Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: LondonerG on August 27, 2021, 02:22:15 PM
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I’ve been trying to cope with this but recently things have felt overwhelmingly worse so I am taking the big step to get help.
I’ve been going through the menopause for the last few years, I’m 53 and my last period was 2 years ago, although went a year and then had a light period previous to that. I’ve had flushes but not too bad which have subsided and thought I was one of the lucky ones until recently. I put it down to COVID anxiety but watching the news recently Meg Mathews listed everything that was going on with me. I’ve been suffering from really bad anxiety with a sort of nervous feeling in my tummy, I cry and feel so so low and down. My head feels like it’s just so woolly and foggy yet so much random unnecessary stuff going round in it that I feel it’d burst and I get quite dizzy. My sleep is awful, waking up constantly, haven’t had a good nights sleep in years.
The turning point was having what I think was a panic attack while driving on the motorway, after a couple of dangerous drivers on the road, the last one was a van that came up behind me so close then overtook and cut me up. I just went into complete meltdown, shaking, crying and a feeling in my head that I can only describe as like a hot wave mostly on one side, seriously thought I was having some sort of seizure or stroke. Luckily my husband was with me and talked me through pulling off the motorway, we were at a big junction so could turn off but it frightened the life out of me.
So I made an appointment with the GP and luckily got a lady Dr. She was very nice and asked me lots of questions over the phone and has recommended Sertraline.
I’m feeling very wary about taking antidepressants. Will this really help with the menopause?
A male friend is on them and said he felt more anxious at the beginning but it soon subsided, I’m not sure I can take any more!
So can anyone advice whether this is the right course to take? I feel I’m getting confused by googling!
I have just started taking St Johns Wort and Soya Isoflavens to see if they’d help. The Dr said the soya was fine but not St Johns Wort, something about it being unregulated- my memory is awful too!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
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St Johns Wort should never be taken with any other medication. It can interact so that prescribed meds simply don't work. Soya sometimes upsets the gut ::) as will magnesium in some forms.
MayB tell us what you complained to your GP about? If you discussed depression and/or anxiety, then that is why you have been prescribed Sertraline. Some require this type of medication along with appropriate HRT. Was menopause mentioned by your GP at all? HRT is usually the 1st line of treatment (according to NICE) but as most medications take a while to kick-in, mayB taking what has been prescribed will help: I suggest at least 6-8 months unless side effects are truly awful: then U can decide which you want to pursue.
Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress. Decide which symptom you would like to ease first?
Browse round MM. Make notes ;-). It can be a while B4 any medication begins to help so try not to panic. Do U have a night time routine, to ease you into a good sleeping pattern? It can be a Catch-22 situation in that I used to wake to C whether I had been asleep :o ::). U R not alone!
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ADs are not an appropriate treatment for oestrogen deficiency. Have a look at the NICE guidelines, get as well informed as you can then you can argue your case. My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia so I feel your pain. Gp was going to give me ads too but by then I'd worked it out for myself and told her what I thought of her (bad temper was another symptom :()
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It does depend on what the patient presents with initially, HRT can be considered if necessary once the anxiety/depression is eased.
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St Johns Wort should never be taken with any other medication. It can interact so that prescribed meds simply don't work. Soya sometimes upsets the gut ::) as will magnesium in some forms.
MayB tell us what you complained to your GP about? If you discussed depression and/or anxiety, then that is why you have been prescribed Sertraline. Some require this type of medication along with appropriate HRT. Was menopause mentioned by your GP at all? HRT is usually the 1st line of treatment (according to NICE) but as most medications take a while to kick-in, mayB taking what has been prescribed will help: I suggest at least 6-8 months unless side effects are truly awful: then U can decide which you want to pursue.
Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress. Decide which symptom you would like to ease first?
Browse round MM. Make notes ;-). It can be a while B4 any medication begins to help so try not to panic. Do U have a night time routine, to ease you into a good sleeping pattern? It can be a Catch-22 situation in that I used to wake to C whether I had been asleep :o ::). U R not alone!
