Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: sue1975 on August 20, 2025, 08:20:54 PM
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Hello everyone x I’ve been a lurker on this forum for quite some time 🙈 I am here to ask for some help, of course!
My question is, with the history I describe, what do you think a BMS consultant might offer me at an appointment and what questions could I ask?
The short version of my story is:
I am done. Finished. Exhausted. On the verge of losing my job. House and garden squalid.
I need some help! x
-severe and worsening PMS with suicide ideation
-heavy menstrual bleeding with clots and flooding, pelvic, back and leg pain and heaviness (awful!)
-severe PND with intrusive thoughts and SI
-tried Evorel Sequi for 3 months…progesterone sent me into despair
-tried Mirena + Evorel 100. This was for cycle suppression for PMDD as per Nick Panay/IAMPD. Cyclical problems replaced with Fatigue, depression, not functioning at all. Time off work, Stage 3 disciplinary + concerns for welfare after breaking down multiple times.
-removed Mirena and stopped oestrogen. Only thing in my control!
-The fatigue and depression lifted on the third day! I bled that afternoon.
-Had a few good days and cleaned my bathroom and kitchen!
-10 days in, anxiety ramping up and now bleeding again but without relief. Just a headache, pelvic cramps, back and thigh pain.
I just can’t do it any more!
I am going he will offer me chemical
Menopause with a view to hysterectomy.
If not, a trial of lutigest.
Please could you help me get the most out of this appointment with Mr Rowlands (Spire, Wirral).
Sue Ann 🙏🏻❤️
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Sorry, I should add that I’m on Fluoxetine 20mg x
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You poor thing, this all sounds so awful to deal with.
Have you had your appointment yet?
I would love to know the outcome. I had a total hysterectomy 2 years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done. My hormones are now stable, thanks to high levels of HRT and a mild anti depressant for anxiety. Mine was done through Spire in Norwich x
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If you are a low risk surgical candidate and have been offered a hysterectomy I would grab it with both hands.
You can then take whatever dose of estrogen you need as well as testosterone and never have to suffer any kind of progestogen.
Just a thought whilst you are waiting, have you tried a suitable combined hormonal contraceptive pill to shut you down? I take Zoely, continuously. I too hate my own progesterone and don't even know I am taking a progestin on Zoely.
I also don't bleed at all on it.
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Thank you bombsh3ll 🙏🏻
That’s exactly what I’m thinking!
No, I haven’t tried Zoely…
I had my cycle shut down using mirena + Evorel 100 as per Nick Panay guidelines for NAPMS.
Honestly, worst thing I’ve ever done….I was reassured that mirena wouldn’t affect me with the added oestrogen so have ended up enduring nearly three years of misery on it!
I’ve even had sinus surgery! It was only when the symptoms didn’t improve after 8 weeks (recovery is approx. 2 weeks) and I had the mirena removed that I felt better-no headache or fatigue!
What an ordeal, honestly! 😭
Do you think Zoely might be worth a try?
I’m just thinking that in order to use HRT in the future, I won’t be able to have progesterone so hysterectomy might be the way forward if he suggests it…I’m scared to death of the stuff now! xx
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The fact that progesterone scares you more than a hysterectomy says enough.
Grab it and take it to the bank, as the offer may not remain on the table indefinitely.
You have maximum leverage when you are premenopausal. If you wait too long, it will be "well just don't take HRT then".
I am not a surgical candidate. I love Zoely though and I would certainly recommend trying it as an interim measure.
However as a combined pill it is not a forever option. I plan to be on it until around 55 and then will have to explore other options for endometrial protection.
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Yes, you’re right. It’s terrifying.
And that’s also what I am thinking…that if I’m offered it, I will take it. If not, the opportunity might be gone and I’ll be stuck.
Yes, I see about Zoelly. Maybe good to tide me over.
I really hope you will find something when you need to ❤️
Thanks so much for your input-it’s really helping me to work things through in my head xx
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quote author=mandss link=topic=73062.msg981107#msg981107 date=1755869422]
Hi Mandss x Thank you for your reply-yes, it really is!
