Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Ruthiebell on March 12, 2025, 02:25:39 PM
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Hello! I’m new to the group but have found discussions so helpful- thank you all. It can feel lonely navigating the changes in my body and brain and I am so sorry to see I’m not alone! I’m lucky that my GP is lovely and recommended I start HRT for many menopause symptoms, lots and feel like my body has been taken over by an alien some days. I’m 50 and on the progesterone only pill so do not bleed, so can’t tell if I would have a period or not which makes it tricky! I really wanted to try to manage without HRT if possible. I have recently acquired (as part of it all I think!) really awful health anxiety so I worry that the faffing with my hormones may cause even more problems than actual menopause and trigger me into more of state. From what I’m reading it doesn’t sound very straightforward in terms of HRT really working/ being successful enough? Would welcome opinions and also love advice from those who are choosing not to go down the HRT route as I really would like to try without and for any hints and tips. Thank you 😊
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There are no medals or prizes for suffering, even the way you phrase the question in terms of "managing without" implies sacrifice or self denial.
If you have visited your GP with menopause symptoms and they have offered you treatment, why would anyone not take that?
Anxiety itself can be a symptom of loss of gonadal hormones.
It's also not just about your quality of life now but in the future too - estrogen also helps protect against osteoporosis as well as helping to maintain cardiometabolic, skin, joint, brain and urogenital health.
It would be a real shame to miss out on potentially beneficial treatment without even trying it. Unless you give it a go you cannot really make an informed choice between being treated and untreated as you have only experienced one. If you start it and it isn't for you, just stop it, what have you lost?
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Hey, I can totally understand your concern.
It's very difficult to know which way to go. Unfortunately I'm probably in the opposite camp. I've literally tried everything to stabilise my hormones over the last few years and it's all made me worse.
I wish I'd given up sooner. I now believe my messing has made me worse.
I can understand the health anxiety issue. I am now suffering from terrible mental health - traumatised by all my trials.
That said, it would be very easy to try HRT once. You don't need to slog on and on, changing formats or brands if you dont want to. If the first one doesn't work you can simply stop. No more trials.
I just kept thinking my answer was out there. But it hasn't been. But yours might be. X
What symptoms are you experiencing?
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Welcome to the forum :)
I've managed without HRT and that's not me blowing my own trumpet,some women,sadly,symptoms are just too much to cope without it, I'm not going to tell you my journey was easy,it certainly wasn't,with low mood,anxiety and nausea being the worst, I did seriously consider it and sometimes wish I'd tried but I'm through the worst of it now.
We're all very different,so the choice really has to be yours,good luck with whatever you decide x
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Only you can decide which route you want to take as all our experiences will be different and unless you try you will never know how you will get on because it can be a minefield.
I was about 50 when I went on HRT to relieve hot flushes which were making me completely exhausted and I stayed on it for five years and was glad to come of it, I felt it gave me back my freedom, freedom from constant blood pressure checks, visits to the breast clinic because of lumps caused by the extra oestrogen and visits to the gynae dept because of side effects. Five years was enough for me and I was lucky to have a good menopause thereafter.
It’s important to live a healthy lifestyle as you age, I am 75 now with no health issues apart from the occasional aches which come with old age, that’s natural and no amount of HRT will help that. Taking HRT does not guarantee you will be protected from serious health issues in the future, its more to do with living a healthy lifestyle, smoking and excessive drinking can be catastrophic on the body, I’ve seen the results of that and it’s not nice.
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From the tone of your post it seems that you really don't want to use HRT. If this is the case then you don't have to.
I have tried several types of HRT and every single one of them has caused a huge increase in anxiety and did nothing else for me (except sore boobs and hair loss). I know this as my anxiety levels massively reduced as soon as I stopped using HRT. It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
I think everyone suffers with health anxiety at some stage in their life. It's not just around menopause so no-one can say for definite that it's due to a reduction in hormones. Even men suffer from it and they don't go through menopause. There are many things that can trigger anxiety. It's all about finding the cause and addressing that rather than throwing something at it with crossed fingers.
Please don't be swayed in your choice by posts that mention all the future potential benefits. No-one can say that you'll definitely suffer from heart disease, osteoporosis or dementia if you don't use HRT. Conversely, no-one can guarantee that you definitely won't suffer from these things if you do.
