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[redandpinkstripes]

To cut a very long story short. I had a full hysterectomy (including ovaries) in February and was put on Oestrogel 8 weeks later. I was told I needed to wait due to blood clot risk. I really suffered
Unfortunately my pelvic pain returned and my gynae diagnosed me with Endometriosis. My hysterectomy was for Adenomyosis and large fibroids. She took me off of Estrogel and started me on Tibolone. This worked slightly but I still had anxiety, skin rashes and generally not feeling great.
In September I saw a menopause specialist who switched me to Lenzetto and Progesterone. I have felt so awful that I've stopped the Progesterone and am now on just the 2 sprays of Lenzetto. My anxiety is still through the roof.
After my hysterectomy I started a new job and I am finding it so hard with how I'm feeling. To the point that I am very close to resigning.
I've never felt so scared, vulnerable and alone. This is following 3 years of crohnic pelvic pain. 
I just don't know what to do

[bombsh3ll]

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Transdermal estradiol doesn't increase clot risk, and withholding it for 8 weeks after surgery is cruel.

Premenopausal women who have any kind of major surgery are not put into chemical menopause for 8 weeks post op!

Depending on the extent of the endometriosis, you may or may not need a progestogen.

This would need to be decided by a specialist after viewing your surgical notes.

If you do need one, it doesn't have to be progesterone.

Your estradiol dose is low. Depending on your age and stage, this may be nowhere near what you have lost.

Also you are not receiving any androgen replacement, which can be a big help for symptoms such as you describe, especially in surgically menopausal women.

If your job is at risk I would consider seeing one of the renowned private specialists if you have the resources. This would be well worth it if it keeps you in work.

[CLKD]

 

With regards to work, have U talked to any1 about your symptoms ?

Good reply from bombsh3II.  There are waiting lists for dedicated menopause clinics so make the appt ASAP - U can always cancel if no longer required.

Why wait after major surgery  !!!!  That's cruel! 

[Gnatty]

I am away but don't want to not reply. But in brief - I had same opp three and half years ago. I had the anxiety and it was just so awful. Yes your oestrogen dose is very likely too low. As a comparison I take 2 mg of Sandrena. Yes too, testosterone is prob a good idea. It's not for everyone in SM but certainly worth a try. But even with those adjustments you may find you need more help with the anxiety until your whole system calms down and gets on an even keel. For me, an SSRI was no good, made things worse, but GP switched me to Mirtazapine 15 mg which is an SNRI antidepressant and from then on I started to improve. It's great for sleep too! I only needed it I think for about a year but it probably saved my life. I feel mostly very well now. Occasionally tweak my dosage re the odd physical symptom but I feel mentally strong which after the debilitating anxiety is by far  the most important thing. Please do go to GP and get some more help. x

[redandpinkstripes]

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies I wasn't expecting to feel as awful as i have. I actually think the Tibolone helped more than the Lenzetto.
I have seen a private specialist and she said we need to get the estrogen right before we can add in testosterone.
Work are aware but I think they are running out of patience. It's been 6 months and I'm still not on a settled dose.
I am 50 and take anti-depressants, Mirtazapine being one of them, already.
I do feel like I need 6 months off work to sort myself out but I feel bad leaving

[CLKD]

 Work are aware but I think they are running out of patience.  is that your perception?  Is there some1 with knowledge about menopause symptoms in the workplace?

You may benefit from taking time out so that U can rest when required, get into the fresh air when you want etc..  R U able to take holiday followed by extended leave, what does your Contract say? 

[redandpinkstripes]

I have spoken to them and asked for reasonable adjustments, which I still feel I need. They are no longer happy to do them.
I feel bad, as they have paid to train me for the new job. I just wasn't expecting it to be so hard after my hysterectomy

[CLKD]

Don't feel sorry for 'them' they should have a menopause pathway in place!  How many in the Company? 

Would they B the same if a man had problems ?  The company needs to be aware of discrimination! 

How R U this morning?

[Nas]

Hi,
I agree with CLKD and the others, in that you need much more support both inside and outside the work place with this.

Hysterectomy is a huge surgery and until you are more hormonally stable, you are likely to continue to feel unwell unfortunately.

Do you now have endometriosis? Does oestrogen feed that and possibly affect what HRT dose you take?

I think your best bet is to get back in touch with your MS and work together to try and get your oestrogen dose right. Lenzetto is also known to be quite a weak product.

In the mean time, I would be also be inclined to get yourself signed off sick ( will you get full sick pay?) Or at least speak with HR?

Best of luck. I’ve had a full hysterectomy also, but not allowed HRT. Brutal doesn’t come close! 

[bombsh3ll]

I have seen a private specialist and she said we need to get the estrogen right before we can add in testosterone.

Based on what evidence? Whilst it is true that in the absence of estrogen, our clever bodies convert every spare ounce of testosterone into estradiol anyway as this is more critical, this is an economic issue not a safety one, based on testosterone costing more.

This is frequently used as an excuse to deny women androgen replacement, along with estrogen having to be transdermal, the wind blowing west and Saturn in retrograde etc... and I agree with Louise Newson on this one that both can absolutely be replaced simultaneously.

Your employer is being a d***head, as well as probably breaching multiple anti-discrimination laws. Don't let them force you out - although ultimately you may not want to remain in a company with that attitude, make sure if you do leave it is on your terms not theirs, ideally as others have said after a period of medical leave.

[CLKD]

How long have U been with the Company and do you have a Contract? 

[redandpinkstripes]

Sorry for late reply. Yesterday I literally hit rock bottom after being awake all night Sunday having panic attacks.
I've been signed off and am going to take things one day at a time. The gp has increased my ad's and I'm waiting to hear back from the MS.

[CLKD]

Tnx for the update.  Rest.  Gentle exercise, plenty of sunshine.  Eat little and often.  If U need to sleep: sleep.

Remind me what 'the MS' is  R U able to increase the Mitrazapine? 

[redandpinkstripes]

Thank you for your kind advice  My gp has increased the Mirtazapine.
MS is menopause specialist x

[CLKD]

Of course it is  - meno-brain here, sorry.


How R U this morning without the stress of getting ready to go to work?