I was at the top of an anxiety spike when I wrote the post and then (of course) started bleeding properly the following day, with flooding and pain…you know how it is! So I wasn’t really up to replying x
The bleeding has stopped now, so I am feeling great, of course!
Trying to get on top of things before the next one.
Not yet-the appointment is on Saturday…I think it’s good because it gives a little time to assess symptoms.
I’m SO glad to hear your operation alphas improved your life! ❤️
Do you have it privately as it was at Spire?
Shall I let you know what happens? xx
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Hi.
Just to say I too am in a hideous mess. Have loved like this for 7 years. Nothing works for me. You are not alone :-*
I had a chemical menopause last year. Unfortunately it wasn't for me. But I had mine easily approved by private gynae at a spire hospital. My GP was supportive and had written a referral.
So I do think it's something you'd be able to try. Problem is - any add back will require progesterone. But perhaps they'd let you try E only for a short time as that will tell you if hysterectomy is your answer.
X
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Just to add that tibolone can also be added back in chemical menopause, which often suits the progesterone intolerant.
However I strongly consider hysterectomy the gold standard and if this was an option for me I would take it and not leave any room for the offer to be withdrawn.
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Whilst I hear what you're saying Bombshell - my experience of CM was not good. So any mention of hysterectomy would have me running for the hills.
In that respect, chem meno is really useful so you know how you'll respond. Id highly recommend trying it first.
I had the injection. Then moved to the nose spray.
Agree on the Tibolone.
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Hi everyone x
I had my appointment today and the doctor was amazing! He understood everything that I said-unbelievable! I have been living this for so long and feeling as though I’m in a bell jar…nobody could hear me!!
Having listened to my history…I won’t repeat because you have all read it (thank you 🙏🏻), I will be going to take Prostap with utrogestan and oestrogel.
He is hopeful that I will cope with that but said that the next step would be hysterectomy.
Keep your fingers crossed for me and I’ll let you know how I get on xx Thanks for your support and advice ❤️
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Great news that you have a plan. Lets hope this is the start of a new you x
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Mr Rowlands is very well respected @ Arrow Park as well.
Saw a good one there. So pleased for you
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Great news! Having a knowledgeable and supportive doctor is gold dust!
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Great.
From my experience of chem meno I would ensure you start with monthly injection (just gives you an out if you needed it).
Will he be starting you on the oestrogel and utro immediately??? I'm assuming so. I entered CM with no HRT add back and, with hindsight, that was a huge mistake.
Good luck...x
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Great.
From my experience of chem meno I would ensure you start with monthly injection (just gives you an out if you needed it).
Will he be starting you on the oestrogel and utro immediately??? I'm assuming so. I entered CM with no HRT add back and, with hindsight, that was a huge mistake.
Good luck...x
Yes, he’s starting me on Oestrogel and utrogestan straight away…I had wondered about that because I’ve heard that some people don’t…
He’s writing to my GP with the instructions and GP will prescribe and do the injections.
He said that I might need to book a hospital appt at Spire for the first one - they like it to be done in a hospital apparently.
Do you know how I get it? Do the GPs have it? Or do I need to get it from a pharmacy?
Thanks everyone xx
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I had my first one at Spire. My GP said she would take them on after I had my first one.
But I never got to that point, as I switched to the nose spray. Got that via Spire then my GP prescribed.
So for my first injection, I was told to make the appointment at Spire with a nurse. So I did. All went fine.
Perhaps call your GP to check what is what...
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I had my first one at Spire. My GP said she would take them on after I had my first one.
But I never got to that point, as I switched to the nose spray. Got that via Spire then my GP prescribed.
So for my first injection, I was told to make the appointment at Spire with a nurse. So I did. All went fine.
Perhaps call your GP to check what is what...
Ah ok, yes, I see.
I called them today and he said “It’s do-able”, but to wait till the prescription comes through to make an appointment-hopefully Wednesday some time 🤞🏻
Thank you ☺️ Will keep you posted xx