Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Wilks on June 12, 2018, 09:15:18 PM
-
From my other topic of “how to accept the menopauseâ€, I realise that the main thing that bothers me is that this is it for the rest of my life. However, some say that it gets better once you “get through the other side†and your oestrogen stops fluctuating. But it's my understanding that although hot flushes and mood swings will eventually pass, nothing else will. Am I right?
The itchy dry skin, VA, increased risk of heart disease, loss of bone density, spare tyre, hair thinning, lack of energy, loss of libido, brain fog, etc are with you forever unless you take HRT forever?
-
Why?
My grannies had no access to HRT and both lived into their 80s. [have we had this conversation already :-\]
My Mum is 91 and has never taken HRT - her skin is great, she's up and at it! Late MinL didn't mention menopause at all.
Vaginal atrophy can be troublesome for ever. Personally I don't need to use the Ovestin as often, I recognise the signs of dryness so do a 3-night 'load' and it sorts itself. Some ladies have to use something every night, others as suggested ..........
Why is there an increased risk of heart disease? If one exercises there should be no increased loss of bone density ........ one can request a scan which should be taken from pelvis and hips as this is the dentist densest bone, the report will give a base-line. I was advised years ago to up my fruit and veg intake and to eat home cooked foods: which I already did ::). 10 mins. walking 3 times a week in the sunshine will help a lot.
Spare tyre - mine is due to the laxity of muscles as osteotrn ? levels dropped. My apron suddenly drooped, over 3/4 days. From above I look fat, from side on OK. Fortunately my hair has remained well. Brain fog initially, I'm used to it now [see doing stupid things thread? ;). Also 'the strange woman in my house .... ].
Each journey is individual. A friend of mine has had hot flushes but no other symptoms, not enough to take HRT but at age 80, still gets them.
Mood swings should not be put down to The Change. There may be other reasons.
--
Edit by Emma
confusing typo corrected
-
I'm not sure what you mean by “why� All of those things I listed are caused by low oestrogen. The “spare tyre†we develop is because low oestrogen causes redistribution of body fat. Low oestrogen also weakens your bones and increases your risk of heart disease.
I'm happy that your grannies lived til their 80s but that doesn't answer my question because every woman has a different experience.
Yes I have mentioned this before but I didn't get a clear answer, because people still keep talking about things “getting better once you're through the menopause†but I don't understand why they say that.
-
If you take a wider perspective, most women do not take HRT and are absolutely fine. The uptake fell massively after the research that over predicted risk and most still seem to be quite wary of it now.
I have only heard (endless) stories of women who struggled, some worse that others, in their 40s and felt great in their 50s once they were through menopause, all without HRT.
A lot of what we read are individuals experiences and opinion. Some experts actually don't put all those things down to low oestrogen and, as far as I know, none of that has been proven. Hot flushes are still a mystery to the medical experts, oestrogen or progesterone (and probably thyroxine) improve them but the cause is much more complex.
Please don't feel disheartened or afraid that if you don't take HRT that you are going to be at risk of heart and bone problems, this is not inconclusive!
Take what you need to get you through the volatile times and then get on with your life, eat as best as you can, do gentle exercise and look after your thoughts and you'll be fine.
-
Oestrogen causes lack of elasticity. Hence the sagging arms, belly droop [mine ::)] ......... but women continue to live well even with lower levels of oestrogen. Women are living longer .......... so the body can exist with lower levels of oestrogen. Where do you get your info from?
Also - as an aside, some countries have no access to pain relief or other medications, including HRT. Does this equate to living a shorter life :-\
I am not on HRT other than for VA. Now in my mid-60s. Period free from 2002. My symptoms of itchy skin across my back after my evening bath went away after 8/9 months. My periods had long gone by then by probably 2/3 years. I knew it was The Change and took each symptom as it arrived. Each fortunately went, the VA is under control thus far, once the repeated urine infection-type symptoms were diagnosed as VA rather than infection.
Occaisonally I get really itchy skin ............ insteps are the biggest area as soon as I remove socks at night. No problem in the day.
What bothers you the most? [I'm not sure why 'why' either ...... :-\ ]
-
Hello Wilks.
