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[Peri-wrecked]

Hi, just wondering if there is a section where women have post their experiences and how they made it out the other side of this  'natural transition'? Would be so helpful for some I think. I can't seem to see a section but I may not be looking in the right place.

[CLKD]

I think in general that ladies who 'sail through' don't tend to post on here.

However: I arrived via Ovacome charity.  My last bleed was sometime in 2002 and so far, symptoms have been light.  Initially it was itchy insteps, not in the day but as soon as socks were removed as I stepped into the bath.  Some nights I would wake, scratching one instep with the opp heel  .  I would have intense irritation from the neck as far as mid-line.  I also had 'evening glows'.  I would get out of the bath and then feel like water was running down my back.  Not a flush exactly.  The above lasted, intermittently for 4-5 years and occasionally I am aware that they are back.

Fortunatley no flushes.  Anxiety and depression were already medicated for.  Lack of energy.  Lack of brain power  in that I forget or simply don't absorb information.  I make a list which is left on the kitchen table: years ago I would at least remember what I had written  now I have little recall ability.  I am more unstable .......... tripping easily on fresh air.

When I had intermittent repeated urine infection-type symptoms my GP soon realised it was atrophy, appropriate treatment has eased symptoms.  Over the counter pain relief helps if my joints ache.

My Mum can't remember her menopause and apparently my sister has 'gone through all that'.  My M in L never mentioned it. 

I believe that Quality of Life is important.  I was told as I left my final radiation treatment "No HRT for you!".  However!! should push come to shove.

[Dancinggirl]

The questions that Dr Currie has put on the forum under ‘personal experiences' will basically hold the answers you want.

How you cope without HRT?
How do you cope with vaginal dryness?
etc......

I don't believe we get ‘out the other side'  - flushes may subside but menopause is a continuing deterioration, as once oestrogen bottoms out so many parts of our body continue to suffer. It is part of the ageing process.
100 years ago, women didn't have this problem as they often died before they got to menopause.
I personally think it is predominantly down to having the right genes. DG x

[Peri-wrecked]

Thank you both for replying.
Ckld I had the itchy instep while on birth control years ago, had a slight return of it recently. I'm unsure if I have started perimenopause or not , or if I have started when I started. All I know is I came off birth control 3/4 years ago and life has never been the same since.

I also know that all my tests cime back'normal' for everything. I'm as fit as can be only I feel far from it.

I had a test 2 years ago which showed fsh at 6.6. Not that I understand levels or anything. My sister says I need to embrace it......... I remind her when she gets symptoms (which I believe shes getting already only she hasn't connected the dots yet).

Thanks Dancing girl..... I've seen some women mention once their periods stopped the symptoms lifted.....plus ive seen some say the opposite.  Would love a crystal ball...which I'm sure a lot of ladies would.
Thank you both again for replying.

[jules55]

I had my last bleed in 2014, and it wasn't too bad as far as Meno symptoms go. However I have noticed, especially in the last 12 months, I have had a lot of anxiety which is controlled with medication, plus I find it very difficult to get to sleep most nights. It's normally around 3am when I finally drift off. I have hot flushes with a vengeance especially recently with the hot weather. I have developed Tinnitus which drives me mad some days, then others it's hardly there, and for some reason I've developed Eczema on my left hand only, which itches like mad, especially when I'm feeling abit stressed. All of this makes me wonder if I should ask for HRT, I have coped without it so far, but has DG says, everything is deteriorating, as time goes on and I'm wondering if I'm too late now for HRT  to make a difference. x

[Taz2]

With an FSH of 6.6 this indicates you were still very much fertile and not in peri.The higher the FSH the further into Meno you are. How old are you and what symptoms do you have?

I'm on HRT still at the age of 64 so I'm not sure where I am 

Taz x

[bramble]

I'm now 65. Life went totally out of control when I was about 51 when I plunged into a pit of chronic anxiety (never having suffered from it before) - so much so I could not leave the house, far less think straight. Life literally stopped for me. And living on my own with no family made it 10 times worse.  Tried various HRTs plus ADs with little success. For 10 years I dragged myself out of the abyss, inch by hard fought inch. Tried every alternative treatment under the sun (except for acupuncture - no idea why that one didn't make it on to my list!). Two years ago I was diagnosed with COPD and was given an inhaler.  And I found medication that helped to control my anxiety. In the last 2 years, my life has turned around. I have more energy, both mental and physical and have achieved loads of things, both small and large. Not quite got myself off on a plane yet but hopefully that day will come. 
Bramble