I'm not trying to persuade you one way or another as other posters may try to do. Only you can decide what is best for your body.
Also, have you had a full health MOT to check vitamin levels and thyroid function? Many ladies find out at this age that they're lacking in one or more vitamins and their thyroid is struggling. Low vitamins and thyroid dysfunction can cause symptoms that many assume to be menopause related.
Oh, and welcome to the forum :)
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Thank you for replies, really helpful and fully appreciate it is my choice, just to clarify I am not self sacrificing just really welcome of the discussion, main symptoms anxiety (health) night sweats, occasional low mood, palpitations, frozen shoulder (but physio and exercise are helping) I am lucky to say I have have an mot and all is well. I think that is why I’m leaning towards non HRT as don’t want to run the risk of potentially naffing anything up (probably over thinking I know!) If anyone has any info about helpful stuff re herbal etc I could try that would be ace please. I certainly won’t rule out trying HRT if symptoms get any worse too. Thank you
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There is absolutely no shortage of over the counter remedies claiming to help with menopausal symptoms, there is just very little evidence of clinical effectiveness or in some cases safety - for example black cohosh can cause liver toxicity.
My advice if you buy anything is to check what is actually in it - often it is something you could have bought for a lot less without the menopause marketing, such as a vitamin D supplement or a moisturizer.
Also check that whatever the active ingredient is doesn't interfere with any prescription medication you take.
Finally I would point out that taking a synthetic progestin as birth control you are already manipulating your own hormones and adding something that is not naturally found in your body - I have nothing against that and take a combined pill myself - it just seems unusual that someone would be ok taking a highly potent synthetic hormone for contraception but not a low dose of body identical hormones for their own quality of life, in case this helps you see it differently.
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Thanks bombsh3ll - true, I do take the the mini pill, but the progesterone in this is only 75 micrograms as opposed to 100mg in the pill as part of the treatment which is a significant difference in dosage. I will look carefully at the herbal route as I’m aware of inter-indications. It just seems that a lot of women I speak with and some people on the forum don’t seem very happy with their hormone treatment and have are still having difficulties. Would have loved it if that route was overwhelmingly positive but it doesn’t seem to be and sounds stressful trying different ones etc. there is no right or wrong answer, and it is hard - I just wanted to explore discussion about ways without using more medical intervention.
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... It just seems that a lot of women I speak with and some people on the forum don’t seem very happy with their hormone treatment and have are still having difficulties. Would have loved it if that route was overwhelmingly positive but it doesn’t seem to be and sounds stressful trying different ones etc....
In addition to the fantastic advice and opinions you've already had in response, don't forget that forum members only tend to post on here when they have problems. There are lots and lots of us who very quickly found the right combination of HRT that alleviates our symptoms but because we don't need help you don't read about us.
You are obviously weighing this up very carefully for yourself, quite rightly so, but try not to be put off too much by the horrible experience some forum members have had trying to find the right treatment for them.
Good luck with your considerations
Suzie
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Jaypo - I wonder if you could give us more details to your story???
You say you're through the worst of it now - so I'm assuming you found peri toughest and are now stabilising a bit post meno???
I do think we could all benefit from hearing some non HRT stories and how they pan out.
If you feel like sharing. :)
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Thank you Suziemc sorry I’m a newbie it makes sense issues/ problems are mentioned more, really appreciate your comments, also crispychick thank you for great comments, all great food for thought and yes it would be great to hear from you jaypo if you would like to share. Thanks again all for all your replies 😊
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Thanks bombsh3ll - true, I do take the the mini pill, but the progesterone in this is only 75 micrograms as opposed to 100mg in the pill
That's because desogestrel as a chemically modified pharmaceutical is hundreds of times more potent than micronised progesterone.
Wikipedia has some useful information on equivalent potencies.
Obviously any treatment is a personal choice with advantages and disadvantages but it's important to have a good understanding of what you are taking.
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Hi,
I'm no expert, but can you not just stivk with the progesterone you are on and just trial some oestrogen?
For me progesterone is the worst part, the orstrogen part is glorious!!
Good luck x
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Ruthiebell, whilst I'm all for women making their own decisions about whether to take HRT, that should be an *informed* decision - and there are a few errors or common misunderstandings behind a few things you say....
