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[Sharr76]

Hi all,

I'm in a mess....not sure what's going on with me. For the past 6 weeks I have started with flushes, only a few during the day but at night time I'm having loads. They start with my arms and work to my head, my bottom part is ok. I'm hot then I'm cold...I can't sleep because of them, I'm bad tempered and just don't care to be honest which isn't like me.  I have a full time job too which I have to be on top form for.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 29, I'm 50 in April. I was on HRT for 16 years but was taken off that 5 years ago, no I can't go back on it, doctor took me off.   I have started to take the menopause plus this week hoping it may help but I undedstand it takes up to four weeks to start working.

I have an appointment with my doctor on wed so hopefully they may be able to help.

In the meantime has anyone got any advise which may help me.

[Joyce]

No advice, but I can sympathise.  Why did GP stop your HRT, may I ask? Was it because you'd been on it for 16 years? I've been on it for a very long time, I estimate around 20 years give or take. I am weaning myself off it though as I turn 60 next year. 60 seems to be the cut off point, though some are still on it after that age.

I'm hoping to cope using just starflower capsules. My flushes are becoming less severe, but that may be more to do with me coming out the other side.

Could you ask for a referral to a menopause/gynae clinic?

[bramble]

Have a look at the boxes on the left. There are non-HRT drugs that can help with flushes.

Bramble

[Sharr76]

Hi cubagirl,

I started to suffer from severe migraine which apparently was caused by HRT so doc took me off them immediately. I will see what the doc has to say on Wed then I may ADL yo be referred. X

[CLKD]

Welcome - make a list of your symptoms and take with you.  In those intervening years HRT has come on in leaps and bounds  -  read the menus, left of screen, tell your GP that you require quality of Life!  If necessary get referred to a gynaecologist or a memo-clinic! 

Did the HRT help previously?

[Hurdity]

Hi Sharr76

What type/brand of HRT were you on for that length of time and what was the progestogen?  Did you have a bleed each month? If you suffer from migraine it is recommended that transdermal methods can minimise this but obviously it would be important to be investigated re the migraines too.

Have they stopped since stopping HRT?

This is what it says on this website:

Migraine   
    Migraine is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations and therefore may occur around the time of a period. Such migraine may improve at the time of the menopause. Some women find that migraine may be triggered by the daily hormone fluctuations which can occur with oral (tablet) HRT so the transdermal (patch or gel) route is usually preferred with a history of migraine.

Hurdity x

[jedigirl]

Hi Sharr76, agree with CLKD, hrt is progressing all the time and as migraines are often a symptom of meno I'd be very surprised if there isn't a migraine friendly preparation. Hopefully the GP can discuss this with you. Also the migraines may have been a symptom of menopause not the hrt. Good luck x

[peegeetip]

Hi and happy new year.

"Cassie - I was taken off HRT by my doctors apparently the migraines were the first signs of having a stroke!  so the doc says so I have been off HRT now for about 3/4 years.  They wont put me back on it either.."

I'd love to see the docs proof on this sort of diagnosis.

The headaches could have been caused by changing levels of hormones over time.
Your HRT, since you were taking it so long might not have been enough hence the stress and headaches your body started to get.

Are you still getting Migraines still ?

Hope you get somewhere with next appointment.

[Rowan]

I think that if you have migraine with aura there is cause to be cautious with estrogen as far a stroke is concerned, also if you have a history of stroke in the family.

Many women find their migraines get much better once the turmoil of erratic hormones has settled. I know mine have.

Even though there has been advancement in hormone treatment estrogen is estrogen no matter what, and it had an effect on the blood vessels causing dilation and restriction which is thought to cause migraines in some women.

I always feel uncomfortable suggesting hormone help where migraine is concerned as your GP knows your history and your risk factors.

Hopefully your GP will be able to help Sharr76

[Briony]

I get migraines with aura (though most the time they are normal migraines)  and also have a family history of stroke (dad had life changing one at 50). Despite this, GP has agreed HRT (patch or gel) on the basis that I don't smoke and do exercise, and so the benefits outweigh the risks. She has even said she will consider putting me on Qlaira (as HRT is clashing with my own cycle) providing I am aware of the risks. Her justification was that her 'book' (you know, that one they always get out) says she can, providing 'all other possibilities attempted' and I stop immediately if headaches increase.  I am a bit anxious about this, despite the good things I have heard about Qlaira, so am trying to persevere with the HRT.

[CLKD]

"MIMMS" is the 'book'  and Good on your GP Briony!

[Briony]

That's the one!     Got to admit, I was surprised (pleased) she was so open minded. Massive contrast to my previous one! It does highlight the inequality in the service we get, doesn't it?

[CLKD]

It certainly does.  Maybe it's the litigation mind-set that we live in these days  or maybe it's that GPs don't listen ……. or are too busy watching Budgets ...

[Briony]

Bit of all three?  x

[CLKD]

We will probably never be made aware of why our Surgeries are good/not at listening, diagnosis and giving informed choices ………

Sharr - how are you this evening?