Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: honorsmum on March 06, 2015, 04:50:47 PM
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So, today was my appointment with Dr Annie Evans.
As expected, she was lovely - very energetic and friendly.
I told her how things had been for the last few months, my symptoms and experiences with my own Gp...and she said mine was the classic story of premenopause. Cue much gnashing of teeth about the reluctance of GP s to recognise perimenopause in any way.
She has suggested oestregen gel for 3 months, and the Mirena coil because of absorption issues with progesterone pills, due to me having Crohn's.
While it was fantastic to finally know for sure why I have been feeling the way I have, I felt very emotional after the appointment - not least because I'm not all that keen on the idea of the coil, and HRT at 45 seems...a big step.
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:thankyou: Will Dr Evans be writing to your very reluctant GP ………. along with a very large flea in the ear! ;)
Hopefully, even though you aren't ready for the next step in Life, this regime will ease symptoms! Do you have a follow-up appt. with Dr Evans?
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:thankyou: Will Dr Evans be writing to your very reluctant GP ………. along with a very large flea in the ear! ;)
Hopefully, even though you aren't ready for the next step in Life, this regime will ease symptoms! Do you have a follow-up appt. with Dr Evans?
She said she thought it wise to steer clear of my GP, particularly as I'm moving surgery.
Plan is to go back next month and have her fit the Mirena, and then see her in 3 months to review - at which point, she will write to my new GP and tell them to carry on with the regime.
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Sounds a Very Good Plan …….. hopefully Dr Evans will send details to your old surgery ;) me being me, I wouldn't be able to resist having a dig ………. :-X ::)
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Hi so Glad you have confirmed probably what you already thought,but as you say it is emotional to be validated isn't it !
I know you feel it is a big step and it is ,but age is just a number and at least you will be taking a step towards getting some relief and help towards your symptoms ,and you have already started to help yourself so that's positive.
Well done you ,another small victory for us women who fight to be heard ;)
Take care x
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Hi so Glad you have confirmed probably what you already thought,but as you say it is emotional to be validated isn't it !
I know you feel it is a big step and it is ,but age is just a number and at least you will be taking a step towards getting some relief and help towards your symptoms ,and you have already started to help yourself so that's positive.
Well done you ,another small victory for us women who fight to be heard ;)
Take care x
Thank you, Dazned.
I am a bit surprised just how emotional I feel (damn hormones!). I'm not good with change, and this feels a bit like starting a journey without knowing exactly where I'm headed - does that make sense? I guess it's the sense of moving into another phase of my life - I've only just got used to being a grown up and a mum! I never gave my health a second thought until I turned 40 and was diagnosed with Crohn's, and now this.
I'm sure I'll be fine once I've got my head round it.x
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Hello honorsmum.
Thank you for updating us about your appointment. Input from ladies like you who have seen experts and are willing to share their experiences is invaluable to the rest of us.
I can understand this has all come as a bit of a shock to you, encountering the menopause has a way of making us feel suddenly old!
I hope you can take heart from the fact that you are being well looked after and Dr Evans' advice does sound sensible. Maybe what's needed now is time to adjust which will be much easier as you begin to feel better.
Keep us informed of your progress and take care.
K.
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Thank you, Kathleen.
I am so grateful for this site, and especially the forum - the advice and support here is invaluable.
The first thing I noticed in my appointment was a pile of business cards on the desk with Menopause Matters on them, and Dr Annie was thrilled to know I'd come via here. :)
It's my pleasure to be able to give something back by sharing my experience.x
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The mirena is well tolerated and the gel easily tweaked to find what suits you.
It's great that finally it has been confirmed what you knew all along.
I hope you settle onto your new regime really quickly and see improvements very soon.
Honeybun
X
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Thank you, Honeybun.x
That's reassuring to hear. I guess it's a case if suck it and see. :)
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Thank you for sharing. I feel really pleased for you that you have been listened to, validated and advised. Three simple yet really profound things that make such a difference at a time of confusion and change. Regardless of tomorrow or the next day, I hope you feel some sort of 'relief' in turning the corner away from the 'battle' and confusion you have had in the last while with your GP.
I can also relate to the feeling of 'not ready' or new phase - I'm not really doing too well with that right now, but, have decided to give myself time to adjust, it's a transition and as much as I would like to know it is black and white and 'done with' it isn't. Reminds me of going to University and all the 'newness' of it all, takes a while to find yourself.
