Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Riley04 on July 05, 2016, 06:05:06 PM
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Hi I've just joined and any advice, tips or just general comments would really be appreciated......
I am 43 and I was diagnosed as peri menopause when I was 36. The last 6 years I've probably only had 5 periods (going 10/11 months between). Eventually I have now gone over the 12 month mark! My initial symptoms were tiredness and anxiety and I was given citalopram which helped. I had stopped taking the citalopram (and probably wasn't taking regularly for the last couple of years), but in the last couple of months I've really struggled so went back on the citalopram. However, this time it gave me the most chronic dirrohea which was unbearable. I've been back to the doctor who although was really nice, clearly hadn't come across many women with natural early menopause and struggled with what to say to me. She prescribed kliofem, but didn't explain anything about it to me, just said try it and come back in a couple of months. Stupidly I went home and googled (yes I know you shouldn't) and scared myself so much I haven't been to get the prescription. Personally I would prefer to try natural health alternative, but really don't know where to start. My anxiety is back, but I know this is due to a bit of stress and my hormones (fell like I have constant PMT). I want to cry one minute and scream with rage the next. What I find the hardest is that I have no one my age to talk to about how I feel, I do have friends who are menopausal but they are all mid 50s. Any help or advice? :'( :'( :'( :'(
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Hi Riley0 - don't worry things will be much better now that you have found us merry lot!
Firstly, at your tender age you do need HRT. There's no two ways about it I'm afraid. Your body needs oestrogen to protect your heart and your bones up to the normal age of meno which is deemed to be around 50/51. Up to this time you are merely replacing what should have been yours naturally and none of the risks (which are much smaller than they appear on the literature about HRT) apply. Oestrogen will help to keep your vaginal tissues and the whole of your pelvic floor much healthier and stronger too. You don't want to face the dreaded vaginal dryness already!
There are different types of HRT to try. The advice is to try each one for at least three months before you decide whether it is the one for you. I, myself, prefer patches to pills as they don't go through the liver and are delivered straight into the bloodstream. Other members prefer a gel.
I know that the thought of HRT is scary but, honestly, you do need it in my opinion to keep yourself healthy. Someone with more time to explain properly will be along soon. I'm just off out but wanted to welcome you.
Taz x :welcomemm:
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:welcomemm: good advice from Taz, also have a look at the Daisy web-site which your GP should know about ::) - I think that there is a Link on here.
Some ladies find that 'alternative' treatments work for a while until their own hormones begin playing up more :sigh:.
I use Ovestin1mg for vaginal atrophy - as oestrogen levels drop so muscles become lax = aches and pains, + the body begins to dry >:( i.e. nostrils, ears, eyes, vagina ……… it was like having razor blades up there >:( ::). It presented with repeated urine-like symptoms, fortunately my GP recognised VA symptoms and suggested treatment.
Have a browse round, make notes!
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Hi and welcome to MM Riley 04
What a shame you haven't been given good advice and treatment. You are far too young to be oestrogen deficient, so HRT is essential for you.
I started being peri meno in my mid 30s and had HRT from the age of 37 - I'm now 60 - I was really fortunate to have a good GP at the time who explained how important it was that I have HRT because I was so young to be menopausal. It is trial and error before you find the right HRT but if you want to avoid long term health problems with your heart, bones and bladder, HRT is your only option I'm afraid. Don't take any notice of all the scare stories - most are based on old studies that were basically wrong.
Read up all the info on this site, go back to your GP and ask for a sequential HRT e.g. Femoston 1/10 ( which suits many women very well)and start to get your life back. Keep us posted. DG xxxx
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Thank you for your comments I really appreciate it.
I have refused hrt up to now and as the citalopram helped with the anxiety and also pmt like symptoms been able to cope with it. The thing with citalopram being a form of anti depressant you get the the point of 'numbness' which is why I have cut down on the tablets over the last couple of years. I've no idea why when taking it again it gave me such a bad stomach.
