Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Clare11 on February 04, 2017, 03:28:56 PM
-
Hello ladies.
Well been back to the doctor a great had a good chat about what to use to help me. I explained that I had flushes but they aren't that bad, in fact they seem to be diminishing (mind you I have been having them I think for 6 years). My main concern was the thoughts I was having. These have been there since around June last year. Done CBT and looking into mindfulness.
The doctor did think that due to not having any other issues re the Menopause then citalopram would be the best option, it would help my thought process. I did say I was a wee concerned with HRT but she did day as I had not had a period for 21 months maybe ADs would be more helpful. They act quicker than HRT and there would be no guarantee that HRT would help my thought problems.
So I have decided to go with AD 10mg.
I do know that some of you believe HRT would be the best route but I have been pondering this for a few months. I hope I have made the right decision.
Is there any one out there who has done the same as me and had success?
But, I have to say you ladies are wonderful and have and hopefully will still help and guide. You have been a breath of fresh air for me.
xx
-
Hello Clare11,
Just to say I'm also considering this route, will schedule an appt to a psychiatrist next week. I hope you keep posting your jouney, it will help me decide. After last scans and mammogram I'm afraid HRT won't be a choice for me right now. Hoping this will work for you! xxx
-
Is there any one out there who has done the same as me and had success?
Hi Clare, yes, me.
I chose not to take HRT, my choice, and I am fortunate in that my meno journey has not been a bad one really. It helped that I have no womb so had no bleeding. If I had I might have tried the HRT route.
However I have a problem with anxiety. It has been there most of my life but became a nuisance 2 years ago. I spent last year having psychotherapy and taking ADs, low dose escitalopram. I am in a very different place now and know instinctively that it was the right course of action for me.
Good luck with your decision.
-
Hrt is not the answer for everyone and you alone can make that decision as to which route you want to go. As you are not overly troubled with flushes but more physiologic problems I personally think that this could work for you in this instance. Hrt is brilliant for flushes but no so good for anxiety etc I have found. So good luck .
-
I'm on both citalopram and HRT - not sure what is doing what though.
-
Does it matter what works? Some ADs can help with hot flushes as well as easing anxiety.
Try it - 6-8 months will enable you to see if you feel better .........
-
Hi CLKD,
Like you I agree, does it matter what works.
I just hope this does for me and if I am truthful soon rather than later. ;)
I am trying Mindfulness too and trying to get as much excercise as I can.
Doctor has also said no problem taking vitamin D as a bit low in that.
So onwards and upwards :)
-
How did you find out that you are 'low' in VitD?
I had depression since 1988 so have long-term experience of various ADs. Initially I wanted to know what was causing the depression: genetics or ???? but had to accept that a low-dose variable AD for Life is essential. Pre-menstrual depression was totally different as it would pass once the bleed began. I have both organic and clinic depression.
-
Hi CLKD,
I know I get confused but I am sure I asked the doctor about taking vitamin D and I am sure she looked at my blood test results and said it would be helpful. See this is were I may be confused, she may have just meant it was a good idea or I took it that I am low. Is this something they would check?
Do get tongue tied at the doctor's and have to take questions written down.
Not got the results but I know when they did them they took 2 samples as she said she would check everything (did this due to me not liking blood tests).
Sorry if I have confused anything.
I am hoping as you said after 6 months of AD and more work with CBT I can get back to nearly being as I was.
;)
-
Hi Clare11
Yes I am one who thinks that HRT is the best solution to problems caused by the menopause, as I expect you know ::).
The thing is - some doctors have the mistaken belief that unless a woman is still suffering from flushes and sweats post-menopause - but experiences other symptoms as you are - there is no longer any need for HRT. However low oestrogen is also known to cause low mood and anxiety, and therefore if you take HRT you are not only eliminating flushes and sweats, and hopefully lifting mood as well - as ADs may also do, but also conferring other health benefits such as increased bone and cardio-vascular protection - which ADs do not.
However if you have suffered emotional/mental problems in the past then it could be nothing to do with oestrogen or menopause but because of past problems/life issues etc, but if it has only come on since the menopause and there is no reason in your life to feel like this - then a hormonal explanation is more likely.
