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[LottieB]

Hello all, my last period was 2 years ago and I'm now 53.
During the last 3+ years my anxiety and stomach issues (pain, nausea, IBS, no appetite and bloating) has been getting worse, it's all now at a level where I'm hardly eating, losing weight and suffering with severe anxiety.
I'm lucky in the respect that I have no hot flushes (although I'm always cold instead).
All my bloods are normal and my doctor believes all my issues are down to the menopause and anxiety.
Can I kindly ask if anyone else has suffered with these symptoms and whether you went on HRT or anti-anxiety meds?
I have fought medication for long enough and need some help now but I'm not sure which medication to take.
I had no idea originally that severe tummy issues and anxiety were even part of the menopause.
Many thanks 😊

[CLKD]

Peri-menopause throws up all kinds of symptoms, not expected during The Change - which most of us thought were the ending of periods with some hot flushes.  However!

I have had anxiety from an early age so was taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety B4 peri hit.  I would suggest that any1 who is suffering either should ask for appropriate medication, along with discussing HRT methods.

Which symptom would you like to ease first? 

Did U have tummy issues during your menstruating years?  10 mins B4 a bleed began I would have to dash to the loo  even if a period wasn't due.  I would also cry the night B4 a bleed, again even if a period wasn't due; it would be there the next morning.

Some find that they are unable to tolerate i.e. alcohol as they go into peri.  My taste buds have changed in that a cuppa tea in the morning is OK but by 12.30 I can't face one. 

My belly is unsettled in recent weeks and haven't worked out why.   . 

[bombsh3ll]

Neither antidepressants nor HRT immediately spring to mind as the answer to your abdominal symptoms, however I would strongly consider HRT for long term health benefits, in particular osteoporosis but also cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes.

I also would not consider antidepressants unless and until my hormonal situation was optimised, and non drug psychological intervention had been exhausted or was completely unavailable.

(Personally I wouldn't take antidepressants at all however some people do benefit.)

What I do want to say though is you mentioned normal blood tests but please please make sure you have specifically had a CA125 done and also an ultrasound of your abdomen and pelvis.

New onset IBS is unusual in your age group and should be an absolute diagnosis of exclusion.

[CLKD]

The OP doesn't mention menopause symptoms per se.  Anxiety and depression however, should be considered when a patient presents with those symptoms.

I don't think that CA125 is done routinely and would be discussed with the patient as it's a specific.  Unless the GP is negligent. 

I don't take HRT and my bone and heart health are fine.  HRT can cause more problems in some than they ease.

[Mariab]

Hi,
I have both antidepressants and hrt..I also had all sorts of stomach problems, was diagnosed with ibs due to anxiety.
There were several different symptoms some which hrt helped with but for me only antidepressants could solve the anxiety as it was debilitating....
It can be abit hit and miss to find the right balance but you will get there with the right help.

[CLKD]

    Mariab - I was on ADs etc. B4 peri so now wonder how many of my symptoms then were due to hormonal upheaval