Early menopause

suki1964

I started going through it mid 40's and am now mid 50's so hopefully coming out the other side. 

For me the worse of the symptoms have been the flushes/night sweats and the memory problems. There was a brief period where I had terrible mood swings, but luckily that was short lived

Ive managed without HRT. The sweats/flushes are so much better now that I have taken up walking. I aim to walk at a fast pace between 2 and 5 miles at least 4 times a week. The weeks I manage that I don't get the flushes and I sleep a lot better. Night times are still a bit of a nightmare as Mr S is very hot in bed but feels the cold so also wants a heavy duvet and thick sheets. I now have a thin sofa throw my side of the bed that I sleep under when I get too hot and a cold water bottle under my pillow so I always have a cool pillow side to reach for

The memory problems have been improved by taking an antidepressant for anxiety. My anxiety levels had quadrupled and my GP recommended that I gave them a try and it has really worked out for me. I stupidly stopped them before Christmas and this month I found I was getting forgetful again and not being able to find the right words so I started taking them again and have really noticed the difference in myself

I did try sage capsules when my flushes were at their worse but I never noticed much of a benefit 

Diet wise, Ive cut the carbs, stopped the coffee and the red wine. Im no saint, I still have my mad moments but I notice I feel rotten when Ive over done the carbs, sluggish and no energy. I also try to eat a balanced diet and eat at regular times. Like you Im no lover of fruit of veg but I find hm soup gets more into my diet

serena9

Please talk to your doctor, HRT has come a long way and I can honestly say that it has transformed my life for the better, I didn't even realise I had as many symptoms as I did until it all just went away.

suejb2

Penny_Watcher said:

I'm not a doctor (or any kind of medical professional for that matter) but I've recently started taking a black cohosh supplement and it has been transformative.  It took a week to 'kick in' though.   It might very well be the placebo effect, but the hot sweats are reduced and I'm sleeping better. Like I say, it may well be just the placebo effect, but it's working for me. 

Please may I ask which brand? Had a shocking weekend I need to be proactive 

mccon

suejb2 said:

Penny_Watcher said:

I'm not a doctor (or any kind of medical professional for that matter) but I've recently started taking a black cohosh supplement and it has been transformative.  It took a week to 'kick in' though.   It might very well be the placebo effect, but the hot sweats are reduced and I'm sleeping better. Like I say, it may well be just the placebo effect, but it's working for me. 

Please may I ask which brand? Had a shocking weekend I need to be proactive 

Sorry for bumping the thread. Can someone suggest the brand here?

Emmia

serena9 said:

Please talk to your doctor, HRT has come a long way and I can honestly say that it has transformed my life for the better, I didn't even realise I had as many symptoms as I did until it all just went away.

I started getting symptoms in my late 20's and battled with Drs for a decade (who mostly dismissed me) before finally being referred to a clinic with an early menopause diagnosis - HRT has honestly been transformative. It's taken a couple of goes to get the right dose, but now, no crashing mood swings, hot flushes etc.

Kat78MFW

I recommend the Dr Louise Newson podcast. She is an excellent menopause doctor with healthy living advice but also the latest evidence based information about HRT. 

Floss

O would also recommend the Menopause Doctor & Menopause and Matterswebsites.

Also, keep a diary of symptoms as it's not always easy to remember stuff... 🙄

donnac2558

There seems to be a massive shortage of HRT at the moment.   Doctors etc are asking women to please not share their's.  

Emmia

donnac2558 said:

There seems to be a massive shortage of HRT at the moment.   Doctors etc are asking women to please not share their's.  

Why would you share prescription medication?

lisyloo

Emmia said:

donnac2558 said:

There seems to be a massive shortage of HRT at the moment.   Doctors etc are asking women to please not share their's.  

Why would you share prescription medication?

People are desperate and unable to function.
yes agree it shouldn’t be done without medical advice, but for some this is life changing.
I presume women are swapping (or selling) items they no longer use to “help” other women.

it’s not adviseable but I am not condemning people who are unable to function and really desperate.