Can menopause really be this bad?

[JeannieJo]

I truly feel my life is over - emotionally, physically and chronologically. I am so exhausted, I barely move in my sleep, I am mentally and physically worn out, I can’t concentrate, I’m sick of and can’t face work anymore, I have no desire or energy to exercise, I’m having horrific migraines, and I truly feel so sick and unwell at times, all I can think of is going to bed. Is this what everyone else has experienced?

I’m doing everything I can medically, all bloods tests have been done, a few issues so can’t get HRT at the moment, but hoping soon. Considering antidepressants etc but just want to know if generally it can make you feel this bad or should I be worried about something else? I pretty much constantly feel sick and as if I have the worst hangover ever. Does anyone else feel like this?

Migraines and depression have been the worst symptoms for me, though I’ve had pretty much every other symptom at some point. I can’t have HRT and it's taken a while to get to this point but I’m now on Ajovy injections for the migraines which has been life changing. I’ve been on anti depressants for around 2 years but they recently stopped working and I’ve had a really bad period since December, but I’m now on something new so fingers crossed! I’m not in the Uk but if seeing a menopause specialist is an option I’d recommend it, it’s been beneficial having someone who looks at the whole picture.

The Vit B success will be the Riboflavin in it. Migraine specialist clinic suggested it to me. If the vit B multi tablet worked for you then worth reading about Riboflavin and trying a higher dose.

Does usually take longer to build up in your system, but if it worked then great!

@101trees thanks that’s really interesting. The tablet I took was vitb2 and I just looked it up and that is riboflavin! The lady in the chemist suggested it. It’s one that melts on the tongue - I will go and google the doses now. Thanks for telling me about it.

HRT. Lots of it. It's body identical now, so no different to what your body has been making for itself for the first 40-50 years of your life.

Take a look at the Balance Menopause website for lots of info, research, advice and support.

I've had to keep increasing it, but very happy to be on it.

@JeannieJo Are you willing to say why you can't have HRT?

There are very few conditions that prevent using it- I know you said you can't have it' at the moment' because of some 'issues ' - are they health issues?

The main reasons are active liver disease, a recent heart attack or blood clot, or breast cancer.

If your GP is advising, make sure they are correct as some are out of date.
It should be very straightforward to get HRT if you don't have any contraindications.

For example, research now shows that in women HRT is more effective than statins at reducing heart disease and cardiac events. If your BP is raised (esp since peri/meno) it is HRT that can resolve it. There are Oestrogen receptors in every organ system in the body, but esp in the brain, joints, heart etc.

I agree with revisiting why you cannot take HRT. And, as suggested, seek advice from a specialist rather than your GP. I’ve sent many friends to Theresa at the Somerset Menopause Clinic who you can see on Zoom.
In the meantime:

• Selaura supplements
• Magnesium
• Anti depressants for the anxiety

It was the lack of sleep and anxiety that sent me doollally and unable to function. The symptom that finally sent me to the doctor was tinnitus. The rest came on slowly a bit like a boiled frog.

Exactly.

That is why I'm curious why the OP can't have HRT 'at the moment' because of 'other issues'.

The guidance from the British Menopause Society is that for women under 60, HRT has more benefits than risks and for women over 60 it's a balance of the two, BUT the risks are actually linked to oral HRT (and possible cots) and women over 60 are rarely on tablet form anyway.