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[dp1960]

Hello Everyone
I'm a newbie to this forum and haven't posted anything yet but wondered if anyone else has had similar experiences to me? I last had a period at the beginning of 2013 and have had a very interesting time of it since! Because my mum and grandma had both had breast cancer I was told the risks of HRT were too high. I suffered chronic migraines at the beginning where I would be off work a day a week minimum. I was prescribed low doses of Amitriptyline for these - which helped a bit. I was then told to take low dose of aspirin each day as well - which worked really well until I developed stomach erosion due to the aspirin. No more aspirin and now on Lansoprazole!!!
Apart from the migraines my other main menopausal symptom was those good old hot flushes and extremely dry itchy skin. This mostly went away but over the last few weeks has returned - along with those lovely hot flushes!!
I've tried the full range of standard creams and lotions = Diprobase, Aveeno, Cerave, Cetraban, Aproderm, Dermol 500 - and have experienced an allergic reaction to them all. I'm now trying to moisturise with pure Argan Oil - but even with that the skin on my face and neck feels really tight and dry.
I'm wondering if this is all related to hormones? Any advice, sympathy, sharing of similar symptoms would be gratefully received.
Thank you in hope / anticipation

[CLKD]

Yep totally related to hormones and who ever told you that you are not a candidate for HRT needs to put their head into a loo and flush the chain!  At the every least your GP should have referred you to a dedicated menopause clinic for proper advice.  Glad you found us!

 

Sorry, rant over.  Welcome to the Wonderful World of Drs who don't know about how many ways of delivering HRT there are.  I think many of us, including GPs, think that menopause is the end of periods and a few hot flushes!  Wrong 


As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out; skin, scalp, deep in the ears (me, we call it Spaniel ear  ), nostrils, eyes.  Vagina - read the threads on that 1, although treatment is classed as HRT it really is necessary to ease symptoms. 

As well as muscles may become lax = aches and pains.   I find that 'nuforfen' helps, especially if taken 30 mins. before activity.  It also eases restless leg syndrome when I forget to eat enough bananas = potassium.

Vaginal atrophy mimics repeated urine infection-type symptoms really really well.  GPs often do a dip stick urine test in the surgery and decide that ABs are the treatment whereas ladies in the know find that 'ovestin' or 'vagifem' really help.  It's a treatment for life .......

Mine began with urine type 'infections' but the urine sample tested negative for bugs so my GP prescribed appropriately.  Job done.

DH and I use Nivea cream and I have a 'vaseline' hand cream in a. yellow bottle which works well for dry skin.  U may need to review your diet as well as your make-up regime, using products more age appropriate.  As well as mayB changing which shampoo you use.

Browse round.  Make notes.

[ATB]

I’ve had itchy skin as a symptom of perimenopause and it ceased once on HRT. Definitely keep your whole body well moisturised and hydrated, drink plenty of water, it likely will be an ongoing issue if caused by hormones. You can ask to be referred to a menopause clinic although there don’t seem to be any north of the midlands.

[jillydoll]

You could try coconut oil, or cocoa butter.
When in Spain, I bought some olive oil cream, for my sun burn, it was amazing.
I’m sure there’s something over here with olive oil in it, can’t remember the name tho.
Good luck anyway, let us know when you’ve found something.
Xx

[jaypo]

I was told the same dp,my mum and her mum AND my mums sister all had breast cancer,so I was told it was a no no but have since found out via this site that it all depends if their cancer was oestrogen related,there are so many factors to consider.
My daughter uses Paulas choice for her dry skin,bit pricey but it really works for her 

[dp1960]

Thank you all so much for the different bits of advice and I am delighted to have found this site.
I have made an appointment with my GP - in 5 weeks time but better than nothing - and will make sure I go there fully informed about all aspects of HRT - which I will be able to do from all the information shared my different members here. I will definitely try some of the suggested ideas for external skin moisturising - I have sensitive skin so often react badly to bought products so the natural ones will be my first port of call. I don't currently have issues with vaginal atrophy as my dryness seems to be just external skin so far - but with this menopausal body of mine who knows what will happen next!
Thanks again everyone

[ATB]

I have sensitive skin too! Sukin have a good basic inexpensive moisturiser that’s perfect for my sensitive skin. Good luck with everything!

[CLKD]

I'm about to slap on Nivea 'after sun' 

If the dryness increases, don't wait until the vaginal area becomes painful.  4 me it was like razor blades  up there.