Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: curlywurly on August 06, 2014, 02:01:55 PM
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H
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Hi and welcome curlywurly
We're here to help - we're not scary - honestly!!!
Ask a question, tell us your story - have a moan - we'll listen and try to understand and help.
DG x
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THAT WAS ME MAKING A MESS OF MY FIRST POST - GREAT START! SORRY EVERYONE! ::)
I am new here.
Fabulous website, advice and members with amazing help. I was just wondering if anyone could advise me at all?
I paid for a consultation with Dr. Currie which has been very helpful and so....
I went to GP yesterday to ask for HRT. She made me feel as though I was asking for a dodgy substance! I was warned about all the risks - which I already knew from here. She said once I am on it it can be very difficult to get off and said I haven't seen how hard it can be.
She said if it is just hot flushes a migraine tablet might help (can't remember name sorry). Said I should try an SSRI I said I am already on one she said to up my SSRI, I said I have tried that in the past and I was sweating like a pig years before I even realised I was menopausal.
She saw I was insistent and gave her my list of blood tests (which I paid for privately) as I knew there was something wrong and was dismissed by another GP at the same practice with 'some people are just medical mysteries'.
She has now gone away to consider whether or not to prescribe the choices I asked for Estradot Patches - lowest dose and Utrogestan. As I would prefer the natural method if at all possible. She said she hadn't heard of these and would prefer to prescribe oestrogen and progesterone together and did admit it is a cost issue. I am virtually vegan (not a militant one!) just because I feel funny eating stuff with a face - weirdo me.
Age 46
Last period Sept 2013
Terrible anxiety for years and years with panic attacks (had one last night which woke me up - that has never happened before)
Low mood and sickness in stomach (feeling of doom)
Aching all over
Hot Flushes
No Libido at all
Very dizzy most of the time
Forgetful and distant (as you can see by my first post!).
Have I been perimenopausal all this time whilst suffering with this blummin' anxiety all these years do you think? I have been made to think I am going mad by psychiatrists and had CBT twice to no avail. When I see my blood test results I realise there has been something wrong and I am not going mad - am I?!
Should I just bite the bullet and go for the recommended one by the Doctor to stop all these horrid symptoms or wait for the next appointment for her results (next Tuesday)? I just don't want to do a trial and error method as my anxiety and low mood is at an all time high and low and would rather start off as I mean to go on and hopefully get the best treatment from the 'off'.
I did see Professor Studd in 2009 and was put on the Oestradiol Gel, bit of Testogel and norethisterone but came off these after approx. 2 months as my doctor (through private insurance) said it was a mental health issue hence the antidepressants and CBT. I can't travel to London now as I am far too anxious and don't go anywhere on my own. I also live in the North of England and it is too far. I really hoped for once my GP might be able to help me.
FSH 105 U/L
LH 81.2 U/L
Oestradiol <18 pmol/l then a second one 56 pmol/l
Testosterone 0.1 nmol/L (0.29-1.7)
DHEAS 2.8 umol/L (0.7-12.5)
Progesterone 0.8 nmol/L
Prolactin 358 mU/L (women not pregnant 102-496)
Aldosterone 338 pmol/L (Upright 100-800 pmol/l, Supine 100-450 pmol/l)
I am sorry if there is too much info. but I would really appreciate any advice and help.
With thanks in advance.
CW :)
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Hi Dancing Girl
Thank you so much for your welcome! I am sorry I must seem such a ditz!
Hope my post makes some sense now?!
Many thanks again :)
CW
Hi and welcome curlywurly
We're here to help - we're not scary - honestly!!!
Ask a question, tell us your story - have a moan - we'll listen and try to understand and help.
DG x
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Hello Curly Wurly,
You sound very similar to me. I am 47 and have the same symptoms as you although I am still having irregular periods. I have given up speaking to my doctor as I am sure she thinks I am a hypochondriac. I have even thought about getting a private blood test, but not sure where to go for one. I have also suffered with anxiety for a number of years and have wondered if it could be perimenopause, my anxiety has certainly got worse over the past year.