I am no expert obviously ( just a long time sufferer ! ) but my trusty meno book lists the following:-
Peri menopause from 45 to 55
Irregular menstruation from 42 to 58
Hot flushes, night sweats and emotional symptoms from 42 to 60
Sleeping disturbances from 45 to 60
Emotional and intellectual symptoms from 45 to early 60s
Dry skin from 50
Urgent, frequent or uncomfortable urination from 50
Back pain and possibly bone fractures from 57
Palpitations and chest pain from 55
Prolapse from 53
The author assumed that the menopause began at the average age of 51 and states
that not every woman experiences all of the above so that's a comfort isn't it!
I think possible heart problems and altered fat distribution are due to our androgens having a greater influence as oestrogen declines and it's been shown that a post menopausel women has the same risk of heart disease as men because the protective effects of oestrogen have been lost.
I was told recently by a Consultant that hormonal symptoms fade in the early 60s for 80 per cent of women but for 20 per cent they do not. Unfortunately she said that it was impossible to predict which group you are likely to be in.
I hope this information helps you and apologies for the depressing content!
Take care.
K.
-
Omg I'm booking myself into the scrap yard!! Does this seriously last until the 60's maybe more 😱😱😱.
Wilks...I've also wondered if it ends and what happens if/when you do come off hrt. I know some women are taking hrt well into their 70/80's (Louise newsons mum for example!) she looks fantastic btw. Think she's only on oestrogen though. Not sure if it's recommended to continue if having progesterone too.
Maybe symptoms subside and you manage on diet exercise and supplements but I know that without oestrogen at this stage I'd be debilitated with chronic lower back ache that would stop me exercising. This has magically disappeared with hrt. So my question would be would that stop or go back to being bad off hrt ? If so I'll scream for it all the way into my 80/90's 😁😁😁. Why shouldn't we be able to enjoy life at a decent level.
Hope you get some more answers but a tip for you..try mindfulness, helps to live in the present which can sometimes stop those anxious thoughts and allow you to take each day as it comes xx
-
Ps also have changed diet further to ensure healthy eating although I always ate healthily (mostly) but I realised a macdonalds sausage and egg McMuffin was only a celebration now...
I'm trying the Mediterranean diet at the moment which is mostly how I've always eaten but cutting out red meat too for a while (not definitely).
Had to increase my exercise as my middle piles on pounds of fat and ive always been a skinny 8-9 stone kind of girl!! Defo not anymore!! I have Botox in a crease in my forehead that resembles a tram line and it makes me look less old and knackered I feel, so money well spent I think, although some may not agree (I don't care :). It's defo a struggle at times but on the right hrt combi and enough sleep I feel overall happier than I have for a long while.
You're going through the initial shock and have yet to get to acceptance by the sounds of it, but you will one day. Xx
-
I can absolutely relate and agree with you Wilks.
I don't find anything natural or acceptable at meno and symptoms are for the rest of our lives for sure. My main concern isn't only about symptoms and quality of life but for the longterm consequences for our health.
For me hrt is the only way to cope and to protect my body. I'm determined to accept the risks and use hrt for life cause there is a life for me without.
-
From my other topic of “how to accept the menopauseâ€, I realise that the main thing that bothers me is that this is it for the rest of my life. However, some say that it gets better once you “get through the other side†and your oestrogen stops fluctuating. But it's my understanding that although hot flushes and mood swings will eventually pass, nothing else will. Am I right?
The itchy dry skin, VA, increased risk of heart disease, loss of bone density, spare tyre, hair thinning, lack of energy, loss of libido, brain fog, etc are with you forever unless you take HRT forever?
Wilks - I haven't read the other thread but I think you are worrying too much about the future and what you might feel. OK this is good to some extent ie what steps do you need to take now to protect your future health but worrying about what symptoms might or might not last is not healthy.
I hope you don't mind if I use my own experience as an example especially as I am well into the next phase of life being long post-meno. I started HRT at just under 54 in late peri-menopause because symptoms were unbearable and I had a full-time job as well as teenage children at home. Now 65 I have taken it almost continuously ever since. I can honestly say I don't get any of those symptoms. Well OK I don't get huge highs and great excitements but I do get enthusiastic about some things, and I don't get lows either and chug along quite happily with my life doing new things (now retired), keeping active and healthy. I do realise many women have sad and difficult situations which means they can't feel the same but if not - no reason not to continue to take it as long as you can and are healthy.
Yes there are lots of women who live a long time without HRT - some happy and healthy, but how many other s have problems which are or could be related to oestrogen deficiency such as osteoporosis, VA, cardio-vascular problems, low mood and depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia and I gather possibly even diabetes?