Thank you for replying. I feel I’m at the tip of the iceberg and going round in circles reading things.
I told the Dr that I was suffering from menopausal brain fog with anxiety, crying and just feeling so low and down but not to the point of wishing to end my life at all and I’m pretty sure I didn’t mention depression. She asked me a series of questions and I had to rate each one by frequency I had them, most of my answers were every day. She was worried it would get worse so thought antidepressants would help and to try for 6 months. She did agree it was part of the menopause as I said there was a lack of conversation over this side of menopause and how it effects us.
I’m not one for taking medication, and this just didn’t feel right. She has given me 2 weeks worth and I’m to make another appointment to get a further prescription. I haven’t started taking it yet.
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ADs are not an appropriate treatment for oestrogen deficiency. Have a look at the NICE guidelines, get as well informed as you can then you can argue your case. My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia so I feel your pain. Gp was going to give me ads too but by then I'd worked it out for myself and told her what I thought of her (bad temper was another symptom :()
Thank you, I will have definitely have a look at the NICE guidelines. X
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St Johns Wort should never be taken with any other medication. It can interact so that prescribed meds simply don't work. Soya sometimes upsets the gut ::) as will magnesium in some forms.
MayB tell us what you complained to your GP about? If you discussed depression and/or anxiety, then that is why you have been prescribed Sertraline. Some require this type of medication along with appropriate HRT. Was menopause mentioned by your GP at all? HRT is usually the 1st line of treatment (according to NICE) but as most medications take a while to kick-in, mayB taking what has been prescribed will help: I suggest at least 6-8 months unless side effects are truly awful: then U can decide which you want to pursue.
Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress. Decide which symptom you would like to ease first?
Browse round MM. Make notes ;-). It can be a while B4 any medication begins to help so try not to panic. Do U have a night time routine, to ease you into a good sleeping pattern? It can be a Catch-22 situation in that I used to wake to C whether I had been asleep :o ::). U R not alone!
Forgot to say!
I’ve been keeping a track of my mood/food/symptoms on the Balance app.
I can get to sleep it’s just staying asleep. I have got into the bad habit of watching series like Friends as I’ve seen it so many times it’s something familiar and stops my mind going into overdrive. X
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ADs may well ease your sleeping issues too. Although it sounds connected to hormones, what's to lose if you begin the medications as prescribed. NICE R 2 fixed with HRT first ........ and reading here, some don't fine benefit as quickly as may be required.
How does your diary pan out as 2 how you feel and cope?
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I’m in the same boat as you. I too have been prescribed anti anxiety medication. Citalopram. I have started taking it as I feel I have no choice but to dig myself out of this hole . Hopefully once I feel calmer I can go about requesting blood tests to check my levels, and then appropriate HRT.
You don’t have to stay on them for long, but living in fight or flight mode is exhausting, and they are a good place to start
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I take a maintenance does of Escitalopram daily. Getting 2 C the wood for the trees really helps. Allows me to make informed decisions and not feel pushed into issues that I am not comfortable with.
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I’m in the same boat as you. I too have been prescribed anti anxiety medication. Citalopram. I have started taking it as I feel I have no choice but to dig myself out of this hole . Hopefully once I feel calmer I can go about requesting blood tests to check my levels, and then appropriate HRT.
You don’t have to stay on them for long, but living in fight or flight mode is exhausting, and they are a good place to start
I hope you get out of that hole, that’s a good way to describe it! It is very exhausting as is trying to or rather pretending to be yourself.
I did wonder why I haven’t been sent for bloods to actually check my levels - obviously that thought came after the phone call!
Good luck and keep me posted x
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ADs may well ease your sleeping issues too. Although it sounds connected to hormones, what's to lose if you begin the medications as prescribed. NICE R 2 fixed with HRT first ........ and reading here, some don't fine benefit as quickly as may be required.
How does your diary pan out as 2 how you feel and cope?