I hope you get the HRT that you want, I wish gps would listen to us, we know our bodies better than anyone.
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Hi Toffee Cushion
Thanks for the reply. :)
You can get private blood tests done through Blue Horizon Medicals website (they have a few different web addresses so may be worth a Google?) - the costs can mount up so worth seeing if there is a discount code available. They have been excellent. You order what you want (it is worth giving them a call to make sure you are getting the right ones done) and then attend your nearest hospital on their list). You don't need to involve your GP and they send the results directly back to you.
I just reached the end of my tether with it all and saved up. To finally see I do have 'something going on' is a relief in some way. We are not looking for a problem we are looking for a solution!
You are correct we know when something is wrong don't we? I really hope you get yourself sorted too.
CW
:)
Hello Curly Wurly,
You sound very similar to me. I am 47 and have the same symptoms as you although I am still having irregular periods. I have given up speaking to my doctor as I am sure she thinks I am a hypochondriac. I have even thought about getting a private blood test, but not sure where to go for one. I have also suffered with anxiety for a number of years and have wondered if it could be perimenopause, my anxiety has certainly got worse over the past year.
I hope you get the HRT that you want, I wish gps would listen to us, we know our bodies better than anyone.
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H curlywurly
Thank you for being so comprehensive - it really helps us to help you.
Oh dear you are getting a raw deal from your GP!!!!
At 46 you are experiencing an early menopause so I believe your GP is being negligent by not prescribing HRT. You need HRT till at least 50 to protect your heart and bones from oestrogen deficiency.
Your GP is clearly not well informed about HRT and it's benefits - she's still in the dark ages believing it to be this horror drug that will give you cancer - it's a tiny risk after the age of 60. She is also wrong that it is difficult to come off HRT - this will vary from person to person. Menopause symptoms can persist for many years any and in theory it does delay menopause but for many women it gives a good quality of life for many years with relatively few risks. You won't necessarily find it difficult to come off HRT - you can slowly reduce the dose and also pick a stage in your life when you can accomodate the changes you will experience - many women are fine when they come off.
Prescribing ADs which often don't work is obviously not the way to go for you. The cost difference between what you asking for and what she would like to prescribe is negligible - the prescription fee virtually covers this cost - so she can't use that excuse. I suspect she doesn't want to appear foolish because she is out of her depth.
You've done your homework and asked advice from Dr Currie - I'm surprised your GP has gone against advice from a specialist!!!
If need be I'd ask for a referral to a menopause clinic or a gynae near where you live either on the NHS or if you can afford it go privately.
If she is really insistent about you sticking with pills, Femoston is natural oestrogen and it has a kinder progesterone which I believe is similar to our own hormones - it's tolerated well by many women. Many women like combination patches as well.
BTW - have your periods stopped completely?
DG x
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Thank you so much Dancing Girl for your reply you have must made me feel so much better! ;D
I really thought I was in the wrong with it all and you have just made me feel normal (well as normal as I can feel at the moment!).
What a relief! I was so sad last night after seeing the GP (which probably prompted my PA (I whisper the words as I am terrified of them). I do have Diazepam in case of emergencies but I really don't want to be taking anything like that but I had to last night.
Yes my periods have stopped completely.
Thanks so much for your advice, I am thinking of going to see someone privately - my anxiety can't cope with anymore. It's been going on too long for me now. I have checked the nearest clinic to me on the MM website and will try one of them.
I did say to GP I had had an email consultation with Dr. Currie (didn't get chance to name her just said she was an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist) - not much reaction really.
Many thanks for your concise explanation too, gosh I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
Thank you so much!
CW
:)
H curlywurly
Thank you for being so comprehensive - it really helps us to help you.
Oh dear you are getting a raw deal from your GP!!!!
At 46 you are experiencing an early menopause so I believe your GP is being negligent by not prescribing HRT. You need HRT till at least 50 to protect your heart and bones from oestrogen deficiency.