I could worry about what to do when I have to or choose to stop HRT ( I mean having bleeds at my age is not ideal but I prefer this to the possilbe adverse effects of no HRT at the moment), but for the time being I get on with it and don't worry."Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength"
If I stop HRT - maybe my hair will thin, and I'll get to be a fat tired brain-fogged sexless wrinkled old bag/hag - but it's important to make the best of yourself and have as positive outlook as you can (and as life circumstances permit) whatever age/stage you are at especially as some women are unable to take HRT.
Please try to enjoy your life now as it is without dwelling unduly about the future. For the lucky - their "rest of your life" will be long - because increased life expectancy has given us potentially a longer future post-menopause - but no good if we are miserable and ill, but also what if it is cut short and you spent your time worrying about a future that never comes? Think of the quality of your life now and in the immediate future and focus on enjoying it if you can and making the most of it :)
Hurdity x
-
Don't even consider stopping HRT if it suits? A diabetic wouldn't consider stopping medication in order to remain well so why should the medical profession think that women need to stop HRT?
-
Absolutely agree CLKD.
I guess cause diabetes is considered as an illness and menopause is a stage of the female life and not a disease.
-
But one has to consider any benefits?!?
-
I don't post often as I realise I am in the minority here as far as being post menopausal, healthy ( my doctor confirms this) not on any medication and stopped any ERT over two years ago. I did think I would be of help women to women who have gotten through menopause and doing well but realise this is not the case on this forum.
I find this statement could worry some women unnecessarily, and I just don't understand the reasoning behind this.
"If I stop HRT - maybe my hair will thin, and I'll get to be a fat tired brain-fogged sexless wrinkled old bag/hag"
-
My troubles started when postmenopause, I had flushes during peri but when my periods stopped a bus hit me.
-
Each of us is different. Because 'it says' in the various books etc. doesn't make it true!
-
Hello Wilks and ladies,
Do whatever makes you feel good, body and mind wise. If you feel comfortable enough to be on HRT and are not scared of possible side effects, what is preventing you from doing it?
If you are scared of possible side effects, it's really a benefit/cost decision. Nothing is without risk.
If you are confused and don't know how to make an informed decision, keep learning and you will find your own way to deal with it, eventually.
Ageing is tough, with or without menopause symptoms. Sometimes I think my symptoms are telling me that I need to take care of myself and the best way to do it is to listen to what my body is trying to say and be proactive instead of moaning about it. Embrace the experience is my motto these days.
Born to be wild 😜 😂
Conolly X
-
LOVE your post and attitude, Conolly (especially the 'born to be wild')! ;) :) xxxx
-
Thanks for all your replies, I suppose I'm being overly anxious about it all.
A few people have questioned what I said about the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, but it's true. I'm not making it up: you can read all about it on this Menopause Matters website or Dr Louise Newson's website.
-
LOVE your post and attitude, Conolly (especially the 'born to be wild')! ;) :) xxxx
Thank you, Tempest. I am a rock'n'roll advocate for all life's ailments 😎 Never too young to die, never too old to rock'n'roll.
Conolly X
-
Hi there all - to avoid any misunderstanding and to my comments were absolutely in context and were a light-hearted take on Wilks' comments about what can happen to the body post-menopause in the absence of HRT "The itchy dry skin, VA, increased risk of heart disease, loss of bone density, spare tyre, hair thinning, lack of energy, loss of libido, brain fog, etc are with you forever unless you take HRT forever?". Spare tyre = fat, loss of libido = sexless etc etc - I have just said exactly the same but using different words - trying to be a bit humorous about it ::). No point beating about the bush!
As Wilks says the evidence on the long terms consequence of oestrogen deficiency and maybe some of its influence on the ageing process is well recognised medically from scientific evidence which of course is based on populations and not indivuduals so does not follow that each individual will follow the same path because of our unique genetic make-up and life experience.
But my main point following those comments is that whatever we decide or do or not do - it is important to have a positive outlook and make the best of ourselves to minimise the disadvantages of deterioration of health and looks in older age - and above all not to worry!!!
Absolutely Connolly :)
Hurdity x
-
Your experience is helpful and encouraging, Tika. Thank you so much for sharing!😊 xxxx
-
Thank you Tempest.
