Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Samade on January 16, 2017, 10:23:54 AM
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I am so frustrated, having had a prior dvt due to estrogen its seeming unlikely I'll be allowed any kind of HRT. I got to see one of the senior GPs at my practice and one who I respect. She is getting in contact with specialists, guess I'm inpatient, but she says all the evidence shes found is suggesting I'm too high risk and shouldn't have estrogen at all even tiny amounts( or plant based either). Hopefully the specialists will either give her the evidence or call me in.
At the moment I'm on citalopram which has helped a bit day to day but when I have pms I am so extra low, anxious and have no self esteem. When I'm how I was all the time last summer I'm a happy positive person with a great life, and nothing in my circumstances has changed. Hormones have a lot to answer for!!
My periods have been irregular for a few years now and starting to get further and further apart.
I'm just trying to work out how I'm going to survive, potentially not being able to have HRT is a big blow. I do mindfullness every day which can help with the anxiety, CBT too, again with some success. Although to be honest days it is useful are probably days I could tough it out.
I am wondering if a change in dose or change in AD might be of some use although the thought of having to taper one and initial side effects of another fills me with absolute dread :'(
Does anyone have similar issues or know of any treatments that might be worth investigating?
Sorry to waffle I just can't carry on at times with the hormonal infighting in my head xx
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Can you ask for a referral to a specialist and ask if transdermal HRT would be an option?
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My doctor is going to speak directly to the Specialist and then we'll take it from there. she has suggested that she thinks even transdermal would be too risky. Even though I said I'd accept the risk such is the way hormones are affecting me:( but we will see. I think she'll be happy to refer me if need be
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Hi Samade
I would definitely ask for a referral to a specialist. I have just had a look at your previous pasts and I see you had the DVT on the pill - which of course contains very strong synthetic oestrogens at very high doses, whereas HRT can be given at lower doses, using estradiol (bio-identical with our own oestrogen).
You haven't said how long ago the DVT was and how long after taking the Pill. Also I asked previously if you have any other risk factors eg smoking or being overweight or unfit etc. A specialist may well look differently on the issue depending on your general state of health and other factors.
Here is the list of prescribable non-HRT preparations:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/prescribed.php
There is also a fact sheet on alternatives to HRT ( including ADs and whether they are effective) at Women's Health Concern: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/complementaryalternative-therapies-menopausal-women/
You have nothing to lose by being referred to a specialist and at worst you will just be in the same position - at least you will have explored the possiblity though.
Hurdity x
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Hi Hurdity,
My DVT was about four years ago and I was on the pill at the time. I'd been on it for probably 25 years. I don't smoke, run 3 times a week including 10ks and the odd half marathon. I could prob do with losing another stone, I've lost 2 stone since last summer so thats a work in progress. I've always had blood pressure on the lowest end of normal and low cholesterol so I think I'm pretty healthy.
I am going to ask to see the specialist, although if they ok it directly with my gp it might be quicker. If not I can still get a referral.
Thanks for your suggestions, always helpful :)
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Keep on with the weight loss! Also ring the Surgery to see if your GP has spoken to the Specialist, it's neither here nor there whether initially you visit the Hospital if your GP can liaise - she will be learning and it will save an appt.. It should certainly be quicker than waiting for an appt. ;)
Will you let us know?
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I have booked an appointment for the end of next week just in case. She is very hard to get an appointment with! I will try phoning in a couple of days.
Will definitely let you all know how it goes. This whole meno subject needs sharing it can feel so lonely.
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Finally my doctor has heard back from the specialist and he wants to see me. I believe appts for the meno clinic take 2-3 months but at least they haven't given me a flat no for hrt so fingers crossed
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Thanks for the update Samade - and at least you will be able to talk to a specialist. Do let us know the outcome - when you eventually get your appointment!
Hurdity x
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Take a list of symptoms so that nothing that is worrying you is missed!
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It'll be a long list ! But I'll be ready. This site has helped so much. Thank you ladies
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You are welcome.
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My referral to the menopause clinic has come up for next tuesday, not too bad a wait really. Apparently it is a one stop service and the letter said to allow up to a couple of hours!
I do have a list of things I want sorted 1) anxiety/doom 2) night sweats then lots of little things.
I did think it would mainly be a chat but what other things could take several hours?
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No idea about a menopause clinic, but other appointments seem to be: wait, see someone, wait, have some tests, wait for ages, see someone again............. and so on, or variations thereon. In a&e, they do blood tests that take an hour or so to come back. Hope it goes well. :)
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my friend works in the hospital so she'll pop and see me and they have a cafe with some fabulous healthy options. I'm trying to think positively (I'm on a low anxiety day today)
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I usually have a book with me - something gentle and light but reasonably interesting. And a book mark ;D
Oh - and a bottle of water and emergency biscuit (or similar)
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Well been, to see the specialist at the meno clinic.
I have been given a no for HRT :'( due to my DVT but apparently it's a 'grey' area and she might be able to give it me transdermally in July. Apparently there is a conference at the beginning of July where this advice maybe changing.
Until I have to stay on the citalopram and unofficially recommended me try sage. I did spontaneously burst into tears and she did say she'd look after me.
On plus side my blood pressure was ideal.
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Lovely to know that the ins and outs are again being discussed! Not much help when you want help though :-\.
Does the AD help at all, maybe you need a higher dose? Sage might help/not. If alternatives were known to work they would be on the NHS ::), however, do read the 'alternative room' on here. Did you get another appt. with the Specialist?
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The AD does take the edge off the anxiety and I've done cbt and it helps sometimes but not much helps when I'm low.
I got another appt for the end of July booked in before I left
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How is your diet over-all? Eating every 3 hours even through the night if you wake can even out the anxiety surges. Slow release foods, i.e. fruits and nuts, bananas, porridge ......... I eat B4 my body is hungry which helps stop the surges. Gentle exercise. Keep hydrated. Did you have PMS previously?
Do ring your Surgery to ask if you need a hike in the AD or maybe an 'as necessary' anti-anxiety tablet as well as the AD.
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My diet is pretty good, eating when I wake at night might be worth a try. Gentle exercise lol I run 3 times a week, bit addicted really.
I never really had pms so it's been shock. Luckily my gp lets me play with my dose a bit
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I think self medication is great, saves having to make the appt. each time. Maybe your body needs sustenance if you are running regularly? to top up energy levels?
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possibly. I'll try anything at the moment. Its all so frustrating on my normal days I'm so so very happy and bad days feel like the end of the world with the same old distorted disturbing thoughts :( trying to convince me they are real
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It's Trial and Error ........
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Oh well at least I have another appt with consultant at the end of July, 2 days after I get back from holiday so I'll probably be extra down.