Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Poppy on February 18, 2022, 07:08:21 PM
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Hi, is there any of you ladies that along with all the lovely symptoms the menopause throws at us have issues with feeling off balance, woozy head, nauseous, feeling disoriented & just not with it. I find these symptoms really hard to deal with & make me feel quite panicky which I know won’t help. I feel as if I’m sometimes walking to the left & have to keep myself in line. I’ve had bloods done a CT scan done & they were both fine, I have an appointment with ENT in May. x
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Hi poppy, yes unfortunately I have all those feelings, it was one of my first symptoms in peri menopause, I have had all the tests and been to ENT, couldn't find anything wrong with me, hrt hasn't really helped with it either, I also get blocked feeling in my ears too, like they are full of something, and I feel like I'm drunk and walking on a trampoline really odd sensation, I was given steroid nasal spray for bunged ears and sturgeon tablets for lightheaded feeling but it did nothing, it comes and goes, I get months of it, then it disappears only to return again, hate it as I don't feel safe going out or driving, it also causes anxiety to rise, as my mind starts thinking I've got some terrible illness, sorry I don't have an answer to the cause or anything that gets rid of it, but just wanted you to know you are definitely not alone with those symptoms, unbelievable what hormones can do to our bodies, good luck with ENT, hopefully the can offer you something to ease the symptoms.
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Hia,
Yes I have had a mix of both of yours and Amazing graces too. So, off-balance leaning towards the left. dizzy spinning feeling in shops funnily and blocked ear feeling plus ear-popping like on a plane. Feels like you've had a cold and bunged up, only you haven't had a cold. I have heard the ear thing is a meno symptom, that and tinnitus but I haven't researched it yet. Just chucked ear blocked it into google, see link under here.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/does-menopause-affect-your-ears/
Something I've learned is that basically any sort of symptom you have, no matter how unrelated to menopause it seems to be, you can bet your bottom dollar it is that causing the issue.
As for dizziness. having your b12 checked is worth doing, my GP suggested it when I told her so I had mine done and it was slightly low. I take b12 now, whenever I can remember(brain fog)and the dizzy spinnyness has improved.
TD
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Thank you both for replying. It’s not nice to know that you also have it but a comfort for me to know that I’m not alone with these horrible feelings. It’s the first thing I feel & think about when I open my eyes in the morning & I am staring to avoid doing things and going places because of it. I’ve had this now since last June most days & feel that because I fear it so much it’s just in a loop of fear feeding on fear & I can’t break it, it’s so frustrating. Oh the joys 🤪
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Hi Turkish delight, thanks so much for that link very interesting and definitely relates to me, made me feel less anxious, and totally relate to that feel like you've had a cold, but haven't had a cold, I'm already on b12 injections every 3 months done by my gp, but you are absolutely right dizziness is a symptom
Thanks so much for taking the time to post the link, was very helpful and thoughtful of you x
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Oh my goodness ladies. This is totally me!!!
I've been on this forum for 4 years, avd never found folks with similar symptoms. I think I find it hard to put into words and describe. In fact, I was just beginning to wonder again if my symptoms are not perimeno. ... But tonight I've read this and feel much more relaxed about it.
I get the dizzy, woozy feeling. At my worst at the beginning I got vertigo. I also get the full ear feeling... It is so weird. Like my ears are full, but no pain. I've got that just now. And at my wurst I feel sick and vile. Absolutely awful feeling.
So I'm 4 years in with these awful symptoms. Had all the ct, mri, heart tests, blood pressure monitor in my first year. The last 3 years I've spent trialling contraceptive pills - many of which take down the symptoms, but all give me other side affects now.
I'm now in the 'alternatives' thread as I'm trying progesterone cream.
Geez, I'm glad to find you guys.
What stage are you all at??? I see hrt hasn't worked for you amazing grace :'( Im 45. My progesterone is rock bottom, but my estrogen is fine. So I'm assuming estrogen surges are causing my problem. But I might be wrong.
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The B12 theory of only needing it every three months is a farce. One primary function of B12 is to support metabolism to release energy. There is still this ridiculous notion that B12 is stored and that therefore "too much" is dangerous. Excess B12 is passed out in urine. If it's an issue for you, in terms of feeling your quarterly allocation insufficient, you could always top up with a sublingual tablet. You can read up on B12 on Dr. Sarah Myhill's website. I think B12 plays way too underestimated a role in the medical profession. Like HRT, there's a lot of ignorance around its benefits, particularly delivered transdermally. (Apologies, but personal soap box of mine!)