None of the things mentioned that will happen if you don't take HRT have happened to me, I honestly feel like asking my GP to put down in writing what I have said and post it, to prove it., she has said many times "Whatever you are doing keep on doing it" she has also said that she has some ladies in their 70s and 80 taking HRT. I have a feeling that these ladies had had complete hysterectomies.
It just goes to prove all women are different! I don't just don't do nothing, I look after my health always have and its paid off. I have taken a small amount of estrogen in the past and coming off it I have not fallen to bits in fact I feel so much better!
Before I joined and just read posts I remembered something that hurdity posted which shocked me and stuck in my mind and made me want to join, I don't want to get into any unpleasantness on this forum, just to hope that all points of views and experiences of menopause are respected.
Can't remember all the post just this women turning into old men without HRT or words similar to that! this is so wrong! and was such an insensitive remark.
-
Hello tika,
Sometimes I don't understand why some HRT advocates are so passionate about it to the extent that they forget there are people who don't want/need to take it I have certainly changed at the onset of perimenopause but I don't blame it all on hormones. Each ome of us has a personal life journey that shouldn't be reduced to a simplistic ‘lack of oestrogen' explanation. Hormones are powerful chemicals, they rule our lives in many aspects, no doubt about that. Women like you and me, who don't take HRT, won't turn into old men or old hags. We are what we are. No bloody hormones define who we are now and that somehow is quite empowering. Whatever suits you is the golden rule. 🤗
Conolly X
-
Just to be clear, I said the RISKS of osteoporosis and heart disease are increased post-menopause because of loss of oestrogen. That does NOT mean that every post-menopausal woman who doesn't take HRT will develop either of those conditions, or have a shorter life expectancy, and that is not what I said.
(Similarly, smoking increases your risk of cancer but not everyone who smokes will get cancer.)
-
Hi Hasty i was very lucky to get a referral fir a dxa scan via my private meno consultant and between us we battled successfully to get it on the nhs it was hard work lol.
As far as I'm aware the gp has to justify it to a higher body before any referral and you have to have had 2 fractures.a history of oa in the family.have lost height and a few other stipulations to "qualify".You can have it done privately in London in some of the sports places with no referral needed,my son had it done it was to do with his keeping fit regime.
-
Some of my symptoms have passed like nausea, lead weight feeling thighs, extreme headaches, a degree of dizziness has gone too, x
-
Pre-dictive text! Tnx Emma ::)
I think that girls who, in recent years, have had a lack of dairy in their diets are more likely to encounter heart and bone problems. For various reasons many have cut out dairy which means a risk of problems sooner rather than later.
Every thing we do has a risk. So I take real care when getting out of bed and have been known to fall off slippers :-\, usually when walking upstairs ..... certainly I am more clumsy these days. When I had treatment for breast cancer I was asked whether I would change my diet after diagnosis, but why: anything nasty had been 'laid down' years previously so altering diet didn't seem worth the bother.
I never smoked, never appealed to me. Don't like alcohol. But something will get me eventually I suppose :-\. Apart from VA I haven't needed HRT as the symptoms weren't bad enough and didn't last, fortunately.
-
And I didn't say that women who don't take HRT will turn into fat old hags either!
There's no denying that some women struggle with menopause while others don't have a problem with it. I personally had several severe problems last year which I DO attribute to low oestrogen and low testosterone. That's my experience and I'm not suggesting that's the case for everyone.
Hope that clears things up?
-
I am 62 and have been 2 years without systemic HRT. It would be easy, and far too simplistic, to say that all my health issues are related to oestrogen deficiency. The ageing process is going to happen and it's something we all have to face. I make a big effort eat well and exercise sensibly - quality sleep eludes me these day but I practise Mindfulness a lot. I have never smoked, I've never been truly overweight (when I stopped dancing professionally, I did gain over a stone but then I was 7.5 stone in my dancing years) and I have never drunk much alcohol. When diagnosed with diverticulitis last year I was told I should have had a high fibre diet - I am a life vegetarian with probably too much fibre in my diet and constipation is something I have never had - it's normal for me to open my bowels 2-3 times a day - It's these comments that have made me loose faith in the medical profession and I come from a family filled with doctors, dentists and nurses!!!
Continuing with HRT, IF ( and it's a big IF) its suits you and you can continue using it for the long term, then there can be benefits. However, one must also take into account the side effects and risks once you get past 60. It's always going to be benefits versus side effects with HRT.
