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[Cushtyh]

I was adamant that I wouldn't go on ADS but having spent 30 mins talking with the practice nurse she has persuaded me to give this a try.  Apparently as I'm still having regular periods and only 46 they just don't want to give me HRT. I'm really torn on this I just didn't ever want to take ADS having seen my mom have terrible difficulties getting hooked on them. Sadly I just can't cope without some support and this seems to be it..  feels wrong though when I'm not depressed at all just anxious and sweats etc.  What's others experience of these?

[thorntrees]

Hi Cushtyh.
 I was persuaded to try citalopram for anxiety and sweats etc. I was too old to start HRT!! I did get some side effects to start with and nearly gave up but stuck it out at a daily dose of 10mgs. After about 8weeks I found that the hot flushes and night sweats were less(not gone altogether) but bearable and I was much less anxious about myself and everything in general. My GP said once I began to feel better I should continue with them for at least 12months and when I felt ready to stop them she would help me to do it slowly and safely.  If you decide to give ADs a try I hope they help you.
We are all different in our reaction to medications so someone else might have other ideas to help you.

Thorntrees

[CLKD]

What's to lose?  Many medications over the years have been found to help conditions that they were not designed for.  If ADs might help, then give them a go.  Get over any side-effects then settle into routine, keeping a food/mood diary will give you a guide for on-wards discussion with your Practice Nurse.

46 is however not young! peri-menopause can hit at almost 'any' age, have a read of the menus left of screen too. 

Browse round!

[Liz]

That's a shame..... I've started HRT at almost 47 because of mood swings, etc. My periods are becoming irregular now though.  I thought it was advisable to consider HRT if you are under 50 and having symptoms (to protect bones/heart).  That's what my GP told me anyway.

[Hurdity]

Hi Cushytyh

This is a tricky one isn't it?

Yes Liz is right that HRT is recommended if you are menopausal under 51-2 but in your position, you are having regular periods so your cycle is still very strong. There are some women who do have regualr periods and yet begin to have menopausal symptoms and I don't understand why this is. Maybe your oestrogen has begin to decrease a little but your ovaries are still working well so you are having regular periods?

It's not that you are too young for HRT but it may be too early on your particular menopause journey to take the standard types. However I would not definitely not agree to take Citalopram as you youtself say you are not keen on it.

I know blood tests are unreliable for diagnosing menopause but has this been suggested? I am surprised that the nurse suggested this before having blood tests firstly just to have a look at your FSH and estradiol levels, and secondly to rule out other things like thyroid problems which can also cause sweats, especially as your periods are still regular'

I would urge you to visit your doctor before doing anything to discuss all of this, and see what happens after you have had one or two blood tests.

Hereis the info on this site about blood tests and menopause:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/diagnose.php

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Cushytyh

Your Mum was probably treated the 'old fashioned' way.  Modern ADs are TOTALLY different i.e. non-addictive.  GPs are reluctant to prescribe anything of the 'old school' unless more modern ADs don't help symptoms.

[Cushtyh]

Thanks for your replies. Sadly I went for blood tests had a panic and bolted.. I think the hope is they can help with the anxiety with these and then do bloods to further assess. Fair enough I guess. I've done dip tests for FSH and these were positive and a home thyroid test was negative. I feel daft that I freak at needles but the nurse was understanding.

[CLKD]

As hormone blood tests are notoriously well known for not being 'honest' why not begin Citalopram - might well give you relieve so that you can see the 'wood for the trees'.  5-8 months of treatment to see if you feel 'better'/'different'?

Many people are anxious around needles ……. what does your Nurse propose to do?

[Hurdity]

Hi Cushtyh

If neither of the tests you did yourself were blood tests then they won't be accurate. Can you take someone with you if you are nervous of these?

Hurdity  x