Firstly, women on a forum like this do not represent the average woman on HRT. Women on a forum like this are self-selecting as complex cases frequently needing more help, advice and guidance than the average. The average woman goes on HRT, feels dramatically better, has her menopause symptoms fixed and experiences a reduced risk of many diseases associated with aging. She does not need to seek out help on an online forum like this. So what you are reading, here, and the people whose experiences and accounts you are coming across, are not representative of most women on HRT and should not really be used to help you decide whether to take it or not.
Secondly, like bombshell says, anxiety is an extremely extremely common symptom of low sex hormones. You can google or ChatGPT that for yourself.
Thirdly, you say on the one hand you've had an MOT and have a full bill or health, then on the other hand say that you're experiencing night sweats and palpitations and frozen shoulder - and more besides. I'm not sure how those 2 statements tally. Because those are not negligible issues. Night sweats alone are linked to a higher risk of dementia, in later life. Palpitations are happening because your heart needs estrogen and without it, you are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. These are communications from your body which you can heed... They are not things to weather and get through, because they are the first warning signs of risk factors.
Fourthly, you make assumptions which are incorrect when you say that you take the mini pill " but the progesterone in this is only 75 micrograms as opposed to 100mg in the pill as part of the treatment". I'm not sure what you mean by 'the pill, as part of the treatment' but am guessing you mean the 100mg utrogestan progesterone for HRT...? You do realise you can't compare the synthetic progestin of 75mcg with 100mg of body identical natural progesterone?? I mean, I could say to you 'I only took 1mg of cyanide as compared to 500mg of sodium' and I think you'd get the point.
A progestin is a synthetic hormone which your body has never produced and which increases your risk of breast cancer, stops your own ovarian function and suppresses your own progesterone and testosterone and estradiol as a result - and may well be responsible for the low mood you are currently feeling, since research shows that progestins cause low mood and depression - and the other is a hormone your body has produced naturally every time you've ovulated and which strengthens your bones and improves your own immune function... and which your own body has naturally produced the equivalent of probably 1000mgs of during each menstrual cycle. (I currently take 600mg of utrogestan/day for example.) Arguably more progesterone is better for many women - not worse.
Fifthly, when women can't take HRT, they tend to make it A Very Good Thing or Just As Well, that they can't. Cognitive dissonance is a bummer. Not many people can hack it, so they resolve it by I Don't Care Anyway, It's Better Like This - or any other number of psychological approaches to resolution. That doesn't mean you should base your decision on their accounts. Think of where they are coming from...
As for my own experience, without HRT I had severe joint pain, migraines, zero libido, vaginal atrophy, incontinence, inner tremors through the night, palpitations, hypnic jerks as I began to fall asleep, insomnia, night sweats - I could go on. Almost all of this has totally gone and I've got my life back. You are not going to come to a forum like this and read multiple accounts of people saying how lovely everything is, because people tend to join when they have a problem...
You might want to read the website Balance-Menopause.com or listen to Dr Louise Newson's podcast to learn more so you can make an informed decision about whether to increase your risk of many diseases by not taking HRT. This is not just about symptom resolution.
PS Sorry, one more point... Many women have not been on the right type and dose of HRT for them and due to the ignorance of their doctors, they just give up... They don't realise that if they persevered and got the right balance of hormones and dose and type, things could have been great.
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Hi Ruthiebell,
I finally tried HRT after trying to manage my symptoms for 7 years with various different approaches. I was hoping that HRT would be the life-changer that everyone (friends) who was on it told me it would be. Sadly, after 3.5 years of trialling and tweaking, it wasn't.
I am currently 7+ weeks into another trial without HRT. Although some of my symptoms have returned (on and off), I am tolerating them as I immediately felt much more "normal" than when I was on it. At least now I know what my own body is doing and not stressing whether it is the HRT clashing with wildly fluctuating hormones and causing a raft of symptoms I never had before HRT. The anxiety, palpitations, huge sore boobs and weight gain that started when I went on HRT have gone. As has stressing about my prescriptions and doseages. I feel free of all that.
I really think HRT is great for those women who get on with it and am quite envious, but (in my opinion) it is promoted as a wonder drug that will change your life for the better. In my experience it isn't as simple as that. It is not a one size fits all.
There is nothing to lose, and hopefully something to gain, if you to try it. And give a few months for it to settle if you do. But if you don't feel the benefits then you can easily stop taking it.