I've lived with feeling like I have constant pmt for the last 17 years (irregular periods started about aged 26) but what I find the hardest is feeling physically older than I am. I'm so tired, I can't remember ever waking up feeling refreshed or energised :)
Anyway I've bitten the bullet and been to the chemist to collect my prescription for kliofem, lets see how it goes...........
Thanks again everyone xxx :-*
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:foryou:
Taz x
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Well done Riley04 - Kliofem may work really well for you - you do need HRT so it's worth trying this one first. This is a continuous HRT combination so you will be taking progesterone every day - some spotting or bleeding may occur for the first few weeks but that is normal and should settle. It is often a good idea to try a sequential HRT first (which means you get a withdrawal bleed each month) even if you are post menopause but many women do really well on continuous HRT. It often takes 3 months for things to settle and for the oestrogen to do it's magic but if you find the PMT symptoms are increased with this HRT, don't panic, there are others to try - it is trial and error till you find something that suits. Hope you feel better really soon. Keep us posted. DG x
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Hopefully the HRT once it kicks in will help with anxiety, however, there are other short-term emergency tablets if necessary.
Let us know how you are! I hope that you feel less alone! :tulips2:
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Wow, thank you so much for your comments, it really has made me feel so much better :thank you:
I don't know a lot about hrt (other than the scary stuff I googled :)
You've made me feel a bit more comfortable with it all, will definitely keep you posted :cancan:
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Hi Riley04 - just wanted to say Hello & you're not alone being a younger person going through this - I'm 41 and there are a few other 30 & early-40 somethings on the forum. Do try the HRT - if you can find one that agrees with you, you will be surprised how much better you feel. As the others have said, it is really important if you start going through the change early and the risks (which are small anyway). don't apply to us as we are only replacing what would normally be there already.
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Hi Riley04
:welcomemm: from me too and just to say I agree with what the others have said re taking HRT at your young age :)
Hurdity x
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Keep away from dr Google ;) - he knows nowt!
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Hi, thought I would just check in. I've been taking the fliofem for 4 days now and I don't appear to have had any adverse effects; I know it's early days, but I can be sensitive to anything I take, even vitamins lol. Long weekend had today and got Monday off work, so going to try to have some me time :)
Hope you all are doing well, have a great weekend everyone xxxxx
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Thanks for the update Riley. So good to hear that so far everything is going well!
Taz x :)
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Some people are sensitive to the fillers/coverings rather than the active ingredient ;)
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Hi, didn't know whether to start a new thread, decided to just continue on this one so not to bore any of you!
I've been having a mooch around this site and reading posts and if I'm honest I haven't got a clue about the gels, patches etc etc.... I really have had my head stuck in the sand for the past 6 years!
So it's got me thinking; the dr wasn't great when I went last month and didn't really know what to do with me and now I'm wondering if I've just been fobbed off with a pack of pills? I haven't had any bloods done for 6 years (when I was first diagnosed) so should I go back and ask for a full blood screen? Is going on a continuous (kliofem) the right approach for first use? Should I have asked for oestrogen gel? I've got my work cut out trying to get my head round all this lol
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Riley04 - Whilst MM can be great in many, many ways, it can also confuse many women. When first given HRT women come to this sight and read all kinds of horrors about various HRT types and then believe they have the wrong thing. I think you have already started your Kliofem so I would continue - you may do really well on this so don't look for problems. If in 3 months any side effects you may feel are not settling then it's worth trying something different.
There is a lot to take in and so many women who vista this site have very strong views and also believe what they are using is the best - you mustn't loose sight of the fact that we are all different and what suits one women won't necessarily suit another. GPs are not generally clued up when it comes to treating the meno, so may of us do need to lead the way and ask for what we need and want.