I can see though, in the absence of hot flushes and sweats a doctor may not make the connection. I am sure I have mentioned though that oestrogen levels fall following the last period over the next couple of years, and although there is still some small fluctuation in oestrogen levels they are more or less stable (compared to the menstrual cycle) - so they will soon be at their all time low - which could account for your decreased mood.
Your decision is yours alone and whatever happens I hope you feel the benefit in the months to come :)
Hurdity x
-
Wow, that's a great reply hurdity! I didn't have any mood issues before the menopause, and my periods were as regular as clockwork until I got to 51 and then one month they just stopped completely and never came back.
It was only after a few years that I started getting symptoms such as hot sweats, anxiety and depression so what you have said makes complete sense; my oestrogen levels must have hit their all time low a few years after my LMP and triggered off the symptoms which caused me to have a breakdown.
-
If you discussed VitD with the GP that's OK ........ let us know how you get on?
-
Hello there,
Just thought i would let you know how i am getting on 1.5 months into my AD's. Have increased to 20mg and i have to say the thoughts are less and less severe. I have started running again, feel as though i can be on my own and the hubby has even said i am like the old Clare, full of life. Iam not saying all is perfect but a great deal better than it was. Doctor wants to see me 2 months time to see where we go from here. Ringing in the ears hasn't gone though. Had no side affects that i can think off maybe just more tired but maybe due to the running.
Hope this helps others.
x
-
So pleased that you feel improved and that your Husband can see a difference :tulips: :thankyou:
If HRT is required at a later date, then so be it. I usually suggest from my own experiences that a 4-5 month trial of an AD initially, then if it works 12-18 months B4 even considering weaning off. I have to take an AD for Life ;)
-
I found that citalopram has taken around 4-5 months to work properly as CLKD said but everyone is different. It has been tough but I now have more good days than bad days. I am hoping to be able to take hrt soon as I believe it is hormonal anxiety/agitation I get. I'm seeing a specialist next week so fingers crossed. Help with night sweats would be good too but citalopram isn't helping with that
-
I'm on both citalopram and HRT - not sure what is doing what though.
hi i was on protoxetine 20 mg as well as hrt it worked really well for 8 months then slowly my tears anxiety start to return so went back to my gp who is not sympathetic who said I can up your dosage to 40 mg which I was not keen to do so he said unfortunately that's how it is not what I wanted to hear 😔So asked what else I could try he surgested citalopram with hrt so on 20 mg of citalopram so far so good about a week . how long you been on them . 😀
-
I've been taking ADs since 1989. I tend to vary the doseage I take depending on what support my brain requires.
-
Hi, if it helps i have been on them for just over 1 and half months, 10mg first, now 20mg and things are getting better but still have some worries, heart attack worries less now worrying about blood pressure as had a test at work and was over 140/90 but do suffer from white coat syndrome. But without the tablets i know my worries would be far worse.
x
-
:thankyou: ......... it may take a few months B4 you feel real benefit ;-)
-
I was on cits before and stopped , started again end on last year, around three weeks ago i got a same day dr apointment. I burst out crying , my periods were getting shorter the AD were not working i was so so angry with work collegues i was scaried of what i would say. The dr asked me about flushes ( i have been going to work a 45 min walk in a thin jacket) and night sweat ect ect ..she asked me to go on the web site and look menopause matters .. what a ruddy idiot i have been ...so now i know its peri. So without the cits i would not have found this place... reading stuff and going over stuff i just wanted to post and wish you all the best.
-
Browse round Jdmason, make notes. Ask away!
-
Hi there.
Great news they are helping you. I have been on citralopam for four years now.........I had a huge melt down anxiety overload.....never looked bsvk. I tale 40mgs daily and have a mirena for meno too......sadly my then husband was no encouragement except to my replacement and I left him 3 years ago. I had a huge trauma in the loss of my eldest son at 23 and coped all the way.
Keep going honey, enjoy running again and put the white coat syndrome in your pocket and live life ...
