Finally bouncing back (on HRT) but how will I ever get back on top of the chaos?

[BlueberryFlapjack]

Just that really. It's been a rough few years. Horrendous peri-menopause with every symptom under the sun, plus a death in the family and a seriously ill parent.

With all that going on, I really let things slide - with my work, the house, myself. Now that my peri symptoms are mostly under control, it's a bit like waking up from a nightmare, looking around and going OMG, how will I ever get back on top of this?

I'm borderline overweight, with very few clothes I like, and my skin has changed so make up looks awful on me. The garden is a wreck, every room in the house needs redecorating, and one room in particular needs a massive declutter. I'm on top of the cleaning again, but it feels pointless as it all looks so dreadful, with chipped paint and floors that need replacing. And because my work was affected too, it'll take time to build my savings back up to be able to do any of that stuff.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's in the same boat, and anyone who's out the other side and managed to get their life back under control after being taken out by peri-menopause. I could really do with some inspiration at this point...

Hi OP, I wish I had advice or hindsight - but I feel like I am in the nightmare you speak of right now and I have been wondering if perimenopause is at fault. Absolutely ZERO energy - house is a tip and I just can't face it. So any tips for getting investigated or on the other side much appreciated! I wish you luck - but I am so sorry not to be able to help.

I’m emerging from the other side slowly, with a lookerio subscription, slowly updating skincare via the inkey list and decluttering small areas at a time… until the next big floors me and it all starts to slip again

Sorry no advice but lurking because I’m in exactly the same boat except that I am borderline obese rather than overweight

Wish I had words of wisdom, only solidarity. Experiencing similar but minus the HRT and shitty cancer to deal with.

@herbygarden I'm so sorry you're in the thick of it. If you can, I'd get straight onto investigating HRT, and maybe also get your thyroid checked out, as that can do a number on your energy levels too. If you're 45 or over it should be no problem to get HRT through your GP, but if you're younger you might need to go armed and ready for a fight. I went through the NHS pages on peri-menopause and wrote out every symptom I had from their list - it filled an A4 page. Good luck!

@Bingobatbap Good to know it's not just me. One small area at a time is what I'm doing, but it's so slow. I feel like it could take me 2 years to get through it all.

Thanks for the solidarity @Midlifeshenanigans (great username!) and @Enigma53. Dealing with all of this without HRT and with cancer must be horrendous. I can't even imagine. If you want any advice for things that have helped me that aren't HRT, let me know.

@BlueberryFlapjack yes any pearls of wisdom would be much appreciated, thanks.

Take your time I would say. Meno
is a horror for many and life can definitely become derailed. Hope you get back on your feet soon.

Thanks @Enigma53.

So, things that have definitely helped me feel better:

Taking magnesium every night, plus a Vitamin D spray with dinner,
Meditating in the morning - just 12 minutes at the moment, but slowly building up,
Adding flax to my porridge, and loads of green leaves to my lunch,
Eating more protein at every meal,
Cutting back on sugary processed foods,
Trying really hard to get enough sleep (easier said than done, I know!),
Quitting alcohol (again, easier said than done, but so worth it),
Trying not to run on stress and adrenaline, so taking time to sit in the garden with a book and a cup of tea instead of racing around ticking endless jobs off or working late - I don't always get that one right, but getting there.

And finally, trying not to "beat myself up" for being less than perfect. Be really nice to yourself. It definitely helps with the stress.

Oh brilliant, thanks so much for all those suggestions. I will try very hard to introduce some of them into my routine. I know when I was on HRT, I felt much better, but it’s not something I can take now. I like sweets ( a comfort thing!) so there’s definitely room for improvement there!

Thanks again and here’s to us all getting back on track!