If I were you I'd stop reading any more at this stage - just take the pills, enjoy the benefits as the oestrogen does it's magic, expect a few strange side effects ( a bit of spotting or bleeding, possibly a few headaches etc.) and concentrate on getting your diet and exercise regime in good order. Good luck Dg x
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There are a few ladies on this lovely forum who have been through an early meno, I also tried the natural route for about a yr but went onto bio identical HRT at 40, you may want to try this if you dont get on the with your tablets. The rub on gel works beautifully combined with the Utrogestan (progesterone part ) used vaginally. You keep cycling as you should do and feel very normal and healthy, and will hopefully be able to come off the AD's which many ill informed GP's like to prescribe for early meno, when in fact all your body requires is what it should be naturally making, hormones! You need not worry about any dangers, up until 50 even a bit later, you are only replacing what your body is needing so no added health risks. All the best.
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Hi Riley04
A Dancinggirl says - you may be absolutely fine with this type of HRT. Many women are :). You are post-menopausal and provided you absorb the oestrogen from the tablets through your digestive system, you should feel a lot better, and yes you should be able to come off the ADs which you shouldn't have been given in the first place, for a hormonal imbalance at your young age!
I use patches because I didn't want to take anything orally but I didn't become peri-menopausal until my 50's and still on HRT in my 60's. If the tablets work for you, no reason why you shouldn't take them for 10 years or more amd then maybe change to a different type as you get older?
Hurdity x
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Hi
Not been on for a few days, but decided to check in tonight as I've been feeling so low. Fed up of feeling exhausted, zero motivation and just completely fed up. I can cry at the drop of a hat, but boy I'm ripping hubby's head off every time I speak to him (good job he works away during the week so he just gets it down the phone). I was chatting to a colleague at work today and I told her that I was just a miserable cow - and I really am. I know it's early days for the hrt, but I feel more emotional the last 2 days than I have in a while.......... just want to feel happy :'(
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Hi Riley04. Sorry to hear that you are so down! I too started the peri at about 34/5. Had the hot flushes and periods got heavier suddenly. I would then be late and then I had months were they didnt seem to want to stop. It wasnt until I developed more symptoms and had longer gaps between the periods that I realised what was happening. I eventually went to the GP and was prescribed HRT. It didnt suit me at all. Restarted my periods which were heavier and more painful, literally leaving me in agony. I also turn into an emotional wreck. Gave up on it after 6 months and managed ok for 2 and half years. Then the hot flushes got unbareable so I tried the patches, starting by just using a third and building it up. 6 weeks later I noticed the emotional side getting out of control so took it off. I have just started to get the hot flushes back so have started on a small amount of the patch again and will find my dose when the hot flushes stop. Your body will fluctuate with hormones constantly so you need to be prepared for this. It is tough but we are all in the same boat on here so dont ever feel like you are alone. xx
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Hi Riley04
Sorry to hear you are still feeling rough. You do really need to give it a bit more time to find out if this type of HRT suits you - because your body has been low in oestrogen for some years and so will have a lot of acclimatising to do. You may well still have some down days before you get better.
If you can bear to keep going for at least two months and then see how you feel. Be sure to keep a diary of your moods so that you can look back at how you have improved ( or not!) - your comment son this thread are a start.
As has been said already - most women of your age would probably be better off carrying on with a cycle - you would still get monthly pmt and a bleed but you would not then be taking the progestogen all the time. Re getting bloods done - now that you have started HRT you won't get a true reading but if you have had so few periods in the past few years then you are undoubtedly menopausal - and probably post-menopausal if you have been without a period for a year. No need to have bloods - but go on how you feel.
If you have digestive problems then a transdermal HRT might suit you better but in that case you would definitley need separate oestrogen patch (or gel) and progesterone, so that you could increase the oestrogen dose until you felt better for most of the time.
The other alternative is the combined contraceptive pill - there is one similar to HRT called Qlaira which has the same oestrogen you are taking, but only 2 pill free days. It's not suitable if you don't get on with synthetic progestogens though.
Hope this helps and hang in there - there is light at the end of the tunnel - but it may take a wee while yet!
