Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Curlygirl on January 21, 2022, 11:02:42 AM
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Good morning lovely ladies. I’m new here and struggling with perimenopause symptoms.
I’m 52 and periods have over the last 6 months started to get much lighter. I haven’t missed a month yet but they tend to come anywhere between 19 and 27 days.
Had joint pain for the last couple of years. Also have awful anxiety all of the time and terrible health anxiety. Wake in the early hours and struggle to get back to sleep and suffer with digestive issues (loose in the mornings most days), lots of wind. Am losing weight due to anxiety keeping my appetite at bay.
I would welcome any help and advice from you lovely ladies on here xx
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Hello Curlygirl and welcome. I am sorry to hear of the symptoms you are having. I can understand why they are getting you down. I am in perimenopause and I have found HRT to be so helpful. Maybe it is something you would like to talk to your DR about trying?
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Hi Curlygirl
It’s hard isn’t it? I’m 52 and suffering terrible anxiety. I’m also losing weight too as I have to force myself to eat.
Have you tried HRT? It has helped me but think I need a change in dose.
I can’t really offer any advice just that you’re not alone x
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Good morning ladies and thank you so much for your replies :)
I have a doctors appointment next Friday and will discuss all the symptoms and the possibility of HRT.
It’s so nice to know that I am not alone. I have been reading this forum for a while and there is so much help here and so much support. Much love to you ladies xx
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It is great you have an appointment with your DR soon. I hope it goes well. :)
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Thank you so much flossieteacake. Will keep you updated :)
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Nik2502, how long have you struggled with the anxiety? Been the last 6 months for me, been awful x
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@curlygirl
Probably my whole life to some degree but this past couple of years have been awful. I just can’t seem to break the cycle.
I’m sitting now crying as I feel so anxious. I just hope tweaking my HRT will help x
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Nik2502, bless you. It’s horrible isn’t it? I could cry most days. Hopefully a change in HRT dose will help you. Keep me updated. Hugs to you xx
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Anxiety and insomnia were my worst symptoms. Both have gone with hrt but it did take 3 months. Hope your appointment goes well.
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Hi Curlygiri,
Love the name and I have curly hair too. I’m 47 years old and went into peri menopause three months after my operation, but I still got my ovaries, I’m on my third year of my menopausal journey.
As well as depression and health anxiety, I have loose bowels for 13 months now, I only get about two days a month that look a bit normal. I have no idea why? I use to have to eat 36 grams a day of fibre to go, I’ve cut back but doesn’t make much difference. I do have IBS which started 10 months in my menopausal journey. I also have random body pains, vagina atrophy, 16 months of headaches and facial pain (can be up to hundred times a day)
I’ve have seen my doctor many times, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, neurologist, rheumatologist and a dietitian.
I feel your pain, but I think your the first on here to mention loose bowels, no one can tell me why and having a fissure too makes pooping really sucks and painful. Do you have any idea why loose bowels are happening to you?
Wish you all the best and this group offers great support :)
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Hi Lyncola, a fellow curly haired girl🙂.
Goodness you are going through some tough times, bless you.
I started this journey 2 years ago with the first symptoms being awful joint pain.
Went to see the GP who did blood tests to see if it could be arthritis, but they came back as ok and it’s all escalated from there. Had awful back pain at that time too, but that has eased a bit in the last year.
My Mum who is a retired Nurse said to me that hormone fluctuations can cause bowel problems which could account for the loose bowels, but have not yet mentioned this to my GP. Am seeing her on Friday so may mention it then. I just put everything down to hormones these days.
I’m not sure what I expected the transition to menopause to be like, but it definitely wasn’t this.
My Mum didn’t have any of the issues I am having but I suppose we’re all different aren’t we.
The anxiety for me at the moment is awful, but coming on here and speaking to others really does help.
Let’s hope it won’t last much longer for us and things will improve 🤞 xx
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Sheila99, thank you. The disturbed sleep is taking it’s toll on me too at the moment. I’m unsure of taking HRT, but will get more information at my appointment next week xx
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Lyncola, could be related to IBS too I suppose. I never had any bowel issues until my periods started to change in the last 6 months x
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Hi Curlygirl,
It’s funny how symptom changes, my first year was the bad back, the reason why I had X-rays, MRI and sore a rheumatologist. Then it went away? Then the IBS kick in, all suddenly at age 45 I’m now lactose intolerant and fructose intolerant. Then 15 months ago the headaches and facial pains (short stabbing pains) so off to the ENT specialist and now the neurologist, still an on going problem. Then for a couple of months I get stabbing pain around my ribs, then it goes for a couple of months then comes back. Nobody knows why. I also pulled muscles in my ribs three times now, and no reason why.