Good luck in whatever you choose x
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Hi DottyD68 - I’m so sorry to hear of your difficult journey but so appreciate your reply, thank you that is really helpful and kind. I hope you continue to feel better xx
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Thanks Ruthiebell.
Some of the more holistic therapies I use are acupuncture (which I have monthly and always feel better for) and a meditation app called Headspace. I have always exercised on a pretty much daily basis and continue to do that.
I also take supplements such as magnesium and sea buckthorn on top of a healthy diet.
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Hi DottyD68 - ooh I’ve not tried acupuncture, thank you. I’m doing dabbling with tai chi which is lovely, really calming and gentle. I take magnesium but not heard of the sea buckthorn I will give it a try and Headspace sounds good. Totally agree diet is a good thing to keep an eye on, eat fairly healthily as enjoy cooking but I’m upping my oily fish and nibbling at seeds! I think you mentioned anxiety, just in case I thought I would mention I’ve been using Kalms day (valerian root version) and they have taken the edge of jittery days really well, thank you again x
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I went to a Tai Chi class years ago - yes very calming. My acupuncturist recommends qigong. Check out Youtube for some 10 minute breathing exercises.
Sea Buckthorn is from Holland & Barratt. It is not cheap but helps with dryness in various parts of the body including eyes which I suffer from. I get them on subscribe and save.
Magnesium oil is also in my toolkit when I get achey muscles.
Thanks for the tip on Kalms. I have also taken them at times in the past.
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Morning Dotty, hope you’re well, thank you that is great advice, not heard of magnesium oil either so defo checking it out. My main issue seems to be health anxiety which on some days seems to take over my life - getting husband (who is thankfully very patient) to look at weird veins/ bumps all that seem to be in my head as I’ve had everything checked. I’ve realised that is why I’m so nervous about starting anything as I think I would be hyper vigilant to every ache and pain. Feel if I try without I will feel in more control as it is my body adjusting (albeit with the continuous mini pill for now that I’ve been on for yonks which I understand is contributing but I’ve never had issue with it) but at least I know it’s mainly just me if that makes sense. Sorry, I’m going on! Thanks again though.
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Morning. I completely understand. I have been the same with health anxiety, though I don't think it is surprising as there are so many changes going on with our bodies at this time in our lives. Hence why it's called "The Change" :)
My husband (who is also very patient) frequently says "What am I looking at now?" ;D when I ask him to check another thing which is magnified in my eyes but in reality either very small or non-existent.
I have now learnt to wait at least 2 weeks before seeking medical attention on discovery of yet another "thing". Invariably it has disappeared by then, and I am focussing on something different. I used to keep a daily log of how I felt etc but have stopped this as it just made me obsess about how I was feeling every day. I now jot down the odd thing which is useful as it shows a general pattern/cycle of any symptoms.
Some people say that those women who resist/decline going on HRT don't go on it because they think it will be perceived as some sort of weakness or lack of strength. I think the opposite. Now HRT has become more popular I think there is a lot of pressure for women to go on it. Those who don't go on it (or don't persevere with it when it makes them feel worse) are made to feel stupid or foolish for not doing so. I certainly felt pressure from my peers which is why I decided to try it having been convinced it would make me feel much better. Sadly for me it didn't, despite changing regimes and doses. We all know our own bodies and only we can decide what we feel is best for us. Like I said in a previous post, HRT is definitely worth a try if you want to and if it helps that is a great result.
Have a great day x
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Hi again, so glad to know it’s not just me getting husband to check things! ;D that is a really good idea about leaving for 2 weeks, I’ve tried the diary too, somewhat helpful but agree very easily tips into over obsessing again. Totally agree there is pressure, almost a sense of being ungrateful or ridiculous in some way-if I don’t take it (?) I feel thankful it’s an option and certainly won’t rule it out forever, but think it’s about being honest with myself about what I could cope with, same for everyone, it is totally individual. I know at this point my over obsessing health stuff would spiral so I’m going to give a good go without for now. Is there a section on the website in regards to not using HRT with any advice? I’m new to it so just wondered. Really appreciate your wise words, thank you and have a great day too x
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There's a section on this forum called Alternative Therapies which may have some useful information. X
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Brill thank you x
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Jaypo - I wonder if you could give us more details to your story???
You say you're through the worst of it now - so I'm assuming you found peri toughest and are now stabilising a bit post meno???