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Anything for you AG :-*
Poppy are you on any HRT? The symptoms you describe can be due to hormone imbalance.
Lifted this off google search 'dizziness menopause'
"Hormones play an important role in balancing your blood sugar levels. Hormone changes during menopause affect how your body responds to insulin. That makes it hard for your body to keep your blood sugar stable. Changes to blood sugar levels can make you dizzy."
Theres a lot more on it where that came from.
CrispyChick, we found each other :D We're the dizzy blocked ear chicks. It's not funny I know. So your in Perimenopause, that's the stage when you lose progesterone and end up at zero. The estrogen will follow also down to zero, which is where I'd be if not for HRT.
Postmeno3, Preach it sister! Just to add for those taking to make sure they buy the "b12 methylcobalamin" as the body absorbs better.
TD
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Hi cripychick, I too felt the same as you relieved to find others with the same symptoms especially the full ear thing, I too have had this for almost 5 years, I'm 48 at 43 I had a hysterectomy but retained ovaries so absolutely no idea where I am but at 7 months post op, when I went to the doctors complaining of constant light headed feeling, and a whole host of other delightful symptoms, he agreed to test my hormones which showed I was menopausal, even though I brought this up with my consultant at a post op review after my hysterectomy he totally disregarded me and said no, you have your ovaries so it's not menopause, I thought really!, so I'm on estrogen only, but definitely hasn't done much for me other than control hot sweats, I actually brought progesterone from the USA but haven't tryed it yet, I know I don't need it as such because of hysterectomy but in the states they do and wonder if I would feel better using it, to be honest I find the whole hormone thing confusing and very frustrating, it probably is estrogen surges for you, at least we know we aren't crazy with these symptoms, definitely comfort in knowing others are struggling with the same thing.
Hi Postmeno3,
I agree about the b12, , I was diagnosed with prenious anemia 10 years ago, consultant at the hospital said b12 injections every 3 months although I did having loading doses in the beginning of 3 a week for 3 weeks, when I bring up some of my symptoms with my gp and mention it not being enough b12, they say that's the most they will give , they used to test my levels every 12 months, but now they don't, thankyou for recommending the website I will read it, and thanks also for the advice to top up with a sublingual b12.
Turkish delight, thanks for the tip to take methylcobalamin b12 x
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Hi Turkish Delight, no I’m not on HRT but have an appointment with my GP next week to discuss my options (again) as I can’t go on like this with day & night symptoms it’s just so exhausting & debilitating. I’ve been off work 9 months due to it I’ve so far been given Antidepressants & Beta Blockers x
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Poppy. What stage are you? Age??
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Amazing grace - yes!! So comforting to find folks with same symptoms. It's a very lonely place this.
Like u say, I was actually starting to think again that there is something else wrong with me... After years of buying into the hormonal idea... My own conclusion after all other tests. Plus, I can see changes in my symptoms on the pill.
So, I'm under a private bhrt clinic now. Exhausted all my NHS help. They certainly treat with prog only or in combination, not just for endometrial protection. You're right - the states and many parts of Europe swear by prog treatment. UK seems all about the estrogen.
That said, I've not found success with the progesterone... Yet. And, it's not looking too likely at present :(
I felt poisoned when I tried estrogen. :o
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Hi CrispyChick, I am 57. As for what stage I am at I’m not too sure. I have felt symptoms on & off for about 7 years all of which I have coped with. Then 3 years ago I was period free for just over a year but then started to bleed ( horrendously) so I was fast tracked for a scan & to see a Gynaecologist. It was found that my lining had still be growing over the year and measured 20mm. The lining was removed plus 2 polyps & a biopsy taken ( which was non cancerous). Over the last 2 years once again I have been period free & menopause symptoms becoming more severe & daily I thought I was well on my way to moving from peri into menopause but 2 weeks ago the same thing has happened I have started bleeding, been fast tracked & my lining is 16mm ( anything over 3mm isn’t normal) so I am going to have it removed again this Friday. Not to sure I need to ask the doctor that because I have started to bleed will I have to be a year free bleeding again to class myself as into menopause. I am fed up of this roller coaster I have a history of anxiety & depression & this certainly isn’t helping I feel I’m hanging on by a thread. Sorry it’s turned out to be more like an essay rather than a short reply to your question xx
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That's OK Poppy, my story would be an essay too.