My mum just had hot flushes ;D
I understand how you feel, it’s an emotional roller coaster, and I get anxious with very new problems.
Plus this menopause is getting very costly seeing all these specialist that seem to be private only and you wait months to see them because they are so busy :o
My dream is to feel normal again
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Hi Lyncola, oh I know. One symptom eases and another one starts up and sets of the anxiety even more. Not a fun time at all, always thinking the worst of every new symptoms too.
I can no longer tolerate dairy or gluten. Saying that my Mum and Grandmother both developed Celiac disease once they were over 40. So maybe I am the same.
You are right there about the cost of Menopause. It all soon adds up
So glad we have this forum and the ladies in here to get us through this hard time xx
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Hi curlygirl, I'm 46 and perimenopause also, irregular periods for the last 3 years. Like you my appetite is bad, ive lost over a stone and somedays have to force down food.
Being a women sucks!!
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Hi curlygirl
I'm 46 and suffering badly too with extreme anxiety and health anxiety. It's ruining my life :(
I also have loose bowels in the morning. Had this is pregnancy too so assuming it's hormones.
I've lost weight as I haven't got any appetite and have to force feed myself. It's so hard.
Hope you get some help at the Drs - please let us know how you get on xxxx
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Lyncola - I can't remember if you're on hrt. Are you on testosterone? I had problems pulling muscles for no reason, mostly in my arms. I haven't had the problem since I've been on testosterone.
Loose bowels can be hormone related, I got it every time before a period so for me presumably it was progesterone.
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Cara999, I too have lost just over a stone. It’s not nice having to make yourself eat when you don’t feel hungry. I know that mine is related to the anxiety.
You are right, being a woman isn’t a whole load of fun sometimes
We’ll all get through this time together xx
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JoannFran, oh the anxiety and health anxiety is just the worst isn’t it. It’s what I struggle with the most at the moment, so I know exactly how you feel.
I am certain that the loose bowels only in the mornings is hormone related.
Doctors appointment is on Friday so I will update everyone then.
Like I’ve said before, I’m not certain about taking HRT, would love to get through all this without it.
What’s anyone else’s thoughts on HRT? My Mum is dead against me taking it due to the risks. Would love others’ opinions before my appointment as im sure that’s what I will be offered xx
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I am all for HRT. I have read and watched many things about it. It seems the original HRT had some risks and sadly this has made people believe the current ones are just as risky. I do not know if it is of any interest to you but on This Morning they had a discussion about HRT with Dr Louise Newton ( a menopause specialist) and I found it helpful. You can watch it on Youtube if you go to the This Morning page. It was dated 12 January. I do not think I am allowed to post a link.
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Flossieteacake, thank you so much, I will definitely watch that. I don’t know a lot about HRT at all so that will be really helpful xx
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I’m so grateful to all you ladies and your advice. Makes me feel like I’m not going thorough this alone anymore xx
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You are most welcome. :)
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Curlygirl I'm going to try HRT, I'm scared a little but I don't want to carry on like this.
I just want my old life back :-( xxx
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Cara999, that’s exactly how I feel. Just want to feel like me again.
Let me know how you get on with the HRT. I too am apprehensive about taking it. We can only try it and see I suppose.
My GP appointment is tomorrow so will will see how that goes xx
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I am so glad I found this forum. It has helped a lot with my anxiety just knowing that there are other ladies out there with the same symptoms as me. Before, I felt so alone and like I had some terrible illness and was always thinking the worst of my symptoms.
We all know that menopause will come to us, but I for one knew nothing about some of the symptoms that could occur and felt like it was only me that had these things. I would be spending hours googling and obsessing over certain things, but now I know I can come on here and get the help and support that we all need.
Flossieteacake, I watched the playback of the This Morning section on Menopause and found it really helpful, thank you so much for pointing that out to me. I feel so much better now about what I want to get out of my GP appointment tomorrow xx
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JoannFran, do you take HRT? It’s good to find a fellow ‘loose bowels in a morning’ sufferer.
This was one of the other symptoms that has had me stressing over it being something serious, but feel so much better about talking to you ladies on here about it. Xx
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Nik2502, just wanted to check on how you are doing? Xx
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I am so glad I found this forum. It has helped a lot with my anxiety just knowing that there are other ladies out there with the same symptoms as me. Before, I felt so alone and like I had some terrible illness and was always thinking the worst of my symptoms.
