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[Kaz56]

Hi everyone....I'm new to this, but don't know what else to do. My periods stopped 10 years ago but I am still suffering with post menopausal symptoms. I really thought they would start getting better, but my mood swings feel like they are getting worse. I am on antidepressants and have been off and on since I had postnatal depression after my last child who is now 26. On the whole I would say most of that time the tablets worked. But now I feel on a roller coaster of emotions. Often I get this overwhelming feeling of despair followed by a hot flush. I'm not sleeping well at night and sometimes I take a sleeping tablet to get a nights sleep. My labido is almost at 0. I would go on HRT but my mum died of breast cancer at 48 and it was hormone related. I also suffer with migraines possible to do with my hormones too. I am really feeling quite desperate to the point that I am considering going on HRT even with health risks. So desperate....and don't know what to do??

[Taz2]

Hi Kaz56.

Sorry to hear that your lost your mum to breast cancer. I can understand your reluctance to begin HRT but I think the guidance is that you need more than one family member to have developed hormone related cancer for you to be precluded from using HRT?

The feeling you get of overwhelming despair is a common part of a hot flush. It is a real feeling of doom - I used to get that so know exactly what you mean - and even if you have been really happy moments before you are plunged into the depths of despair. It's thought to be to do with the sudden release of adrenaline which accompanies the hot flushes/sweats. You may also find that your heart rate rises rapidly and you can feel slightly sick or that you need to go to the toilet quickly. Not pleasant although not as frightening once you know what's happening.

Taz x 

[Kaz56]

Thank you Taz2 for your speedy reply as you start to feel alone in the menopause madness😳

Two of my mums sisters have had breast cancer too, but we were told there was no genetic link.

Kazx

[Mary G]

Sorry to hear about your mum.  In your position, I would go to a menopause specialist for advice.  I know Professor Studd (have a look at his website) would not be worried about prescribing HRT for someone with your family history.  In the circumstances, I think it would be worth speaking to someone who knows what they are talking about and I think your particular case might be beyond the average GP. 

Did you migraines start once you reached menopause?  Do you know what your migraine trigger is?  I starting suffering from silent migraines at menopause and mine are caused by low oestrogen and high progesterone. 

There is no point in struggling on indefinitely, it's time to get some good advice from a professional. 

[CLKD]

Your GP could refer you to a geneticist regarding your Mum's breast disease especially if all the medical records could be assembled.

Browse round.  Make notes ;-).  Quality of Life is important!