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[JoHolt]

Hi
I wanted to introduce myself and say hello! I'm Jo and 47 yrs old. My journey through this part of my life has been short and very rocky.

Nearly 4 yrs ago, after a bad marriage, I bought my own house with my young daughter and got on with life. After 9 months on my own I met a lovely man and last year we decided to buy a home together. Soon after we got engaged. During the previous 2 years, despite him having a vasectomy, I went on the pill to control my very, very heavy periods. I was having hot flushes but thought I was peri menopausal. Towards the end of last year and during the sale/purchase of our home, I decided to try and control the periods myself with the plan to finish the last pill in Jan of this year.

We moved at the end of Jan and I haven't had a period since. Instead I have had more hot flushes, almost uncontrollable rage, crying and generally feel completely cr4p 

In the end I went to the Dr and he put two and two together - a oestrogen dip when I came off the pill + my own oestrogen dip = one very unhappy lady. Very bad timing as well - I am sure my fiance things he has a dud! Anyway, I am now on antidepressants as they wouldn't prescribe HRT (my mother had several TIA's at my age).

I feel much better in myself apart from no sex drive  I feel like everything is covered in cotton wool. Very disconcerting when we are getting married this summer!  have to get more tablets at the end of the week so I will ask if there is anything else I can try - does anyone else have experience of antidepressants and any recommendations I can take on Friday?

BTW - blood tests confirm that I probably post menopausal as my FSH is over 76. However as I am under 50 I don't think I will be confirmed post menopausal until 2 yrs after my last period - is that right? Is it possible that symptoms can start again, even though the hot flushes and aches/pain have finished? I'm a little worried I'm going to turn into a wreck again 

Thanks in advance 

[thorntrees]

Hi,  Although I am older than you-almost 65- I have been bothered by menopause symptoms for a few years and finally went to my GP.Whilst sympathetic she said HRT was not on due to age and previous cancer treatment.She did prescribe citalopram,she said whilst it was not licensed for menopause it has been shown to help some women.
I was reluctant to try it but was desperate so I am on 10mgs.There were side effects to begin with but my doctor warned me about those.. Now 8weeks on the hot flushes and night sweats have reduced and I feel much better generally.I might be just lucky or it may even be the placebo effect. Its not a perfect solution but any improvement is welcome.If you decide to give ADs a go-good luck and I hope they work for you.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi JoHolt and welcome to MM
You should get lots of help and support here.  You are quite young to be without some oestrogen.  Even if your mother had TIAs you may not suffer with these - is this hereditary? Perhaps the GP is being over cautious about this? The long term consequences of the oestrogen deficiency may be an issue for your bones and heart.
Is there a meno clinic in your area or perhaps ask for a referral to a gynae for an assessment and discussion about your options re HRT.
If you find you are getting dry and sore around your lady bits you could definitely have some local oestrogen to keep things healthy down there and reduce any bladder problems that may emerge.
Hopefully others will be along with advice about ADs.  DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi JoHolt

  from me too!

Sorry to hear about your problems, and also I don't know about AD's.

However I agree with DancingGirl - it could be worth investigating the use of HRT - especially as you are still young and your body is designed to have oestrogen at least until the average age of menopause of around 51-2.

If you do consider HRT - especially if you have a referral to a menopause clinic - then transdermal (patch or gel) bio-identical HRT (oestrogen in the form of oestradiol, and progesterone) would be preferable to synthetic ones - because the bio-identical type replaces the same hormones as in your own body, and do not have to go through the digestive system and liver.

Hurdity x

[dahliagirl]

I would think about trying hrt too.

It is odd that the pill was ok, but hrt  is not.