We all know that menopause will come to us, but I for one knew nothing about some of the symptoms that could occur and felt like it was only me that had these things. I would be spending hours googling and obsessing over certain things, but now I know I can come on here and get the help and support that we all need.
Flossieteacake, I watched the playback of the This Morning section on Menopause and found it really helpful, thank you so much for pointing that out to me. I feel so much better now about what I want to get out of my GP appointment tomorrow xx
I am so happy to hear watching the video has made you feel better. I know what you mean about feeling alone going through this. I had not even heard of perimenopause and knew nothing about the symptoms I have. I thought I had a terminal illness. I wish you lots of luck with your appointment today.
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Sadly I’m not on HRT, if I could I would, but my doctor won’t allow me to. She was writing up the script when I mentioned that my ovaries are still giving me problems (that was two years ago).
When I had my hysterectomy they kept my ovaries, which is stupid as it was the main reason I was there as well as endometriosis. They said if they remove my ovaries I would go into instant menopause, I went into menopause four months later away.
Not long after my operation my ovaries started bothering me again, and I had 10 internal ultrasounds since then. My ovaries don’t bother me as much as it use to. But for the last year my right ovary has abnormal cyst on it. My doctor did blood test is happy it’s not cancer, and because I’m not in much pain she keeping an eye on me which means more internal ultrasounds in the future.
I told my husband if they got to do another ovarian cyst operation they can take the bloody things out.
All the best for your doctor appointment Curlygirl :)
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Curlygirl I was the same thinking I had something really wrong with me. This forum is so comforting to know we are not alone and here to help each other xxx
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Hi Curlygirl,
Wow, you could have been describing me! I actually went to A&E (back in the pre-Covid days) because I was convinced I was dying....the ladies on here were incredibly helpful and just knowing I wasn't alone was such a relief. I was anxious, nauseous, bleeding daily and convinced I wouldn't see my kids grow up. I was peri, at 38. Please don't feel alone, you will get lots of support on here, the ladies are so knowledgeable! You take care, always here, Jackie x
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Joewillsmom, Thank you.
It’s such a relief to know there are others out there feeling the same way. I’m having a particularly anxious day today, but trying to keep myself busy xx
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Evening lovely,
Good luck at the GP's tomorrow. I watched Davina McCall's programme on menopause today and it was brilliant, really worth a watch. My anxiety, especially health anxiety was the worst part, I'm on HRT (watch Davina, really helpful info)....I'm also on low dose Citalopram for anxiety which helped me massively, I felt 'normal' again. Don't feel alone, you're not, we are all here. I'm 52 too this year and started this journey at 38, I promise things will be better. Sending a massive hug. xx
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Jowillsmom, morning lovely lady.
Oh yes, I forgot that Davina did a program on Menopause. Never seen it so will take a look.
Thank you so much for your support and all the other ladies on here. It really does help doesn’t it.
Let’s see how my appointment goes later on this morning xx
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Just come back from doctors. Have been offered Oestrogel or Oestrogen patch and Utrogestran.
Have to have a blood test on Tues next week to test, iron levels, thyroid etc and she’s given me a week to think about whether to go with the HRT or not.
Would be grateful for your thoughts ladies please xx
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Hello, I was wondering how your appointment went. I think your GP sounds good as they know you need both oestrogen and utrogestran. This is a common combination and I really hope you find it helpful.
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Flossieteacake, I will let you know how I get on with it. Will be another week yet before I get my prescription for it. Really do hope it helps xx
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Just bare in mind that it can take time for your body to get used to it. If you feel any side effects then do not panic as they should pass. I will be thinking of you.
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Sounds like you have a sensible GP. Hope you get some relief from the HRT when you start.
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Also I wanted to say that if the anxiety is very bad for you then CBT is very good, especially for health anxiety. I have found it very useful. It doesn’t stop the anxiety happening in itself of course, but it can help you to deal better with it and not go down that big spiral of worry. I self referred on the county council website and have sessions over zoom. There will be big waiting lists at the moment of course but might be worth getting yourself on the list now anyway…if the HRT works and you don’t need it after all you just take yourself off the list. Something to think about anyway
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Flossieteacake thank you for the advice and support you have given me. Means a lot. I will bear that in mind xx
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VanillaLover, thank you for that. That’s a really good idea. I will look into that too xx
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Flossieteacake thank you for the advice and support you have given me. Means a lot. I will bear that in mind xx
You are very welcome. :)
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Curlygirl I think you should try it and see. I've decided to. I thought imagine if it gets rid or really helps all these awful symptoms how amazing would that be!!