Your GP is clearly not well informed about HRT and it's benefits - she's still in the dark ages believing it to be this horror drug that will give you cancer - it's a tiny risk after the age of 60. She is also wrong that it is difficult to come off HRT - this will vary from person to person. Menopause symptoms can persist for many years any and in theory it does delay menopause but for many women it gives a good quality of life for many years with relatively few risks. You won't necessarily find it difficult to come off HRT - you can slowly reduce the dose and also pick a stage in your life when you can accomodate the changes you will experience - many women are fine when they come off.
Prescribing ADs which often don't work is obviously not the way to go for you. The cost difference between what you asking for and what she would like to prescribe is negligible - the prescription fee virtually covers this cost - so she can't use that excuse. I suspect she doesn't want to appear foolish because she is out of her depth.
You've done your homework and asked advice from Dr Currie - I'm surprised your GP has gone against advice from a specialist!!!
If need be I'd ask for a referral to a menopause clinic or a gynae near where you live either on the NHS or if you can afford it go privately.
If she is really insistent about you sticking with pills, Femoston is natural oestrogen and it has a kinder progesterone which I believe is similar to our own hormones - it's tolerated well by many women. Many women like combination patches as well.
BTW - have your periods stopped completely?
DG x
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:welcomemm: which bit of menopause doesn't your GP understand? :bang: :bang: :bang:
OK got that off my chest. GPs really ought to listen to their patients and stop worrying about prescription costs and risk statistics. Statistics can prove anything ………. and it really depends on who is paying for the Research :cuss:
You are caring for your health, going about it the 'right' way. GPs often want to fob ladies off with ADs, will not consider HRT particularly if they consider a lady is 'too young' to be going through peri-menopause. Stick to your guns. You've found a way to a solution but your GP is blocking it, is she young - she'll learn when her time arrives ;)
Let us know how you get on! Ask for a referral to a meno-clinic if necessary but with the information from Dr Currie, I can't see why she has a problem, in fact, I would ask which bit of advice don't you like and would you discuss it with Dr Currie ;) - does your Practice have a Practice Nurse who might be a bit more amenable?
Also, you could ask your local chemist which Surgeries are more liable to prescribe suitable menopause treatment rather than fob patients off with ADs ………
p.s. - I saw your first page and thought you had changed your mind ……… ;D
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Hi curlywurly
Your Gp can always look things up on this site - there is a section for professionals (purple heading 'Health Professionals') if she needs to learn a thing or two about the menopause
and how to treat it.
Gosh, we do get heated about these retched GPs who won't listen and with good reason.
DG xxxxx
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Hi CW, I can relate to some of your symptoms especially the low mood and anxiety, I had the latter under control to the point where it didn't really affect my daily life, but in the past 3 months it has increased considerably. I did try an AD for 8 weeks but found although it helped lift my mood it gave me panic attacks. GP is at a loss what to do and has prescribed diazapem 5mg 3 times daily, not something I am happy taking but if it helps why not.
I have researched various types of HRT but note anxiety and depression are possible side effects, so not keen to try that either, plus I am a smoker, would like to give up but now is not the right time.
Keep posting to let us know how you are getting on
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Panic attacks can be soul destroying. I take a beta-blocka at night to stop those surges. Also Rescue Remedy can help.
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Thank you for the welcome CLKD! :)
It's so refreshing to 'speak' to like minded people. Thanks for your emoticons - they really hit the nail on the head!
I thought the same as you CLKD - she is young and she will learn when it's her turn. I wanted to see the older woman at the practice but she is on hols. The doctors at our practice are leaving and have left in their droves over the past 8-10 months. Something seems off.
She said I wasn't particularly young to be starting the menopause, 'there are women much younger' - I didn't realise there was a competition going on?!! ::)
I am hoping not to see her again if I can help it, great advice to get her to have a chat with Dr. Currie though ;) and also re: speaking to local pharmacies. Many thanks for that.