I am now relieved to not be tackling the many side effects that come with HRT - if I could just have a small amount of oestrogen, without progesterone, then I would seriously consider it but to be honest the benefits of HRT were being outweighed by the side effects for me. I am using Vagifem local oestrogen and will use this for the rest of my life.
My health issues are basically a compressed disc between L3-L4 and I doubt HRT would help this and my digestive system has gradually got worse and worse over recent years and I doubt that Oestrogen would truly help this either. I manage my VA and bladder issues quite well with local oestrogen and vaginal moisturisers and I doubt systemic HRT would improve things that much more. Yes, my energy, sleep and stamina are declining but I think the many years of quite extreme stress are the cause of my problems and I really don't cope with stress so well any more.
My day time flushes are less now but I can't tolerate extreme cold or heat so well these days. I have to pace myself much more and I certainly couldn't hold down a full time job - even though the government feels we should all be working till 66!!!!
My mother had a premature meno, like me, but didn't use HRT. She is now 90 and is mentally and physically better than all her 4 children. She gets very annoyed when we children are unwell - “we're being such a worry to her†and it's always our fault that we are unwell!!!! She has stayed very slim but always walked a lot, took lots of holidays and expected her children to sort all her problems. In other words she is wonderfully self centred and I think this is the best way for a good old age.
How we age will be largely down to our genetics and lifestyle choices - heart disease, cancer, bone health etc. can be helped with lifestyle choices and HRT can probably be beneficial in many ways BUT essentially how ageing process affects us will vary greatly.
What worries me is that we are the generation who will suffer because there aren't the people or resources to look after us as the inevitable ageing problems descend. My husband and I are already making plans for our old age to hopefully ensure we have quality of life, leave our special needs son with some security and the government doesn't get hold of the little we have. I am finding the forward planning quite rewarding - it's giving me hope for the future. I crave calm and security now, to enable us to have some fun along the way. DG x
-
Lovely, thoughtful post Dancinggirl. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences! :) xxxx
-
:thankyou: DG
We too have planned ahead. We have a good Financial Advisor. We enjoy stuff together and never feel the need for making conversation. Both of us have so far experienced good health [apart from my 'nerves' which hold me back :'(] whereas friends have either died, are currently failing or have needed replacement surgeries .......
Mum is up and at it in her Care Home ::). I think that moaning keeps her going ;D
It is said that as we age we don't require as much sleep as we think that we should get .......... I remember one Granny would get up at 5.00 a.m. so that the housework was done B4 we had breakfast at 8.00 a.m., she spent the rest of the day either cooking or taking us for long walks etc.. I don't remember her ever sitting down to sleep or telling us that she felt tired. She lived until she was mid-80s! :)
-
So do you continue with HRT Stellajane and enjoy Life? The body requires some level of all hormones after all.
-
Thanks Stellajane,
It amazes me the vast difference in experience of the menopause among us all.
-
As I've said before - I'm glad I haven't "sailed through" because it means I am taking oestrogen for longer and therefore giving my body protection for longer, against cardio-vascular disease and bone loss so hopefully warding off the onset of osteoporosis (which my mother has, has broken several bones and I want to avoid as far as possible 0 and she was on oestrogen until age 59....). Probably also delaying (hopefully permanently) potential diagnosis of fibromyalgia due to muscle aches, pains and fatigue after exercise (doc wanted to refer me....). Apols if I'm repeating myself - but then we do tend to don't we some of us?! ::)
Hurdity x
-
Hi Hurdity,
I was wondering why some women sail through. Is it because their oestrogen doesn't hit rock bottom or that different women react differently to oestrogen?
-
This is so true, Stellajane! The ultimate case in point is a lady I know who has had ovarian cancer and now has breast cancer too. Debulking surgery 10 years ago, no HRT. Now on an aromatase inhibitor, so complete estrogen block. Currently holidaying with her hubby in Spain and getting out and about doing charity fundraising.
No meno. symptoms, slight aches and pains, but she thinks this is left over from chemo. She had a DEXA last year before starting the aromatase inhibitor, and her bone density was fine! It really is so very, very strange how some are so sensitive, and others not.
I have come across quite a few women online who have the same scenario with literally zero estrogen too, and they too are doing ok.
If only we had the definite answer to this! 😮😮 xxxx
-
Annie0710- I'm interested in your lead weight thighs. I had that really badly last winter and now it's more intermittent. How was it for you?
