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[sheila99]

Equally, directing women on here to NHS menopause clinics is pretty much a hiding to nothing because they have to wait for over a year in many cases.  How much time can someone with debilitating symptoms realistically wait?

I know it's a political hot potato in the UK but I think the time is near for an honest conversation about what the NHS can fund and how. 

I think there has been a change in NHS meno clinics too. They used to give higher doses to those that needed it but now they seem to the party line just as much as GPS. For my uncontrolled va instead of letting me have it more often than twice a week they said I could have it daily for 2 months. Then presumably back to twice a week and another 2 year wait for the meno clinic. And for meno symptoms not controlled by 100 estradot they thought I should halve the dose to 2 sprays lenzetto. So I did what they'd probably been trying to do all along and went private. Yet to see if they'll give me the increased dose on the NHS but I can guess...

[Sue1]

Big wet lettuce sums it up nicely. The anxiety buffers the hot flush before and after. I panic that I am going to have one because I have pit all my symptoms together and made some awful illness, then I get a hot flush, then I am anxious and panicky again. The pins and needles are bad at the moment but the itching has calmed down a bit. I am a complete wreck. My husband has always been really suppportive - and my health anxiety and peri menopause took its toll on him - but understandably I think he is getting beyond it now. I just live in a state of fear

[CLKD]

Sue1 - U need 2 visit your GP.  There are medications that can ease anxiety which will work quicker than HRT. What do U fear the most?

[Sue1]

I have an appt on Friday. I have an over riding fear of cancer.I have had CBT and a lot of support for my health anxiety but it never leaves me. I know that these symptoms are hormonal but they are not only making me physically wrecked but mentally too

[Mary G]

Sheila, that's interesting.  This is a long shot but I'm wondering if the NHS are reluctant to hand out HRT prescriptions for women over 60 because they are free?  This sounds like a definite cost cutting exercise.  They are probably also hoping women are scared off by the long wait for menopause clinic appointments too.

Sue1, you definitely need to get some help.  Health anxiety and panic attacks are common with the menopause and we've had a lot of women on here with cancer anxiety too.  I think the two go hand in hand.  Pins and needles are also common and low oestrogen does affect the nervous system.

Looking back, I started to get anxiety and panic attacks just before the menopause.  I suddenly became very claustrophobic in lifts, planes, driving on motorways and on the tube and I felt like I was turning into a basket case.  Fortunately that's all completely gone now but I was totally unprepared for it and it was only after I joined MM that I realised what it was.

[debbyx]

My Gp didn’t even call me today for my telephone consultation so have to wait till Monday now to book another appointment  I have had such a bad day again I feel like I have had a complete breakdown.
I am taking it out on my family because no one understands how bad and useless I feel. Another day spent crying and I am worn out.  I just want a little break of feeling normal again . 

How was your day sue.

[Sue1]

I can’t believe you didn’t get your call. When you feel so anxious and low it feels like just another kick in the teeth doesn’t it? I don’t think anyone can comprehend how it feels unless you are or have been there yourself. More hot sweats today and lots of pins and needles. Just seems never ending doesn’t it

[Sue1]

I am so grateful to everyone who has replied to me. Just to know other people hav3 been there and understand helps so much

[debbyx]

Can i ask if any one has lost weight during all of this.   My daughter told me I looked really slim yesterday and rather than taking it as a compliment it freaked me out thinking all these symptoms were something sinister.

Even though in my mind I know I have completely changed my diet for the better and some days I hardly eat because I am too anxious.

[Sue1]

That could be me! My daughter said exactly th3 sam3 to me last week. Both my husband and I dieted for about 4 weeks back in May/ June. Although I wanted to loose weight it bagan to freak me out and Zi started eating normally. It was 4 weeks later she said it and it freaked me out completely. Th3 weight is not going back on

[Mary G]

I found this article which is interesting and it describes how I felt when driving on motorways:

https://www.getthegloss.com/health/menopause/menopause-fear-of-driving/

Menopause anxiety comes in many different forms. 

[Dandelion]

This time last year I was wondering when I would get through menopause.
I was 58, was on very low dose HRT and was considering coming off as I could not be bothered relying on pharmacies.
I hadn't felt right since 2009 and I was beginning to feel vandals had moved in to my body, and messed up my mind, and getting worse.
I then found out from a friend that menopause is for life.
I went online and educated myself.
I thought I already was educated until the friend said menopause is for life.
My oestrogen levels were poo.
I absorb it poorly so I use 3 patches twice a week and no longer feel like my body is being vandalised or my mind going to mush.
I hate to say it but until you get HRT you won't feel any better.
HRT will take away your health anxiety.

[CLKD]

Sue1 - what is the worst that could happen?  Many cancers can be surgically removed and with appropriate follow-up treatments will be gone.  Many people 'live with' rather than 'die of' cancers dependant on which has been diagnosed.  At a late age breast disease is usually slow growing so women live with it rather than opting for intervention.

Is there a history in your family regarding chronic illness?

My worry when diagnosed in 1995 was that panic attacks would take over so that I would not be able to attend my appts and radiation sessions.  Adrenaline saw me through.

Fear can be all controlling.  I have a phobia ......... since age 3 and it overwhelms me at times  .  Logic flies out the window, fast  .


debbyx - although losing weight may be a symptom of disease if U have altered your diet drastically then your body shape may well alter. 

[debbyx]

Hi Sue

Just wondering how you have been. 

[Bluebell]

Hi Sue 1, I just read your post. I am 11 years post menopause and not on HRT and still having symptoms.
I have constant flushing and night sweats then every so often they will get worse and I’ll get heart flutters which might keep me awake all night.
After a couple of days they die down again until the next time.
I’m 71 and think I’ll have this forever.
  I agree with the other ladies on the forum … the only thing that will help is Oestrogen because it’s the depletion of it that is causing all the symptoms.
I was always frightened to go on HRT because my sister was on it and got breast cancer but it was the old HRT not the Bio Identical HRT ladies are offered now.  It’s all so debilitating and the anxiety that goes with it is also brutal. 🤦🏼‍♀️