Hi ChrisB
I’m 55 too and was ovulating on and off same as you. One of my major problems was very sore joints and pulled achy muscles. Getting up out of a chair was becoming a major performance. This was very unlike me and really got me down. I tried stretching, yin yoga type things but nothing really helped. Over the last 5-10 years I have been having peri symptoms but hadn’t connected all the dots as my periods were still fairly regular. They were manageable, just about, but the sweats and chills we’re starting to get to me. Sleep wasn’t good either. Then about 4-5 months ago everything went crazy and anxiety hit me like a train. Dr tried to put me on anti depressants but the side effects were horrific. Ended up paying to see a menopause specialist who got me started on HRT a month ago. I’m not going to pretend it’s been plain sailing, however, the sore joints and muscle pain has already disappeared and even my arthritic hip pain is far less. The night sweats are a little better and my skin doesn’t itch, bladder problems have also gone. I do feel nauseous and my anxiety isn’t good but I’ve been told that will improve. I have been given Propranolol for my anxiety just so I don’t have major panic attacks while the hrt gets to work. Also take the odd sleeping tablet (Sominex). Might help you to look into hrt before things get worse? I wish I’d looked into it sooner.