Haha re: my first page! I just typed the heading and one letter and then boom there was a post :sigh: I am a typist and am really really ditzy at the moment so not a great start! ;D
Thank you again for your reply and advice.
CW
:)
:welcomemm: which bit of menopause doesn't your GP understand? :bang: :bang: :bang:
OK got that off my chest. GPs really ought to listen to their patients and stop worrying about prescription costs and risk statistics. Statistics can prove anything ………. and it really depends on who is paying for the Research :cuss:
You are caring for your health, going about it the 'right' way. GPs often want to fob ladies off with ADs, will not consider HRT particularly if they consider a lady is 'too young' to be going through peri-menopause. Stick to your guns. You've found a way to a solution but your GP is blocking it, is she young - she'll learn when her time arrives ;)
Let us know how you get on! Ask for a referral to a meno-clinic if necessary but with the information from Dr Currie, I can't see why she has a problem, in fact, I would ask which bit of advice don't you like and would you discuss it with Dr Currie ;) - does your Practice have a Practice Nurse who might be a bit more amenable?
Also, you could ask your local chemist which Surgeries are more liable to prescribe suitable menopause treatment rather than fob patients off with ADs ………
p.s. - I saw your first page and thought you had changed your mind ……… ;D
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Hi Dancing Girl
If (and it is an if at the moment the way I am feeling) I go and see her again I will give her the information for this site as she definitely needs the help I feel. Although she is leaving in two weeks. She said I am working my leave but that works in your favour as I have to sort it out before I go.
It makes me feel better hearing others getting heated about their GPs too. Feel like I am not alone so thank you so much for that!
Thanks again
CW
:)
Hi curlywurly
Your Gp can always look things up on this site - there is a section for professionals (purple heading 'Health Professionals') if she needs to learn a thing or two about the menopause
and how to treat it.
Gosh, we do get heated about these retched GPs who won't listen and with good reason.
DG xxxxx
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Hi cheekgal
Thank you for your reply. :)
I have read that low testosterone can cause the low mood. I wonder if this could be a cause too?
Having tried the AD route 3 times over the years and still having PAs occasionally is horrid so I can sympathise with you so much.
This is why I would like to try to get the right kind of HRT straight from the word go. Rather than to-ing and fro-ing trying things out. I would prefer the natural 'bio identical' oestrogen and progesterone and hope that they won't cause me any further anxiety.
Having read other posts on here (thank you!) I also think after being so depleted of hormones to taper up may be the way to go with me too. I seem to react at the drop of a hat to things - ridiculously so. Wonder if that would help you too?
I have Diazepam too for emergencies (which seem to be happening more often) as I don't like taking them as I want them to still work when I need them and not become used to them.
If I was a smoker and suffered anxiety I wouldn't even be thinking about stopping until I had got my symptoms under control. It is too much to take on isn't it?
Hope you get something sorted for yourself asap. It really is a b*tch of a thing to deal with.
Many thanks again.
CW
:)
Hi CW, I can relate to some of your symptoms especially the low mood and anxiety, I had the latter under control to the point where it didn't really affect my daily life, but in the past 3 months it has increased considerably. I did try an AD for 8 weeks but found although it helped lift my mood it gave me panic attacks. GP is at a loss what to do and has prescribed diazapem 5mg 3 times daily, not something I am happy taking but if it helps why not.
I have researched various types of HRT but note anxiety and depression are possible side effects, so not keen to try that either, plus I am a smoker, would like to give up but now is not the right time.
Keep posting to let us know how you are getting on
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Hi CLKD
They are awful things - I always feel like it's my last minute on earth - trying not to sound too dramatic, they just floor me.
Which Rescue Remedy is the best do you know? I don't think I can have Beta Blockers as I am asthmatic but I would take absolutely anything to stop the PAs. Does the Rescue Remedy make you that much calmer? Does it work quickly?
Sorry for the questions!
Thanks again.
CW
:)
Panic attacks can be soul destroying. I take a beta-blocka at night to stop those surges. Also Rescue Remedy can help.