I’ve only just started my diary really so maybe a bit early to say. Everything seems on the worst end. My eating is definitely effected, I cannot face food first thing, I’m at my lowest then. As the day goes on I feel moderately ‘better’ and will eat a small lunch and then tea.
I haven’t picked up the prescription yet so don’t know what dosage it is. As you say what have I got to lose, Dr did say to do it for 6 months. Would it all be solved by then? I’ve never taken meds like this before xx
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How badly are you affected?
How is your diet, mayB time to over haul it, keeping a note of what you eat and drink. C if there R any gaps - I find that grazing is better for me, i.e. little and often.
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My diet is I think really good. Lots of fresh veg, have meat or fish about 3/4 times a week the rest is vegetarian or vegan.
Don’t eat any processed food and no sweet things, sometimes the odd biscuit with a cup of tea tho! Used to have a sweet tooth but not any more, funnily I went off sweet things too when I was pregnant with my boys! Xx
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Hi as Sheila99 has said, anti depressants should no be prescribed as the first line treatment for menopausal problems. It should be HRT.
Have a look at Dr Louise Newson"s website...My Menopause Doctor. Dr Newson says "Menopause guidelines are very clear that antidepressants should not be given first line for low mood associated with the menopause because there is no evidence that they will help. Research has shown that if women are given HRT when they are perimenopausal then this can reduce the incidence of clinical depression developing.
"https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/anti-depressants-and-the-menopause
https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/anti-depressants-and-the-menopause
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/news/menopausal-women-wrongly-prescribed-antidepressants
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Regardless: if someone is depressed or suffering anxiety, regardless of causation , then appropriate medication which is known to ease symptoms should be prescribed. Without mine I wouldn't be here! It does seem as though NICE push HRT without taking the whole person into consideration, instead of a holistic approach.
HRT can take months B4 a regime is found. Which can cause more and more depression and/or anxiety. My depression is organic as well as clnical/situational. My anxiety started at age 3. Due to being on treatment, when I did reach peri., it was controlled so hormonal upheaval wasn't an issue. Each case should be thoroughly discussed with each patient - if she complains of depression, then depression should be treated. HRT can be considered alongside once symptoms ease.
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I am taking ad and hrt. Been on ad for a long time to cope with cyclical depression. I have also taken proponal when I am feeling anxious, think affect is quicker than ad. I don't like that I take so much medication but seems I need it. Just started trying to cut down my ad recently under gp supervision.
I thought that most clinics/gp have said that blood test for meno is a waste of time as your hormone levels change every day. I did have test though specifically for totesterone levels. I am in Scotland so perhaps it depends where you live.
Didi
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I fought against ADs but if I were diabetic ?
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I’m in the same boat as you. I too have been prescribed anti anxiety medication. Citalopram. I have started taking it as I feel I have no choice but to dig myself out of this hole . Hopefully once I feel calmer I can go about requesting blood tests to check my levels, and then appropriate HRT.
You don’t have to stay on them for long, but living in fight or flight mode is exhausting, and they are a good place to start
I hope you get out of that hole, that’s a good way to describe it! It is very exhausting as is trying to or rather pretending to be yourself.
I did wonder why I haven’t been sent for bloods to actually check my levels - obviously that thought came after the phone call!
Good luck and keep me posted x
Yes.lol…. It’s a bit of a hell hole !
I was never given the option for my blood to be checked, just put straight on patches, but they affected me so badly, it’s got me thinking am I more deficient in one hormone than another?
Today has been a marginally better day. I managed to take the dog out for a whole hour! Still riddled with anxiety, and had jelly legs, but this time last week I was sobbing into a pillow all day :)
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I went and picked them up from the pharmacy, still not taken them tho! Feel I’m going round the houses and overthinking it all. If I was prescribed something for a heart condition I’d be in no doubt and take them so why be hesitant? Something has to give and as it’s been said it’s worth a try.
I just wish there was something more holistic or something else. Just the fact you have to wean on then off puts me off!! Stupid I know.
