Eyes/Appearance changed is this hormonal possibly

[Redruby2020]

I have noticed since last year to this year and turning 45, my eyes have changed, they have dropped/drooped, put it this way even on a filter online they look bad/always deep circles dark under eye.
I have had long term stress, tired every day, diagnosed with chronic fatigue.
And been having bowel issues, which I know can add to fatigue/looking feeling unwell.
I don’t sleep well a lot of the time too/routine and anxiety induced too.
So over time it has built up and showing.

I felt good near the end of the summer of 2023, because I came off some tablets, anti depressants which I was given for PMS, didn’t do much and piled on weight.
Because of PMS and heavy periods and the way it was affecting my life, and again there isn’t always further investigation.
It was decided to go on the mini pill, within months was great, PMS reduces, no period since then, and bloating etc not an issue like it was.
I went back on Metformin having been off it for years, because I am supposed to have PCOS, and to help with weight.
Managed to get a few stone off that I had gained.

But obviously that was a couple of years ago, and now moving in to a different time hormonally etc I take that on board.
And it was briefly discussed after attending a couple of referrals made by the GP, to discuss things/HRT, haven’t been back about it yet.

But if I am only possibly peri menopausal, I don’t know if that is right to just start taking that?
But I think has something like dropped in my body like hormone levels or something.
That I feel this difference, with of course adding in all the things above, life and other stresses and health issues.

People have noticed too, so I know it’s not just me.
I just look very tired and like sad lol obviously it’s bothering me not sure if I will be able to improve things.

Any similar experiences or other advice welcome thankyou.

Age I'm afraid, I guess hormones complicate it with reduced skin elasticity too. I started having Botox in my '11's, which lifted my brows up again and stopped me going round scowling at people. I'm just scowling inside now

Great! Thanks 😄 It’s sad because my eyes are one of best features, was always complimented on them. Ignore me but it then makes me mad, because even though I know i would have still aged, it’s makes me hate my ex partner even more went through DV, pushed having a child on me, and all of that has taken its toll, and I just know I wouldn’t have looked and felt the same, had that not happened.
I knew it would come, and it’s not overnight but seems to have crept up.

Of course with my diet/health issues/sleep all in the mix, it doesn’t give the opportunity for things to improve lol.
I am going to try to sleep when I can though, they don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing 😅

I have thought about Botox, but not something I ever imagined myself doing.

Definitely consider starting HRT, you can do a lower dose but it can be massively helpful. Something like vaginal oestrogen can help as well, with vaginal dryness, libido etc.

Look into getting some Vitamin B6 and D supplements as it can help with energy, brain fog etc. Also something like the mirena can help a lot with period pain, and heavy periods, it can take a few months to settle but works really well and can help with hormonal issues.
You could also ask the GP about using tranexamic acid as that helps with heavy bleeding a lot, you take it a few days before your period starts and during it and it works really well. You could take some as the mirena gets to work as well.

Also if you have PCOS then using contraception is important as you need uterine protections especially as with PCOS it can be a 2-5 x higher risk of uterine cancer, so you I'd also look into that.

If you do get the mirea inserted, make sure to take paracetamol and ibuprofen 1h before, get licodaine injected into your cervix, numbing gel as well.

Try and book a GP appointment soon to discuss this all, ask reception if anyone has an interest in women's health or endocrinology. You could also look into starting metaformin or something like orlistat as well.

Thankyou for your reply, but sorry you have not read my post properly.

Yes I will be going back to the GO to discuss all of what I mentioned.

I will look in to the vitamins, I think previously my Vitamin D was low, I will consult with my GP about what is good to take/also based on medication I already have.

I am not suffering vaginal dryness of low libido, quite the opposite 😀

I was saying that just like I felt terrible when I was still having periods, and then some changes were made and things improved.
Now a couple of years have now passed, and at the age I am, things are obviously needing adjusting/further changes to be made.

I do not have periods, not because of the menopause, but because I am on the mini contraceptive pill.

Yes I take Metformin as mentioned in my post.

Oh right, I mentioned the dryness just in case as sometimes it can be common at this age, and many women just accept it, when there are things that can be done.

Is the metaformin working? Or do you feel a dose increase or change would he helpful? That's good the pill is working and periods are manageable as well, and you have uterine protection, you could look into a lower dose of HRT for now with your GP.

Do you have any like pain etc sort of symptoms? Or bowel symptoms?

See about the vitamins as well.
Maybe get some bloods etc done to see where everything is - then you can start looking into okay what's not at a good level and what treatment is needed.
I'd ask your GP to do:
Hirutism PCOS blood panel
• Total testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
• Free Androgen index
• Fasting glucose + insulin
• Lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides)
• Vitamin D and other vitamins
• Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4)

Underactive thyroid can cause bags under the eyes.