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[HelenS]

Hello, new to the forum today.  I'm 51 years old and just starting to go through the menopause, I think.  I have read so much about it, it's all getting rather confusing and now my brain hurts with information overload.  Since the beginning of the year I was still having regular periods but they were very heavy and very painful, so bad one month I had to stay off work and go seek help from my GP.  However since April/May my period kept getting later and later and now I've missed one.  Just worried what the next one will bring! Not had many hot flushes, just felt a bit warm a few times, but have had night sweats.  Do feel very anxious and lack the usual confidence I used to have.  Just changed jobs as I was making a lot of silly mistakes in my old job and people were starting to complain to me, so I left as I couldn't cope and was left feeling very stressed by the whole situation. Haven't found things easy, been very unsettled generally, and feeling very tired, something I never used to feel.  Any advice and words of encouragement will be gratefully received.

[CLKD]

  ………… 

There are pull-down menus, top of screen. Browse.  Make notes. 

Is the new job of your choice?  Have you started there yet?  Many ladies find they have to change tack due to menopause symptoms battling work stresses. Also, we don't take as much c**p ……. as we did when younger  .

If you get persistent heavy bleeding there is a drug which your GP can prescribe.  I was lucky, my periods waxed and waned then finally disappeared. I didn't stop carrying protection for 5 years though  .

Has your GP done blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function and general screening?  Hormones alter so much that blood tests are reliably un-reliable  . 

Ask away!

Ask away!

[HelenS]

Hi CLKD thank you for your reply. Yes the job move was my choice and seems to be going well so far, nice quiet, small office.  I did get tablets from the GP to help with the heavy bleeding and was sent for tests to check for fibroids, etc - all clear.  But just can't get over this feeling of unsettledness (is that a word???)  Trouble concentrating, sleeping, I've put on weight, I used to be so active as well, just a general feeling of 'I can't be bothered anymore' and what with all these physical changes going on, don't know what's what anymore.

[CLKD]

Yep, sounds within 'normal' limits from where I'm sitting 

Your body is busy with hormone upheaval.  Probably means that it lacks energy for concentration and lots of ladies have problems sleeping.  Lots of us 'can't be bothered' we have several threads on 'doing stupid things', 'cycling', 'walking'  …… probably ever subject under the sun.  If you use the search button threads will come up.

I will suggest that if you get urine 'infection' symptoms that you take an early morning sample to your GP and ask for it to be sent away.  GPs will give anti-biotic treatment on symptoms, i.e. repeated wees, feeling yuk, heavy bladder/belly feelings but it can be the beginning of vaginal atrophy. This can be relieve with topical oestrogen!  ABs are given too readily these days on symptoms …….. see my thread 'My Bladder etc.' as well as SuziQ's very knowledgeable story.

We have a funny room too  . 

[HelenS]

Thank you, I will have a look at other threads.  Have had a few urine infections already, so know all about them, that's another symptom. Not had a look at the humour room yet, but will do, I think I need it!

[CLKD]

Are they 'infections' though?  Only a Lab test can be certain if there is infection present and that way the correct AB, if required, will be prescribed.

Because lack of oestrogen causes skin thinning, the vaginal walls become drier, itchy and the bladder becomes involved  .  Ask your GP for atrophy treatment ASAP even if you are free of urine-type symptoms.  The sooner treatment begins the better 

[HelenS]

I was told by the GP they were infections as they took urine samples during and after.  These were sent away and confirmed as an infection and then to check I was on the correct medication necessary to clear it up. Thankfully not had one since May.

[Hurdity]

Hi HelenS from me as well!

Do continue to read as much as you can - but above all there is no need to suffer! If the sweats become debilitating and the periods continue to be sporadic - you could consider HRT which will also help with other symptoms too, but I agree with CLKD you can have treatment for the heavy bleeding. One such is the Mirena coil which keeps the lining thin - and then you can add oestrogen as you need it, to help with the other symptoms of flushes and sweats. All the information about the HRT types are on the menu above (Treatments/HRT preparations).

Now is a good time to look at any lifestyle changes such as diet, alcohol, weight, smoking, exercise etc to better equip you for the next 40 years!

Good luck and keep asking questions and posting!

Hurdity x

[Kathleen]

Hello HelenS and welcome to the forum.

Much of what you say will be familiar to the ladies here but I wanted to comment on your description of 'unsettledness'  ( and hey, that can be a word if we want it to be lol). My trusty meno book talks about feelings of unease and dread that we encounter at this time in our lives and I know just how that feels. Meno seems to take away our sense of contentment and leaves us feeling on edge instead. It is horrible but take heart, you are not alone in this and it does pass.

Wishing you well and keep posting.

K.

[HelenS]

Hi Kathleen
Thank you, you've hit the nail on the head there, a real sense of feeling on edge most of the time, (and million other symptoms too numerous to mention!)  You mention your trusty meno book, sounds great, what's it called and where can I get a copy? 

[lov3ly]

I'm so so glad I've read above post re: feelings of dread and unsettledness, I don't feel so alone.thanks.xxx

[CLKD]

Welcome Lov3ly - browse round, ask away in your 'own' thread?