I just presumed they sent for blood tests as a matter of course, I never go to the Dr so what do I know! ;D
I did say to the Dr I wasn’t keen to go on HRT. But maybe time will tell. I did think it was all caused from all this COVID situation, not being able to work this whole time - I’m self employed, although I’m not worried about COVID but I did find the last lockdown incredibly hard. Maybe it’s a bit of that thrown in, who knows. I’ve set some dates for workshops so will be going back to work in a few weeks. So now would be a good time to start?!
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I’m in the same boat as you. I too have been prescribed anti anxiety medication. Citalopram. I have started taking it as I feel I have no choice but to dig myself out of this hole . Hopefully once I feel calmer I can go about requesting blood tests to check my levels, and then appropriate HRT.
You don’t have to stay on them for long, but living in fight or flight mode is exhausting, and they are a good place to start
I hope you get out of that hole, that’s a good way to describe it! It is very exhausting as is trying to or rather pretending to be yourself.
I did wonder why I haven’t been sent for bloods to actually check my levels - obviously that thought came after the phone call!
Good luck and keep me posted x
Yes.lol…. It’s a bit of a hell hole !
I was never given the option for my blood to be checked, just put straight on patches, but they affected me so badly, it’s got me thinking am I more deficient in one hormone than another?
Today has been a marginally better day. I managed to take the dog out for a whole hour! Still riddled with anxiety, and had jelly legs, but this time last week I was sobbing into a pillow all day :)
Glad today was a better day, getting out does help a bit - well done to you. I’m going to start a new regime next week and go with my husband every morning or at least every other to walk the dog. Mornings are my worst time but I get up as I’m not one for wallowing. Hopefully that will help move the morning along!! Xx
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That’s a good idea. The fresh air will help.
Mornings are a really hard time for me too. I find that as soon as I wake and start to come to I can feel the anxiety rise up from the pits of my stomach.
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Yes exactly that. It builds then sits like a tight band round my rib cage, feels all queasy and so tearful. Bit like the old days of Sunday evening before school!
Xx
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Yes, the tearfulness is with me all day.
I find listening to a guided meditation for anxiety really helps calm things for a while, but I have to listen to it before I get up to nip things in the bud for a while. There are lots on YouTube. I also listen to one for sound sensitivity, as that has become a huge contributor to my anxiety.
Have you started the meds?
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Yes, the tearfulness is with me all day.
I find listening to a guided meditation for anxiety really helps calm things for a while, but I have to listen to it before I get up to nip things in the bud for a while. There are lots on YouTube. I also listen to one for sound sensitivity, as that has become a huge contributor to my anxiety.
Have you started the meds?
It’s funny how we find things and ways to help us. When I can’t sleep I listen to the Grimms brothers fairy stories!! This guys voice is so soothing and I’ve listened to it a thousand times, there’s over 50 of them and most are short, because I know them well I’m not listening to the story - if that makes sense?
I decided to take the meds and see how it goes. On a very low dose and only on half that to start. Just want to stop this wobbly head and feeling of doom. Find driving really stressful but I’m trying to persevere as I’d hate to lose the ability of it! Have got myself some Rescue Remedy pastels to chew on while driving! ;D
Xx
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Yes, the tearfulness is with me all day.
I find listening to a guided meditation for anxiety really helps calm things for a while, but I have to listen to it before I get up to nip things in the bud for a while. There are lots on YouTube. I also listen to one for sound sensitivity, as that has become a huge contributor to my anxiety.
Have you started the meds?
It’s funny how we find things and ways to help us. When I can’t sleep I listen to the Grimms brothers fairy stories!! This guys voice is so soothing and I’ve listened to it a thousand times, there’s over 50 of them and most are short, because I know them well I’m not listening to the story - if that makes sense?