-
Tempest- yes, that's very interesting. I had post-natal depression and awful PMS, so that suggests I must be sensitive to changes in hormone levels.
-
Wilks, you're right! I was reading a study on this just the other day, and this is called 'kindling'. The brain and nervous system are essentially sensitised from previous significant fluctuations in hormones in some individuals - the very events you talk of. I struggled through puberty and had mild post partum depression. So it stands to reason that I would find meno. difficult too. xxxx
-
I remember my legs feeling heavy a few days B4 my period began. I also had restless leg syndrome for years, then it went, bananas cured it for me. That is, 1 a day for years until I couldn't face another ::).
Whereas I had dreadful Pre-menstrual Syndrome in my mid-30s which caused awful nausea ....... NAPS advised eating every 3 hours even in the night and I try to keep to that regime, so far menopause hasn't been too bad apart from VA.
-
Stellajane - I was wondering exactly the same as I was typing here yesterday. Would it be worth while asking for a blood test but that would be taking up time when I'm not ill, I am however curious as to why I am coping ........... I am so pleased 2B without bleeds, no more PMS, less nausea, less 'runs' .........
-
If you have a conscience about taking up time CLKD maybe think of a blood test as a preventative step and go for it x
-
It really can vary, Stellajane. Pretty much the vast majority is produced via peripheral conversion in fat cells into estrone. Some studies suggest that the ovaries only produce estrogen for up to 6 years post menopause, and in very small amounts.
CLKD, the reason youre probably coping OK is because AD's can occupy some of the same receptors in the brain as estrogen - sneaky, huh? There was a study collated from research papers by a very learned member over at Hystersisters about this.
This is why women do get good relief very often who have estrogen receptive BC and are on aromatase inhibitors and take SSRI or more especially, SNRI medication. These drugs really do have a place for those in whom HRT is contraindicated. It should be noted however that there are clear warnings now on all pack leaflets of SSRI/SNRI drugs that they can over time affect bone density and lead to a higher risk of fractures. So this is something women need to take into consideration. xxxx
xxxx
-
Fab Post Tempest.wish I had your recall ability lol.xx
-
Thanks, Daisydot. ;)
Just don't get me between 2 and 4pm. - awful brain fog then! Couldn't even tie my own shoelaces...... ;D xxxx
-
:lol:
I never read the leaflets, don't want anything odd put into my head ::)
I do garden: occaionsally walk. 'Must Try Harder' ;)
-
Hi Hurdity,
I was wondering why some women sail through. Is it because their oestrogen doesn't hit rock bottom or that different women react differently to oestrogen?
I think it's probably either/both Wilks, explained as with everything by a combination of genetic and environmental factors - although I know that it too general too be useful!!
Yes some women are more sensitive to CHANGES in oestrogen levels - eg some women start to experience flushes towards the end the menstrual cycle even before peri-menopause begins - when hormonal fluctuations can become increased. Others only start to get flushes when oestrogen has decreased.
From what I've read - the degree to which a woman experiences flushes is not related to ABSOLUTE oestrogen levels either - and borne out by what have seen on this forum, women require different doses of oestrogen in order to eliminate flushes. It would be great if there was a magic number - say at 200 pmol/l no woman should get flushes - this would be easy!
In terms of osteoporosis, I did read a paper which gave minimum oestrogen levels needed to help prevent osteoporosis, which I presume is why there are minimum doses specfified (in the list of HRT preparations).
Prof Studd discusses the causes of reproductive depression (PMS and PND) in detail and the effect of reduced oestrogen but it is not clear whether this is due to absolute oestrogen levels (ie low) or relative changes (ie dramatic reduction) or both. As part of our natural variation, some women will overall have lower oestrogen levels - including at the end/start of the cycle - than others - and may be more likely to experience PMS.
Other components of PMS though are intolerance to protesterone itself, and the typical PMT symptoms of progesterone withdrawal. An unlucky woman would experience all of these...
Hurdity x
-
Hello ladies.
The meno consultant I saw yesterday suggested that some women are more sensitive to hormonal changes and feeling better during pregnancy is due to the absence of any fluctuations.
A friend was told by her gynecologist that the ovaries continue to produce some oestrogen into our seventies.
Take care ladies.
K.
