Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Droopeydrawers on October 24, 2018, 08:19:34 AM
-
Hi all.Ive recently after just over a years usage decided to give hrt a rest my bodies so sore and tired of fighting off the various side effects ie bloating throbbing headaches nausea dizziness skin like an oil slick with this last batch I've been trying all under the guidance of 2 top meno experts.the worst part of all this has been the gastric symptoms which id nothing like I have now in such a short space of time and which has been so debilitating.ive had all the tests scans and bloods going and no reason for this pain and discomfort in my gut showing up.
The weights been dropping off me because like lots of you I've been reluctant to eat on the painful days.since trialling the estrodot patches my discomfort and pain and new symptoms escalated so I'm at a stage now where I'm not getting the help and advice I need so have to try and work this out myself.you can't seriously tell someone to just persevere after over a year of increase in severity of side effects of oestrogen.im now focussing on healing my symptoms if I can and my physio this week suggested I try flax seeds or linseed sprinkled on my foods and after a few days of that and buscopan I'm starting to see a ray of hope.the oil slick skin has disappeared since stopping the oestrogen and the gastric attacks have greatly reduced as has the nausea but I still have a big knot feeling in centre of tummy and sore ribs.great book was recommended to me last week "GUT" by Giulia Enders it doesent half enlighten you about your gut in an easy and fun way I highly recommend it,you wouldnt believe half the stuff your tonsils and saliva do either,well worth a read if your having disgestive issues.x D.D
-
With small dietary changes, I have reduced my GUT problems enormously. Sadly the medical profession are not good at giving advice about how to manage our digestive system well - it's just the standard thing “a good balance diet with lots of fruit and vegetablesâ€. WE are all different and what works for one won't work for another. I have a bread maker and put linseeds in each time - really good.
Cutting our caffeine, fruit juices and highly acidic food has helped me greatly, I also take digestive enzymes and peppermint oil capsules that seem to help. I also eat small meals regularly - I always suffer if I eat too much at once.
Good luck. Dg x
-
Thanks for that- this is v timely as i have gp appt re nausea/indigestion also hoarse throat and your mention of tonsils makes me wonder if it's all related.
i can't tolerate hrt so i think mine is my own general hormone fluctuations
hope you continue to feel better :)
-
Just a thought DD, have you been checked for Gallstones??
-
Hi shadyglade yes I have I've had my gall bladder my pancreas liver etc all checked last week again and all healthy no signs of stones or disease.
I've emailed my consultant now to ask their opinion it just seems to me an awful lot of posters are complaining of digestive/ gut/ bowel issues but tests are showing nothing really.
Could this be a side effect of oestrogen.i was actually doing quite well initially when I only took one squirt of gel a day then they said to increase it to 2 so I could get my levels up higher and start testosterone but it then I seemed to start with a variety if other problems plus I wasn't absorbing enough according to blood tests so was told to try higher dose estrodot 100 and things have gotten worse.im hoping the consultant can help I am so knackered with this pain and I'm hungry but reluctant to eat.xxD.D
-
Hi Dg yes I'm doing what you suggest thank you.think I just need to trade in this old knackered body lol.D.D
-
Thank you Vf I hope you get some answers we really could do with some help from the medics on this one.D.D
-
Droopeydrawers - I think with you it was possibly a coincidence that your digestive issues emerged when you started HRT. I know that some women seem to find oral HRT upsets their tummy but transdermal is supposed to be fine :-\ I'm surprised it was the oestrogen causing the problems (it's usually progesterone that is the problem), although sometimes the gall bladder can start playing up when starting HRT - but so many of us become very anxious when starting HRT ( the misinformed scares have made everyone very nervous of HRT) and classic symptoms of anxiety are gut issues.
I'm afraid when I stopped HRT was when my digestive issues really flared up - oestrogen is the engine oil that helps to keep our body functioning well on all sorts of levels and as oestrogen drops, then so do many other bodily functions. However if you were oestrogen depleted before starting the oestrogen, then maybe ‘waking everything up again' triggered these issues?
I was given PPIs drugs to help with the burning pain, like you are getting, and they really mucked things up. PPIs reduce the digestive juices so you aren't digesting properly!!! I now take digestive enzymes, along with adjusting my diet significantly, and find these strategies have really helped.
