Please talk to me about Menopause.

[ticktockali]

I’m 50. Periods stopped last June. Previous to this I was regular as clockwork every 24 days.
ive put on weight despite sticking to my usual regime of 1000kcals per day. I don’t snack and I eat a packet of crisps probably every 8-10 days. I haven’t had chocolate for years.

My GP suggested I start on HRT. Tablet form every day with no breaks.
After 3 days being on it my breasts felt so engorged (like they were was when I was breastfeeding all those years ago) I can no longer walk briskly because of the pain.
i stopped the HRT about 3 weeks ago and breasts are no longer hurting but still enlarged.
a year ago I was a comfortable 36C and now I’m a 36FF.
Each fine I became pregnant I knew before I’d even taken a test.
The surge in oestrogen tells me!

Does anyone please have any thoughts on what I could try?

I get awful hot flushes. Mid section weight gain is also off the scale. I have gained 8” on my waist in the last year.

Hi,
I was on HRT for a year or so and had to stop when they upped my patches as I had exactly the same as you.. swollen and painful breasts. Also it did nothing to help my aching. I felt loads better almost instantly. But now my symptoms are creeping back again. I don't get hot flushes too often but when I do I use Avon Adapt icy cooling elixir spray which is excellent and actually works!
I get bad aching especially in the mornings and have to get out of bed straight away. I don't know what to do about this as I don't want HRT again.
I have gone up a whole dress size in a few years which is the most depressing thing about it as i had to throw out all my old clothes. I get the oestrogen surges too and I think that's why HRT doesn't suit me. I'm 53 and still getting regular periods but they're getting heavier and knocking me for six so the next step would be a coil.
But yeah, definitely try that spray for your hot flushes. Good luck!

Sorry you feel so rubbish. Everyone is different so what works for me might not work for you. I’d try different forms of HRT. Could you try topical oestrogen gel and micronised progesterone? I take both of these - no side effects. I also take testosterone gel every other day. Make sure you take hormones in the evening as you’re less likely to feel any side effects. Plus progesterone helps with sleep.

Weight wise, I could’ve written your post. I got a set of smart scales, understood my BMR (which was far lower than I’d realised) lay off the booze, upped my protein intake, lay off the carbs and upped my weight training/exercise in general but also added in Pilates. I did get the weight off but it was a slog. I share your pain entirely. It was a rubbish and frustrating time. You’ll find what works for you but it can be a bit trial and error.

Netaporter thanks. Yes I have tried oestrogen gel and micronised progesterone and no difference in my symptoms. Atm I'm using Estriol for burning down below but it still burns! The only thing I haven't tried is testosterone gel. I'm at my wits and tbh 😔
I have too much pain and no energy to even consider exercise and I used to do regular pilates and aerobics so no wonder the weight has piled on.

Poor you! Are you on vaginal oestrogen too? My gynae physio just asked my GP to prescribe it as she felt that there was significant thinning of the tissue in that area. My friend had the same symptoms as you and needed vaginal oestrogen to help. Can you ask for that? sorry if that is already Estriol?

Op have you tried patches? Might be better than the tablets

Yes Estriol is vaginal oestrogen but I'm sensitive to oestrogen as when they increased my patches I had the swollen painful breasts which I couldn't even bear to touch.

Thank you for your advice. I’ll call GP surgery tomorrow and ask If I could try something else.
insomnia is a killer and I hear taking progesterone before bed can help with this.
I’ve never had hormone tests done. Has anyone else?
I just cannot bear feeling like this for the next few years.

nhs doesn’t recommend hormone tests after 45 as they fluctuate and all show the same thing - our oestrogen etc is declining.

try the bio identical patches and see how you go

magnesium tablets before bed every night help a lot with sleep