Woodlands xx
-
I have just come back from the doctor as I have been feeling low for 2 weeks now. History of depression some 16 years ago, which I'm afraid of coming back. All the symptoms, no concentration, low mood, EXTREMELY emotional, anxious, no motivation, angry, feeling out of control and irrational. She's prescribed Citalopram 10mg, but the possible side effects are worrying me and then I worry that I'm imagining my symptoms being worse than they are and I should just wait and see if they go, they are all part of the peri-menopause etc etc.
I am in such a quandary as to whether I should start taking them or not. I do need to stop feeling like this though - just don't want to rely on ADs - I don't want to be on them for the rest of my life. I also don't want to take HRT though. :-\
Everybody on here is so helpful - it's a great forum :)
-
Why not take them GC :-\ - if you went to your GP and that is what she suggests as you don't want to take HRT ...... I HAVE to be on ADs for Life which is something that I have accepted.
-
Hi again CLKD - I think it's because I'm a little scared of side effects? I'm the most indecisive person I know and trying to make this decision is taking up a lot of my day! Does that sound stupid? I honestly feel like I'm going out of my stupid mind lately! ::)
-
Not stupid at all! I would sit and worry that the medication would make me feel worse :-\ :'( ....... but I have found this particular drug gentle and easy to take. If I'm starting something new I do it on a Friday so that any side effects can be worked through ;-).
-
That's a good idea. I just got off the train and walked to work and struggled not to burst into tears all the way! I'm feeling incredibly out of control of my emotions - it's actually quite scary. I'm really pleased that these help you. I did take fluoxetine many years ago which had an adverse effect on me (didn't help that I was drinking at the time - I don't drink anymore, thank god!) so I think that's why I'm wary.
-
Of course you are wary. With food or medication I worry so much that they might make me feel worse than I am already that I can go days, curled into a ball, unable to eat, function, take the medication :'( so I know have an emergency anti-anxiety tablet which knocks me out so that I get some relief.
:bighug: ADs have come on in Leaps and Bounds in recent years ;-).
-
Hi GC
Just wondering if there are particular reasons you are unsure about trying HRT?
I've been on escitalopram for 13 years, and now a few years into perimeno am still unsure what to do re HRT.
I know some people find SSRIs amazing, but I personally would want to explore HRT first if depression symptoms had re-emerged with peri.
I found reading Prof Studd's website on the hormonal basis of a lot of women's MH issues enlightening: PMT, post-natal and perimeno.
-
However: if the brain can be stabilised by anti-depressants and/or anti-anxiety medication, then GO for them. HRT can be Trial and Error allowing the sufferer to drop even lower :-\
-
I am not interested in whether I would/would not have done better if I had persevered with HRT in the beginning. I know that my low dose SSRI (also escitalopram, Nell, as it is gentler and better tolerated than Citalopram) has not removed my anxiety but has made it manageable and I am in a better place than I was before it. I am 60 years old and in the past week I have been found to have an age related eye condition and pre diabetes. None of us know how long or how short our remaining time will be and it is about quality of life in the here and now for that time, not what we should or should not be taking.
If it works/helps then go for it.
-
Hi,
Have to say i think AD's are a good thing, with or without HRT. I was definitely on the fence with HRT or AD's and chose AD's. I am very happy with the choice i have made. And as CLKD has said there has been a big improvement with AD's over the years. I think you have to make your own choice but i can say they do seem to be working for me, the only thing they have not done is stop my hot flushes at night but they aren't that bad.
x
-
Hi Clare glad they are working for you,I said it would take time :)it's like a new lease of life when you ain't worrying about heart attacks,brain tumours etc etc we are still only young n got loads left in us lol sit back n enjoy xx
-
Hi Lollipop,
How right you are. Within 2 months there has been a big improvement, the OH has noticed too. I can now seem to breath and i don't seem to blow things out of proportion.
Hope all is well with you too.
x
-
glad you are more settled now :)
-
What has been suggested in order to maintain the density? Is she able to exercise for example?