I do think we could all benefit from hearing some non HRT stories and how they pan out.
If you feel like sharing. :)
I don't mind sharing,just never want people to think MY WAY is the best as I'm definitely not anti HRT. The only reason I was against it was because back then,having breast cancer rife on my mother's side,it was still deemed unsafe for me but of course we now know this is outdated.
Sweats started at 52, then anxiety but looking back,the anxiety stemmed from not knowing what was wrong with me, nausea was bad but now know this was due to reflux,dizziness led to panic attacks,low mood was another, I definitely wasn't in a good place for quite a few years,now I'm NOT saying,I got through it,you can too because I know of women on here who would've been broken without it. I have a very understanding husband too,which helps. I tried every herbal "remedy " known to man and in my opinion (not saying it's right) these companies prey on women who are desperate,they just don't work,maybe for a short while but it's a placebo effect. Now ,at 61, I feel human again,still get anxiety every now and then but usually HA which is normal as we age. I'm now glad I didn't use Hrt as it seems you have to be on it for good, the minute you stop it,all the symptoms return for many and as I hate taking any sort of meds it just wasn't for me. It was a battle to get out of bed some days but joining this forum probably saved me,just knowing I wasn't alone :) Sorry,that was long winded folks x
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Thanks jaypo.
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That's really helpful. Unfortunately people feeling like they're somehow boasting if gone through naturally means stories are not shared. Yet still more people go through naturally than on HRT. And id love to hear how it pans out for folks.
What age did you have your last period then?
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Ruthiebell, whilst I'm all for women making their own decisions about whether to take HRT, that should be an *informed* decision - and there are a few errors or common misunderstandings behind a few things you say....
Firstly, women on a forum like this do not represent the average woman on HRT. Women on a forum like this are self-selecting as complex cases frequently needing more help, advice and guidance than the average. The average woman goes on HRT, feels dramatically better, has her menopause symptoms fixed and experiences a reduced risk of many diseases associated with aging. She does not need to seek out help on an online forum like this. So what you are reading, here, and the people whose experiences and accounts you are coming across, are not representative of most women on HRT and should not really be used to help you decide whether to take it or not.
Secondly, like bombshell says, anxiety is an extremely extremely common symptom of low sex hormones. You can google or ChatGPT that for yourself.
Thirdly, you say on the one hand you've had an MOT and have a full bill or health, then on the other hand say that you're experiencing night sweats and palpitations and frozen shoulder - and more besides. I'm not sure how those 2 statements tally. Because those are not negligible issues. Night sweats alone are linked to a higher risk of dementia, in later life. Palpitations are happening because your heart needs estrogen and without it, you are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. These are communications from your body which you can heed... They are not things to weather and get through, because they are the first warning signs of risk factors.
Fourthly, you make assumptions which are incorrect when you say that you take the mini pill " but the progesterone in this is only 75 micrograms as opposed to 100mg in the pill as part of the treatment". I'm not sure what you mean by 'the pill, as part of the treatment' but am guessing you mean the 100mg utrogestan progesterone for HRT...? You do realise you can't compare the synthetic progestin of 75mcg with 100mg of body identical natural progesterone?? I mean, I could say to you 'I only took 1mg of cyanide as compared to 500mg of sodium' and I think you'd get the point.
A progestin is a synthetic hormone which your body has never produced and which increases your risk of breast cancer, stops your own ovarian function and suppresses your own progesterone and testosterone and estradiol as a result - and may well be responsible for the low mood you are currently feeling, since research shows that progestins cause low mood and depression - and the other is a hormone your body has produced naturally every time you've ovulated and which strengthens your bones and improves your own immune function... and which your own body has naturally produced the equivalent of probably 1000mgs of during each menstrual cycle. (I currently take 600mg of utrogestan/day for example.) Arguably more progesterone is better for many women - not worse.
Fifthly, when women can't take HRT, they tend to make it A Very Good Thing or Just As Well, that they can't. Cognitive dissonance is a bummer. Not many people can hack it, so they resolve it by I Don't Care Anyway, It's Better Like This - or any other number of psychological approaches to resolution. That doesn't mean you should base your decision on their accounts. Think of where they are coming from...
As for my own experience, without HRT I had severe joint pain, migraines, zero libido, vaginal atrophy, incontinence, inner tremors through the night, palpitations, hypnic jerks as I began to fall asleep, insomnia, night sweats - I could go on. Almost all of this has totally gone and I've got my life back. You are not going to come to a forum like this and read multiple accounts of people saying how lovely everything is, because people tend to join when they have a problem...