-
Hi ladies really interesting post and I've bedn doing some reading around all of this (must be the nurse in me). Apparently body shape appears to have some degree of influence over age related disease etc for example, a pear shape is at a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, me being mostly “boy†shape doesn't fare so well apparently! Higher risk of the above and i do struggle with middle and back fat unless I run and exercise weekly! Also I used to get bad pmt (as in cyclical mood swings) my periods were never really that bad, I felt fantastic through pregnancy and the peri/menopause has hit me like a train!! May be a correlation. A friend and I were discussing this last night she's the same age as me (nearly 53 officially, 25 in mind 😁) and she's still having regular periods, no hot flushes, a bit of sinus problems maybe but no other symptoms! I told her I hate her 😂. She has suffered neither pmt or depression so again wondering if there is a correlation there! It's certainly interesting and I love doing my research around this. Just to add also (re original post and coming out of the other side), I do believe that can happen. For 10 years now I've taken oxybutinyn for urinary urgency and frequency and now I'm on what I hope and pray is the right combi of hrt for me with vagifem every other day, I've been a week free of these tablets and “touch woodâ€, hoping I've cracked it. Usually can't go 2 days without the tabs, have cut out all caffeine though which defo makes a difference. I'll use vagifem for the rest of my life if I have to and the other hrt if I need to but wondering if looking after yourself and maybe some supplements will suffice in later life.
Ps update...Ive been gardening,it's really hot so lots of water but just found some coke in the fridge, downed half a glass (never usually touch it) and whoosh, ran to the loo for an urgent wee 🤣😂🤣 naughty me 😁.
Anyway I've rambled enough,hope you're all having a lovely day xx
-
Think you have something there Optimist and have read similar elsewhere.
I am pear shaped and narrower at at top, small waist and big bottom, I always had painful periods and symptoms of high estrogen so to me it suggests more estrogen going through menopause and an easier one.
It is thought provoking.
-
Really interesting post here. I have always had problems coping with hormone changes - puberty, going on/off the pill, pregnancy and peri and now menopause. A blood test last year showed my estrogen was so low it was classed as ‘undetectable ‘ yet I still am struggling with symptoms a year later. Maybe I am still having fluctuations?! Would love to know why some people coast through and other struggle, and why some symptoms are worse for some people. Personally I hardly get any hot flushes but the palpitations and weight gain have been horrendous!
-
I also find this very interesting.
I am also one of the unlucky ones to suffer badly with meno & I too had awful pmt, PND & now meno BUT during my 3 pregnancies I positively bloomed. I felt my best when pregnant which is when all our hormones are sky high.
I did a little survey with some friends & family & discovered all the ones who had miscarriages because of low hormones didn't have any meno problems. I have always found it so easy to get pregnant, never a problem. So I am wondering if this is because of the high hormones throughout our life & then suddenly as in PND & meno our bodies are in turmoil because we can't cope with the lowering of hormones. I'm not sure it is inherited either because my 2 sisters sailed through the menopause without a problem & they both had miscarriages. Don't you think researchers should be looking in to these sort of things. It takes us women to try & work through this.
-
Paisley, that is really interesting. Now you mention it I have two friends who suffered miscarriages and both sailed through this stage of life!
-
I don't fit into that category though
During puberty I went extremely shy, probably suffering mild anxiety. My first BCP knocked me sideways but once they put me on a gentler one I never looked back.
I fell pregnant each time I tried straight away. I bloomed during pregnancy all bar the one that was incompatible with life, I've had a miscarriage and both my boys were fraternal twins where I lost each one, out of 4 births I only had PND on the one a year after the stillbirth. Have never suffered PMT
When my ovaries failed after my hysterectomy the first hrt I tried worked wonders and stayed on that for 13+ years until literally everything went wrong at natural peri, the rest is my journey on here x
-
Hello ladies.
I always believed I only experienced mild PMT in the form of tender breasts just before my period. As a young woman however the first two days of my bleed were always difficult and I would often feel faint and sweaty with bloating and loose bowels. My remedy was always to loosen my clothing and find somewhere to sleep, I would then wake up with all symptoms resolved and be fine again. Everything quietened down as I got older and my pregnancies were trouble free. I have had issues with anxiety on occasion but always due to life events so a logical response, it is only now with the emotional and physical problems of the menopause that I realise how sensitive I can be to hormonal changes, I just didn't recognise it.