Take care and it really is great to read about such a positive welcome from Dr Evans.
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I find its more like emotional relief that at last someone is listening and understanding you ! Especially when gps have been pooh poohing you,it's like a eureka moment !
I'm new here and after my first plea for help I actually cried my eyes out when I got my first reply to my post :-\
I was so relieved to know I wasn't alone,imagining it or going mad or dying ! After my own doctors made me feel that way ! When you get over your new news you feel more able to move forward more positively and know you will have everyone support . X
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Thank you, Bright Light.
I'm just not very good with change and uncertainty - what other people find easy, I seem to stress about and over-think.
I guess because Annie Evans deals with this every day, she made it seem very normal, whereas it feels the complete opposite to me. We didn't talk about risks, side effects etc, only that the gel will make me feel much better.
One thing she did say, that I know you will be very interested to hear, is that some women report alternating shorter and longer cycles - because the ovaries alternate and each deteriorates at its own rate. I never even though about it before, and yet the first change to my cycles was from 28 days to alternating 24/25 days, and now it seems to be somewhere close to 22, followed by somewhere close to 26.
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Little steps. All adjustments take time. Keep a food/mood diary ?
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I find its more like emotional relief that at last someone is listening and understanding you ! Especially when gps have been pooh poohing you,it's like a eureka moment !
I'm new here and after my first plea for help I actually cried my eyes out when I got my first reply to my post :-\
I was so relieved to know I wasn't alone,imagining it or going mad or dying ! After my own doctors made me feel that way ! When you get over your new news you feel more able to move forward more positively and know you will have everyone support . X
Yes! Absolutely that! It's a mixture of relief, sadness and actual anger that I have been put through so many hoops with unnecessary tests and worry (not to mention the cost and time spent seeing a private specialist).
X
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Little steps. All adjustments take time. Keep a food/mood diary ?
I'm keeping a mood/symptoms diary, on your suggestion, CLKD - really helpful for seeing patterns. :)
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It should be un-necessary but at least we do have the opportunity of other ways of getting advice ……….. ;)
I can soon forget what has happened during the day even going to the loo :o so I keep a diary too ;)
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That is really interesting. I think my ovaries have definately been deteriorating. (can't think about it too much)
I am really not good with change either. I over think as well :( Take your time to let all this sink in, as you say, the emotional rollercoaster has an exit sign now! :) You have some choices to make, they don't need to be immediate.
Have you got something nice at home to eat, watch, make, enjoy?
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It had never occured to me that ovaries shut down at different rates - I just assumed they worked in tandem and everything happened at the same speed. I just that explains why you may miss periods later in peri - one ovary gives up the ghost, but the other keeps going?
You're right - there is no rush. The gel is being posted to me next week (3 months worth) and I can start it as and when, as long as I follow it up with having the Mirena fitted shortly afterwards.
It might be enough for now just to know that it IS perimenopause, and nothing to be concerned about.x
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I still haven't switched off the 'nothing to be concerned about' but nearly ;) It really is a weight to have carried, why do doctors underestimate that - well we have discussed that at length ;)
Yes, I see what you mean about alternating months, I hadn't quite understood that part. This may seem like overthinking and totally NOT what was happening, but I often used to know when I ovulated, instinct and sometimes a sense in my body, nothing major. In the past six months I have had tweaking pinprick pain that was midcycle but not the 'normal' sensation, I think this must have been an ovary making an effort - the pain isn't there now and before my missed period, I had cramping and back pain for days, I was convinced something was 'breaking' - perhaps it was.
How strange and curious the body is - now I am aware my body is changing, I am a little less 'concerned' at the random things that happen - that has to be a good thing. Hopefully you can start to relax a bit now.
I am taking note of Dr Evans suggestion you change surgery and not see the GP again - my friend asked me why I had my second blood test with my current GP and I realised I need not have, I could start again with someone else. I have a follow up in a week or so, I might not go. It isn't useful if Drs stress you out. I was brought up to trust and respect them, so I guess I hung on a bit long.
Have a good weekend x
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Honorsmum I can't tell ypu how much I appreciate this post. I know you're blood tests were ' normal' FSH as well but with low estrogen. SAme as me and I so desperately want a 'doctor' to validate my belief in what's happening to my body. So far no luck but a, so glad that you did!!