You might want to read the website Balance-Menopause.com or listen to Dr Louise Newson's podcast to learn more so you can make an informed decision about whether to increase your risk of many diseases by not taking HRT. This is not just about symptom resolution.
PS Sorry, one more point... Many women have not been on the right type and dose of HRT for them and due to the ignorance of their doctors, they just give up... They don't realise that if they persevered and got the right balance of hormones and dose and type, things could have been great.
This reply felt rather like a passive aggressive lecture. Especially given its “firstly, secondly…” nature- It was also upsetting to be honest in terms of handing out threats of potential life threatening issues if I choose to go without HRT for now. My mot was in regard to my general overall health, not menopausal symptoms which are part of a process of change, although not pleasant, are not a disease. I’m not claiming to be any form of expert, or indeed know everything, hence why I joined looking for advice. I thought the forum is a platform to explore all aspects of menopause, including exploration of other methods, not to be lectured as to why I should take HRT and made to feel ‘told off’ in the process of merely asking others opinions.
I am new to the group and have also had some lovely replies (thank you) and advice so don’t understand why your tone is so unpleasant. I wasn’t going to bother responding but I feel if you reply to others in that way too it’s detrimental to the whole point of a forum that should be a safe friendly space for women to share experiences and although not necessarily always agree, respect each others views.
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That was exactly my thoughts, a lecture, the type of post that SundayGirl warned about in her reply to you. Please take no notice of it and concentrate on the replies that you are more in tuned with. Your thread is a fabulous one and will help so many others.
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I've no time for scaremongering on here.....just saying
I've had palpitations for years,had my heart checked many times and all ok, they now hardly happen,very occasionally if I'm anxious but they are VERY common and rarely life threatening.
Our bodies adapt to lowering oestrogen,it can be a rough ride but I do get a bit fed up of hearing you MUST take hrt if you dont want any of these horrific illnesses,it's simply not true. More women don't take hrt than do and we're not all suffering these illnesses that hrt pushers claim. Again I am NOT against hrt in any way shape or form.
You are so right crispychick, I feel I almost have to apologise for NOT being on it.
I had a hysterectomy at 45 ,ovaries left,so still had all they symptoms of have a monthly period until about 50 ish :)
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Thank you both Ayesha and Jaypo, so helpful and supportive (that’s what we all need!) phew, don’t usually do confrontation but will when I feel strongly enough especially when it may effect others. I think that may also be an ever growing super power of being 50 ;D
I will indeed tune into the great comments and advice. Totally agree there does seem to be some degree of shame from some camps when mentioning trying without HRT, I am not against at all either, just going to try without to see how I get on. It just great to have opportunity to muse with others. Luckily the majority camp seem to be muddling through as best we can and finding comfort in being able to ask and vent. Have a lovely afternoon 😊
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You too my lovely and good luck :)
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I was in the camp of try everything natural first. Every supplement, method, I tried. Nothing was really working.
I had a list of issues that I was trying to solve on my own. Didn’t work. I was told and still am to try this or try that. But what works for one women may not work for another. Those who skate by in menopause with little symptoms are the lucky ones.
I had emotional breakdowns, brain fog, high anxiety, severe depression, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal issues. Sleep issues, insomnia, bladder issues.
I started with progesterone which helped calm my nerves, anxiety.
Vaginal estrogen which is still in the process of healing the downstairs.
Last week I started systemic estrogen divigel. So roughly 11 days into that and I am seeing a difference in a bunch of things including brain fog. I just feel more balanced. More alert, more energy I feel normal. Less anxious, no more night sweats.
Yes it does but it’s a trial and error of what to take, what suits your body etc.
To American drs that I follow on social are Dr Kelly Casperson and Dr Mary Claire Haver. Who are paving the way to revolutionize menopause. Removing box warnings on social media and removing the stigma around menopause. Both have books out on the topic, Dr Kelly Casperson has 300 podcasts called you are not broken.
When I started my journey only 6 months ago I had very little knowledge and a lot of fear around HRT. You will become empowered by educating yourself to pave the way for your own journey.
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Ruthiebell
Please don't be disheartened or upset by any replies you may read. The majority of people here are supportive of each other and do their best to help others.