One further point, I believe that disturbed sleep has a huge part to play in how we feel at this time in our lives. The only other time I have struggled with this level of anxiety was when I was seriously sleep deprived when my children were young so I wonder if some of us are also sensitive to lack of sleep, especially if it continues over many years.
Take care everyone.
K.
-
I think you are quite right about the sleep thing Kathleen...
My worst symptom at the moment is hot flushes, I can cope with day time flushes (if I must!) but waking 3 - 8 times in the night is not good. I do believe that all my other symptoms tearful, low mood, headachey, ratty etc are all due to my lack of sleep rather than hormones....
Ali x
-
Why are you still putting up with hot flushes you poor thing,have you discussed the various options with your gp it's such a shame because the sleep deprivation will make you feel so crap and as you rightly say exasperate all those other things,if your on hrt keep changing because you will get a balance at some stage I was third time lucky with mines,good luck and keep persevering xx
-
Hi Daisydot!
Currently trying Clonidine for the flushes. If the truth be told I suppose I am satisfying myself that I tried all options (I've already tried magnets, supplements etc) before going on HRT. Also I should say that my symptoms have been intermittent over the past year, the flushes have not been a permanent fixture.... I am currently at the four week mark for this bout (feels like eternity tho!) and around now my flushes would usually disappear although I am fully aware the time will/may come where they stay for good...
I know a lot of folk will think I am daft for considering HRT as a last resort, I guess a lot of it does stem from the bad reports from the past..... also I am slightly worried about going through the whole process of finding the right HRT for me and extra side effects that might bring...
Gosh I am waffling a lot today - is that also a symptom of the menopause!!! ;D ;)
-
Hello again ladies.
alibeau - I completely understand considering HRT as a last resort. When my meno hit I decided to try to tough it out especially as my GP at the time told me it would all be over in a few years! Unfortunately for me my symptoms increased when I was three years post meno so I began HRT. I am still trying to find the right balance which is both frustrating and exhausting!
Wishing you well and hopefully you will find a treatment that works for you.
Take care and let us know how you get on.
K.
-
Thank you Kathleen! I'll keep you posted!
Ali x
-
Some really interesting comments on this thread. A lot more research is needed I reckon, to really understand the menopause and why we all have such different experiences.
-
Hi everyone, I'm lucky enough to have three older sisters that I have compared notes with. They are aged 53, 55 and 56. None have them have taken HRT and they all have smoked for over 40 years. They aren't doing badly although one still has a permanent fan on her desk for hot flushes and complains of tiredness. Although she does work full time and has 2 autistic grandsons part-time. Still slim. No periods for years.
The other sailed through the menopause without a glitch, she has become a little (dumpy) though always been very laid-back even with 4 teenage children (yes 4 teenagers!) still living at home and my 85 year old mum there too. She is a single parent. No periods for few years. Said she was too busy to have menopause symptoms.
The 53 year old had a horrible time with terrible mood swings and (flooding) awful. It all eased off though and she thought she was over it till the dreaded flushes came back and with it the insomnia. However during all these she managed to start her own business and adopt her grandchildren and start another part-time job (she has a supportive partner I call him her wife.....)
They all seem to be coping (and looking very well) still have good skin and hair, and all still working away.
Mum has bad osteoporosis (still smoking) had a hysterectomy aged 36, has never taken anything and has very good skin.
I still feel bad on HRT although I was a lot worse without it! My worst symptoms were awful anxiety and depression. I am much healthier than my sisters I don't smoke and eat extremely healthy and never touch alcohol or sugar. Someone said living so clean means that you "feel" everything, there is nothing to numb you. My GP recommended HRT also as there was osteoporosis in the family and it would safeguard me.
I've always had bad PMS they never had it so I wonder if that is a factor?
I would say go easy on yourself whatever your age, we're allowed to have a bad day and feel low and tired sometimes. I now allow myself sofa days if that's what my body needs. I make sure I
-
Hello again ladies.
Clarissa - welcome to the forum and thank you for an interesting post.
I am post meno and still trying to find the right HRT and my main symptoms are the emotional ones, namely irritability, anxiety, low mood etc. Like you I eat well and don't smoke or drink but know other women who have very unhealthy lifestyles but seem to be doing better than me. Perhaps instead of using hormones they are self medicating with cigarettes and alcohol but they seem to be coping and having a life while I am still struggling so I envy them really!
Wishing you well and keep posting.
K.