Hurdity x
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I know I need to give it more time, but I can't keep going like this. For the last week I've spent more time crying than anything else. I'm stopping these damn tablets, I will go back to the dr, but if I carried on like this I would end up divorced, without kids and unable to work. I'm falling out with everyone cause I'm so snappy and crying at not being able to cut a carrot properly - how ridiculous is that?
Thanks for all your replies, appreciate it, but this hrt lark is driving me crazy!!
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Let us know how you get on!
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OK Riley04 - you mustn't throw in the towel yet - there are other HRT options to try and most women find something that suits them. Clearly the progesterone continuously in this HRT type doesn't suit you. You are too young to be without HRT and I think you said you were reducing the Citalopram at the same time which won't be helping your mood as you will be getting withdrawal symptoms.
I would not reduce the Citalopram at this stage but I would go back to the GP and ask for a different HRT - I would suggest Femoston 1/10 sequential HRT OR, better still, ask for Oestrogel ( an oestrogen gel you apply each day) or an Oestrogen patch (Estrodot) and then for the progesterone choose either Provera (Climinor) or Utrogestan which you would take alongside the oestrogen for 12 days each month - these HRT options have kinder progesterones that may well suit you better and you won't be on the progesterone all the time so that should be better as well - unfortunately you will get a withdrawal bleed each month with a sequential HRT but many of us prefer to have this slight inconvenience rather than take progesterone all the time.
You haven't mentioned how you libido is??? HRT should keep your ‘lady bit's' stay healthier and less dry so can really help reduce vaginal atrophy and bladder problems.
Like all medications, it is trial a error till you find the right HRT - I'm afraid the long term consequences of low oestrogen can be quite bad for many women but even 5 years of HRT now will pay dividends in the long term.
Do look under TREATMENTS at the top of this page - print things out if ned be to show the GP. I would stick with Citalopram alongside HRT for the time being. Keep posting DG xxxxx
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Hi
I haven't had citalopram regularly for a couple of years, tried taking it a couple of moths ago and got chronic diahorea stopped and tried again and same thing happened. It starts within 24hrs of taking it!
I've got classic pmt with this hrt but worse than I've ever had it. I cried in costa coffee today. I don't cry when I'm anxious or down, but always did with my periods which is why I think it's the hormones. Body has probably gone into complete shock cause it hasn't had any for over 6 years lol.
I'd rather feel down than like this. I just can't function hubby doesn't know what to do with me, 19 year old sulking in her room hahaha. I've got a stressful job and there's no way I'm risking bursting into tears there I'd never live it down!!
I'll ring the dr in the morning and ask if there's an aternitive to try.
Love to u all xxxx
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Riley04 - Do ask fro something different - there all be an HRT that will work for you.
If you can cope with having a monthly bleed then a sequential HRt will probable be best for you. However, ou must expect to get some side effects with any HRT but if you start with a sequential then you get at least 2 weeks of just oestrogen which should make you feel a lot better generally.
If I were you I would try either Femoston 1/10 or an oestrogen patch (Estrodot 50mg) with 12 days of progesgeoner each month - either Provera or Utrogeston(micronised progesterone).
Here is the info for the combined sequential HRT tablets:http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php
Here is the info on the progesterones:http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/to_progestogens.php
Here is the info about the oestrogen: http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php
Print these off to show the doctor.
I'm sure once you find the right HRt you will feel a lot better. DG x
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Riley04, I'm sorry you are feeling so dreadful. It is now obvious that whatever you are taking is not working and you need to try something else.
Firstly, why not read Professor John Studd's website? He specialises in all things hormonal and menopause related and I think you will find it interesting. Many of his patients have PMS and early menopause and he usually prescribes Oestrogel, Utrogestan (progesterone used vaginally) and sometimes testosterone. I am one of his patients and on this regime and I have found it to be the best form of HRT by a very long way. If you suffer with PMS, it is important to go easy on the progesterone part of HRT and Professor Studd explains this on his website.
It took me years to find a really effective form of HRT and I had to try endless different types and combinations before finally getting to the best one. I am now 55 and feel very, very good indeed and roughly the same as I did aged 30 so I must be doing something right!