Yes, there is a small number of extremely pro-hrt members with some very strong views but the rest of us have a live and let live attitude where no-one is wrong in their decision.
As for the comment "Night sweats alone are linked to a higher risk of dementia, in later life", the research that I have found includes the words may and possible and some of the research is using retrospective data which relied on an accurate recollection of symptoms by people questioned. (We all know that "recollections may vary". ;D)
I thought I'd mention this as it's so easy to say that 'research shows this' or 'studies show that' without adding any links to these research papers to back up these claims.
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Well said Sundaygirl :) as stated before,more women are NOT on hrt than are on it and most go on to live a long and healthy life,so whether you choose to,or not to try hrt,there really is no right or wrong answer 💓
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And only last week the Independent ran a story on HRT actually raising the risk of Alzheimer's!
I thought the forum had been quiet on that one! ::)
There are pros and cons for absolutely everything, HRT is no different.
I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you. X
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Hi lovely ladies! Hope the day is being kind to you. Thank you so much SundayGirl for that information it is so appreciated, I admit I got in a flap about it, really heartening to have such kindness. Was a bit shocked by that reply but will pay no heed now, so many nice folk on here. So true jaypo there are no right or wrongs just journeys seemingly with bumpy roads! My pal said the other day ‘it’s like being on a really rubbish rollercoaster’ which I said sums it up nicely.
On another note (and stop me if I’m being boring/it’s not the right place) but I have had half fat Greek yogurt with, honey, pumpkin seeds, ground flax, chai seeds and a peanut granola for breakie for the last week or so (it’s actually tasty which was a pleasant surprise and Aldi stock all bits for very reasonable monies) and my guts seems a lot, lot happier than with the toast and jam that was previously consumed, just thought I’d mention. I am now about to prepare sausage and mash and ruin it all :P ;D
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P.S loving the names too, CrispyChick! :)
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Oowww I love a Greek yogurt over fruit, I have that for lunch these days, a decent diet certainly does make you feel better,after saying that,I'm not about to give up my bottle of wine at a weekend 🍷🥴
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😂me neither, red wine is good for us, as is dark chocolate I believe 😁
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Standing here holding glass out for refill 🍷
Not sharing my dark choc though 🍫 ;D
BTW we do tend to wander off track a bit so you're fitting in rather well here!!
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Morning Sunday girl! Oh that’s good to hear, wandering off track makes life more interesting I reckon😂 I am greatly possessive of my dark chocolate and to my horror found my 16 year old lad gleefully nibbling at it last night…noooo! Stinky teens are not supposed to like it surely?!
How is everyone this morning? Hope all is well as it can be. Sleep a bit better last night, bit sweaty ( and stinky I’m giving the teens a run for their money) but mostly unbroken which I’ll take as a win. Lucky to be off today so going to fitsteps with my 82 year old mum, the class are all of a similar wonderful age, feisty, rebellious and totally put me to shame 😂 hope you all have a good day 💐
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Just don't ask them if they have ever taken HRT, I did that once in a crowded room of women and I practically cleared the room. It was lonely sitting there on my own ;D
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🤣🤣I am off to it now - excellent advice thank you!
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Hello Ruthiebell
Have you tried overnight oats? My version is porridge oats, Aldi’s own chia seeds and/or milled flax, semi-skimmed milk, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, a few frozen blueberries, blob of half-fat Greek yoghurt. It’s low sugar slow-release carbs and makes for a happy digestive system :)
Since menopause I find I can’t process sugar like I used to, and alcohol is basically poison to me now (which is a real shame) though I can still enjoy very small amounts with food.
I’m 56 and have been on HRT for a year now. I went through menopause at 51 and thought I had sailed through with just a few minor hot flushes but for me the symptoms started after that. It took me a while to decide to give HRT a go as I was quite resistant to it, but I am extremely glad I did. I am very happy on my current regime, though it did take a while to find the right one. I had side effects to start with, which was all quite stressful, and there were times early on when I wondered if I’d made a bad mistake (though everything has worked out very well in the end).
Bone density is definitely a thing to address post-meno so I would advise a daily vitamin D supplement (I take 200 microgrammes a day, when I remember to!) and regular high impact/body-weight bearing exercise, be that yoga, Pilates, dancing, running or gym. Exercise also works on improving mood.