Tara
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Hello ladies.
I just wanted to add that in her book Dr Miriam Stoppard notes that difficulty dealing with new situations is also a feature of the menopause. Now why doesn't that surprise me?
Take care everyone.
K.
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honorsmum - thank you for sharing your experience with Annie Evans - there have been some great reports about her. To have your concerns validated can come as such a relief so there is no wonder you are feeling emotional. The regime she is proposing is the preferred option of many gynaes as the Mirena offers the contraceptive element alongside protecting the womb with minimal effects of progesterone. Once fitted the Mirena may give some tummy cramps initially and random bleeding or spotting for a few weeks but you should be eventually bleed free after a few months - which is one of the great things about the Mirena.
I have used Oestrogel for most of my peri and post meno and I did have a Mirena for over 4 years in my mid 50s which was fine.
When you start the Oestrogel, can I suggest you just use one pump per day for at least the first 4 weeks. While I was peri meno I did find too much oestrogen made me slightly headachy and one pump was enough to just keep my symptoms under control. When I started with Oestrogel they let me have a whole 6 weeks of one pump per day before starting with progesterone and I felt wonderful. I only increased the dosage when I felt the flushes etc increase as my own hormones dropped.
I can understand your anxiety over all this but remember it's not permanent - you can stop it or try other things - you now have options. Finding the balance where you feel good is trial and error and through the peri stage your own hormones will keep fluctuating so now you can control this better with the Oestrogel.
Your family are still young and you need this control to be able to keep on top of things, so I think you have done the right thing.
Embrace and enjoy the benefits this HRT regime will hopefully bring. Good luck DG x
PS Good luck with transferring to new GP as well. x
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hi can i ask where Annie Evans has her surgery and is she a private doctor thanks xx
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The Lovely Lady Honoursmum
I thought about you all day yesterday and I don't even know you!
Glad things went okish for you and actually I am not surprised you feel emotional, I would have still been there crying so thank your lucky stars that you are home now!
Honoursmum - Well done you for going and getting a second opinion when all we ever need is for someone to actually listen to what we have to say. I hope things settle down for you. Hey as for the age - blow it away - you will always be too young to be old and too old to be young!
Enjoy your weekend - Mrs 'Hugs' here has a huge ear so will always listen x
Hugs
:bighug:
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Smashing news Honorsmum - I am so pleased to read how well your visit went. Do keep us all updated with how things go. :foryou:
I am particularly interested in how the Mirena suits you. I have recently switched to Qlaira and was thrilled with the results at first (massive difference in energy levels and general anxiety levels - quite shocking how much better I felt; I hadn't quite accepted how miserable I was beforehand!). However, have now hit the phase where you have more progesterone than estrogen and have noticed, 5 days in, my hair is shredding and my nails are really brittle. Will wait to see if it's temporary or not, but if it continues, I will soon be bald :-( !
My GP was keen for me to try the Mirena but I let myself be dissuaded by Mr Google (damn him!). Would be interested to hear how it goes with you (and any other ladies' experiences, especially those who've never given birth).
Big hugs to you, once again. xxx
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honorsmum - thank you for sharing your experience with Annie Evans - there have been some great reports about her. To have your concerns validated can come as such a relief so there is no wonder you are feeling emotional. The regime she is proposing is the preferred option of many gynaes as the Mirena offers the contraceptive element alongside protecting the womb with minimal effects of progesterone. Once fitted the Mirena may give some tummy cramps initially and random bleeding or spotting for a few weeks but you should be eventually bleed free after a few months - which is one of the great things about the Mirena.
I have used Oestrogel for most of my peri and post meno and I did have a Mirena for over 4 years in my mid 50s which was fine.
When you start the Oestrogel, can I suggest you just use one pump per day for at least the first 4 weeks. While I was peri meno I did find too much oestrogen made me slightly headachy and one pump was enough to just keep my symptoms under control. When I started with Oestrogel they let me have a whole 6 weeks of one pump per day before starting with progesterone and I felt wonderful. I only increased the dosage when I felt the flushes etc increase as my own hormones dropped.
I can understand your anxiety over all this but remember it's not permanent - you can stop it or try other things - you now have options. Finding the balance where you feel good is trial and error and through the peri stage your own hormones will keep fluctuating so now you can control this better with the Oestrogel.