I have tried different forms of oral HRT but they often don't work very well because much gets lost in your digestive system. I found they gave me stomach problems too.
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I just want to say you ladies are awesome! I was in such a state today, my eyes look like p*** holes in the snow and my nose like rudolph. I posted on here to get it out of my system and you are all so supportive.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I've been putting the world to rights with my bestie over a bottle of fizz and I'm going to print out the info you have suggested and see what the dr says. Def not taking these ones any more.
You don't know me from adam but you have helped so much - made me feel like I'm not going mad :)
Hubby out buying chocolate now hehehe
:thankyou: :foryou:
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Hi everyone me again!
Thought I'd just update where things are at the moment. It's not been a great few weeks, I stopped the hrt after becoming an emotional wreck and within a couple of days started a horrendous bleed. The constant crying stopped but bled for about 10 days (a shock to the system having not had a proper period for 6 years!). Spoke to dr and she told me as I wasn't having night sweats and bad flushes I should wait until I've had my bone scan to see what the results are before deciding whether to try a different hrt. Not convinced that's the best approach but I suppose if my bone density is reduced then the decision will be taken out of my hands.
The last couple of weeks my anxiety has crept back up again, I don't know if it's because of hormones or because i need the equivalent of citalopram again. Mornings are the worse and once I get going I'm fine, it's just as soon as I open my eyes in a morning a wave of nerves just comes over me. I know it's in my head so I'm giving myself stern talking too :)
I've bought some menopace and menomood from holland and barratt, has anyone tried these?
I'm functioning but it does feel like I'm surviving rather than living at the moment.
Just lost at what I should do if I'm honest xxxx
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I remember feeling like that SO well :'( :-\
Anxiety is not in my head, it starts in my gut goes to my thighs, into my calves, then my head starts telling me that I'm ill etc.. :sigh: ……… when is the appt for the bone scan, you may have mentioned a date but I can't remember ::).
There are emergency meds to help ease anxiety symptoms.
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Riley04 - It sounds to me as though your GP is being sensible. Having a good break from HRT to reassess everything can be good, however you are still too young to be oestrogen deficient so I would strongly advice you go back on HRT at least until you are 50 to protect your heart and bones.
Re: anxiety - I do think many women need the SRRI alongside HRT but I would try a different HRT before rushing into SRRIs at this stage.
Do remind us what HRTs you have already tried and which, if any, seem to suit you best.
DG x
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Hi CLKD my scan is on Thursday then prob 6 weeks before results. Think I'm going to go back to dr because I know the anxiety can get worse and I don't want to be like that again. I'll just have to ask for something like citalopram that doesn't give me chronic diarrhea!!! Talking to hubby and the nervousness has only really kicked in since I've come off the hrt, though for me it feels like forever! The feeling is equivalent to doing your driving test - those sort of nerves, if I'm running round busy I'm ok it's just when I stop and think about it. It's got the potential to get worse so need to nip it in he bud asap. Xx
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Hi dancinggirl I've only tried kliofem, only managed 11 days on it and was an emotional wreck! Xx
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Riley04 - You are probably sensitive to progesterone so Kliofem was really not a good one for you. You would probably do better on a sequential HRT - unfortunately this will give you monthly bleeds but is a better option for many women as it mean you won't need progesterone all the time. All HRTs have some compromises and it's about finding one that gives more benefits than side effects. I would try Femoston 1/10 next as the progesterone is kinder and many women do really well on this one.
If Femoston doesn't suit you then try Estradot patches or Oestrogel( for the oestrogen bit) and Utrogestan (micronised progesterone)for 12 days each month. Dg x
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Hi
The nervousness isn't quite as bad today but it's still there in the background. I've made an appointment with the dr for this evening. I just don't want it to get worse as I've been in the position before where it's been debilitating and don't want that. I'm controlling it at the moment but it's always there in my head going round and round. Let's see what she says tonight!
I can count on 1 hand how many times I've been to the dr in the last 6 years and the last month or so I've been 3 times grrrr.
