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[prestige]

Dear all,

I am desperate for some advice as I am at my wits end and I don't know how much I can take of all my perimenopausal symptoms.

I am 46 and my last period was last November. I was experiencing muscle fatigue and nausea (like morning sickness) hot flushes and night sweats.

I was put on Kliofem for 3 months and the hot flushes and night sweats disappeared. However my tiredness and nausea did not pass.
When I went back for my 3 month review, my doctor put me on Elleste Duet Sequi (1 mg) in order to protect my womb lining.
I felt fine for a few weeks and then Bang! Dreadful tiredness, nausea and the most debilitating anxiety. I have been on Elleste duet (1mg) for two months.

I went back to the doctors again and she prescribe Elleste Duet (2mg) I have been on it for 3 days. My anxiety is off the scale. My stomach is in knots and I feel ill just thinking of eating. I have not slept in the past 3 nights due to panic attacks and anxiety. I also have terrible diahrea. I was just in bits last night, my husband thought of taking me to A&E!

This morning I was so desperate for help, I have booked a private appointment with the Nuffield Menopause clinic here in Cambridge with Dr Imogen Shaw.

Has anybody else seen Dr Imogen Shaw?

Any feedback would be so gratefully received.

Up until 6 months ago I was a normal functioning woman. Now I am just a gibbering wreck.

All thoughts would be warmly welcomed. Even though my husband as been a star, he can't really empathise with my symptoms. Hence at the moment I feel so alone

[babyjane]

Hi there, I can't offer any help or advice about hormonal ups and downs or HRT although there are many ladies here who can and they will be along soon.

I didn't want to see your post and not resond though, but all I can offer today is a cyber hug 

[dazned]

I can really empathise with you that awful anxiety is horrendous isn't it ! 

You have already taken a very positive step by getting expert advice from the clinic ,how long have you got to wait ? Hopefully not long if it's private just hang on in there.

[prestige]

Many thanks Dazned!

I was was overjoyed when this morning I booked an appointment for tomorrow at 5.30.
However, they have just texted me to say my appointment had been double booked. The earliest they can do is next Tuesday at 3!

I feel totally deflated. I don't really know how I will be able to handle my symptoms until then.

[Hurdity]

Hi prestige

It may well be that tablet HRT does not suit you - at least this type. Do your symptoms ( tiredness etc) worsen during the second half of the pack or just after starting a new pack? If so it could be due to the progestogen - norethisterone) which is in all the types you've tried.  Of the tablet HRT types Femoston is generally better tolerated. However you could try a patch eg Evorel sequi ( also contains norethisterone) or Femseven (different prog), or even separate patch or gel oestrogen with progesterone - which could give you a higher dose maybe without the anxiety?

Alternatively there is a gentle CCP called QLAIRA which has the same oestrogen as HRT and this would suppress you cycle and prevent mood swings etc - sometimes it is the hormonal fluctuations even on HRT (eg when your own cycle kicks in) which can cause the anxiety.

Have a look at the top menus - pale green banner and look at all the types available so that you are well informed before your clinic appointment. Good luck with t hat and let us know how you get on

Hurdity x

[prestige]

Thanks Hurdity

Unfortunately, there is no real pattern (I only wish there was). The episodes happen at the beginning of the month and bit in the middle and at the end of the month.

Thank you for the info. I will definitely keep in touch. This forum has been a life line.

I must try and keep away from Dr Google. At 3am this morning I did my usual and Dr Googled my symptoms. I really wished I hadn't!!!! It made my anxiety even worse.

