Hello everyone,
Thank you for accepting me to join - I'm so relieved to find people going through the same experiences as me. Though I wouldn't wish these feelings on anyone, it's good to know I'm not alone...or completely loca!
I'm 48, single, no children (not for want of trying with several rounds of IVF in my early 40s) and started to be affected by increasingly strong perimenopausal symptoms around 18 months ago, though it's been difficult to pinpoint exactly, as the years of fertility issues and anovulatory cycles along with the effects of IVF have seamlessly transitioned into menopause - great!
I have all the common physical symptoms, the most worrisome for me have been the unrelenting weight gain on top of already struggling with weight loss, the fatigue and general inability to manage normal life anymore - zero energy, strength or vitality. And the periodic deep depression, anxiety and feelings of doom; I've disappeared off the radar of my own life, can't/don't want to do anything or see anyone. Not ideal as I had begun to explore adopting, but had to put my assessment on hold because I couldn't see how I could possibly start being a new mum now?!
The other day my Dad said I was always in a bad mood these days and not very nice any more - it's just us now as my mum passed away 3 years ago, so he probably does get the full force of it when I feel overwhelmed supporting him as well as trying to keep my own head above water :-(
None of this is the me I remember, which is disconcerting and then affects my self confidence and self worth - I used to be fun, joyful, busy, smart - where did I go??
Anyway, I had my first appointment at Professor Studd's clinic last month - under Prof Watson. As seems common they started me on 3 x Estrogel pumps + .5mg testosterone daily and 10 x Utrogestan 100mg monthly.
Once used to it, the Estrogel and testosterone had started to have a little positive effect on my mood and symptoms, I was having an inkling of feeling better - then the Utrogestan phase started on the 1st July and blew me out of the water. I've been a total mess - every single symptom dialled back up to 100%, I was fainting all over the place, I've had two weeks of painful flooding bleeds and at times my mood was so low I seriously wondered if I'd make it to the next day. I had to take the week off work because I couldn't cope with leaving the house.
The last day of Utrogestan was last Tuesday, and today is the first day I feel it's out of my system and I'm out the other side and somewhat in normal spirits again. Hell of a progesterone hangover!
I tried the Utrogestan both orally and vaginally, safe to say it did not suit me. Next month they are going to try me on cyclogest 200mg x 7 days, which I remember using during IVF and not reacting so badly. Fingers crossed it will go more smoothly, I'm terrified, I know it's trial and error to find the right recipe for me.
Sorry for such a long first post, I'm not often so talkative so took the opportunity :-)
thank you for all the excellent information shared - it's so helpful.
Sending very best wishes to everyone,
xx
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Topic: Newbie - relieved to have found people who understand! (Read 3193 times)