Hi
I'm new to the website and new to posting in forums, but following the Kirsty Wark programme I've decided that it's not good enough just to 'get on with it' and I need to take my menopause problems in hand!
I was thrust headlong into the menopause following diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2008 aged 47, and had surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and 6 years of tamoxifen. At the time the loss of my periods and the awful symptoms didn't really seem to be so important, as I was alive wasn't I, it could have been worse couldn't it? And it wasn't really talked about, the symptoms of menopause, it was as if it all merged into one, cancer treatment and menopause and was to be expected as a side effect of the treatment.
However, now, after almost nine years of disturbed sleep, hot flushes, aching joints and bones, no sex life, emotional issues, confusion, and absolute exhaustion at times I've had enough. I've been to my GP and tried clonidine, been on anti-depressants for years, tried sage, magnesium, allsorts (not the liquorice ones!). I know that I am limited with what can be prescribed and bought over the counter because of the cancer, so I've made another GP appointment and I'm going to ask to be referred to a specialist. The way I see it is that I've got to work for another 9 years, and I can't possibly do that with how I feel at the moment. Some days I haven't got the energy to get up and dressed, never mind do a full day at work!
I shall read and take note of the information and comments on the site, and already am aware of things I have tried before but let slip such as caffeine, so thank you all already.
I feel some glimmers of hope returning.
