Hello everyone
I've been reading bits of information on this great site for really quite a long time... But now I just feel it's time to properly check in. About to start HRT!
I am 49, and have had night sweats since the birth of my daughter 13 years ago. I knew these were hormonal changes, but hey, I could live with them. I didn't really notice anything else, regular periods etc.
Then about two or three years ago things got heavier/lighter, though still regular. Hm. The 'one side of the head' headaches I used to get infrequently before my period became monthly. Hm. I had numerous blood tests: no sign of perimenopause. THEN about 18 months ago I skipped two periods, during which I had absolutely DRAMATIC hot flushes, loss of sleep, etc... whole nine yards. Then my periods kind of sorted themselves, the headaches continued -- and my blood tests still showed nothing.
The migraines became much worse about a year ago, and I also found I wasn't really sleeping through a single night -- hot flushes, but also just... disturbance. Hard to explain. I began to take migraine medicine (the headaches now showed up day 5 of my period, and were often completely debilitating). I also had an ultrasound, which showed a bulky uterus but not a huge deal (I did however have HUGE babies!).
Then I had a couple of staggeringly heavy periods, followed by one which lasted 21 days and absolutely NOTHING would stop it.... Flooding, the lot. Finally I was referred to a gynae clinic. While I waited for the appointment, I dreaded the next period. Which came two weeks later. In some desperation, as it got heavier and flooding, I agreed to try Utovlan (progesterone?): what an immediate effect. Like a tap turning off.
I carried on this drug to help regulate the cycle, but of course the hot flushes and migraines have continued. At last three weeks ago I got into the consultant: she's wonderful, has a great reputation, and immediately said: everything points to hormones here. HRT! She prescribed Elleste Duet 2 mgs, which I start in the next day or two, depending on when my period comes (after stopping the Utovlan).
It was the last thing I expected: it hadn't occurred to me that I could take HRT before stopping my periods, and when they were still sort of regular... But I also had had NO idea how very difficult it would be for me to carry on with my life while all this was going on. My husband (to his credit) also asked in the appointment: why has my wife never tested as being perimenopausal, when clearly everything but everything is pointing that way? For three years she's been told she isn't! He has been a rock throughout; he knows this has been so frustrating.
To which the consultant could only reply: GPs place too much emphasis on blood tests. We, she said, go by symptoms alone, and EVERYTHING I am experiencing points to hormonal imbalance.
Since seeing her three weeks ago I have noticed quite alarming aching joints. I am used to being active, have a busy life with working and two teenagers... And find that my hips and knees just hurt ALL THE TIME. I am really hopeful that the HRT will address this as well.
And as for libido and sex... It's been very difficult. I have found this in particular quite upsetting. Again, I'm really, really hoping that I can get some life back.
I've carried on in every way I know how to, and have managed to hang on I think -- I'm not too down or anxious -- but now that I look, really look, I can see how many things I've been going through may be related to hormones -- even the incredibly marked fatigue. I've been feeling like SUCH a wimp!
I'm sorry for the long message. It's just that I know you all will understand. I'm nervous about all this -- but I've really, truly had enough. My fingers are crossed.
Thank you for listening!
