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[Debbie G]

I and 54 and have always been a fairly anxious person and had period of stress during my life but this is something else!!  I have always been really good at managing stress and anxiety using exercise and CBT until last year when Menopausal symptoms started to creep in.   Yesterday I had my worse panic attack ever and just couldn't stop crying.  The trigger for this was nothing in particular.  All my joints ache and I feel like an ALIEN!!!!   I had lots of tests last year due to pain in my left and right side, they found a dermoid cyst which was nothing to worry about.  Up until 6 weeks ago still having periods. 

I am seeing a counsellor to see if this will help with the anxiety as I really don't want to take the anti-depressants my GP has suggested.  I also can't really consider HRT as there is breast cancer in my family.  Writing this is a bit of therapy for me as I can see from the forums that I am certainly not alone.  Took myself of on a long walk this morning with my dog and am feeling less ALIEN like now!!!

 

[honeybun]

 

Sorry to hear that you are suffering so much. You sometimes can take HRT even if there is a history of breast cancer. You would have to speak to a specialist about it though.
Have you thought about St John's Wort for your anxiety. It can be really helpful. Some of us take beta blockers which help with panic. That could also be an option. I guess your GP will have referred you for CBT and that should help too.

Browse around and join in there is lots of help and support here.


Honeyb
x

[Wombat]

Hi Debbie G.   When you read around the forum you will realise that you really are not alone, everyone is very supportive and helpful, have you thought about asking for a referral to a menopause clinic ? they will know about all the different options for HRT and the non HRT route too

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Debbie G and welcome to MM
Read up all the info under the headings to the left of this screen.  I think it really helps to be fully informed about what is going on with the menopause and how it can effect you.  Many blame the meno for all sorts of symptoms and indeed the symptoms can be wide and varied.
Menopause is called " the Change" with good reason - it changes all kind of things and each women will experience it differently.
The sections to the left headed Alternative Therapies and Techniques give some very helpful stuff.  Many find acupuncture really good.  Personally I think one needs to really look at diet and lifestyle to help balance things.  Some supplements e.g. Omega Oils and glucosamine can really help with joint pain (I am ex dancer with joint issues so really on these).
You are very wise to be doing counselling - can be very helpful with anxiety especially if it is CBT.
I'm 58, suffered a premature meno from my mid 30s so had HRT for many years - all the HRT options i tried gave me side effects but I stuck with them because the side effects were better than the meno symptoms.  I've been off HRT for the last 5 months and meno symptoms are settling down nicely.  I am using local oestrogen for vaginal atrophy.
The meno is a time when we really need to take care of ourselves ( be kind to yourself) - small amounts of food often, regular brisk walks (dogs are soooo good you  - I think we should get tax relief on owning a dog as they are so good for our health ).  Have you tried anything like yoga or perhaps a dance class to lift the spirits and get the endorphins going? Would also help the joints.
Keep posting - I know what you mean about this site making you feel better - it's really good to share things with ladies who understand. DG x

[Mrs January]

Hi Debbie

I started HRT last year and have a huge family history of breast cancer, female side in my aunties...all deceased in their 60's...my mother is also deceased at 67 but as she did have cancer but not in the  breast I can take HRT. Ask your doc if this is similar of for you.

All the best

Mrs J xxxxx

[CLKD]

Quality of Life is important.  Speak with your GP about HRT and how it correlates to the type of cancer in your family.  It is only sisters/mothers that are usually taken into consideration before offering treatment.

Your GP could give you a Beta-blocka for anxiety, Valium or there are other drugs which can help in emergency situations.  There is no need to suffer!

Read the menus - left of screen - browse round!

[Mrs January]

Hi CKLD

You are right, my GP said HRT is fine as long as you don't have 'primary family' mothers, sisters etc affected.

I take a beta blocker  x3 daily for an essential tremor in my hands and it really does help with anxiety too.

Mrs J xxxx

[CLKD]

 

[Ju Ju]

My sister died of breast cancer, but as there is no other close family history, I have been told that I do not have an increased risk. I did not even consider HRT as I assumed I shouldn't when I was younger. Now I think quality of life is more important than quantity.

[tiger74]

Hi Debbie G,

Re: genetic risk of breast cancer.

You sound concerned about not being able to take HRT because of a family history of breast cancer.  It is worth bearing in mind that in UK a woman's lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is 1 in 8, so, sadly it is relatively common and fewer than 10% of cases are due to genetic factors.  Many breast cancer cases that are currently put down to genetic factors are 'triple negative' i.e. not oestrogen, progesterone or HER2 positive, therefore HRT would not necessarily be contra-indicated in such cases.   

I have a strong family history of various cancers and, in my experience, GPs do not know much about genetics.  After all, they are 'general' practitioners and can't be expected to know everything.  However GPs are, in some cases, able to refer to patients to genetics specialists (this is a process I have been through).

So, if you feel strongly enough, you could ask your GP for a genetics referral but bear in mind that the criteria for referral are currently quite 'strict' depending on the number of relatives who have had the relevant cancer(s) and the ages at which they were diagnosed.  Relatives on both the maternal and paternal sides of the family are relevant even with cancers (such as breast) which predominantly affect one gender.  Occurrences of cancer amongst both parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, offspring, nieces and nephews may also be relevant. 

Also, bear in mind if you do go through with the process, you may find out things you'd rather not know.

Best wishes.