Let us know what you decide xxx
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Cara999 that would be amazing yes. I think I might. I have a week to decide. I will definitely let you all know xx
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I have to say, my GP was amazing. She explained everything to me. She told me about this forum, mentioned watching the programme that Davina did on the menopause, she knew all about Dr Louise Newson and the section she did on This Morning about menopause and she also gave me a Menopause Matters magazine. She really took her time and really cared about what I was saying xx
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I have to say, my GP was amazing. She explained everything to me. She told me about this forum, mentioned watching the programme that Davina did on the menopause, she knew all about Dr Louise Newson and the section she did on This Morning about menopause and she also gave me a Menopause Matters magazine. She really took her time and really cared about what I was saying xx
Wow, I am very impressed by your GP. It is wonderful you have a GP so knowledgeable. :)
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Sounds like you have a fabulous GP which is such a help xx
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Morning ladies :)
One thing I forgot to ask the GP yesterday was the side effects with Oestrogel/Patch and Utrogestran.
So any of you ladies use these and what side effects did you have? Xx
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Morning ladies :)
One thing I forgot to ask the GP yesterday was the side effects with Oestrogel/Patch and Utrogestran.
So any of you ladies use these and what side effects did you have? Xx
Everybody will have different side effects. I worry that you will be afraid to take the HRT if you look too much into side effects. Some people just feel odd for a few days. I really hope that will be the case for you.
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Thanks Flossieteacake. I won’t look too much into it I promise.
My Mum asked me what the side effects were and I didn’t know.
If there’s a chance it will help me I will definitely take it don’t worry xx
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I think that is best as you will only worry. :)
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Thanks for advice Flossieteacake. You’ve been a real help to me :) x
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That is so sweet. I am happy to have helped. :)
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Curlygirl I'm going to try HRT, I'm scared a little but I don't want to carry on like this.
I just want my old life back :-( xxx
Cara999 are you still going to give the HRT a go? I am a little scared but think I’ll give it a go. Xx
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Curlygirl I am yes, have an appointment on Wednesday, I feel like this could give me my life back, but maybe I'm just wishful thinking!! I'm not going to lie I'm frightened to death but unless we try how do we know..
I keep thinking i can't feel any worse than I do now. I'm on vaginal estrogen cream which has helped somewhat downstairs so just the upstairs to sort out now haha 😄
Let me know how you get on and I'll keep you posted on my journey xxx
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Cara999 I’m a little scared too but it could be the best thing we do.
It’s good that we are doing it together.
I don’t have any problems in the downstairs department….. yet. I’m sure they will come :-\
Let me know how you get on at your appointment and we can keep each other updated xx
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Curlygirl it could yes. Positive thinking. Oh I hope your downstairs stays okay, it's the worst part for me.
We're in this together ❤️ xxx
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Curlygirl it could yes. Positive thinking. Oh I hope your downstairs stays okay, it's the worst part for me.
We're in this together ❤️ xxx
❤️Xxx
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Curlygirl How's things going, have you started your HRT, I've been thinking of you xx
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Cara999, aww thank you lovely for thinking of me. Start it at the end of this week. Pharmacy didn’t have everything in stock but hopefully tomorrow or Friday will be able to collect and start.
Absolutely terrified I am :-\
How are you doing lovely? Xx
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Curlygirl I know you are, I'll be the same.
How have you chosen to take it?
Let's hope all will be fine for you xxx
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Cara999, Oestrogel and progesterone tablets
I shall let you know how I get on xx
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Curlygirl that's my choice also. Please do, good luck xx
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Cara999 I will. And let me know when you get yours too. HRT twins ❤️
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Curlygirl haha let's hope we are HRT happy twins 🤪 xx
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Curlygirl How's things going xx
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Cara999 so far so good, early days yet though still isn’t it.