Do try adjusting what you eat and how you eat in small ways to find what works for you - I find very small meals regularly through the day is best. DG x
-
Hi DD. I could have written your post as I'm in exactly the same position. I've been trying over the last year to find a HRT that doesn't have such debilitating side effects on my digestive system. The ladies on here have been great in trying to help with different suggestions and I have tried a lot of these but still the stomach pain continues. I'm fairly sure that it's the oestrogen that causes the problems as I've tried taking various oestrogens first before adding in the progesterone and the discomfort is always there.
I was taking Prempak C for a number of years without any issues so thought I would give Premarin a try as this is supposed to be similar. I appreciate that this kind of equine HRT won't be for everyone but it definitely doesn't affect my stomach as much, although it wasn't really managing my symptoms that well either 😏. So, I'm now giving Estradot a try but I only stuck the patch on the day before yesterday and already the stomach pains, gurgling etc etc are back !
I know this isn't much help to you but I just wanted to say that I know exactly how you are feeling and I understand why you would want to give your body a break from it all. I have done this on a few occasions over the last year but, unfortunately, the meno symptoms always creep back 😞
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Rosie63 xx
-
I'm convinced it's inflammation from fluctuating hormones that made my digestive issues worse through peri. I had inflammation through my system, even my gallbladder was inflamed, no stones. I'm now post meno, no period since June 2017. Still having digestive issues but sometimes it calms right down. I know it will never be normal as I have a hiatus hernia and diverticulosis but any improvement is a bonus. I do know stress and anxiety aggravates mine so add in hormones and it all blurs into one. No hrt for me, just Vagifem.
Hi Sparkle, I remember reading your posts when you were in peri so I'm pleased to see you're now post meno and that some of your symptoms have calmed down (as I remember I had similar ones to yours), gives hope to us all! x
-
Thanks for your comments ladies I do appreciate it.
You know sparkle I need to say thank you to you too because you've just helped me make a choice.definately no more hrt for me now I've had all the breast pain burning mouth oily skin spots headaches and now gastric pain I can take.give me back my flushes and I'll plod away with only vagifem like you.good choice and I'm sure I can do it this is my second week off it now and I'm fine other than my gut so big thank you everyone and if Dr Louise newson gets back to me about my email query on oestrogel and gastric side effects I'll post and let you know what she says.I trust her.thanks all xx D.D
-
I hope the digestion issues settle down quickly for you. They aren't fun. Mine still aren't perfect but I got a lot of help from someone at a local health store.
I recommend some digestive enzymes to help take some stress off your system. And a good probiotic.
Very interested to see what you hear back about side effects
-
Morning ladies.I got a late night reply from Dr newson.
She didn't comment on the possible link between oestrogen and gastric issues.she said maybe cut the patch in half and try that for a couple of weeks it was completely up to me!
I won't be doing that till I get to the bottom of the pain and discomfort in my gut.i nearly got an online appointment at 7.30 this morning for gp but I was 2 slow and someone else grabbed it lol.I have a gp id prefer to see but he's rarely available the rest are a waste of time.back to the drawing board lol.D.D x
-
hadnt spotted this thread but looking back at the posts I can see you're trying flax seed. That can be great but can also really irritate your stomach and bowel. I had years where I couldn't tolerate it at all.
-
Morning Robin must admit after the first couple of spoons it certainly got things moving.im so fed up I feel like my middle is pushing up through my chest and my ribs and upper tummy are killing.when I last went to gp I saw nurse prsctioner who sent stool sample away.which came back clear,but never examined my tummy or ribs and then I got results no further treatment but the pains still here with me.when I had that bad bout of vomiting and trots back in June.we both had it.i had projectile vomiting for 3 days I've never had anything like that and I've never been right since with this pushing up feeling in my tummy and bouts of nausea and constipation.my pharmacist said to me last week it could be a hiatus hernia and im thinking now maybe hes not far off.ill need to just keep trying to get an appointment again.theres only one decent gp there and it's nearly impossible to get him.X D.D
-
Hi DD It got things moving for me too but caused loads of pain so I had to stop. I was told to start with tiny amounts and build up the quantity slowly as it's known to cause pain in some. It might not be the actual cause of your problem but be irritating wherever the initial issue was. Hope you manage to get an appointment x
-
Have you tried movicol? It's really gentle on the tummy so might be worth asking your gp if you can try it if you haven't already.
