Experiences of those not taking HRT

[JustLaura]

I'm interested to hear from anyone not taking HRT.

What happened to your periods? Did they go shorter before they went longer? Stop abruptly?

What age do you think peri symptoms started and ended?

How do you feel now?

Why can't you use it @MinnieMountain ?

Hi JustLaura, I've always had high blood pressure, don't know why, my mum does too, possibly genetic. With me peri came on really quickly, again no idea why. Looking back I may have had low mood for a couple of years without realising why, periods stopping for a bit made me realise what was going on.

@JinglingSpringbells I had breast cancer aged 39. Currently 6 years into a 10 year prescription for Tamoxifen.

So sorry to hear that.

My periods were always irregular so impossible to say that changed as I neared menopause. I did have a couple of very heavy periods in the last few months, much heavier than usual. Otherwise that side of things was pretty much business as usual with PMT and so on.

The only other symptom I had was increasing occurrence of hot flushes. They started a few years before as just mildly warm, and grew in intensity over the years. Then my periods stopped at 51 and I was just left with the hot flushes. I discovered they were being caused by eating wheat! In cut eating that back at and I felt OK again. That was it, no more symptoms, no more periods! No need to even consider HRT.

I agree about the gums. Definitely keeping on top of oral health problems and brushing properly, plus using interdental brushes and floss is key for keeping things OK for me. My gingivitis was terrifying after my 3rd baby was born and when my perimenopause symptoms started, and I didn't clean enough properly- it became so bad that I had that horrible metallic taste of bad bacteria.

Luckily things are ok now but seeing a hygienist regularly for me is important too.

Thanks everyone.

Just feeling a bit more "urgh" over this stage!

I have quite a few peri symptoms but insomnia and joint pain are the worst that I'm experiencing so far.

TBH @JustLaura Why are you unsure about HRT and accepting these symptoms? I'm not being confrontational, just curious, and trying to help.

HRT is absolutely safe for almost all women for at least 5 years (no added risk of breast cancer with Utrogestan- see medical statements online for this.)

My main symptom was insomnia (and flushes.)
Insomnia is a dangerous thing in itself. Long term insomnia affects blood glucose and heart health. My consultant (one of the top meno consultants in the UK) says that insomnia is a real health risk.

My Mum has suffered with insomnia and flushes for 40 years post meno. When she asked for HRT 20 years ago she was told she was too old then. (Now, she'd be allowed it after 60.)

There is no need to suffer or ask who's managed without.
At 49-ish it's quite acceptable to try HRT , and see how you get on.

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells

I've not ruled HRT out or in. I am trying out Menopace for a few months to see how I feel then.

Currently I can manage my symptoms but they are worsening about a week before I get a period.

I'm hoping I'm nearly done with all this.

I'm hoping I'm nearly done with all this.

The average time peri -post meno symptoms last is 7 years.

Many women have no peri and symptoms start when their periods stop.
It's not uncommon for post meno symptoms to last 20 years or for life (info from my consultant.)

I'm getting through menopause, well, peri, with no HRT as it causes hair loss for me. I'm 55 now and periods were gradually becoming closer together, missed one, two came early, and now I've gone two months without one. Obviously no idea if another will be along in the future.

I've had a number of symptoms, but am just about coping. I have to, as HRT is not possible for me (unless I want to lose my hair again!). For the past month or so I've had really itchy skin on upper arms and back - it's driving me mad. Sleep has been utter shit for a long time but as I don't have to be up early, am coping reasonably well.

Mood not great and patience much thinner than it used to be. Can't be arsed with most things and people.

The problem is knowing which symptoms are down to peri menopause and which down to other issues.

56, 2 years post menopause.

From around 49 periods went haywire, spread out to once every 2-3 months and were very heavy which was unusual for me - embarrassingly soaked through clothing a couple of times, including destroying an office chair which was mortifying. I then had 2-3 years where periods were every 6-7 months. Then they just stopped.

Peri was manageable, post meno has slowly got harder, sleep disturbances, brain fog, confidence, mood, vaginal, atrophy, hair loss, joint pain have progressively got worse. Started HRT yesterday so fingers crossed. Wish I'd looked into it sooner instead of thinking I could power through.