopausal atrophy caused severe exacerbation of prolapse which requires surgery. Eventually the vagina can close up essentially. And that will not be remedied by moisturiser.

I have mirena coil for progesterone and only bleed a teeny amount, I don't even need period products. Can you try that?

Thanks but I am allergic to metal so it’s out of bounds.

If you scroll back through the thread, I posted a link and info by the Migraine Trust. It wasn't a personal opinion , purely linking to medical info in the UK which differs clearly from Spain.

I'm 61, last period at 52, they just stopped (well, had a postmeno bleed that was scary but amounted to nothing, gynae thought hormonal) I didn't have HRT. Flushes especially at night and seem to have a permanent liking for the chilly now but nothing too bad. I took a menopause supplement and high dose starflower for several years.

I don't know if it's a factor really but my mother had an "easy" menopause (at exactly the same age) and as she was able to turn a broken nail into a drama worthy of La Scala, it must have been

I certainly glad HRT is there for people who need it, though.

The migraine fact sheet & quote you posted only applies to migraines triggered by female hormones. It doesn’t apply to all migraines. So, I think it is possible the posters reporting that their Dr has said no HRT due to migraines have migraines that have other, different triggers.

My withdrawal bleed lasts 2 days and I’m managing with period knickers.

Im very pro HRT, it’s been a game changer for me. Appreciate it’s not for everyone though.

I understand that. Don't know anything at all about Spain though, I'm in the UK.

Both GP's at our practice told me no HRT because of my migraine, regardless of what Migraine Trust might be saying. I was also advised against having the Covid vaccines for the same reason.

Sorry to hear, that sounds hard for you. Vagina is still opening up at the moment! How would I know if there were issues? I thought it was common to need some lubricant for sex after menopause, wondering now if it's just me?

Wow that's incredibly irresponsible of them about covid.

Not really. They have access to my full medical history and they had their reasons, which they explained.
I would have refused it anyway.

Only 17% of menopausal women in the UK are on HRT. I was prescribed it in perimenopause as my migraines grew more severe and it did seem to help for a few years.