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[Essexsam]

 Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum but I'm Sam, 43 and peri menopause. My symptoms started last year and finally culminated in a trip to the Drs, blood tests, which I insisted on..as the GP put my symptoms down to stress due to bereavement. The results indicated early menopause. I guess you know your own body! I started on Elleste duet 1mg which worked within 3 days, but soon wore off, so I was increased to 2mg. The flushes and sweats have gone, and my memory is pretty good again (it was abysmal) but I'm still achy, with no energy. This is especially hard, as I used to live at the gym! I did up to 15 classes a week & I'd compete in personal challenges, like a half marathon, but now I struggle to go to 5 classes over a week and that's because I push myself! I also have constant aches and pains. My other worrying symptom is that I have zero libido, which makes life stressful at home, although my loving DH of 22 years is trying to understand. The bottom line is that I just don't feel like ME anymore! I don't know what to do to regain my spark  I just know I'm too young to feel like this! Can anyone help?

[Night_Owl]

Ditto here EssexSam.  Welcome to the Boards.

Sorry I can't offer much help either, just relating to your situation - I felt exactly the same at age 44 when my periods finally stopped.  It felt like a switch had been flicked and I was never the same again.

Some women use testosterone gel to boost the libido, although generally this is supplied through a menopause clinic or specialist, after advice and careful consideration.

High strength fish oil, magnesium, b-complex, vit D and a good quality multi-vit (eg. Solgar or Higher Nature) can help a bit.

We're all very different - sometimes tablet HRT can create lethargy in addition to the hormonal shifts taking place - and possibly patches may be better tolerated.  I found it to be trial and error all the way with HRT, experimentation.

Somehow you do adjust, over time though, things are different.  You just get used to how you are now - and forget how it used to be!

[Essexsam]

Thank you Sparkle and night owl, it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone! Unfortunately none of my friends can really relate, as they haven't got there yet, or if they have, they have been relatively unscathed!  I know I really need to go and discuss it properly with my GP but there's only one female Dr, who is brilliant and can relate I'm sure, or at least empathise, but unfortunately I work with her at her other practice, as a nurse, so was feeling a bit like it was a conflict..however, I think I'm going to have to do something just to ensure I'm on the right treatment for me. I just want to feel 'normal' again! 

[CLKD]

 

Will it depend on if you are having periods as to how well the HRT helps? i.e. if your hormones are joining in the Party it may need some adjustment - I'm sure someone will be along with more advice.

Give yourself some slack!  Your body is going through The Change so you will feel different.  What you did last week was then; concentrate on not pushing yourself too hard, lots of walks, cycling if you can and a good diet!  Fresh air is important.  Lifts the mood a lot!

Keeping a food/mood diary can help.  Your GP may/not be clued up or empathetic about menopause or she may be up to date!  Make a list of symptoms and how you have been on this regime if you do make the appt..

[Chi chi]

I just wanted to come on and post that I use testim prescribed privately and for me it's done wonders for my libido  no bad side effects at all 

[trish61]

Hi Essexsam,
I too am new to this forum, feeling pretty much like your self, my libido has completely gone, but I honestly don't know if it has just gone, or I feel so self conscious about my body?!
I used to be a slim size 10, and am now a tightish 12!  My Husband of 33 years, is very understanding, but we both miss the physical part of our relationship, (it was always very healthy!), he tells me not to be stupid he still loves me and my body,   he does but I cant!!
I have started on Elleste Duet 1mg tablets this morning, so finger crossed I will hopefully be back to normal.(?) asap

Best wishes