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[Belinda Kearns]

 
I have just joined the forum in the hope that I can get some comfort from you all that things will be ok!.    I am currently going through menopause and I have to say 'nobody could have prepared me for this'.    I am the most miserable, negative person.  Its like I have lost someone as my spirit has broken and I just want to give up.

Please tell me things will get better!

[Taz2]

Hi Belinda

Taz x 

[CLKD]

   you are not alone now!  Have a browse round.  Make notes.  Let us know more about you: age, family, whether you go out to work, pets …….. symptoms?

Not many ladies are prepared, I grew up knowing about "The Change" but not what it entailed: I thought it was when my last period happened but no one told me about the various ups and downs that can happen.

Apparently as oestrogen levels drop so muscles become lax = aches and pains.  Mostly these can be dealt with by taking over the counter pain relief as necessary.

Look out for vaginal atrophy: for me (and others) it began as repeated urine 'infections', however, due to the body becoming dry: eyes, ears, skin, nostrils, vagina etc.: the skin thins = itchiness or bladder irritation.  After 3 bouts of 'infections' with samples coming back clear, my GP realised my symptoms were VA and prescribed accordingly.

Mood swings, anxiety, nausea; lack of interest in food, sex, TV programmes  ; however, it does get better 

[Tempest]

Welcome, Belinda and sorry that you're having such a very hard time.

I'm relatively new here myself.  You will find much invaluable help and support here. You're not alone!!! Stick around, browse and ask any questions you may like. Everyone is very friendly.

Sending you......

[dazned]

 

Tell us a bit more about where you are oon this meno journey,how old etc. What symptoms bother you most ? And what are you looking to hopefully achieve ?

[Hurdity]

Hi Belinda Kearns

  from me too.

Fine to post here as this is where you pitched up! However as sparky says it would be good if you could give us some background about yourself eg how old you are, where in menopause etc, have you started skipping periods yet, what other symptoms do you have besides feeling miserable?

Yes it does get better - for me and for many of us - only after taking HRT - but I did most of the peri-menopause without anything. I'm in my 60's now and haven't looked back so maybe this could be an option for you?

There are other women on here who have struggled through without HRT - many of whom have come out the other side without extra hormones. However depending on your age HRT is advisable (menopause under the natural average age of menopause of 51/52), and also if you are at risk of osteoprosis through family genetics.

Do read up as much as you can on the main site and ask away if there is anything we can help you with

Hurdity x

[babyjane]

Hello Belinda, sorry to read that you are feeling rotten.  there is a wealth of support and information here so browse round and join in.

Yes, I have found that things do get better, and I didn't use HRT, neither did I particularly struggle although there were tricky times, but nothing I couldn't manage.  However it is not a quick process and cannot be speeded up.

I have found this forum to be invaluable because, even now, there are days that are not as good as others and there is always someone around.

Do tell us a bit more about yourself.

[Lesley49]

Good morning ladies

I was just wondering if anyone else, like me, has had panic attacks and anxiety whilst post-menopausal? 

I haven't had a period for 5 years now but every so often I get a big dip in hormones and feel very anxious.  About 2 months ago this happened again and I felt dizzy and a little anxious for a couple of weeks.  Had all blood tests done and they were all clear so tried to carry on as usual doing everything!  Then my father was in hospital for a week being tested for lots of different things.  All his tests were clear but it was a really difficult time and about a week later I was really, really anxious.  I telephoned the doctor and asked if I could try HRT.  She said she would prescribe Kliovance and I took this for a few days but my anxiety was getting worse.  I then telephoned another doctor as mine was on holiday, and she suggested, as I was also very tearful, that I should try anti depressants as well as the HRT as the HRT would not take away my anxiety/low mood.

I have now been on Sertaline at 25 mg (I was prescribed 50 mg but felt terrible).  I have been on them now for 18 days and have had a couple of good days, yesterday and the day before, but today feel very low and lethargic again.  I was just wondering whether anyone else had been in my situation and if so how long it took for the AD to kick in and feel normal again!  I have been off work now for 3 weeks and can't see me getting back there anytime soon!  I'm at my wits end.

Thanks for listening ladies

[Justjules]

Hi Lesley, another post meno lady here.  My GP informed me that hormones now aren't a problem as I am 'well past that stage'.....she's only in her late 30s so may change her mind one day 

I too have awful anxiety, been having funny 'head whooshes', feeling faint is the latest symptom and just generally never well.  I don't cope with stress at all and even have become very anti social, preferring my own company as other people drain me when I'm around them.  I hate it all and am very frustrated with it.

I am on Citalopram and have been on and off for years.  Tried Sertraline but didn't suit me but I would say that any AD takes at least two months to get into your system and settle down.  Your brain has to adapt to the chemical changes they give it and if you're already anxious like me, you will feel every side affect possible!  I may have said this before, but get some valium off your GP in the interim just to get you through the worst of the side affects.  They won't be addictive for a couple of weeks and usually GPs are happy to prescribe this small dose.  I couldn't have coped without them.

x

[Lesley49]

Hi JustJules

Thank you for your reply.  My doctor is the same - saying she didn't know why my hormones would be a problem after 5 years!!  I spoke with my office manager at work when I was explaining why I needed some time off and she said she didn't start taking HRT until 10 years after her periods stopped!!  I think some doctors just don't understand we know our own bodies better than anyone!!  I am taking beta blockers which have helped take the "edge" off the anxiety for now while the ADs kick in but just feel like it's one day up and another down and it is just so difficult to explain to anyone whose never experienced this just how you feel - most of the time I just don't know how I feel only that I'm not the happy go lucky lady I was 8 weeks ago!  The anxiety is definitely getting milder but it's mainly the lack of interest in anything and the feeling this will never go away!!

[Justjules]

I take betablockers too. Just give it time, easy to say but it will get easier. X

[Seniormoment]

Hi All I am also new on here. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 chemo recon the works. Have been on Tamoxifen for 8 years as my oncologist says that's the new recommended time. After adjusting to those side effects and no periods since chemo i have been feeling ok for over a year. According to blood tests last year I still hadn't gone through the change however this past month i am experiencing dizzy spells,  brain whooshies  again , migraines and feeling nausous generally feel like crap ! The frustrating thing is I speak to my onco and they just nod and say you'll have to get on with it. Feel stuck in a rut can't stop taking Tam  can't go on HRT as its hormone based  Urghhh somdays its a struggle to function.

[dazned]

 

You have had it rough havent you but as your oncologist has done his/her job getting you through breast cancer and treatment they may now not be the experts to see you move on. Have you read up /researched livial ? Its used for women who have had breast cancer as it doesn't interfer with tamoxifen . Its a type of steroid which gets broken down into estrogen,progesterone and testosterone. Just a thought . Wishing you well.

[Seniormoment]

Hi dazned that's a new one on me. I will certainly mention it at my check up in a couple of months. Hopefully he'll say its ok to take.
Some days I say to myself just be thankful your still here and stop whinging and get on with it.
It's been one of the good days today fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Thank you x