Getting closer to your turn soon too
Hope you’re good lovely xx
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I started on HRT I'm 51 after being perimenopausal for about 18 months and my periods were spasmodic the reason I wanted to start HRT was the hot flushes were really really stressing me out, since starting on dual HRT after 3 weeks I've noticed my hair is a lot softer the UTI symptoms seem to have disappeared and piles'have gone😳 the hot sweats has started to come under control I haven't had a period yet after taking utrogestan from the 1st to the 12th of February but I'm sure it will either come along soon or my body will override it it it's also new to me I have no idea but all I want to do is stop the hot sweats 😥
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Curlygirl yeah it is early days but glad all is going well so far my lovely. Here's hoping it continues xxx
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Libherbie70 seems like its working for you if it's taken some of the horrible symptoms away. Maybe the flushes will be the last go. Fingers crossed for you xx
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Libherbie70 seems like its working for you if it's taken some of the horrible symptoms away. Maybe the flushes will be the last go. Fingers crossed for you xx
Thank you fingers crossed x
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Libherbie70 I’m so glad that it’s working for you. I’ve not had any hot flushes ….. yet. I’m 53 in July so started all this a bit later than some of the ladies on here. Hopefully yours will get much better soon for you.
Cara999 🤞and I hope you get some relief once you start yours soon xx
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I’m so sorry to hear others struggling like this. The anxiety and sleeplessness is the worst for me. The trembling is distressing too but honestly I’d put up with anything else if I could just get rid of the anxiety. I too am plagued by health anxieties. I’m becoming quite obsessive about every change and fretting. I’m stopping myself from going down the rabbit warren of getting x,y and Z checked because it’s just fuelling my anxiety. I’m really trying to focus on good health rather than worrying about ill health but it’s very difficult. My very best wishes. P
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Confusedsbouthrt the anxiety is the worst for me too at the moment. I am exactly the same as you. Every little thing freaks me out. We know it’s not logical but the anxiety takes over. I’m 53 and still having regular periods although they have become much lighter over the last 6 months and even this causes me anxiety. It’s the worst feeling but we know that we can come on here and we’re not alone. Big hugs to you xx
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i am struggling also with bad anxiety. Never had it prior to August last year when docs gave me antidepressants. I now take Sertaline 50mg and have only just started Femoston 2/10. I hope this helps and Curlygirl - please do keep me informed as to how the gel and patches work for you (especially with having anxiety like me)
Vicky xx
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Vicky81 the anxiety is the worst. I had a very bad day yesterday with it, not so bad today.
Oh I hope the HRT helps you.
I’ve not been on mine for very long so not noticed any difference yet, but we will see how it goes
I’ve never suffered from proper anxiety before and it’s just awful.
All started for me in July of last year when my periods suddenly got lighter and appearing anything from 19 - 27 days apart. I haven’t missed one yet. I am waiting for this month still but only on day 21 today. Look forward to the day that I actually miss one
Hugs to you and hope all goes well 🤞❤️
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Cara999 how are you doing lovely?
When is your appointment for your HRT? Must be getting close now xx
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Curlygirl 4th March my appt. I'm having some relief from the vaginal estrogen cream thank the lord!!
How are you feeling....I knownits early days but do u feel any better, any side effects xxx
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Awww thanks curlygirl
I will let you know how I get on....I've been precibed the gel now....and testosterone gel too. I will take progesterone by tablet from 1st April. Keep in touch honey xxx
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Cara999 not long to wait now then
Oh thank god you’re getting some relief at last downstairs so glad for you
To be honest I don’t feel any different at the moment, but like we said it’s early days. No side effects just yet but maybe they will come, I’m not sure
Let me know how you get on lovely xx
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Vicky81 oh I hope the gel works for you I really do, please let us know how you get on
At least we have each other on here and don’t feel so alone. That makes me feel better when I have a bad day, knowing everyone on here is there for me if I need them
I will keep in touch lovely xx
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My anxiety is so bad this week, I’m still waiting to see if a period comes this month and even that is causing me to be anxious.
It’s just never ending
Much love to you all ❤️
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My anxiety is so bad this week, I’m still waiting to see if a period comes this month and even that is causing me to be anxious.
It’s just never ending
Much love to you all ❤️
Hello Curlygirl. I am sorry to hear you are feeling anxious. It is not nice not knowing when your period will arrive. You have not been on HRT for very long and it takes time to adjust. In the meantime please be gentle with yourself.
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Flossieteacake ❤️
Hope you are doing ok? Xx
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Curlygirl so sorry your having an anxious week love ❤. I wonder if perhaps HRT makes things slightly worse before they get better. Here's hoping.
It feels amazing to be able to sit down properly and not be so uncomfortable as I have been and my knickers don't feel like they are chaffin 🤣.
Hope your feeling a little less anxious soon 😘 xxx
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Cara999 thank you lovely. It’s just awful this week is. You maybe right there about getting worse before getting better. I will have to see how things so I suppose
I’m so glad that you are much more comfortable now ❤️