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Hi really glad you found this site I only found it recently. I also was told I had a mental health issue and was prescribed a whole lot of psychiatric medication. This had no impact on my symptoms and they tried for over a year. I had to argue to get bloods done as I was 38. I started to believe it was mental health and admitted myself to a secure unit. Three years on and I am still trying to find the right balance of hrt but need to do cbt quite a lot to remind myself these are hormone symptoms. Really glad you have posted as you begin to think this could not happen to anyone else. I find it awful to think anyone has gone through this. Wishing you every luck x
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I use a Bachs rescue remedy mouth spray before an event, before any hint of anxiety. Has helped in the past, as has deep breathing but that needs to be practiced daily.
I have had PAs since age 3 :'( and was told I would grow out of them >:( ..........
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Hi curlywurly - your experience of SSRIs for anxiety sounds very familiar. I too had them when I now know that I should have had HRT. Since starting HRT 4 months ago my anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep and crashing headaches have largely gone. There's a massive amount of reliable information on this website that, as a new user like you, I'm working my way through. Sounds like some GPs out there could do with reading it! Keep asking questions until you get the answers and solutions you need. Whether you choose HRT or not, life's too short to pass chunks of it feeling awful. Good luck.
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Hi Donna
Thank you for the reply
Gosh what a terrible time you have had I totally sympathise. I was put on anti-psychotic meds and was told I should be admitted for 3 weeks to the Priory for my 'condition'. They showed my husband 'my room' while trying to get me to agree. I refused, but the fact they thought I should be there sent me hysterical at the time. We had private medical insurance and I could see they just wanted the money. I ended up going to 1 x CBT session a week as an outpatient (which is all I would have received had I been a resident so no real benefit to staying there!).
I really really hope you get yourself sorted with HRT. The CBT can help with coming to terms with things/stopping racing thoughts can't it?
You were so right to get your blood tests done, you knew something was wrong and you were right! We know ourselves don't we?
I am going to post below what has happened in this past week and hopefully this could help you? I am hoping I am finally on the right track.
With lots of love
CW
:)
Hi really glad you found this site I only found it recently. I also was told I had a mental health issue and was prescribed a whole lot of psychiatric medication. This had no impact on my symptoms and they tried for over a year. I had to argue to get bloods done as I was 38. I started to believe it was mental health and admitted myself to a secure unit. Three years on and I am still trying to find the right balance of hrt but need to do cbt quite a lot to remind myself these are hormone symptoms. Really glad you have posted as you begin to think this could not happen to anyone else. I find it awful to think anyone has gone through this. Wishing you every luck x
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Hi CLKD
Thank you for the reply and for the rescue remedy advice. I think I will get some v. soon! I do the deep breathing now and again, particularly when I have a P.A. (have no other option!).
Gosh since age 3 you poor thing - that is horrid. They are the absolute worst things.
Really hope you are doing well at the moment and many thanks again.
CW
:)
I use a Bachs rescue remedy mouth spray before an event, before any hint of anxiety. Has helped in the past, as has deep breathing but that needs to be practiced daily.
I have had PAs since age 3 :'( and was told I would grow out of them >:( ..........
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Hi Freda
Many thanks for your reply.
It is good but sad to hear there are so many people who have had similar experiences to me.
Great to hear you are feeling better on HRT. It makes me feel positive about what I have just been given.
Thank goodness for this website, it has been a life saver. Some GPs definitely need to read the information on here.
You are right, I have lost about 11 years (approx.) of my life with cr*p. Which I now realise was probably peri - I hope so anyway! HRT is the way for me. It has to be. I can't afford to be messing about with anymore SSRIs - they are awful.
Can I be cheeky and ask which HRT you are on?
Please ignore me if I am being too nosey.
