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[Maggie51]

Menopause started 20 years ago, anxiety and hot flushes the main symptoms.

I lived in France and eventually was given HRT - Oestrogel, as following hysterectomy, progesterone was not necessary.

Over past 2 years and no longer using HRT, the hot flushes have increased in intensity and I am so very tired and I'm not sleeping properly.

I am scared and so wish this was all behind me.

Yesterday I had a real melt down.  I had a hot flush midday which was so intense I started to panic, I felt like I was melting I was so red.  I became very upset and afterwards felt exhausted.  We could not get hold of a doctor so went to the Drop-In Centre.  2 hours later I was seen and told to get appointment with my doctor for blood tests which is why I went to them in the first place!

I've managed to get an appointment this afternoon - I've made a list of symptoms, concerns and fears (I thought my body was shutting down yesterday) but expect it won't be read or even considered ...... 5 mins allowed per appointment.

I am trying to figure out whether my anxiety is causing my IBS flares or whether it is all hormonal and should this not all be behind me at 70 years of age.

Might I spontaneously combust ...... if it happens in the night the sweaty wet through pillow will put out the flames 😩

[CLKD]

Welcome.  R U back in the UK?

Ovaries may well keep spouting hormones occasionally.  Why did you stop the HRT?  It is likely that you still require a regime to help the hot flushes. 

You could ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic if you don't feel supported in the Surgery.  I always hand my list of problems to my GP "I need to go through this for your assistance".  I've never felt rushed.

Let us know you get on.  Certainly my IBS increases when stressed.  70 years young ;-)

 

[Joaniepat]

Welcome, Maggie51!
I'm afraid 'all this' won't be behind you, as some women might be able to adjust to no sex hormones, but many others cannot. In my opinion you ought to be back on oestrogen replacement. I hope this will be possible for you. (At age 73, I use 100 mcg Estradot patch plus daily blob of Testogel. No uterus.)
JP x

[Maggie51]

Just back from doctors and a very nice doctor he was too.

He's put me on Sertrolene to see if it helps with anxiety and I have to go back for review in 4 weeks.

Said in his opinion not hormonal .... we will see.

[Joaniepat]

Hmph. Hot flushes, poor sleep, sounds hormonal from where I'm sitting! ADs should not be first line treatment for menopause symptoms, it goes against the NICE guidelines. Trouble is, GPs don't like prescribing HRT for us "older" ladies. A proper menopause clinic would do it though, either private or NHS.
JP x

[CLKD]

I agree with Joaniepat.  In the meant time ask for that referral - there is a waiting list so sooner rather than later.  GPs don't like to refer if they can prescribe as it costs them money!

[Maggie51]

Welcome.  R U back in the UK?

Ovaries may well keep spouting hormones occasionally.  Why did you stop the HRT?  It is likely that you still require a regime to help the hot flushes. 

You could ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic if you don't feel supported in the Surgery.  I always hand my list of problems to my GP "I need to go through this for your assistance".  I've never felt rushed.

Let us know you get on.  Certainly my IBS increases when stressed.  70 years young ;-)

 

Yes, moved back here 5 years ago.  Will keep you up to date on progress, already taken 1 tablet and CBT suggested too.  When in France we weren't allowed HRT once 65 so, I had a supply and dragged out usage for further couple of years or so.

[sheila99]

Just back from doctors and a very nice doctor he was too.

He's put me on Sertrolene to see if it helps with anxiety and I have to go back for review in 4 weeks.

Said in his opinion not hormonal .... we will see.

So he thinks it's hormonal but gives you an ad instead of hrt?? Did he say why he thought this was appropriate treatment? Sounds very much like oestrogen deficiency to me.