-
I didn't read the question ......... did she present with depression as well? Perhaps she could ring to ask why as we don't always take in what is suggested ::)
-
How is she coping with the AD? It's surprising what other conditions medications can help with, that they haven't been designed for ::)
-
Hi Clare all good here thanks,glad you are keeping your other half happy cuz it helps if they ain't moaning lol,you might find in time you can wean off them but now the sun is shing we all feel a lot better,still looking at holidays victor meldrew ain't having non of it lolxx
-
Hello, in reply to Stellajane, i discussed HRT with the doctor. I have also been on a CBT course. Sweats are reducing. The reason for going down the AD route even though very in the Menopause is over the last 2 years, mum passed away and then had a serious diving bend. So became very anxious and afraid of diving and connected it with death. Maybe because Mum had died and had slightly elevated blood pressure. It all got too much and when it was thought i may i had another Diving bend it got all too much.
The doctor and i discussed this very lengthy and i decided on AD with her support as it would help me quickly and due to not suffering that much with other symptoms.
We are all different. I now can do nearly everything like before and still doing CBT. It sort of helps.
Lollipop, keep working on him for a holiday 😎 . As you say the sun helps so very much.
xx
-
What's a diving bend? :-\
-
It's when you get a nitrogen bubble in your blood. I had one in the ear which makes you very very dizzy and sick. I had to book into o recompression chamber for 7 hours and then had another treatment the next day for 2 hours. In the chamber they take you down to a certain depth, say 18 meters for so long and then bring you back up slowly. I had a nurse with me all the time, a nurse who understands recompression treatment. Second time similar treatment due to ringing in the ears after diving, due to last bend being in the ears they wanted make sure. I have now been advised to only do warm water diving. Thing is still have ringing in the ears 😁😁 now think that is due to this wonderful thing we go through, the Menopause 😋
Sorry gone on a bit.
-
Aaah, you 'dive' ::) ..... as in deep water rather than scuba? Certainly if a person has more than 2 'issues' when coming up to the surface it is advised to avoid deep diving in future. Another thread ? - what did you see :D
-
I have been very lucky. I have seen turtles, mantas, dolphins, sharks, whaleshark, seahorses, eagle rays, rays, tarpons, octypus, stone fish and so many many other fish along with some magnificent corals.
And i intend to carry on seeing all this but at far shallower depths. :)
It's a beautiful world there.
-
How brave! I can't abide octopus, they send me scurrying away - like spiders do for many. I have to make myself stand in aquariums to watch them as I know that they are intelligent. There's a photo of a man with one clutched to his shoulders as he emerges from water :o :sick02: .....
We have a holiday thread - do let us know when you are off diving again ;-)
-
Hi ladies, just been for my 2 month review and going to carry on with the citalopram for another 2 months and have another review. Things have improved but not gone altogether. But no crying and feel happier and more content than i have done for a while.
Still have the tinitus and get some headaches but far better overall. Night sweats seem a little bit less which is good and so sleeping better. Just thought i would let you know just in case anyone else is thinking about AD's. Maybe not for all but does seem to be helping me. But also still doing some CBT.
x
-
If they are working then don't be persuaded to stop them ...........
-
I've been weaning myself off them for last couple of months. I had them reduced to 10mg every second day. I wanted to come off them as no longer felt they were necessary, but GP wouldn't let me, so did it myself & feel fine. I could have understood it if I was on high dose.
-
Hi all,
Thanks for this thread. Have been reassured having just been prescribed Citalopram. I believe I am about 2 years into peri having realised my symptoms after experiencing hot flashes. At 36 I have concerns about the health worries that early meno can bring, so have just been monitoring my symptoms the last 18 months with diet and exercise control. I had noticed a real dip in my mood the last few months, and anxiety was starting to go through the roof. I also had a 3-4 month episode of horrible heart palpitations late last year which I failed to associate with peri. Had ECG's and several tests done as I also have a low heart rate but all came back fine.
Anyway, hot flashes have been coming back and low mood becoming debilitating, so went to GP expecting to be put on the pill. I had got in my head that I was low in estrogen because of my low mood, however having read through the forum I think I may also get estrogen surges due to out of normal cycle pinkish mucus. Periods are now shorter, very watery and every 23 days.
Also having VA symptoms and the GP advised using lubricants. Due back in one month to see how I am progressing on the Citalopram.
I came away feeling concerned that the AD will not protect my bones (have had three fractures in last 2 years), but GP stated that as my DEXA scan came back fine last year, there is no need to address this unless I have another fracture.