Thanks so much again
CW
:)
Hi curlywurly - your experience of SSRIs for anxiety sounds very familiar. I too had them when I now know that I should have had HRT. Since starting HRT 4 months ago my anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep and crashing headaches have largely gone. There's a massive amount of reliable information on this website that, as a new user like you, I'm working my way through. Sounds like some GPs out there could do with reading it! Keep asking questions until you get the answers and solutions you need. Whether you choose HRT or not, life's too short to pass chunks of it feeling awful. Good luck.
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Just a little update.
THANKS TO THIS WONDERFUL WEBSITE - I have found (through the Find a Specialist section) the most lovely Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician who when I visited him last Thursday said immediately I should be on HRT as I am 46 and the average age is 51 - in complete contrast to my GP pushing her migraine tablets, then SSRIs. I was all set with a long long list of what I would prefer etc. I didn't need it! He explained everything perfectly to me and my husband and prescribed exactly what I was going to ask for.
He said I am in early menopause, prescribed Oestrogel and Utrogestan (my choice - CHOICE!!! - as to whether I have a period or not). He gave a lifestyle list too.
He even helped my husband by suggesting he eat 2 tomatoes a day (lycopenes - sp?) to avoid prostate cancer as he has had the snip. Which blood test to have to check on his prostate. Apparently men more at risk of it after a vascectomy (sp?). I used to be good at spelling! It's a PSA Blood Test yearly if anyone else needs that help.
He dictated a letter to my GP whilst I was there, his lovely secretary faxed it to my GP and myself today in time for my appointment today. I went to see the GP this afternoon and I didn't even have to speak before she said I have received the fax and yes I will prescribe the items. Talk about a turnaround. It is one week to the day since I last saw her and her negativity.
Gobsmacked is an understatement. Natural HRT on the NHS - and support from the most informative lovely man. It is the best £120 I have spent. Yes it cost me, but I could spend that at the hairdresser's over a few months - so I will happily go grey and look like Buffalo Bill if it means I start to feel better!
I am probably in for a bit of a bumpy ride once I start treatment or maybe I shouldn't be so negative?! Anyhow, I am getting the prescription tomorrow (it wasn't available in the chemist next door to the docs - big surprise!) and will be starting slowly and hopefully things will start to improve.
I am off to check people's advice and experiences on Oestrogel and Utrogestan on this fab website now!
Thank you Dr. Currie and everyone on here.
Can I also ask if people have their B12, ferritin and folate checked at all. I had mine done and it was borderline low - I now have B12 injections and that can help with some things too (again Mrs Google may help to see if anyone has issues there). B12 deficiency can account for a lot of things aswell. My daughter (19) takes a sublingual tablet daily (terrified of needles) and boy do we notice when she doesn't!
Just a thought in case it may help someone. :)
With love and hope!
CW
:)
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Fabulous News. I did the same recently because my gp was next to useless!!! Best money I ever spent,... seeing Dr Gluck at her clinic in London. Feeling so much better already, after getting the correct diagnosis. Good for you!!! x
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:thankyou: Girls for the updates! At last, someone who listens!
Deep breathing needs to be practised. 10 mins. every hour so that it becomes 2nd nature. Deep breath through the nostrils, count for 10, let breath out slowly through the mouth. I use to fall asleep whilst practicing!
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Hi Curlywurly,
Re: B12 and Folic acid - I went to the drs yesterday for my results and was told that I have enlarged blood cells again which could mean a B12 and folic acid deficiency. (I stopped taking my b complex vitamins when I ran out - doh! - thought I'd see if I could do without, as I'm always taking one supplement or another...)
I have been a irritable and a little anxious again lately and I'm wondering if being deficient in these vits and minerals may be the cause?
My gp explained that enlarged red blood cells get stuck when trying to move around the body...goodness knows what that might trigger! My oestrogen levels were normal (down to HRT I suppose) though I didn't get the number.
My rollercoaster journey in perimenopause continues...
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Back to the vitamens then! If your body is hungry, do you not eat ………
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That's great news curlywurly - amazing how much better you can feel just when someone actually listens to you ::) Good luck with your HRT - it can sometimes take a while to kick in but hang on in there if you can.....