-
Droppydrawers - when did you have your endoscopy? You may need to have this again to see what's going on. If you are already on a PPI and if you symptoms are it is acid reflux, then it is not doing it's job. PPIs like Lazanprozole are not good to take long term because they can lead to osteoporosis and other digestive problems. You could need a referral to a gastroenterologist and I'm afraid if this is ongoing you should insist you have further investigations. If it is simply a hiatus hernia then this can be helped with certain strategies but you are understandably anxious and this constant pain should not be left.
If you are getting constipated then drinking lots of water, eating more fibre and getting more exercise, like walking, would be helpful and could ease things considerably. Also eat small amount often.
DG x
-
Hello ladies.
A gastroenterologist told my friend to take flaxseed daily and it really helped her constipation however you need to grind the seeds before you eat them. I put mine in a coffee grinder and grind them to a powder. I agree that it's worth starting slowly and building up as your body needs time to adjust and the necessary bacteria need time to grow.
Droopydrawers - I hope you get sorted soon, I know how horrible any digestive upset can make you feel.
Take care everyone.
K.
-
Thanks ladies I'm already doing all of the above recommendations and since stopping the hrt its been nowhere near as bad these last two weeks but still bad enough to stress me. I popped into gps earlier and explained to the guard dogs also known as receptionists that i was still having pain and would really like to see a gp she offered me a nurse I said no thank you I've seen the nurse I need the expertise of the gp now the nurse discharged me because they found nothing in stool sample but the point is I'm still in pain so need further investigation to which she responded we make 2 week advance appointments on Mondays only so come back then.so cold and robotic and obviously in the wrong type of career.ive actually made a private gp appointment now for Wednesday.earliest I could get.ridiculous but what choices do we have these days.fingers crossed I get some answers before I fade away lol.x thanks again everyone D.D
-
Absolutely shocking! How long does something have to go on for before it's taken seriously. There are many things that wouldn't show up in a stool sample. Don't give up DD x
-
I am feeling really angry about the awful service many GPs now give - I have lost all faith in what the NHS can give us.
We have a young girl of 21 in our village and for a year she was going to the doctor complaining of bad stomach pain. She told the various GPs she saw that she was being sick after eating and she was loosing weight very quickly. She told me she was actually sleeping on her bathroom floor because she couldn't be away from the loo to be sick! Each time she went to the doctor she was dismissed as suffering IBS or an eating disorder - one doctor just told to her to go home and eat properly.
Her mother finally stepped in and insisted they investigate. The poor girl was a by now 6 stone, she had an MRI scan and within hours they had operated to remove a big section of her small and large bowel as there was a tumour! She has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia that is very advanced. If the GPs had listened, done appropriate blood tests or even examined her properly she'd probably be a in better situation now but because she is so frail the treatment is going be particularly difficult.
Sorry for the rant - but it makes my blood boil. DG x
-
What an absolute disgrace. I appreciate these receptionists are only doing their job but we help to pay their wages with what we contribute into the state and they could at least try to show a bit more compassion with people who are obviously in distress and suffering. It's so wrong that many of us have had to pay to see a private doctor because it's impossible to get an appointment with a GP.
Sorry to rant but it makes me so cross >:(
Rosie x
-
That's terrible Dancinggirl but I think when the GP's don't listen, people should just go to A&E. At least you can get seen and assessed and they seem to me more thorough there with tests.
-
Hello DD and ladies,
DD, are you taking vitamin D and calcium? I had bad tummy (and asymptomatic kidney) issues because of HIGH vitamin D and calcium levels. These supplements are too powerful. Vitamin D is actually a hormone and calcium causes the kidney to activate vitamin D, which enables the digestive system to absorb more calcium, so taking both can make your metabolism go haywire.
Snoooze, I agree. If you think your body or mind are having serious issues you should go to A&E. GP's are ok for routine appointments and that's it.
Conolly X
-
Hi conolly I'm now taking but d3 and k2 in a combi spray that you use orally but no calcium I didn't want to risk supplements so I went lactose free so I could have milk in cerial or yoghurt.ive just had bloods done.well 2 weeks ago actually and it's very comprehensive I've included ovarian cancer check and h pylori checks amongst a zillion other things lol.its a 28 page report which flags anything untoward and the last page is a summary of recommendations if any.for gp.the company I used were great and it was under £200 for this and ecgs they've been very thorough so I am hoping for the report b4 I see the private gp on Wed.its due any day now.ive had scans and stool tests I won't let them do invasive and nothing's showed I'll arrange a c.t. or mri when I see this gp they can do it there.i don't drink or smoke and my health and my family are paramount to me so that's why I pay rather than wait on the off chance the nhs.can squeeze me in and even when they do I'm still told no further action when it's obvious somethings not right.hopefully these tests will conclude things.dont get me wrong I do feel for our system but at the same time I'm angry that it fails me so often and in the space of 15 years I've had to go private more and more because of this.thank you again all xx D.D
-
Hello again ladies.
