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[Lucytoots]

Hi everyone
I'm actually at my wits end with my health the last few years. First I got the hot flushes and the lack of libido! Not good in a new marriage. The flushes were so awful my long hair was soaked and the sweat filled up my eyes down my forehead. It was acutely embarrassing and I had to give my job up as I was constantly anxious about when it would happen next. The lack of libido caused many issues in my new marriage and made me feel useless and ugly. Luckily my husband has hung in there with me and tried to understand. I also had for the last 35 years had 10 day periods which included 4 days of flooding. I had various treatments, the mirena coil being one but this caused other issues. Other times I had to take pills to slow period that just ended up being 2 week periods instead of ten days.
Eventually at 49 I had test for menopause and they said was just beginning menopause. They put me on hrt and although changed couple of times helped with flushes but periods continued as heavy as before. Libido did not improve. In January this year I had an op what was supposed to be a uterus suspension and oopendectomy (prob not spelt right) and ended up being a posterior repair and oopendectomy as suspension went wrong and I was ill on table.
Doc was supposed to do full hysterectomy if couldn't perform suspension  but forgot to get me to sign forms! Anyway where I'm at now is change of hrt again! Elleste duet conti...still bleeding everyday no flooding though. Hot flushes came back for month but have gone now. Libido no better (poor hubby-i do make effort though) depressed and tearful all the time  to the point of deep black mood. Headaches have come back. I have various othwr healrh probs including athritis and hiatus hernia. Tbh I'm fed up of whole thing. 53 now..  will this ever get better? Any advice on any of my points? Thank you for reading my ramblings.

[Dawncam]

Hi Lucytoots and welcome- you've come to the right place. I can't offer detailed help, I'm sure someone else will be along soon to help but I can say that the progestin in elleste duet gave me terrible black moods, it can also rob you of libido. I didn't do well on it at all apart from the Iestrigen component. Sounds like you need an overhaul if your regime and a visit to a Meno specialist. There's lists of specialists on this site.

Good luck and keep posting you'll get great help, info and support in here.

Dxx

[linz57]

Hi Lucytoots and welcome from me too. Yes, I agree, it sounds like you need a thorough check plus an  overhaul of your hrt regime. You shouldn't have to continue suffering like this, let us all know how you go on.

[Hurdity]

Hi Lucytoots

  from me too.

Sorry to hear about your bleeding problems. There is information on treatments for this on this website here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/periodtreatments.php

In your position the treatment that will definitely help is a Mirena coil. This delivers progestogen directly to the uterus and will give you very light periods - albeit sometimes a bit erratic. You can then add in oestrogen to deal with the flushes and sweats - either as a tablet like you are doing already or better still a transdermal method like a patch (normally applied twice a week) or gel (applied daily).

There are several women who have or have had Mirena coils and would be able to let you know how it went - but if bleeding is your most debilitating symptom then sounds like a good idea, other than an ablation.

Hurdity x

[Mary G]

Welcome to MM!

Sorry to hear about your problems and the hash up with your operation, it might have helped you to have the hysterectomy from an HRT point of view because you would not need progesterone.

However, depending on how well you tolerate synthetic progesterone, a Mirena coil would help to control your bleeding and provide the progesterone part of HRT but you said this caused issues in the past, what were they?  If you have a history of problems with synthetic progesterone and flooding then an ablation could be the answer and then you could take Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) for a few days each month. 

Is a hysterectomy still on the cards?  This could still be an option for you.

You mentioned recent headaches, have they got worse since starting the Elleste duet conti?  The reason I ask is that this medication contains norethisterone which is a strong synthetic progesterone which is notorious for causing side effects - I can't go anywhere near it!

From what you have said, I think you need oestrogen (and possibly testosterone?) urgently but the progesterone/bleeding side is a challenge particularly with your history of flooding. 

Sorry for all the questions, I hope that helps.

[CLKD]

  - Hurdity: "I had various treatments, the mirena coil being one but this caused other issues. …. "

Your GP could have given you treatment for heavy bleeds Lucytoots.  As well as checking for anemia.

Although not recommended for menopausal women you may find that an 8-12 month's course of Anti-depressants will even your feelings, it will enalbe you to see the wood for the trees.  You'll be able to form sentences so that you can put your feelings over to the medics..  As for your husband, there are other ways of satisfaction.    …… importantly, keep talking about his feelings.  I learnt to 'lay back and enjoy it' which got rid of the guilt about him not getting 'it' and eventually my libido returned.

As oestrogen levels drop apparently muscles become lax which is why hiatus hernia is common at this 'time' of Life.  Eating little and often, not eating too close to bed time as laying down can cause reflux ……. maybe swallow Colpermin within an hour B4 eating main meals might help.  Lax muscles = aches and pains which can be relieved by over the counter pain relief.