Thanks for all your advice really appreciate it, but if anyone has a magic wand could u put it in the post please lol xxxxxxx
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Make a list to take with you this evening? Let us know how you get on!
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I hope tonight's appointment goes well for you.
If there were a magic wand, I think you'd be at the back of a very, very, very long queue for it ;D
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Hi Riley04
I've been following your thread, and just wondered how you got on at the Doctors last night ?
Ann x
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Hi everyone
Thursday already, where do the days go? Unfortunately I didn't get to the Dr on Monday, work and delayed trains meant I had to cancel. This week hasn't been too bad though, the anxiety nerves are still there first thing in the morning, but they do subside and I'm finding a bit of deep breathing is helping if they do rumble during the day. This afternoon wasn't the best though, seems to be more prevalent when I'm not busy (my brain keeps telling me I'm nervous). I've talked to my DH and told him if I'm still like it by next week I will go to the Dr. I think I'm just frightened I'm turning into a hypochondriac - I really don't do going to see drs so I'm fighting my mind constantly......will see how I go.
Here's my question though........ Ive been mapping my symptoms from the last couple of months and although I feel like I've been anxious/nervous forever, it has only been from around 4 days after I stopped the HRT tablets, now it might be a coincidence, but could it be the withdrawal of the hormones that has set me off????? I know I'm phsyco analysing everything at the moment and looking for that one bit of information that I can nail, but it does seem to be there could be a link. You ladies know so much about this I thought I should ask!
On another note, had my bone scan today, about a month for the results, but I was reminded to drink lots of milk and eat cheese and yogurt......it really doesn't go with the slimming world diet lol.
Hope you are all doing well, speak soon, much love :wub:
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Hi Riley04 - the conflicting advice we get about diet is really tough. If we want to help our bones we need the calcium rich foods like cheese and milk etc. but then we're told we should avoid these things because they are higher in fat so this could fur up our arteries - we can't win. .
A good friend of mine always had this great diet or so I thought - she is slim and fit - but at 55 she slipped over and broke her sacrum. After the fall she had a bone density scan and it was discovered she already had advanced stage osteoporosis and is having some quite drastic treatment to help her bones - it turned out that the low fat diet she so strictly adhered to didn't do her bones any good.
She also had very sensitive skin and was paranoid about getting skin cancer so she kept out of the sun - she was probably Vitamin D deficient as well - so no chance for her bones.
Personally I'd rather look after my bones - eat the cheese and get a nice bit of sun on my brisk walks with the dog.
Controlling mood etc. is really difficult - you need to give yourself time to see what happens - there's no rush, maybe try the HRT (Oestrogel with Utrogestan on a sequi basis) in a few weeks time when you feel ready.
Dg x
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Riley04
I'm exactly the same as you. on Citalopram as GP didn't recognise my symptoms as menopause related but I was only 42 when they started. I'm on HRT but still feel very low, very disconnected and go between being a horrible vicious mum to my two kiddies to being withdrawn and energy less. And I feel so so alone with it all. I even told my husband yesterday that I genuinely believe they would be better off without me...I'm not suicidal but think if I lived on my own it would be better for them :'(
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Melissa you are not on your own and how you are feeling is down to hormones. There's lots of knowledgeable ladies on here who can offer you advice on hrt. I've really not got on with hrt but the citalopram is starting to work. Keep posting on here and rant to get it out.
Sending u big hugs xxxxx
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Get into the sunshine, walk briskly and wear a hat in the heat of the day. Lots of proper cheese, full fat milk, milk puddings in the Winter ………. dairy has good fats, it is processed foodstuffs that are 'less' healthy so restricting those will help. Having said that we've stuffed a pizza this evening ::) but usually Himself cooks from scratch.
There may be a correlation between stopping the HRT and raised anxiety levels. Deep breathing exercises can help, but I forgot to practice ::). We have threads on various ways of relaxation on the Forum …….. I find that not planning too far ahead can help too.