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Great news, Curlywurly! And on the subject of Bach Rescue Spray, you can also get a Night version of the same product.
I'm sure it doesn't help when a GP is female but far too young to have any experience of the menopause themselves. I went to a meno clinic a while back, only to be seen by a female Dr. who must have been all of 35. It did not help and made me feel embarrassed. I've definitely had the most sympathetic responses to anything meno from older female GP's; also, (curiously) male GP's who are not sitting there thinking, "I won't be like that when I'm 50-or-whatever".
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Why would there be a 'night' product :-\ - it either works: or not ……….
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I'm glad you are going to get the help you need.
Can I ask what day of your period you had your blood test, as I am thinking of doing the same.
Thanks
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Hi Rosie C
Nice to hear such positive news!! Thanks for the reply. :) :) :)
CW
:)
Fabulous News. I did the same recently because my gp was next to useless!!! Best money I ever spent,... seeing Dr Gluck at her clinic in London. Feeling so much better already, after getting the correct diagnosis. Good for you!!! x
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Hi CLKD
Thanks for the flowers, never get them much! :)
I do try to to the deep breathing - especially when having a P.A.
I got one yesterday, well the pain in the stomach (spreading to the back), dizziness, couldn't breathe which I associate with a P.A. and I (for the first time, instead of suffering at home) went to A & E. I was put on a drip and told it is gastritis - given meds for gastritis. Told it isn't normal to have such a pain in the stomach during a P.A.
I am also currently on a therapeutic trial for Secondary Addison's Disease.
I wonder if any of these things would apply to you? To have suffered so much from such a young age you poor little mite.
As you can see I am trying anything and EVERYTHING to sort out what is going on with me! Have had enough of it!!
My blood test results and symptoms do back up my suspicions too.
Just a few little thoughts, ignore me if I am totally off track!
With very best wishes,
CW
:)
:thankyou: Girls for the updates! At last, someone who listens!
Deep breathing needs to be practised. 10 mins. every hour so that it becomes 2nd nature. Deep breath through the nostrils, count for 10, let breath out slowly through the mouth. I use to fall asleep whilst practicing!
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Hi 2 cats
Please take a look at the Pernicious Anemia website they are full of very good information and if you put your blood test results up on there they will give you fabulous advice. There is a Facebook page too (I don't have FB) apparently. They are very informative about all things B12 and folate, not just Pernicious Anaemia.
www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org
Hope they can help shed some light on your symptoms. :)
CW
:)
Hi Curlywurly,
Re: B12 and Folic acid - I went to the drs yesterday for my results and was told that I have enlarged blood cells again which could mean a B12 and folic acid deficiency. (I stopped taking my b complex vitamins when I ran out - doh! - thought I'd see if I could do without, as I'm always taking one supplement or another...)
I have been a irritable and a little anxious again lately and I'm wondering if being deficient in these vits and minerals may be the cause?
My gp explained that enlarged red blood cells get stuck when trying to move around the body...goodness knows what that might trigger! My oestrogen levels were normal (down to HRT I suppose) though I didn't get the number.
My rollercoaster journey in perimenopause continues...
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Hi Greyhoundgal
Thanks for the reply :)
It is brilliant to be taken seriously at last. I think I am in for a bit of a bumpy ride but I will hang on in there for as long as it takes to feel anything like normal!
Thanks for the 'heads up'. :)
CW
:)
That's great news curlywurly - amazing how much better you can feel just when someone actually listens to you ::) Good luck with your HRT - it can sometimes take a while to kick in but hang on in there if you can.....
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Hi dulciana
Thanks for the reply :)
Is there a night version of the Bach's then? Interesting if there is. Would stop those horrid wide awake and worrying moments.
Not on you were made to fee embarrassed - how awful. You are right it does seem to be the younger women who are not the most sympathetic or even giving a 'duty of care' for someone who is obviously struggling with peri or meno.
Maybe I shouldn't tar them all with the same brush, but my consultant is male and older and has started me on (hopefully) the right track with no making me feel as though I am wasting his time, the exact opposite in fact.