I'm probably no help to you then as I'm very much in peri and it seems like my progesterone being rock bottom could be a factor in my constant wooziness and motion sickness.
Have you had any blood tests???
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poppy, good luck on Friday, hopefully this works to reduce your womb lining, I feel the same as you that I'm hanging by a tether, I'm sick of riding this roller coaster too I want to get off and stay off, I too have a history of anxiety and depression and all this menopause misery makes life really difficult, be nice to hear what ENT say when you have your appointment in May, I'm interested in what they conclude about the unbalanced, woozy feelings, post an update if you can after your appointment.
Crispychick,
I couldn't of put it better myself, about feeling poisoned on estrogen, its perceived as the wonder hormone that makes you feel happy and gives you energy and progesterone is the problem hormone, definitely not the case for some of us unlucky ones, it's all about finding the right balance I guess, almost 5 years for me and still trying to find it.
Anyway thanks to poppy for posting about the, balance and woozy issues I think at least we can conclude after us all having various tests and weather peri or post it's likely these symptoms are yet another menopause curse, at least I can stop obsessing about ms, thanks to all you lovely ladies that posted, sharing experiences is so helpful and reassuring,
If any of you find anything that helps or better still keeps the symptoms away please post and share.
Take care, I wish you all better, healthy, happy days ahead.
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I think for me the spinny woozy feeling is from the drop on Prog, that's when I had it bad anyway, was in peri.
I do still have a bit of off balance feeling leaning to the left and having to correct my stride, which could also be something to do with blocked ears tipping our balance or center of gravity. Regardless all roads lead to meno as the apex source of most unexplained bad symptoms, this we now know.
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That's interesting Turkish delight. It's the conclusion I came to after trialling the estrogen part of HRT...
However, I'm incredibly dissapointed to try progesterone treatment only and find my symptoms ramp right up to the point of horrific on my dizzy /motion sickness /nausea scale. There is a thing called 'estrogen kickback' which those in the States tell me can happen with low dose progesterone. As in, it reignites your estrogen receptors at lower doses. So this month it's make it break. Doubling the dose...
All so very disheartening.
I can feel my mood and aggitation have calmed with the progesterone, but that main poisoned feeling has ramped right up. Grrr. My ears feel really full too... So I always think the woozy /motion sickness is linked.
Has yours calmed now Turkish delight?
Amazing grace - if you're on estrogen only - are you feeling poisoned????
I am so glad to find you ladies.
My bhrt journey is in the 'is this the right place to discuss bhrt' in the alternatives section. Some of the lovely ladies using bhrt are helping me over there. It doesn't make good reading at the moment though. I wish I could say it worked...!
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Crispychick, I do feel poisoned on estrogen only, I've been using it for almost 5 years now and have never found I've felt good on it, I've gone from gel to patches back to gel various doses of 25, 50 and 75 and equivalent on gel, I do always stay with one thing for 3 months or more so it's not because I'm not giving it long enough, it does control hot sweats for me I get none, unless I change go too low or too high, but that's it everything else I get it hasn't touched if anything it causes so many side effects, I've considered giving up on it, but doctors say at my age I need to take it, that's why I decided to buy progesterone myself to see if I feel any better using it, I think it's getting the balance right which I just can't seem to do, stick at two pumps and I get too low symptoms, go to 3 pumps I feel OK for a few weeks then too high symptoms start, very difficult, and very frustrating, I've been on hystersisters website where lots of them have the same problem on estrogen only hrt, so I'm hoping using the progesterone will help used it for the first time tonight so I will see what happens, I can't try oral hrt either because I have hemiplegic migraines, for me as if my body just doesn't like hrt, I so wish I was one of the lucky ones who uses it and feels good, I'm not expecting perfect just ok will do.
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Oh... How interesting amazing Grace.
Yes, of course, hysterectomy at young age - you're told to take estrogen. But it makes u feel poisoned!!! Geez. So that's me with my own estrogen (I think).