I decided to take the meds and see how it goes. On a very low dose and only on half that to start. Just want to stop this wobbly head and feeling of doom. Find driving really stressful but I’m trying to persevere as I’d hate to lose the ability of it! Have got myself some Rescue Remedy pastels to chew on while driving! ;D
Xx
How are you getting on londonerG
How you finding your medication
Hopefully it’s working well for you and hoping your ok
Aniexty is the pits & worse thing in peri for me .. but I hope you have better days xx
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Yes, the tearfulness is with me all day.
I find listening to a guided meditation for anxiety really helps calm things for a while, but I have to listen to it before I get up to nip things in the bud for a while. There are lots on YouTube. I also listen to one for sound sensitivity, as that has become a huge contributor to my anxiety.
Have you started the meds?
It’s funny how we find things and ways to help us. When I can’t sleep I listen to the Grimms brothers fairy stories!! This guys voice is so soothing and I’ve listened to it a thousand times, there’s over 50 of them and most are short, because I know them well I’m not listening to the story - if that makes sense?
I decided to take the meds and see how it goes. On a very low dose and only on half that to start. Just want to stop this wobbly head and feeling of doom. Find driving really stressful but I’m trying to persevere as I’d hate to lose the ability of it! Have got myself some Rescue Remedy pastels to chew on while driving! ;D
Xx
How are you getting on londonerG
How you finding your medication
Hopefully it’s working well for you and hoping your ok
Aniexty is the pits & worse thing in peri for me .. but I hope you have better days xx
Hi Michelle7474,
Thank you for asking after me.
I’m being really cowardly and still taking half a tablet! But I do feel slightly less anxious and that feeling of dread has lifted a little. Not sure if such a low dose would help like that or if I’m in a better place right now? Maybe it’s up and down?
Taking what I can when I can!
Hope you’re ok, anxiety is horrible, find it very difficult to explain to people. Take care xx
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? why cowardly ? :-\
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? why cowardly ? :-\
I don’t know. Feel quite afraid of them for some reason.
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? why cowardly ? :-\
I don’t know. Feel quite afraid of them for some reason.
Your doing good to actually take them , I didn’t get that far .. was prescribed them but was too scared of side effects & then my blood was too thin ( I’m on warfrain ) and I didn’t wanna take them as wanted to concentrate on my blood and other issues as they are for life & far more important for me to get right
So don’t think your a coward as you aren’t
I know a few people on low doses and it works fine for them & also a few on higher doses .. we are all different
How you finding things .. how long have you taken them for .. they are in your system now :)
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? why cowardly ? :-\
I don’t know. Feel quite afraid of them for some reason.
Thanks for that, needed to have a little boost!
It’s nearly 2 weeks of taking them so not sure if they’re in my system and working or if I’m naturally feeling better, hormones have eased a bit or is it everything?! I guess it’s just ride it and see.
Have a follow up appointment with the Dr today as she only gave me 2 weeks worth of prescription. Really want to know is the options only HRT or AD?
Had an initial consultation with a CBT person, after lots of questions he said I worry too much and that’s why I’m feeling like I do….. so that was helpful! Whist probably true to a degree.
I hope you’re getting everything sorted, it must be hard when you have to consider other factors.
Xx
Your doing good to actually take them , I didn’t get that far .. was prescribed them but was too scared of side effects & then my blood was too thin ( I’m on warfrain ) and I didn’t wanna take them as wanted to concentrate on my blood and other issues as they are for life & far more important for me to get right
So don’t think your a coward as you aren’t
I know a few people on low doses and it works fine for them & also a few on higher doses .. we are all different
How you finding things .. how long have you taken them for .. they are in your system now :)
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2 weeks is good
I’m glad that you feel better in yourself :)
I’ve started CBT I ended up paying private and NHS waiting list is so long & could have been waiting months
I’m taking each day as it comes & hoping each day gets better & if I have a blip then so be it.. it’s taken so much of my life in such a short space of time that I need to start trying to get my life on track & that’s what I’ve been doing :) slowly but surely
Hope your GP consultant can advise what is best for you
And I hope you have plenty of good days ahead xx