Hi, I'm 51 and presume I'm at least somewhat menopausal, but have a Mirena coil so no periods to track. Been taking a menopause supplement for a year or so which is really helpful but not felt the need to try HRT so far.
Only symptoms I've noticed have been increased anxiety and brain fog, for about the last 2 years. Occasional boob soreness if I forget to take the supplements. But a few days ago I've suddenly had permanently hard and incredibly sore/itchy nipples. Wtf?! Is this a common symptom?
Background: I've had 3 mammograms over the last 5 years (2 private as have lost several friends to breast cancer, 1 the NHS called me when I turned 50. All were fine. Also had a random instance of mastitis a year ago which came out of nowhere but was sorted with antibiotics.
No discharge but the areolas look much more lumpy than usual. I'm presuming this is all the joys of being this age but 1) anyone else had this with no other breast symptoms and if so is it likely to last ant length of time as it's driving me mad! and 2) is there a cream I could use on them? They're SO hard and sore and I'm struggling not to scratch them in public - also worried it would make them worse in any case! Thanks :)