Dancinggirl - your story of the young lady is very disturbing. When my MIL was alive she was occasionally visited by her GP and on one visit he commented that her very large stomach would soon disappear because he had prescribed drugs to reduce water retention. My MIL later joked with us that this wouldn't happen because her stomach was solid as it was basically fat! It was then that I realised that the doctor had not examined her because if he had he would've learned that her belly was hard and not soft! I think that with 10 minute appointments and computer screens to update there isn't time for the old fashioned hands on approach.
Our health service is buckling under the strain and we will all suffer when it's gone.
Take care all.
K.
-
Hi Droopeydrawers
Haven't seen you before so :welcomemm: - maybe introduce yourself in new members and tell us something about yourself - how old where in menopause etc?
Nausea is common if oestrogen levels are too high although this usually settles ( like in pregnancy) - I'm not sure it is known for causing ongoing gastric and digestion problems when taken transdermally although this is a very common issue with tablets. According to something I read IBS tends to worsen as hormone levels fall - although I expect this is another area where more research is needed.
It is important to investigate any ongoing digestive or gastric changes, as you are doing (and especially if it has persisted after stopping HRT anyway) - but this can all be done on NHS - they have a duty to diagnose and treat you - and you should not need to pay!
Hurdity x
-
Once you get the NHS gastroenterologist appointment they can be very thorough, I had endoscopy, ultrasound, CT and MRI all within a few weeks. However, I had to wait 6 months for the first appointment as the waiting lists are so high for gastroenterology.
I was admitted twice by ambulance with a suspected bleeding ulcer but they refused an emergency endoscopy each time as they were just too overwhelmed.
My nausea was so strong that I lost 2 stone, and figured out by myself it was peri, during that wait but had the tests for reassurance (and they did find benign growths on my liver from high oestrogen) but was dismissed each GP and A&E appointment with “go home, stop worrying and eat something”.
Yes we shouldn’t have to seek private treatment but the reality is very differently unfortunately.
-
Tonight I'm not feeling so sore so I'm hoping that it's as a result of my oestrogen levels dropping now I've stopped hrt but I'm just guessing.once I get these results and see private gp I'm sure I'll know more and I'll update, right now desperation makes us clutch at straws and I guess I'm clutching like nobodies business lol.it would be ideal if nhs was available to help but unfortunately it's just not happening and I'm not hanging around on the off chance especially with the waiting times now.that is if you can even get a gp appointment.thanks ladies for all your input.D.D
-
Quick update.
I had private blood test to check out one of my other theories and the results have just arrived today.It confirmed I have hpylori as I suspected.I will now take the full 28page report to my private gp and get the necessary meds I need for this.
I'm so relieved to get this confirmed but I will still want scans to check for ulcer.when I went to the practice nurse and said I'd had this year's ago when in Spain and id had the antibiotic treatment she couodnt have looked more disinterested so sent away stool test at my request but no bloods and when stool test came back negative they closed my treatment said no further treatment and meantime I'm in pain and scared to death worrying about what it is.
I'm happier today although still have pain and I will try staying off hrt as I'm presently doing because I'm not mad on the other side effects of it I've never had spots and oily skin or all the other stuff but I will stay open minded about a return to it if I have to.thank you a zillion times over for your support and advice.xx D.D
-
Well done for being so proactive Droppydrawers. It's awful that we have to be so on the ball about our health issues when we are feeling so low. Hope things get sorted now.
Yes you should have a cystoscopy to check things properly so insist on this.
DG x
-
Brilliant result thank goodness you were persistent. You'll soon be on the mend once you have the right treatment. I'm really pleased for you DD.
Love the typo dancing girl- droppy drawers 😂
-
Hi ladies update for you.