Hope things change for the better in the future! This website has been a godsend to me and I am giving the details to my friends (who aren't there yet!) but will definitely benefit.
Thanks again.
CW
:)
Great news, Curlywurly! And on the subject of Bach Rescue Spray, you can also get a Night version of the same product.
I'm sure it doesn't help when a GP is female but far too young to have any experience of the menopause themselves. I went to a meno clinic a while back, only to be seen by a female Dr. who must have been all of 35. It did not help and made me feel embarrassed. I've definitely had the most sympathetic responses to anything meno from older female GP's; also, (curiously) male GP's who are not sitting there thinking, "I won't be like that when I'm 50-or-whatever".
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Hi toffeecushion
Thanks so much :)
My period stopped in Sept 2013, no sign of anything since!
If you order the blood tests I would give them a ring or email them to ask advice about what day you should be tested, they are really lovely and helpful. Also would help to make sure you get the right test/s done.
Dr. Currie said she was surprised how many blood tests I have had done (it is a lot) and it isn't always necessary - maybe a chat to a decent consultant would help? I found mine through the Find a Specialist section on here.
I had so many blood tests done to check for Secondary Addison's and also menopause. A bit over the top probably but it is nice to see what the heck is going on with me on paper!
Good luck with everything :)
CW
:)
I'm glad you are going to get the help you need.
Can I ask what day of your period you had your blood test, as I am thinking of doing the same.
Thanks
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Curly wurly - thanks for taking the trouble to post that info re anaemia...going to take a look at the fb page etc now. :)
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We're a Mine of Information ........
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CurlyWurly, Sorry for the delay in replying - I'm now on FemSeven Sequi patches. I was in the process of switching from Evorel Sequi when you asked your question so couldn't answer it accurately. Evorel Sequi contains what my GP called "one of the less friendly" progesterones and I had trouble with very poor mood and cramping during the progesterone phase. Femseven is better for me in that those symptoms have gone and my mood is much more even. Haven't had a bleed on FemSeven yet though so can't tell you how that compares. I hope this post isn't too late to be of any use to you in helping you make your decision on HRT. Good luck.
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:thankyou: Freda …….. onwards and upwards, hopefully your symptoms will remain 'improved'!
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Hi 2cats
Sorry for the delay in replying. Had a family member over from Australia, just as I was starting my HRT! Timing!
No problem hope they have helped you. There is also www.b12d.org to look at with regards to B12 deficiency. They have a questionnaire on there to see if it applies to you and also a protocol to follow (if your GP will listen!) ::)
Very best wishes
CW
:)
Curly wurly - thanks for taking the trouble to post that info re anaemia...going to take a look at the fb page etc now. :)
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Hi Freda
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply - I apologise for my delay in responding.
Thanks also for the details of what you are on (and for not thinking me too nosey!).
Great you are feeling better on it - hope this is still the case. :)
I started on Utrogestan (25 days out of 28 as my periods had stopped) and Oestrogel 1 pump. Had no bleed on the 3 day break hope this is normal. The hot sweats disappeared within days (thank goodness!).
I am hopeful things are going well. I am on other treatment too for B12 deficiency and Secondary Addison's Disease but so far so good! It is FABULOUS to not be pouring with sweat every 45 mins and getting a decent night's sleep! Fingers crossed it continues.
Take care
CW
:)
CurlyWurly, Sorry for the delay in replying - I'm now on FemSeven Sequi patches. I was in the process of switching from Evorel Sequi when you asked your question so couldn't answer it accurately. Evorel Sequi contains what my GP called "one of the less friendly" progesterones and I had trouble with very poor mood and cramping during the progesterone phase. Femseven is better for me in that those symptoms have gone and my mood is much more even. Haven't had a bleed on FemSeven yet though so can't tell you how that compares. I hope this post isn't too late to be of any use to you in helping you make your decision on HRT. Good luck.
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No problem Curly Wurly..and thanks for the extra info. :)