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[Annie1210]

I believe I'm in the stages of perimenopause (age 47), have altered periods, breast changes, spells of urinary incontinence, mood changes, dry skin, but definitely more psychological stuff. Most apparently is the severe loss of confidence especially at a new job which is understandable but this is excessive and out of character. I read this may be due to low testosterone? any thoughts? I have just started taking Evorel sequi but only 2 weeks in! any advice would be great before I scupper my chances at my new job.

[Flossieteacake]

Sorry to hear this Annie. I would say it is still early days with your HRT and perhaps you could give it a little more time. Are you taking anything for vaginal atrophy? You need localised oestrogen for that.

[HellsBells]

The psychological effects of the menopause were shocking for me. It felt like I was out of control…I almost fell out with my best friend of 40yrs and I hardly remember it. There was a period of about 6-12 months where I almost felt ‘possessed’! There was little I could do and it passed naturally.

Also my capacity for stress was significantly reduced. That took longer to move through (4-5 yrs)

I can’t tolerate drugs so had to do it all cold turkey but if you can get pharmaceutical or nutritional support go for it. And ask everyone around you to be patient….

[sheila99]

Your symptoms sound more like low oestrogen than low testosterone to me. Some symptoms take a good 3 months to resolve, particularly the emotional rather than physical ones, so it's very early days yet. If you don't have sufficient oestrogen testosterone is converted anyway so you really need to get your oestrogen levels sorted out first. Agree with the VA advice, many women find they need localised oestrogen as well as hrt.

[Annie1210]

Thank you all for your replies.I assume I would need to go to a private clinic to get my oestrogen levels checked? the fact I'm now taking HRT, albeit only for 2 weeks will these not affect the levels anyway? thank you all. I didn't know it was the oestrogen that caused the psychological symptoms.

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you all for your replies.I assume I would need to go to a private clinic to get my oestrogen levels checked? the fact I'm now taking HRT, albeit only for 2 weeks will these not affect the levels anyway? thank you all. I didn't know it was the oestrogen that caused the psychological symptoms.

Often in peri it can be difficult to check oestrogen levels as they can fluctuate throughout the day. I personally would give the HRT six weeks and then see if you have noticed any signs of improvement and contact your GP on Monday to ask for Vagifem or Ovestin for vaginal atrophy. You do not need an examination.

Often low oestrogen can cause anxiety, depression, low mood. Hopefully once you have been on the HRT a bit longer these horrible symptoms will improve. Please feel free to post as much as you want to and ask anything.

[CLKD]

Blood tests are reliably un-reliable due to the fluctuations of hormones 24/7.

   browse round.  Make notes ;-)

[Annie1210]

Thank you all for your replies.I assume I would need to go to a private clinic to get my oestrogen levels checked? the fact I'm now taking HRT, albeit only for 2 weeks will these not affect the levels anyway? thank you all. I didn't know it was the oestrogen that caused the psychological symptoms.

Often in peri it can be difficult to check oestrogen levels as they can fluctuate throughout the day. I personally would give the HRT six weeks and then see if you have noticed any signs of improvement and contact your GP on Monday to ask for Vagifem or Ovestin for vaginal atrophy. You do not need an examination.

Often low oestrogen can cause anxiety, depression, low mood. Hopefully once you have been on the HRT a bit longer these horrible symptoms will improve. Please feel free to post as much as you want to and ask anything.

Thank you. In your experience/opinion how long would you give you HRT to see if it helps with the psychological symptoms (anxiety etc.). I have a feeling this is going to be the hardest symptom to control  I have an appointment on Monday anyway for bloods so I will get an appointment booked in. Thanks again   

[sheila99]

My main symptoms were anxiety and insomnia. I saw very little change the first month then very up and down for the next 2. It wasn't consistently good until month 4 but now has completely gone.

[Flossieteacake]

Thank you all for your replies.I assume I would need to go to a private clinic to get my oestrogen levels checked? the fact I'm now taking HRT, albeit only for 2 weeks will these not affect the levels anyway? thank you all. I didn't know it was the oestrogen that caused the psychological symptoms.

Often in peri it can be difficult to check oestrogen levels as they can fluctuate throughout the day. I personally would give the HRT six weeks and then see if you have noticed any signs of improvement and contact your GP on Monday to ask for Vagifem or Ovestin for vaginal atrophy. You do not need an examination.

Often low oestrogen can cause anxiety, depression, low mood. Hopefully once you have been on the HRT a bit longer these horrible symptoms will improve. Please feel free to post as much as you want to and ask anything.

Thank you. In your experience/opinion how long would you give you HRT to see if it helps with the psychological symptoms (anxiety etc.). I have a feeling this is going to be the hardest symptom to control  I have an appointment on Monday anyway for bloods so I will get an appointment booked in. Thanks again   

I am afraid it seems those symptoms can take a while to improve. I would check in a month to see if you feel any improvement in your physical symptoms. Perhaps it may be an idea to write down all of the symptoms you have and then check in a months time to see if anything has changed.