[lesley998]

Hi Prestige

I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety.  I too suffer with this, along with cyclical doom depression...and it's is beyond description how terrible it makes you feel.  My feeling is that it is definitely something making me produce far too much cortisol/adrenaline.  It's definitely physiological, something is causing it and I get so frustrated when my gp more or less tells me it's all in my head, makes me feel neurotic.  My episodes seem to come in cycles, and they are so debilitating, the nervous stomach, jumbled thoughts.  I haven't found anything yet to help when it happens, sometimes eating something carby helps a little...I keep a pack of mini breadsticks by the bed now.   I first had this when I was on a high dose of Premarin, I remember standing in the shower one morning absolutely terrified and wondering what was happening to me.  Hurdity is probably right about it being an adverse reaction.  However  I'm  no longer on HRT so I've no idea why my hormones/brain chemicals are STILL so awry.  Im really confused actually,  as high doses of oestrogen seem to be used to help (Prof Studd etc.  See my other thread). It's honestly hell.   I so pity women years ago going through meno.   I probably would have been in a Victorian asylum!   Mrs Rochester in the attic.  Lol.   Only someone who has experienced this understands how it feels ...sorry I can't help more - but just so you know you're not alone.  One day we'll figure it out.

[CaroleM]

Hello Prestige,

I echo babyjane and just want to say that you will never be alone here.

So this is just for you from me

Brighteyes

[robotwars]

HI, I just wanted to say I know exactly how you are feeling as I have similar symptoms and feelings to you, I have tried 3 different HRT tablets, 2 different patches and on all of them I felt dreadful, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches, low mood etc but saying that I have now been off HRT for a year and I still feel dreadful, I have just been told I have GERD, access acid.... but I also have a heavy feeling in the bottom of my stomach, rumbling stomachs especially at night, feeling of nausea and pain just below my ribs in the centre which could be connected to the GERD, I also still have low mood/anxiety, if we go any where or I have an appointment I feel so ill, I'm sure its connected to the anxiety. The doctor prescribed some pills for the GERD but my stomach feels worse. Been to my GP but don't seem to get anywhere..... I have a new grandchild but just don't seem to be able to feel happy..... I will be glad when I reach menopause as at the moment this is just peri...
I actually like you are not sure who to turn to or where to go, I just wish I could get my life back on track. I just wanted to let you know that your not alone and send you a hug.

[CLKD]

Regardless of whether this is hormonally driven, hot foot it to your GP and ask for an anti-anxiety medication!  Unless you get the anxiety under control you won't make good decisions. HRT can sometimes take months to kick in and some ladies have to try several types B4 finding something that suits, all the while suffering with anxiety.

For years I had Valium 10mg, as necessary which I would take the evening B4 an event I was unable to avoid.  Later on when anxiety was troublesome, my GP prescribed Propranolol : 20mg morning and 20mg at night :  which has helped a lot, I was already on an anti-depressant.  I also have an emergency anti-anxiety drug for when it over-takes me.  Because I know this tablet works, I don't have to worry about it becoming addictive.  My gut is the first thing to 'go' and I stop eating immediately.  Then the head starts ......

Grazing can help once you feel better.  I have safe foods: bananas, dried fruits and nuts, Dextrose tablets advised by walkers, as I begin to recover Himself makes pancakes - the mix can be in the fridge for a few days and made immediately I fancy something.  Same with chicken curry ...... [hope this talk of food hasn't made you queasy  ].

[Hurdity]

Hey that's great that you have an appointment so soon though – only next week! Some women have to wait months!

How are you today? I would use the time between now and next week to read up as much as you can about the different types of HRT – some of which I mentioned in my previous post below - so that you know what you want to ask for when you go to the doctor.

Please do enlist your husband's help to get you through the next few days – there is a Man Shed on here – print it off for him so that he has a better understanding! https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/manshed.php

The last thing you want is to be prescribed anti-depressants to cope with anxiety caused by having the wrong type of HRT! Besides being against current protocols ( prescribing ADs for menopause) and what the medical profession ( top gynaes) are trying to encourage movement away from. It is far better to work towards getting the right HRT as otherwise you really won't know what's what.

In the meantime can you find strategies to help cope with your anxiety? There is an excellent website called Nomorepanic which has some self-help measures. http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/firststeps In addition elsewhere on this site members have recommended books about coping with anxiety here:  https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,36893.0.html.