Very good timing to find you then if you're just starting the prog. What type of progesterone??? Dose? Brand???
I'm on bhrt cream at the moment. Going back for bloods next month to see if I've been absorbing. I really can't take another month if it poisons me again though. I've just stopped for my period break - and, although still yucky, I'm not horrific now.
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Crispychick, I brought the imagine dermatology Pro relief progesterone cream 300mg,in a pump bottle that gives 20mg of progesterone with each pump, using 1 pump a day, as recommended by ladies on a usa website, I know it's different from prescription progesterone and people will have different views about it, I have a friend in california and she also recommended it too me, she uses this and no estrogen and she has always felt good, so I'm hoping I get good results too, in the states they just buy it over the counter, wish we could in the UK, what is brht cream?, is that on prescription.
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Great. Love to hear how you get on.
Bhrt is bioidentical hrt. So i'm getting cream made up from a compounding pharmacy here in UK. I've just finished a 3 week stint of 50mg per day.
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I will let you know how it goes, good luck with the bhrt, I hope it brings you good results, I had no idea there were compounding pharmacy's in the UK, I know there everywhere in the States.
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There seems to be a common denominator here - migraines.
Having read a lot of posts from the very knowledgeable dangermouse over on the Alternative Therapies section, it would seem that it's very common for women with migraines to feel poisoned by oestrogen if the level is too high and it is not opposed by natural progesterone.
This was not a problem for me until more recently when I started having problems with migraines and loose bowels if I take a high dose of oestrogen without progesterone - this is probably due to age and being very post menopause. So it would seem to be about balancing your hormones.
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Thanks Mary
I'm still not sure if I fit the profile of migraines, as my symptoms are continuous and constant... From the moment I wake. That said - I agree, I need hormonal balance.
I'm now on day 3 off the prog cream - hoping for a bleed tomorrow. That would be my normal withdrawal, if I've been absorbing. It didn't happen on the 25mg cream, but did on the 25mg tablet.
I'm still feeling very woozy with mild nausea. So perhaps not much different to being on the cream. And I have the added mix of stopping other hormones and supplements last week. :-\
Ill be starting 100mg on day 1 of cycle. I am nervous. When I tried 100mg for 2 days last month I got intense head pressure. I'm wondering if I'd be better with a vaginal delivery route...
Amazing grace - compounding pharmacies certainly exist here in UK. They are only available via prescription from private clinics. It all works out very expensive as you need to pay for consult and bloods and the clinics insist on safety checks like mammogram and uterine scan. It makes it all feel very safe - but it is very costly.
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Hi Mary,
Thanks for the information, migraines are an issue for me, I have hemiplegic migraines that have landed me in hospital on several occasions, I absolutely know that I need to find a better balance on hrt, I too get constant headaches on high doses of estrogen, hoping the progesterone cream with give me some sort of better balance, fingers crossed I will take a look and read the posts on the other thread on alternative therapys.
Crispychick,
I can imagine that is very costly going private, might have to be something I consider, as I'm fed up of feeling rubbish at 48 I feel 68, gp is rubbish and not very helpful. Good luck I hope you find something that suits you eases your symptoms.
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Oh my goodness ladies. This is totally me!!!
I've been on this forum for 4 years, avd never found folks with similar symptoms. I think I find it hard to put into words and describe. In fact, I was just beginning to wonder again if my symptoms are not perimeno. ... But tonight I've read this and feel much more relaxed about it.
I get the dizzy, woozy feeling. At my worst at the beginning I got vertigo. I also get the full ear feeling... It is so weird. Like my ears are full, but no pain. I've got that just now. And at my wurst I feel sick and vile. Absolutely awful feeling.
So I'm 4 years in with these awful symptoms. Had all the ct, mri, heart tests, blood pressure monitor in my first year. The last 3 years I've spent trialling contraceptive pills - many of which take down the symptoms, but all give me other side affects now.
I'm now in the 'alternatives' thread as I'm trying progesterone cream.
Geez, I'm glad to find you guys.
What stage are you all at??? I see hrt hasn't worked for you amazing grace :'( Im 45. My progesterone is rock bottom, but my estrogen is fine. So I'm assuming estrogen surges are causing my problem. But I might be wrong.
Could it be mild Menieres Disease?