I am going to give the AD a go and off for blood tests to check FSH, Vit D, Thyroid etc tonight.
Thanks again ladies, this forum is amazing.
-
In the meantime maybe keep a food/mood/symptom diary. Also browse round and make notes. Treatment Details in the green menus, top of page.
Once the AD begins to work you can decide whether you need HRT as well as or instead of ......... your GP should not wait until you get another fracture, frankly I would be asking for advice on extra calcium etc.. HRT will certainly protect bones and heart.
Was the scan done of your pelvis and hips which is where the main bone density is. Brisk walking, 10 mins. weight bearing exercise twice a day, can help stop fractures, did your GP advise you? The idea being that bones need impact in order to remain strong and we are a 'sitting' society these days ::) - walking, skipping, dancing can all help. [we have threads about exercise here too ::)]
Vaginal atrophy - needs oestrogen replacement! We have threads about that too!!! [My Bladder etc.]. For me it was like razor blades up there :o beginning with urine infection-type symptoms. Samples came back clear so my GP prescribed appropriate treatment. Do NOT wait, ask your GP for treatment ASAP.
Have a read of the 'daisy' web-site too, for ladies with early menopause symptoms! (details on here somewhere)
-
Thanks CLKD,
I started my mood diary three cycles ago and it helped so much, especially as I was recalling my symptoms to the GP and forgot brain fog ::)
Will add the food diary too. I am loosely recording my diet, as keen to maintain my calcium level. My DEXA showed that my calcium although O.k was slightly low. This surprised me as I make up shakes every day using spinach and raw broccoli. Maybe a supplement is needed so will seek advice as you mention. The scan was done on my pelvis and hips. The fractures have been in my hands and wrist.
The treatment sections on here have really helped, and one thing I did notice was when I added flaxseed oil and linseed to my diet, my hot flashes were more frequent and more intense. I've just started having 0% fat yoghurt and granola, so wondering if they may have contributed to my recent surge of flashes. I also want to look at magnesium, as suffer from cramp frequently and now getting jittery and achy arms.
On my original GP visit they gave me the leaflet on osteoporosis, and I have maintained an exercise regime with that in mind. Luckily for me I do enjoy running, and have added some light weights as well.
Once I discussed my VA symptoms I was hoping the GP would prescribe Vagifem. When I visit next month I am thinking I should ask for it directly? I did explain that I feel as though I have a urine infection after intercourse, and the pressure is so bad and painful that I walk hunched for the next two days. I need to keep a diary of this though, as it doesn't happen every time. I'm wondering if it could be cycle related?
I'm signed up to the daisy site, but find MM so incredibly helpful and responsive.
Thanks again for your help.
-
I would ring my Surgery and ask for prescription for VA treatment ;-), based on your current symptoms. Don't know how you would improve the situation in wrists, other than walking on your hands ;) ...... but do wear trousers and not a skirt .......... :whist: .......
My Granny always said that cramp is caused by a lack of salt! so if you run then maybe you need to cook more veg. with added salt? Certainly M-in-L suffered with cramp in her hands and feet and eventually calves, her GP had told her to cut back all salt but that nearly killed her. When she eventually took my advice: after 12 months of us nagging : and added salt to her veg. symptoms improved. She was on a diuretic too which would drain her body of minerals.
-
Hi, just to say I am still on citalopram. Went on to 20mg for 2 months, now back on 10. It definitely has helped me. I still have my issues and concerns but I don't stress out or panic or get anxious. All in all I have been on the AD's now about 4 and half months. Not that long really compared to some but it seems to be working for me. Still have hot flushes but not that bad or for that long. Have catarrh issues but we all have problems. AD's do help and I can say I have had no side effects.
x
-
I have been taking citalopram for about 18 months, but I get many different brands of them. I get 3 months supply at a time and in May I received a brand I hadn't had previously, I don't know if it was a coincidence but I had a few low days so I went back to the pharmacy and exchanged two of the packs.
I've had a new supply today and I've had a different brand again.
Does anyone else find they get different brands and do you think some brands have less side effects ?
-
Nope. Also our Pharmacy will destroy any packets taken back ......... they used to be allowed to send them abroad but no longer :-\