Also there is a thread about an exercise – 3-2-1 anxiety exercise started by a former member – which might help. Try to find something positive to do each day until your appointment!
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,8454.0.html

Good advice from CLKD about eating slow release foods - so that you don't get hungry and you blood sugar does not drop. I would cut down on sugar and refined carbs if you can as this can makes things worse - bananas, nuts, wholemeal bread, protein - light cheese, apples etc for snacks!

I see from their website that Imogen Shaw looks like a very experienced gynae: Dr Imogen Shaw, who runs the clinic, has appeared on the BBC and Sky television and been quoted in all the National Newspapers. She has extensive experience in managing the menopause and is co-author of the 2015 NICE guidelines on "The diagnosis and management of the menopause"

Also write down  a potted history about your cycle etc and your symptoms as you have done here which you can use as a prompt and give to her at your appointment.

I definitely would not think of getting any other medication until you have seen her – you will be in good hands. If she recommends ADs in the interim then fine – but please wait to see the specialist – not long now ....

Hope this helps and hang in there prestige!

Hurdity x

[prestige]

Hurdity - many thanks for the brilliant information and practical advice. I slept for 5 hours last night, so I feel more human today. I'm amazed at the effect a lack of sleep can have on your body and mind.The anxiety was full blast this morning, but I managed to eat a bit of breakfast and get myself organised for work

Happily I have been given a cancellation appointment for this Thursday at 8 am. To be honest it's probably due to me sounding quite desperate on the phone.

I will of course come back report back.

[Roseneath]

Same thing happened to me with Ellestre Duet just two weeks ago. I was a wreck; weird dreams, brain like fog, severe anxiety. Rang me doc and she told me to come off it straight away as it ' dosn't agree' with some people...wish I'd known. I'm 10 days off it and feel  just about like the old me again...so just be careful. If the side effects are worst than the benefits that it's not worth it.

[CaroleM]

Good afternoon Prestige,

How are you today? Is the sun and warmth helping at all.

This might sound like a daft suggestion, have you though about getting a daylight lamp like those which help with SAD?  Don't get me wrong, that's the last condition I'm thinking of,but just wondered if a boost of vitamin D which I understand these lamp give might help. There are so many more ladies here who could give better advice on such a lamp.

Brighteyes

[Izetta]

Hang in there Prestige...i relate in sooo many ways.


I understand what you two are going through.
All of the symptoms.
I also read about dr judd
yes, reproductive depression seems to fit the bill...
and the tendency to diagnose some with bipolar when its all about the hormonal events in our lives.Makes
SO much sense.

y[emai[/email]

Hi Prestige

I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety.  I too suffer with this, along with cyclical doom depression...and it's is beyond description how terrible it makes you feel.  My feeling is that it is definitely something making me produce far too much cortisol/adrenaline.  It's definitely physiological, something is causing it and I get so frustrated when my gp more or less tells me it's all in my head, makes me feel neurotic.  My episodes seem to come in cycles, and they are so debilitating, the nervous stomach, jumbled thoughts.  I haven't found anything yet to help when it happens, sometimes eating something carby helps a little...I keep a pack of mini breadsticks by the bed now.   I first had this when I was on a high dose of Premarin, I remember standing in the shower one morning absolutely terrified and wondering what was happening to me.  Hurdity is probably right about it being an adverse reaction.  However  I'm  no longer on HRT so I've no idea why my hormones/brain chemicals are STILL so awry.  Im really confused actually,  as high doses of oestrogen seem to be used to help (Prof Studd etc.  See my other thread). It's honestly hell.   I so pity women years ago going through meno.   I probably would have been in a Victorian asylum!   Mrs Rochester in the attic.  Lol.   Only someone who has experienced this understands how it feels ...sorry I can't help more - but just so you know you're not alone.  One day we'll figure it out.