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[JoannaS]

Hi everyone
I'm 48 a vital vibrant dynamic active person who currently
has become severely depressed
has mid back pain - non stop for 2 months
has hot sweats on and off all day long
headaches
dry mouth
dry bits
anxiety going out of control
is exHAUSTED!
and an fsh of 95. from my recent " oh my god what is wrong with me" full blood test.
Ive assumed im peri ...
googled and found you!!!
Please tell me this gets easier/better and that there are things I can do.   

Joanna

[Taz2]

Hi Joanna - you have come to the right place. Most of us have felt as you do at some point but things will get better!

My way was to begin HRT (even though I always said I would never take it as "how bad can it be") but that doesn't suit everyone. Others will be along soon with their own advice and welcomes.

Have you been given any advice re HRT and are you still having periods?

You will not feel so alone now you've found us!

Taz x 

[Briony]

Hi Joanna

I can particularly sympathise with the mid back pain which, for me, started aged 40. Debilitating, isn't it? No doctor connected it to hormones so I went through a load of unnecessary tests and MRIs, etc before finding it was 'just' low estrogen. Since then, a whole range of other symptoms have appeared .... but the back pain has eased.
Have they offered you ADs yet? I was given Amitriptyline and then Duloxotine for the pain. Both had horrible side effects and, worst of all, didn't treat the cause of my problems (I am convinced my GP at the time just thought I was an anxious hypochondriac!). Like Taz says, for many of us (though not all) HRT (or even a low dose contraceptive pill) has been a big help. I never thought I'd see myself taking it at 53, let alone 43, but now I hate to think how I'd be if I hadn't asked!

I am sure others will be around to advise you soon.

Hang in there x

[Sausage]

Hi everyone
I'm 48 a vital vibrant dynamic active person who currently
has become severely depressed
has mid back pain - non stop for 2 months
has hot sweats on and off all day long
headaches
dry mouth
dry bits
anxiety going out of control
is exHAUSTED!
and an fsh of 95. from my recent " oh my god what is wrong with me" full blood test.
Ive assumed im peri ...
googled and found you!!!
Please tell me this gets easier/better and that there are things I can do.   

Joanna

Welcome to hell the menopause...

As suggested above, have you discussed HRT?

Really sympathise with you - you are not alone if that makes you feel any better. I have been to my GP more in the last 18 months than in my lifetime, but until I am told I have to grin and bear it I will carry on trying to find a magic cure.

Tonight's post bought to you by the twins,  Pinot and Grigio

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM JoannaS
At 48 your best option would probably be HRT. Read up all the info on this site and get clued up.
Keep posting.  DG x

[JoannaS]

Thank you all!
I am so relieved to find others.
I have always said I wouldn't take HRT bec of risks but I feel like I'm already changing my mind!
I wonder the differences between the types and whether there  are different experiences so I will have good old look around.
Any tips for starters gratefully received.
Joanna

[Dancinggirl]

The risks of HRT don't kick in till you reach 60 and the benefits for you could be good.  HRT can protect you from vaginal atrophy, bladder problems, heart disease, osteoporosis and reduce your risk of bowel cancer. When you get to 60 there is a small increased risk of breast cancer.
Femoston 1/10 is often a good one to try first as the progesterone is kinder and well tolerated. It is trial and error till you find the one that suits you.  I'm 59 and still using HRT as the benefits far outweigh the risks for me and I hope to continue on HRT for many years yet. DG x

[JoannaS]

The risks of HRT don't kick in till you reach 60 and the benefits for you could be good.  HRT can protect you from vaginal atrophy, bladder problems, heart disease, osteoporosis and reduce your risk of bowel cancer. When you get to 60 there is a small increased risk of breast cancer.
Femoston 1/10 is often a good one to try first as the progesterone is kinder and well tolerated. It is trial and error till you find the one that suits you.  I'm 59 and still using HRT as the benefits far outweigh the risks for me and I hope to continue on HRT for many years yet. DG x

Thanks for such a straightforward and fast response DG. I am really grateful for that.
Is that product commonly prescribed? Is it the typical first line treatment from a GP?
How soon after experiencing symptoms did you start on HRT?
Thanks.
Jx

[wendymother]

I too have a lot of anxiety,not worked out how to deal with it yet. Just wanted to say hello

[CLKD]

 

Have a browse of the drop-down menus, top of screen. Ask away.  I have breast disease in 1995 but believe in quality of Life so would if necessary consider HRT. 

[wendymother]

So far I haven't had a choice.  I have mixed feelings about this.  I hope you find what you are looking for here

[Dancinggirl]

JoannaS
The pain in your back should be looked at by your GP to rule out anything wrong. If your periods are erratic then the HRt would help get you into balance. The fluctuating hormones through the peri stage can be a real nuisance.
GPs will often prescribe Elleste or Prempac first simply because they are about 50p cheaper so it's always worth printing off the info from this site to show the GP and explain that you know Femoston has the kinder progesterone. That is not to say this will suit you - as I said, it is a matter of trial and error. It can take up to 3 months before the full benefits will emerge but many experience benefits within the first couple of weeks.
Life is short and quality of life is very important - if you try HRt and don't like it you can simply come off it but it is known that 5 years of HRT in post meno can have many long term benefits for the heart and bones.
I had a premature meno which started in my mid 30s but I started to get symptoms when I was 33.  HRT was recommended after being diagnosed as peri menopausal at 35 but I resisted using HRT due to worries over it's safety.  My GP in the end almost insisted I take HRT as at 37 I had got into quite a bad way (very poor sleep etc) - with 2 small children to look after I needed to be 'on my game'.  I am very grateful she was so enlightened and supportive. I do have vaginal and bladder problems now but I dread to think what things would have been like if I hadn't used HRT.
I do look on HRT as a compromise as there can be side effects that are a nuisance - I still use HRT in a sequential form, so have a withdrawal bleed each month which I hate having, but taking progesterone all the time doesn't suit me.
Keep us posted.  DG x

[CLKD]

Welcome Wendymother but I don't understand exactly about 'choice' ....... do chat away, perhaps begin your own thread so that you don't get 'lost' .....

  "Tonight's post bought to you by the twins,  Pinot and Grigio "