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Menopause

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Can't work out why I feel so crap!

12 replies

TiredWife · 13/02/2025 11:31

Not sure if this is menopause related, but it probably is, so posting here!
Am 58 and have been on low dose HRT for over 10 years without too many problems.

However for the last 8 months or so I just can't seem to balance my health these days so that I consistently feel OK 😟
List of things I'm struggling with:

  • recurrent pain/tension in shoulder (feels like a trapped nerve) which sometimes results in headache/ tied eyes/ dizzy, spaced out feeling, nausea. Had physio, acupuncture, new glasses, but still get it.
  • bouts of overwhelming anxiety - often about going places/ being in busy environments e.g. shopping centre etc. It all feels too bright, noisy and I just want to leave! (I was never like this previously)
  • same sense of anxiety/panic before meals and sometimes also feel nauseous when beginning eating (I've assumed this might be blood-sugar related, but was screened for diabetes in blood tests recently and results were normal).

The GP just doesn't seem interested - especially in the shoulder thing, which actually is the thing which is most affecting me.
I've never been an anxious person in my life and I don't know how to handle this at all. I worry I'm going to become a recluse.
Feel like I don't really know where to begin!

OP posts:
Literallynoonecares · 13/02/2025 11:36

Are you still having periods or are you now post menopause?

TiredWife · 13/02/2025 12:51

Literallynoonecares · 13/02/2025 11:36

Are you still having periods or are you now post menopause?

Post menopause. Stopped before I started HRT.

OP posts:
Literallynoonecares · 13/02/2025 12:58

TiredWife · 13/02/2025 12:51

Post menopause. Stopped before I started HRT.

I'm wondering if maybe you don't need the HRT now? My GP said something along the lines of too much estrogen causing anxiety/low mood and lots of different symptoms that often get confused with having not enough. Maybe you are actually getting too much of it now and its giving you horrible symptoms again? Just a thought but maybe worth considering.

TiredWife · 13/02/2025 13:38

Literallynoonecares · 13/02/2025 12:58

I'm wondering if maybe you don't need the HRT now? My GP said something along the lines of too much estrogen causing anxiety/low mood and lots of different symptoms that often get confused with having not enough. Maybe you are actually getting too much of it now and its giving you horrible symptoms again? Just a thought but maybe worth considering.

Hmm, possibly, but I'm on such a low dose that it seems unlikely that I'm getting too much. Also my symptons come back if I miss a dose (found this out when I forgot to take my HRT with me on a weekend break!)

OP posts:
Teasall · 13/02/2025 13:50

I'm a similar age to you and have recently had a review of my HRT after having a blood test to check my hormone levels. The test showed that my oestrogen level was quite low so my GP has increased my patch strength from 50 to 75mg and I can definitely feel an improvement in my aches and pains.

It's maybe worth you asking for one.

LaJoconde · 13/02/2025 15:04

Sounds like your dose is too low to me.
frozen shoulder is a classic menopause symptom. It’s the main symptom that Japanese women have.

ask to be referred to a menopause specialist.

SurelyNot22 · 13/02/2025 15:05

Second the frozen shoulder thing. I have this. Low oestrogen to blame

Movinghouseatlast · 13/02/2025 15:09

Is it frozen shoulder? How is your range of movement, can you put your arm behind your back? If it is, it can't be reversed, it has to run its course. What did the physio say?

I would try upping the oestrogen if you are on a low dose. I'm on the highest dose now as I kept getting new symptoms. I'm 59.

TiredWife · 13/02/2025 15:47

I've read about the frozen shoulder link to menopause but dismissed it as I have a full range of motion and it didn't match the frozen shoulder symptoms I'd read about, but I guess it could just be presenting differently?

I had my estrogen tested last year and it was 211, which I think the GP felt was in the normal range for HRT? @Teasall can you remember what yours was when you increased your patch level?

OP posts:
Teasall · 13/02/2025 16:19

@TiredWife I've just checked and it was 195 pmol/L

Teasall · 13/02/2025 16:21

I would still maybe request a repeat blood test as it depends what your other hormone levels are I expect.

Movinghouseatlast · 13/02/2025 18:17

Blood tests are not required for HRT over 45, it's symptom led.

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