Thanks all.
yes I’m on hrt (patches and mirena coil). I’m well read and researched on all of that and proactive with my health. I had a DXA scan the other day too (lucky postcode lottery wise).
my periods stopped 6 months ago. Prior to then and for about a year I might have had a 40 or 50 day cycle some months but I always had something. But the last 6 months nothing. Even if this isn’t the end end it feels pretty final. My mums stopped at 40.
It’s just that, the finality of it all, the perimenopause started only a year ago, and it’s likely I’ll be through it all in 6 more months time. I should be grateful it’s been so swift, and relatively straight forward shouldnt I 😭.
Similar aged women talking about husband having to have vasectomies etc and oh no I couldn’t have another child. Obviously the coil is contraceptive (and why I started on firstly) and we decided (very shortly) before my menopause that we were happy with 2 children (which I feel so damn lucky and grateful especially considering this is happening now). But those decisions and that stage has passed me by more or less now. I actually mourn not having a period. The dog eared pantyliners in my bag, the period knickers for those unexpected moments, now all bundled in a bag. I thought this stage would go on a little longer than a few months. I guess I’m just a bit sad and mixed up. Perimenopause can be a long stage of getting to grips with this loss but for me it’s just been heaped on me in one go.
Yes re higher doses, I do worry I’m on the right dose of estrogen, as a previous poster said. I only take 50mg but it stops the flushes and I feel ok generally. I did try 75mg as thought more is better but I got uncontrollable rage and ChatGPT said it could be eatrogen dominance so I trialed back to 50mg and I’ve been fine. (I don’t fancy progesterone pills as I’ve heard bad things). Dr Newson says if your estrogen dose doesn’t stop the symptoms and flushes then you need a higher dose. But mine does, I generally feel ok.
I get mild brain fog. I have been diagnosed with a mental health condition 2 years ago (which my mum also has). The medication I’m on is sedating and it helps me sleep. Without it I sleep incredulity lightly and don’t manage to get off to sleep for ages. I put this down to the stimulating home life with 2 small children, but then could it mean I need higher estrogen 🤷🏼♀️ , and the medication is masking this symptom 🤷🏼♀️ . Dr Newson also mentioned testosterone needs but we just aren’t there as a society yet with understanding so I guess that’s one the next generation will benefit from and we won’t. (I don’t wanna go private and faff about when I’m doing pretty well on what I’m on).
I’ll check out the daisy place. I’ve also researched fiction books to read about menopause, touching souls in that way usually helps me.
I’m sure I’ll snap out of it soon.
Thank you mumsnetters