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[vintagefiend]

Hello,
I'm 46 and have not had a period for 5 months so definitely becoming menopausal.
I'm very fatigued and low but I absolutely cannot tolerate hrt! even without progestogens.
I really have tried a ridiculous amount of preparations
The last was 12.5 evorel patch ie a pathetically small amount and within 2 days I'm feeling horribly depressed and can't deal with it.
I don't understand why something i desperately need makes me feel so dreadful!
i'm so envious of ladies for whom hrt works!
are there other things i can do or take? i have tried some herbal alternatives but these make me feel terrible too!
do women manage without hrt?
do they get their energy back? do things somehow recalibrate? is there more to feeling ok than oestrogen? can i increase my testosterone naturally (i've tried the gel and unsurprisingly felt crap!)
I worry that i'm fairly young and that my bones will crumble!!
i feel so flat and old 
thank you for any pearls of wisdom

[CLKD]

When did you have a full blood test?  You may be low in VitD?

Brisk exercise protects bones and is overall good for us.  10-15 mins. 3 times a week is a starter. 

If you feel low and don't want to use HRT, maybe discuss a maintenance dose of anti-depressant.  Particularly this time of year, people do have problems - some find a SAD light useful.

Oestrogen levels drop which can cause the body to dry: skin, vagina, deep in the ears, nostrils - as well as muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  So a good moisturiser may help used regularly as well as an over-the-counter pain relief is good to have in the medicine cupboard.  Vaginal atrophy is treated by localised medication, either Vagifem or Ovestin.  This plumps up vaginal tissues and maybe suitable should you get symptoms.  It is different to other HRTs.

[vintagefiend]

hi CKLD-
thanks for reply
i am actually on an anti-depressant -but i must admit i don't really exercise and know i need to for mood- guess i was hoping to find a magice bullet that gave me the energy to exercise which sounds incredibly lazy!
i didnt realise that exercise strengthens bones- really had no idea so that gives me great incentive
i'm going to do it!! thank you

[racjen]

It needs to be weight-bearing exercise to strengthen bones, so walking, running, dancing, weight training etc. will all help but not swimming, which is a shame cos it's the only form of exercise I really like!

[racjen]

Also there are other vitamins and minerals that are important in maintaining mood, notably B vitamins, plus fish or alternative omega oils and magnesium and zinc. I take it you've tried all the other types of estrogen available?

[vintagefiend]

thank you racjen-
that is a shame about swimming!
i've been looking up local pilates/yoga though realise these not really weight bearing as such
so i'll also look up local circuit training type things- sounds like that would be good for bones and i def need the discipline of an instructor!
feel so low today that it's hard to imagine being in a class
i woke myself and my partner up screaming out early hours of this morning- feel like i'm losing my grip!!
thanks again x

[CLKD]

I mutter in my sleep so you are in good company 

Brisk walking.  Enough to be able to talk but not be out of breath at the same time. 

No magic bullet sadly.  But plenty of advice on here!  Swimming is good but doesn't impact on the limbs.  Now dancing that might be the way to go    could you borrow a  or go walking with someone who owns one?  That way you will be out on a regular basis as well as having company.

[vintagefiend]

aw thanks, CLKD
particularly love the dog idea- as a family wehave been giving this some very serious thought recently- who doesn't love a doggo?!!
hopefully I and my partner  will have a less disturbed night tonight!!

[CLKD]

Was it more peaceful?  I was muttering again.  Apparently.  Busy dreams - we have a thread about that too!

As for dogs - we have a 'dog breed' thread here. 

[vintagefiend]

thanks CKLD
 a better night in terms of screaming! sleep patchy but that's nothing new.
like you i am something of a sleep-talker too
i will take a look at both the threads you mention- i'm discovering there's a lot more to menopause matters than the "all things meno" topic that i normally dive into!
starting to find non-hrt success stories too so that's brilliant!
also i seem to have my son's back-to-school nausea/vomit bug which is something of a relief as i'd thought i felt so dreadful solely due to meno!!
i might feel sick but it's def a better day!!