Whatever you decide to do is your personal choice and you can always change your mind. If you do want to try HRT and it doesn’t suit you, everything is completely reversible. But there is no should or shouldn’t.
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Did someone say chocolate!?!
So what are you saying Ruthiebell? A diet of wine and chocolate? Think I could manage that 😂
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I'm in!! 🥂 🍷 🍾 🍫
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Does sound rather like I did🤣🤣 splendid eats go with it…and it’s Friday too which surely justifies🍷+ 🍫🍫😁
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Hello Ruthiebell
Have you tried overnight oats? My version is porridge oats, Aldi’s own chia seeds and/or milled flax, semi-skimmed milk, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, a few frozen blueberries, blob of half-fat Greek yoghurt. It’s low sugar slow-release carbs and makes for a happy digestive system :)
Since menopause I find I can’t process sugar like I used to, and alcohol is basically poison to me now (which is a real shame) though I can still enjoy very small amounts with food.
I’m 56 and have been on HRT for a year now. I went through menopause at 51 and thought I had sailed through with just a few minor hot flushes but for me the symptoms started after that. It took me a while to decide to give HRT a go as I was quite resistant to it, but I am extremely glad I did. I am very happy on my current regime, though it did take a while to find the right one. I had side effects to start with, which was all quite stressful, and there were times early on when I wondered if I’d made a bad mistake (though everything has worked out very well in the end).
Bone density is definitely a thing to address post-meno so I would advise a daily vitamin D supplement (I take 200 microgrammes a day, when I remember to!) and regular high impact/body-weight bearing exercise, be that yoga, Pilates, dancing, running or gym. Exercise also works on improving mood.
Whatever you decide to do is your personal choice and you can always change your mind. If you do want to try HRT and it doesn’t suit you, everything is completely reversible. But there is no should or shouldn’t.
Hi Violletta808
Thank you, that breakfast sounds gorgeous! Love all those ingredients- do I mix them them all together cover and put in it the fridge? (never done the soaked oats so just checking) thank you to for great advice, so welcome. I certainly haven’t ruled out HRT if I feel symptoms getting more extreme and it is great to hear such positive results, I’m so chuffed for you.
I’m sorry to hear about the alcohol 😥 I can enjoy red wine, although my tolerance has changed, I’m a much cheaper date if I actually ever went to a pub😂 I suppose it’s our bodies way of saying reign it in a bit! You have reminded me about adding vit D I will get on that, I take a combined multi vitamin by Free Soul (female) which seems good and has it in but I’ll double check the levels as I think I need to up it. I try to exercise well but often it is just walking every day (roughly a couple of miles) mixed in with bits of other stuff - is walking good? It definitely helps my mood but does it do enough bone wise do you think?
Again thank you and let us all know how you are getting on, so helpful 😊
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My journey started without hormones and wham everything happened at once. I tried all the remedies and supplements but nothing really helped me
Brain fog, severe depression, severe anxiety, night sweats, vaginal issues, migraines. Sleep issues, bladder issues
For me I tried local treatment for the vagina which made things worse. Stopped got worse. Had to restart vaginally but the anxiety and stress was killing me. So added progesterone one at night. And stayed like that for awhile.
Two weeks ago I added divigel (systemic estrogen) to “try”.
The improvement has been night and day for me. Brain fog, depression, anxiety, night sweats, low energy, bladder issues. Are resolving themselves and even the vagina is slowly feeling better.
I was suffering for about 6 months and when people say it is a game changer or it will change your life, I am in awe that in fact that is true.
I didn’t really even know I was suffering thought it was normal to sleep poorly or have bladder issues or brain fog until it wasn’t.
I was so surprised that applying a little gel on my leg each day could make such a difference in my overall well being.
It’s ultimately up to you and seeing how your body will react.
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Are you peri or post meno ms London?
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I am 48 years old. My last period was in Sept and before that was March.
According to recent bloodwork fsh levels are indicating that I am in post menopause. Both my drs feel that my period is not returning.
I was so busy working and taking care of aging parents that I ignored my issues until I could not work anymore.
I have had a lot of family stress in the last two years. So both drs feel it’s early…
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I'm so glad you decided to take the plunge ms_london76, I hate to witness unnecessary suffering but particularly so when it is someone on the younger end to whom the data on theoretical risks outlined in historical studies cannot be extrapolated.