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[Riley04]

Hi I've just joined and any advice, tips or just general comments would really be appreciated......
I am 43 and I was diagnosed as peri menopause when I was 36.  The last 6 years I've probably only had 5 periods (going 10/11 months between).  Eventually I have now gone over the 12 month mark!  My initial symptoms were tiredness and anxiety and I was given citalopram which helped.  I had stopped taking the citalopram (and probably wasn't taking regularly for the last couple of years), but in the last couple of months I've really struggled so went back on the citalopram.  However, this time it gave me the most chronic dirrohea which was unbearable.  I've been back to the doctor who although was really nice, clearly hadn't come across many women with natural early menopause and struggled with what to say to me.  She prescribed kliofem, but didn't explain anything about it to me, just said try it and come back in a couple of months.  Stupidly I went home and googled (yes I know you shouldn't) and scared myself so much I haven't been to get the prescription.  Personally I would prefer to try natural health alternative, but really don't know where to start.  My anxiety is back, but I know this is due to a bit of stress and my hormones (fell like I have constant PMT).  I want to cry one minute and scream with rage the next.  What I find the hardest is that I have no one my age to talk to about how I feel, I do have friends who are menopausal but they are all mid 50s.  Any help or advice? 

[Taz2]

Hi Riley0 - don't worry things will be much better now that you have found us merry lot!

Firstly, at your tender age you do need HRT. There's no two ways about it I'm afraid. Your body needs oestrogen to protect your heart and your bones up to the normal age of meno which is deemed to be around 50/51. Up to this time you are merely replacing what should have been yours naturally and none of the risks (which are much smaller than they appear on the literature about HRT) apply. Oestrogen will help to keep your vaginal tissues and the whole of your pelvic floor much healthier and stronger too. You don't want to face the dreaded vaginal dryness already!

There are different types of HRT to try. The advice is to try each one for at least three months before you decide whether it is the one for you. I, myself, prefer patches to pills as they don't go through the liver and are delivered straight into the bloodstream. Other members prefer a gel.

I know that the thought of HRT is scary but, honestly, you do need it in my opinion to keep yourself healthy. Someone with more time to explain properly will be along soon. I'm just off out but wanted to welcome you.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

   good advice from Taz, also have a look at the Daisy web-site which your GP should know about  - I think that there is a Link on here.

Some ladies find that 'alternative' treatments work for a while until their own hormones begin playing up more  . 

I use Ovestin1mg for vaginal atrophy - as oestrogen levels drop so muscles become lax = aches and pains, + the body begins to dry  i.e. nostrils, ears, eyes, vagina ……… it was like having razor blades up there    .  It presented with repeated urine-like symptoms, fortunately my GP recognised VA symptoms and suggested treatment.

Have a browse round, make notes!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM Riley 04
What a shame you haven't been given good advice and treatment. You are far too young to be oestrogen deficient, so HRT is essential for you.
I started being peri meno in my mid 30s and had HRT from the age of 37 - I'm now 60 - I was really fortunate to have a good GP at the time who explained how important it was that I have HRT because I was so young to be menopausal.  It is trial and error before you find the right HRT but if you want to avoid long term health problems with your heart, bones and bladder, HRT is your only option I'm afraid.  Don't take any notice of all the scare stories - most are based on old studies that were basically wrong.
Read up all the info on this site, go back to your GP and ask for a sequential HRT e.g. Femoston 1/10 ( which suits many women very well)and start to get your life back.  Keep us posted.  DG xxxx

[Riley04]

Thank you for your comments I really appreciate it. 
I have refused hrt up to now and as the citalopram helped with the anxiety and also pmt like symptoms been able to cope with it.  The thing with citalopram being a form of anti depressant you get the the point of 'numbness' which is why I have cut down on the tablets over the last couple of years.  I've no idea why when taking it again it gave me such a bad stomach.
I've lived with feeling like I have constant pmt for the last 17 years (irregular periods started about aged 26) but what I find the hardest is feeling physically older than I am.  I'm so tired, I can't remember ever waking up feeling refreshed or energised

Anyway I've bitten the bullet and been to the chemist to collect my prescription for kliofem, lets see how it goes...........

Thanks again everyone xxx 

[Taz2]

 

Taz x

[Dancinggirl]

Well done Riley04 - Kliofem may work really well for you - you do need HRT so it's worth trying this one first. This is a continuous HRT combination so you will be taking progesterone every day - some spotting or bleeding may occur for the first few weeks but that is normal and should settle.    It is often a good idea to try a sequential HRT first (which means you get a withdrawal bleed each month) even if you are post menopause but many women do really well on continuous HRT. It often takes 3 months for things to settle and for the oestrogen to do it's magic but if you find the PMT symptoms are increased with this HRT, don't panic, there are others to try - it is trial and error till you find something that suits. Hope you feel better really soon. Keep us posted.  DG x

[CLKD]

Hopefully the HRT once it kicks in will help with anxiety, however, there are other short-term emergency tablets if necessary.

Let us know how you are! I hope that you feel less alone! 

[Riley04]

Wow, thank you so much for your comments, it really has made me feel so much better  :thank you:

I don't know a lot about hrt (other than the scary stuff I googled

You've made me feel a bit more comfortable with it all, will definitely keep you posted 

[Dorothy]

Hi Riley04 - just wanted to say Hello & you're not alone being a younger person going through this - I'm 41 and there are a few other 30 & early-40 somethings on the forum.  Do try the HRT - if you can find one that agrees with you, you will be surprised how much better you feel.  As the others have said, it is really important if you start going through the change early and the risks (which are small anyway). don't apply to us as we are only replacing what would normally be there already.

[Hurdity]

Hi Riley04

  from me too and just to say I agree with what the others have said re taking HRT at your young age

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Keep away from dr Google  - he knows nowt!

[Riley04]

Hi, thought I would just check in.  I've been taking the fliofem for 4 days now and I don't appear to have had any adverse effects; I know it's early days, but I can be sensitive to anything I take, even vitamins lol.  Long weekend had today and got Monday off work, so going to try to have some me time 

Hope you all are doing well, have a great weekend everyone xxxxx

[Taz2]

Thanks for the update Riley. So good to hear that so far everything is going well!

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Some people are sensitive to the fillers/coverings rather than the active ingredient