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[EllaM]

Hi everyone, does anyone know if fluctuations increase and cause worse symptoms before it all stops?
I'm having an awful time at the moment despite the hrt (estradot 75 and utro) which doesn't seem to be having any effect.
I was sure my hormones were fluctuating and sure enough an unscheduled bleed started last Friday. I am sure this is a period rather than breakthrough as I had extreme pms symptoms beforehand but unfortunately these have not eased. I can literally feel the fluctuations happening.
I will be 52 in July and this has been going on for 5 years. I'm in a really bad place as feel so ill and it looks like I will be losing my job on grounds of ill health.
Surely these extreme fluctuations can't go on much longer. Guess I'm just looking for some reassurance to keep me going xx

[Kathleen]

Hello EllaM.

I am not one of the expert ladies unfortunately but I did want to send hugs. This menopause business can feel relentless at times. I am seven years post meno and still trying to get back to  normality so I do sympathise.

 A while ago  I experimented with a 75 mcg patch with Utrogestan and had some bleeding but tests showed all clear. I reduced to 50 mcg and the bleeding stopped so mine were definitely caused by the patch.

I can relate to your comment about feeling the fluctuations as there have been times when I've sensed a chemical change come over me and I'm powerless to do anything about it, no wonder we get despondent.

Hopefully someone knowledgeable will be along soon to advise you. In the meantime take care, you are certainly not alone.

K.

[MicheleMaBelle]

Hi Kathleen- big hugs from me too. sorry- not an expert and about to start a similar routine to yours so a bit apprehensive about it as this is my 4th attempt. Hopefully one of the better versed ladies can put your mind at rest.

Re your work- have you exhausted all routes?could you do a different role with reduced hours? Are you covered by an employers long term disability insurance? ( not all employers have this but some do. It's effectively payroll insurance for them but many just rely on their sick pay policies and you may have exhausted your options under this)
The important point about your employment and possible termination is to ask yourself if you've been treated fairly and have you been offered redundancy or access to any pension you may have.?  ( probably not due to your age )Don't be forced out of the door if you haven't been treated fairly. When you're feeling so crap, the fight goes out of you but please don't settle for anything less than you're entitled to. Take some professional advice if you can, maybe even try the CAB.
Keep copies of any evidence that you may have if you don't believe that your treatment has been fair.
Of course, none of the above may apply- if so, that's great and you can concentrate on trying to get yourself better...

[MicheleMaBelle]

Sorry Kathleen- response was for EllaM- daft or what? 

[EllaM]

Thankyou for your replies ladies.

Kathleen, the fluctuations are bloody awful and 75 estradot just doesn't seem to stop them. I've tried going up to 100 but have only lasted several days as it makes me feel anxious and jittery. Wondering though whether I should persevere or whether I should stop hrt all together to see what happens. It's such a nightmare as symptoms have really ramped up over the last few weeks.

Michellemabelle, I work in local govt and they have treated me very fairly as I have had so much sick leave over the last 5 years. I really cant see me being well enough to return by mid April which is the deadline. I think if I am dismissed on grounds of ill health I may be able to access my pension as it currently stands without any enhancements. Not ideal but better than nothing!
The main thing for me is just feeling better than I do at the moment.
Best wishes and hugs to you both xx

[MicheleMaBelle]

yes- I see where you're coming from EllaM.

As you say, the important thing is to try and feel better about yourself so keep us posted.
Take care x

[GypsyRoseLee]

Hi Ella

I'm a few years behind you but have been suffering with the same sort of vile mood swings for the last 3.5 years. They are truly horrific aren't they? I can also 'feel' them coming on, like a weird mental 'blink' and I can immediately feel myself sinking. Within a couple of minutes I can segue from feeling upbeat and positive to feeling so bleak and hopeless, and there is NOTHING I can do to control it. I also feel very jittery, almost verging on panic at times, too.

I have been taking sertraline since last summer and I do feel it has really helped. I was still getting mood swings but less frequently, and not as severe. I am struggling again at the moment because my period is due and I think my cycle is having some sort of surge (last 2 months have been fine). Also, as you know I have been using a different HRT gel which I think isn't as effective either.

If it gives you comfort, my Mum suffered terribly 'with her nerves' as she went into her early 40s. I can remember her behaving very oddly. Then she had a hysterectomy at 44 and all her awful anxieties and mood swings just disappeared. She's in her 70s now and has been fine ever since.

[Rockie]

Hi Ella,

I'm sure it doesn't feel like it, but if you are able to leave work on the grounds of ill health, that is a really good deal - nowadays it has become much more difficult than when I did it (for different health reasons).
With local Govt you usually have to prove that it's a permanent illness / disability, so it sounds like your employers are being very fair.