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[amaryllis]

Hello ladies, new to forum but so glad I've found it!
I'm 49, perimenopausal for about 18 months, struggling for about 2-3 months now (and my poor hubby alongside me).
Hot flushes, night sweats, migraines every 2 weeks, emotions all over the place, libido - can't remember the meaning of it 
So I decided to take action and look into HRT... very confusing!

Initially I wanted to go to my GP (she's lovely and quite proactive usually), but in the end I decided to try to make an appointment with Dr Jane Wilkinson.

If possible, I'd like some advice about HRT so I have a better understanding and hopefully manage to make an informed decision (not my "smile and nod" act) when I get to see her.

Many thanks in advance!

Amaryllis x

[Hurdity]

Hi amaryllis

 

What are your periods doing at the moment and what would you like to know?

Hurdity x

[amaryllis]

Hello Hurdity,

I've had 3 periods this year (Jan, Apr and June). I used to get a migraine for 3-4 days about the same time as my period, now it can be as often as every fortnight.

I was wondering which HRT is best to start on (if any), and anything else I should be aware of.
I'm also thinking of talking to the specialist about testosterone, in the hope it would restore some of my lost libido. I know relationships are not just about sex, but I'm so tired and achy all the time that even cuddling up is not what it used to be.

(I feel like a rubbish wife most of the time tbh)

Thank you so much!

Amaryllis x

[Cazikins]

Hi amaryllis &  to the forum from me too.
Have a look at the link below - it's a list of HRT's that is availanle to perimenopausal woman, that should help you. Maybe print it off & take it to the GP when you have your appointment.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

[Hurdity]

Ideally you will need to replace oestrogen to a decent level before adding in testosterone - and if you want to help libido then do go for transdermal HRT (patches or gel oestrogen + progestogen) because tablets can reduce libido as can anti-depressants if you take them. It's hit and miss whether you will get testosterone prescribed on NHS because there are no products available for women so it is prescribed off licence by some GPs and menopause clinics.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful to chart progress and feelings.  Then they can decide which symptom, if any, they would like to ease first.

Do watch out for vaginal atrophy!  Do read our threads 

[amaryllis]

Hello ladies,
Thank you very much for the advice, I'll do some reading and take notes. Likely that more questions will follow...

A diary is a good idea too... I'd like all the symsptoms to go away tomorrow and feel alive again (don't we all!)

I've been on Sertraline for anxiety for about 15 months now, only 25mg which is a very low dose, but Hurdity you're right, it made my already low libido even worse.

I'm trying to get an appointment with a menopause clinic as I'm hoping I'll have a better chance to get the right treatment prescribed rather than play the HRT lottery on NHS. Reading some the posts on this forum filled me with anger and despair  at some GP's incompetence so if possible I'll try to avoid that route.

Good health to you all x

[CLKD]

Which would you rather have: a low libedo for a while or anxiety? 

Be ware that those 'experts' [how I HATE that word] at menopause clinics often do not know any more than GPs ......... browse round here. Ask.  Nothing is silly or taboo  . We have a funny room too .......

You may find that your Practice Nurse will have more knowledge or your local Pharmacists.

[amaryllis]

Put up with anxiety for a long time and don't wanna go back there... but I'd don't like feeling like dead wood either 

Lots to explore on this forum, hubby will get suspicious 

x

[CLKD]

Have you printed out the 'hints for husbands' yet?  Did I ask already ........

[amaryllis]

Not yet, but I'm planning to keep him informed!...

[CLKD]

Gently.  Gently. 

[amaryllis]

Can't find the hints on the website, can you please point me in the right direction?...

x

[Jenna]

Here's the 'Advice for Husbands', amaryllis  :

https://menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2458.0.html

[amaryllis]

Thanks a lot Jenna, forwarded to hubby.
Haven't finished reading it myself but it gave me the giggles It also made me realise how debilitating it can be for some women and also that although I have some nasty symptoms, it could be a lot worse!

There is something else I want to share with you all. This week I "came out" at work (male dominated industry and office, average age about 38) as they need to know what I'm going through; at the end of the day menopause is as natural as pregnancy, but still seen as a taboo subject. I'm hoping to educate them a bit (using humour but not too much info in case they faint  ), fingers crossed it will work.

Also got my appointment with the menopause clinic, something to keep me going.

A x