I saw private gp tonight had discussion told him hpylori result explained I'd had it b4 so basically he said based on the fact id had this before the blood test would come back positive because I had antibodies in my blood from previous infection and because stool test was negative he was reluctant to bombard my body with the heavy antibiotic regime and ppis that were the required treatment for hpylori.he was pleased I'd been pro active and stuck myself on ranitidine and this had reduced the pain but not completely as it was just low strength otc so we opted for doubling the dose for 4 weeks and monitor and if no change then a referral to gastroenterologist for further discussion.I really liked his common sense approach and the fact he didn't dive in with invasive suggestions and his manner was lovely he was very approachable.Im still of the opinion that hrt has in some way triggered this and I'm still off it and having no other issues.ive no way of knowing if the ranitidine or the ceasing hrt was a decider in the calming down of this and I would suggest if any of you are still having gastric issues maybe buy some otc ranitidine. it can only settle things down a bit for you if your in half as much discomfort and pain as I was I'd say go for it.for £2.99 it may be all you need to settle things before they get too out of hand.ive to try this then go back in 3 weeks for a review so fingers crossed.meantime I'm in no hurry to go back onto hrt I'll just see what fate brings next.good luck to every one I hope you get your gastric issues resolved.xD.D
-
Hi, I've recently been put on PPI because of stomach problems. Everytime I have a hot flush or nightsweat I feel my stomach palpitating.
I was then sometimes feeling ravenous after eating and generally just having a tender tummy. I also have soooooo much cattargh at the back of my throat which makes me feel nauseous at times because I can't clear it - and now I have this burning mouth!
It feels like my saliva is thick and my tongue feels sore and the roof of my mouth is swollen? 😬
I told all this to the Doctor and she put me on PPI's.
My tummy is settling down a bit but not the burning mouth. I'm 64 and 5 years post menopausal and not on HRT.
Some ladies are saying to try digestive enzymes can you tell me which ones you take?
-
Hi Carol I avoided the ppis in favour of the ranitidine and gp said exactly the same.if you go online to Amazon they do a good digestive enzymes called digest tonic by troo health care. I found that pretty good it's plant derived so quite gentle.
All your symptoms mirror mine if I was you I'd try the ranitidine it's 2.95 bought otc you'll know right away if it's helping it's only one tab morning one evening very easy.you can then get it on prescription in preference to the ppi.canker sores on tongue can be a symptom of gut problems so don't panic I'm the same it does die down when you get the stomach acid under control.good luck x D.D
-
That sounds very positive DD :) I get my ranitidine from Tesco where it's only £1.50. Hope it gets you back on track and if not then you have the reassurance of knowing there is a decent doctor you can see and a plan to investigate further.
Robin
X
-
Thanks for replying Droopydrawers. I did try Zantac but found it gave me a sore stomach.
I feel like I'm swollen from my stomach to my throat etc. So have to keep giving a cough.
As soon as the PPI's are finished I'll start the digestive enzymes. I used to take them years ago
after having my gall bladder out.
Did you have lots of cattargh in your throat? And if so how did you get rid of it? 😕
-
I thought that H.pylorei can only be diagnosed by one of those gastric tubes going into the gut ?
Lanzoprazole should be taken 4 no more than 3 months ....... it can cause it's own problems which GPs don't warn patients about [see Dr James le Fanu, Daily Telegraph]. OK initially but often patients find that any benefit is lost.
An over the counter antacid should help. With something a little stronger if necessary. I have found that if I lay down too soon after eating the dreadful reflux starts >:( and I can feel it right now as I've an irritating cough and post nasal drip. I can feel it behind my breast bone and know that if I don't eat two Rennies B4 bed it will turn into reflux which causes acute salivation and pains in chin, in my belly which moves on gentle palpation. I have to sleep sitting up :-\
Because ostrogen levels drop muscles may become lax which can encourage the valve to not shut properly, = reflux. Hiatus hernia is common during The Change.
-
This sparkle - didn't know about the breath test.
-
:thankyou: much better than the tube down the gut !
-
Hi everyone, just found this thread when looking for answers about digestion issues.
I see some of if you, like me have had their gall bladder removed.
I had mine removed 3 years ago and for some time all was good, but from time to time I get a similar but not as severe pain in upper right under ribs.
Recently it has been more regular. Has anyone else had this? GP not particularly interested thought it was gastritis, gave me omperazole which gave me bad pain in stomach,now back on ranitidine.
I also have a lot of gas (very uncomfortable)
I had all this a number of years ago and it was diagnosed as irritable bowel, turned out to be gallstones.
A bit concerned I have now developed stones somewhere else.
Can anyone advise if I should try digestive enzymes and which ones?
Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings❤️