Your family are still young and you need this control to be able to keep on top of things, so I think you have done the right thing.
Embrace and enjoy the benefits this HRT regime will hopefully bring. Good luck DG x
PS Good luck with transferring to new GP as well. x
Thank you, DG.
A question about the Oestrogel - I have been prescribed individual dose sachets, so would you suggest I use half per day initially, or would there be a problem with "freshness" once the sachet is opened?
Dr Evans did say I could start the oestrogel in advance of having the Mirena fitted, but didn't say how long in advance. What would be the maximum period I should consider using oestrogen alone? Can I simply start it anywhere in my cycle?
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hi can i ask where Annie Evans has her surgery and is she a private doctor thanks xx
As far as I understand, she sees women in Bristol and Cornwall - I saw her in Bristol. She has a website.
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The Lovely Lady Honoursmum
I thought about you all day yesterday and I don't even know you!
Glad things went okish for you and actually I am not surprised you feel emotional, I would have still been there crying so thank your lucky stars that you are home now!
Honoursmum - Well done you for going and getting a second opinion when all we ever need is for someone to actually listen to what we have to say. I hope things settle down for you. Hey as for the age - blow it away - you will always be too young to be old and too old to be young!
Enjoy your weekend - Mrs 'Hugs' here has a huge ear so will always listen x
Hugs
:bighug:
Thank you , Hugs!
Love the bit about age - as my husband is always telling me, "you'll never be as young as you are today"! ;D
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Smashing news Honorsmum - I am so pleased to read how well your visit went. Do keep us all updated with how things go. :foryou:
I am particularly interested in how the Mirena suits you. I have recently switched to Qlaira and was thrilled with the results at first (massive difference in energy levels and general anxiety levels - quite shocking how much better I felt; I hadn't quite accepted how miserable I was beforehand!). However, have now hit the phase where you have more progesterone than estrogen and have noticed, 5 days in, my hair is shredding and my nails are really brittle. Will wait to see if it's temporary or not, but if it continues, I will soon be bald :-( !
My GP was keen for me to try the Mirena but I let myself be dissuaded by Mr Google (damn him!). Would be interested to hear how it goes with you (and any other ladies' experiences, especially those who've never given birth).
Big hugs to you, once again. xxx
Thank you, Briony.
I will admit, it is the Mirena part that is making me feel :o
There are some horror stories on the net, and although I'm ok having smears, internals etc, somehow it seems worse. Dr Evans said that some women are sick and faint. :'(
Also, just the idea of it being in isn't particularly thrilling me. That said, I've spoken to 4 friends my sort of age, all of whom said having it fitted was fine, and 3 of them said they love it.
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The Mirena can be removed if necessary ;)
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I know, CLKD - I just don't fancy going through the fitting, only to want to have it removed soon afterwards.
It's the whole trial and error part of HRT that scares me.My experience on Citalopram really scarred me, so part of me thinks, "better the devil you know - just suck it up and do without HRT".
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AntiDs are totally different to what your Consultant has suggested. Not related to hormones at all. I dreaded any alterations when I was depressed, even eating was a problem in case it made me feel worse :-\ : it didn't …….
What's the worst that can happen!
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AntiDs are totally different to what your Consultant has suggested. Not related to hormones at all. I dreaded any alterations when I was depressed, even eating was a problem in case it made me feel worse :-\ : it didn't …….
What's the worst that can happen!
I know antidepressants and HRT are different things, it's just my experience of medication that has had an effect on my attitude.
Hormones clearly have the potential to affect us hugely - positively and negatively. My experience of Cerazette (progesterone-only Pill) was not good...So the worst that can happen on HRT for me would be to feel worse than I already do, and know that I have to stick with it for 3 months.
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Scarey ain't it. However, medication has moved on even in the last 5 years …….. hopefully you won't have such drastic side-effects if you do tend towards HRT ;)
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honorsmum - I've done a pm to you about the oestrogel. Don't worry about the Mirena - many many women have this now as the gynaes are really keen on it and possible for very good reasons. They are a form of transdermal progesterone so in many ways ideal. The initial burst of progesterone soon after it's fitted can give a few issues but I found it generally good. Don't listen to the horror stories - there is a very good chance you will love it - just think, you may not get any bleeds at all after the first few months - how great is that?
I'd concentrate on the benefits you'll get from the oestrogen. DG x
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:thankyou: DG