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[Decembersangel]

Hi all,
Newbie here on this site!!
So we all know the 'common' reported symptoms of the menopause but what I am experiencing I don't know if it is down to this or something else and more sinister.
My journey so far....... In 2013 my doctor determined that I was suffering from depression (as I had suffered from this a few times in previous years and had all the symptoms and I thought the same) but I think it was the start of my menopause journey with the peri-menopause when I researched that this can start 10yrs before the 'typical' symptoms appear (even though a blood test determined it wasn't and some of us know a blood test, unless taken at the 'right time', will not spot the hormone imbalance). In late 2021 my periods stopped, I got hot flushes, put on weight, got brain fog etc (you know the 'usual' menopause symptoms!) along side suffering from depression and severe social anxiety. BUT those symptoms are not the ones that I am questioning.
Since late 2021 I have gradually lost feeling in my bladder and bowel (which I didn't notice until it was discernible as it was so gradual)! This is not to the point where I am incontinent but when my bladder and bowel needs to empty I get a 'tingling//twitchy' sensation in my urethra and anus to let me know I need the toilet. Previously (pre menopause) my bladder 'ached' and my bowel felt 'full' to let me know that I needed the loo but now these feelings are no longer apparent. It has been a gradual numbing so I have got used to it but I just want to clarify if these are 'lesser unreported symptoms' or not?!?!
I have 'Googled' this and the posts suggest that this is to do with a condition called CES (cauda equina syndrome)! EEK GADS as this means a spinal problem that requires urgent surgery!
Any help and feedback is very much appreciated either to let me know I'm not alone or if I need to see my doctor as this is not a part of the menopause journey.
Ta Kindly x x x x

[Dotty]

Hi I think it would be wise to see your GP.

[Taz2]

Hi Decembersangel. This doesn't sound like a normal menopause symptom and I agree with Dotty that a doctor's appointment would be a good idea. Are your legs affected at all? Also, some medications can cause loss of sensation. There are obviously the worrying conditions such as MS and Parkinson's but I think that you would have other symptoms. It's interesting that you are not actually incontinent but have just got a change in sensation. There is also pelvic floor dysfunction which can alter sensations.

Please let us know how you get on.

Taz x 

[Jjumper]

Hi Decembersangel

Like the others said, I would talk to your doctor… However your symptoms rang a bell with me so I thought it worth mentioning them to you…

I won’t go into too much detail of my background and provide a list of all my symptoms but just to say I’ve been suffering since I was 37 (now 45) and for the last four years my most annoying symptoms are a complete lack of thirst (or any desire to ever drink liquid) and difficulty initiating a swallow reflex in my mouth for food or drink (or saliva). It’s as though the signals from my brain to my mouth are misfiring and also that my sensory nerves in my mouth have been deadened in some way. Your description of what’s going on with your bowel and urethra sounded kind of similar to me?

Anyway  I’ve had numerous tests and have tried lots of things to help these symptoms but the only thing that has provided any relief has been HRT (I’ve been on since March 2022). Unfortunately the relief is not sustained and although I keep increasing my dose my blood tests show I’m a poor estrogen absorber - but that’s another story!

Anyway, I’ve recently read a research paper summarising the studies to date that have shown a connection between menopause and swallowing function and highlighting the severe lack of research in the area despite there being a clear connection between the two. The paper was written from a speech and language perspective and I found it most reassuring. I’ll try and share a link in a moment.

Anyway I just wanted to say that even the most bizarre symptoms can be menopause related and that there is such a lot that is unknown about women’s bodies that really no one can say for certain whether a symptom is meno related or not. As long as more sinister things have been ruled out then I would say trust your own instincts with your body.

[Jjumper]

Here is the link to the paper I mentioned:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9811845/

[Wrensong]

Hello Decembersangel & I agree with the others that this is probably something to see your GP about.  I second what Taz says about pelvic floor dysfunction as a possible cause, but another thing that comes to mind is that age related neck problems such as cervical spondylosis can have effects on the bowel & bladder.

Please let us know how you get on.
Wx

[CLKD]

Welcome.  Do have a chat with a GP or Nurse Practitioner, Face2Face.  Take a list of symptoms with you.

As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Also the body may become dry: inside and out  .  Oh the Joys 

Browse round.  Make notes.  Let us know how you get on.

[Decembersangel]

Thank you all
I think I knew, in the back of my mind, that I needed to discuss this with my doctor but with my severe social anxiety and being reclusive I find it hard to make the move to do it .
I will definitely put it on my 'brain fog to do list' and build myself up in time to actually make the call.
Again, thank you kindly for all your feedback 

[CLKD]

Is there an e-mail capacity to your surgery?  Or even a short letter sent by post?  Explain your symptoms, ask whether it would be wise to see a GP or Physiotherapist interested in womens health.  When I was very ill I would wait in the car until DH fetched me for my appt, so that I could walk straight into the room.  Waiting was impossible at that time.