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[Clare11]

Hello ladies.
Well been back to the doctor a great had a good chat about what to use to help me. I explained that I had flushes but they aren't that bad, in fact they seem to be diminishing (mind you I have been having them I think for 6 years). My main concern was the thoughts I was having. These have been there since around June last year. Done CBT and looking into mindfulness.
The doctor did think that due to not having any other issues re the Menopause then citalopram would be the best option, it would help my thought process. I did say I was a wee concerned with HRT but she did day as I had not had a period for 21 months maybe ADs would be more helpful. They act quicker than HRT and there would be no guarantee that HRT would help my thought problems.
So I have decided to go with AD 10mg.
I do know that some of you believe HRT would be the best route but I have been pondering this for a few months. I hope I have made the right decision.
Is there any one out there who has done the same as me and had success?
But, I have to say you ladies are wonderful and have and hopefully will still help and guide. You have been a breath of fresh air for me.
xx

[Menomale]

Hello Clare11,

Just to say I'm also considering this route, will schedule an appt to a psychiatrist next week. I hope you keep posting your jouney, it will help me decide. After last scans and mammogram I'm afraid HRT won't be a choice for me right now. Hoping this will work for you! xxx

[babyjane]

 

Is there any one out there who has done the same as me and had success?

Hi Clare, yes, me.

I chose not to take HRT, my choice, and I am fortunate in that my meno journey has not been a bad one really.  It helped that I have no womb so had no bleeding.  If I had I might have tried the HRT route.

However I have a problem with anxiety.  It has been there most of my life but became a nuisance 2 years ago.  I spent last year having psychotherapy and taking ADs, low dose escitalopram.  I am in a very different place now and know instinctively that it was the right course of action for me.

Good luck with your decision.

[dazned]

Hrt is not the answer for everyone and you alone can make that decision as to which route you want to go. As you are not overly troubled with flushes but more physiologic problems I personally think that this could work for you in this instance. Hrt is brilliant for flushes but no so good for anxiety etc I have found. So good luck .

[Mojo61]

I'm on both citalopram and HRT - not sure what is doing what though.

[CLKD]

Does it matter what works?  Some ADs can help with hot flushes as well as easing anxiety. 

Try it - 6-8 months will enable you to see if you feel better .........

[Clare11]

Hi CLKD,
Like you I agree, does it matter what works.
I just hope this does for me and if I am truthful soon rather than later.

I am trying Mindfulness too and trying to get as much excercise as I can.
Doctor has also said no problem taking vitamin D as a bit low in that.

So onwards and upwards 

[CLKD]

How did you find out that you are 'low' in VitD?

I had depression since 1988 so have long-term experience of various ADs.  Initially I wanted to know what was causing the depression: genetics or ? but had to accept that a low-dose variable AD for Life is essential.  Pre-menstrual depression was totally different as it would pass once the bleed began.  I have both organic and clinic depression.

[Clare11]

Hi CLKD,
I know I get confused but I am sure I asked the doctor about taking vitamin D and I am sure she looked at my blood test results and said it would be helpful. See this is were I may be confused, she may have just meant it was a good idea or I took it that I am low. Is this something they would check?
Do get tongue tied at the doctor's and have to take questions written down.
Not got the results but I know when they did them they took 2 samples as she said she would check everything (did this due to me not liking blood tests).
Sorry if I have confused anything.
I  am hoping as you said after 6 months of AD and more work with CBT  I can get back to nearly being as I was.
 

[Hurdity]

Hi Clare11

Yes I am one who thinks that HRT is the best solution to problems caused by the menopause, as I expect you know  .

The thing is - some doctors have the mistaken belief that unless a woman is still suffering from flushes and sweats post-menopause - but experiences other symptoms as you are - there is no longer any need for HRT. However low oestrogen is also known to cause low mood and anxiety, and therefore if you take HRT you are not only eliminating flushes and sweats, and hopefully lifting mood as well - as ADs may also do, but also conferring other health benefits such as increased bone and cardio-vascular protection - which ADs do not.

However if you have suffered emotional/mental problems in the past then it could be nothing to do with oestrogen or menopause but because of past problems/life issues etc, but if it has only come on since the menopause and there is no reason in your life to feel like this - then a hormonal explanation is more likely.

I can see though, in the absence of hot flushes and sweats a doctor may not make the connection. I am sure I have mentioned though that oestrogen levels fall following the last period  over the next couple of years, and although there is still some small fluctuation in oestrogen levels they are more or less stable (compared to the menstrual cycle) - so they will soon be at their all time low - which could account for your decreased mood.

Your decision is yours alone and whatever happens I hope you feel the benefit in the months to come

Hurdity x

[Mojo61]

Wow, that's a great reply hurdity! I didn't have any mood issues before the menopause, and my periods were as regular as clockwork until I got to 51 and then one month they just stopped completely and never came back.

It was only after a few years that I started getting symptoms such as hot sweats, anxiety and depression so what you have said makes complete sense; my oestrogen levels must have hit their all time low a few years after my LMP and triggered off the symptoms which caused me to have a breakdown.

[CLKD]

If you discussed VitD with the GP that's OK ........ let us know how you get on?

[Clare11]

Hello there,
Just thought i would let you know how i am getting on 1.5 months into my AD's. Have increased to 20mg and i have to say the thoughts are less and less severe. I have started running again, feel as though i can be on my own and the hubby has even said i am like the old Clare, full of life. Iam not saying all is perfect but a great deal better than it was. Doctor wants to see me 2 months time to see where we go from here. Ringing in the ears hasn't gone though. Had no side affects that i can think off maybe just more tired but maybe due to the running.
Hope this helps others.
x

[CLKD]

So pleased that you feel improved and that your Husband can see a difference     

If HRT is required at a later date, then so be it.  I usually suggest from my own experiences that a 4-5 month trial of an AD initially, then if it works 12-18 months B4 even considering weaning off.  I have to take an AD for Life 

[Samade]

I found that citalopram has taken around 4-5 months to work properly as CLKD said but everyone is different. It has been tough but I now have more good days than bad days. I am hoping to be able to take hrt soon as I believe it is hormonal anxiety/agitation I get. I'm seeing a specialist next week so fingers crossed. Help with night sweats would be good too but citalopram isn't helping with that