feeling and looking like an old hag

Hi Debbie

i fully understand how you feel. I haven't worn make up for months because I dislike myself so much. I have long thick hair which is nearly always pulled back in a band. I catch myself in the mirror and I look 60 ( I'm 47) 

i avoid nights out out as I can't be bothered dressing up- how bad is that? I look forward to evenings where I can be alone in my bedroom reading or watching to.

gosh this all sounds so negative but I wanted you to know you're not alone. 

I hope it it all passes soon for you.

best wishes ❤️

 

HRT it's the only thing that made me feel normal , I've been off it for 3 months and feel awful hoping to get started back on it this week . I was on it for a year and decided to try to manage without it but I don't think it's worth it  quality of life is so important, have anxiety depression and hot flushes etc had none of this when I was on d HRT !

Hi Debi, If its any consolation I have had and still having unbearable hot and cold sweats, the cold ones are worse, since 17 years and have to put bath towels on my bed and wrap myself in them. Was on HRT for many years until my GP took me off them as was still having periods at 61 and was no better with with HRT.

I went on Natural Hormone treatment off the internet some six weeks ago, more fool me, I was much better for two weeks but since a month now I am dripping with perspiration so I certainly would not advise anyone to try it unless you go to a Doctor who specifically practices in Natural Hormone Treatment - I have never felt worse and I am now 74 have numerous other health issues and one GP along the way did comment that I could be like this until 80 which is a dreadful thought. Just try and think positively and I am sure there are things you can take for lifeless hair, dry skin etc.,  and ask your Doc for some antidepressants for a few weeks to get you over this horribly bad patch. I was so much better when I was having periods.  Good luck Enid

Hi Debbie, so sorry to hear that you are feeling this way but I have been going through the exact same thing. My skin is dry, my hair is thinning and I'm having a tough time looking in the mirror! Old hag is right! Don't even feel like putting on makeup, what's the point? I really feel that this is just part of the process and it will get better. In the meantime, go easy on yourself. Still try to keep up with the things that make you feel pretty bc you still are! Our bodies are changing and we need to ride it out, it will get better.

Be extra kind to yourself. It is comforting to know that we are not alone in this. I thought I was losing it until I read these other comments. Whew!

Stay strong ladies and God Bless you all.

Debi,

I hope things will get better for you.

My hair did become very thin in the last year I was having (very irregular) periods. It seemed to improve quite a bit condition wise once they stopped completely.

I didn't know it was peri causing it and chased around trying all sorts of herbs and vitamins nothing really worked.

It hasn't got any thicker but stopped falling as much as it did.

I went from a little grey to a lot grey too I found dyeing it dark as I always had just made me look older so I now have highlights and a new slightly shorter shoulder length style. Which I straighten.

The result is my colour matches my skin tone and straight hair blowing in the breeze hides my turkey neck and wrinkles (hopefully).

I also updated my wardrobe a bit as some of my clothing was a bit young. I decided a bit hippy was better and more fun than some styles.

I had dry and horribly itchy skin as well which has changed a bit since starting HRT a few weeks ago.

My confidence improved along with sex life, depression and horrible on edge anxiety. Too soon to tell yet if it's going to improve skin or hair.

I went down the HRT route because of lack of a sex life and so far my experience has been that a good sex life and confidence seem to go hand in hand.

Hope this helps.

thanks all for your very helpful and suportive messages, i forgot to add at i get breathless and heart flutters now which do worry me, this doesnt help and wonered if this is normal too, oh and pinsnd needles sometimes in handsand feet, surely there cant be aynthing else, such a w

orry.

Hi there,

I am 46 and starting menopause. The night sweats, and any Ole time they feel like it sweats, have really made me feel it is in full force. I don't feel beautiful or sexy or alive. I feel like I've been handed a death sentence. Coincidentally, today is my bday.

What makes it even harder is my gorgeous 6 foot blond 12 year old daughter. I feel like I can't even claim a little bit of "sexy" right now.

How did you deal with this? What is it like 2 years in?

Any advice or kindness is so greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Abanda

I 100% get where you're coming from! I feel like I've aged about 20 years in the past year! The deep lines either side of my mouth look like they've been carved in with a knife. my butt has gone from round to flat. Although im not over weight i have flappy bingo wings. I feel disgusting to be honest. I avoid going out anywhere and absolutely dread the warm weather coming!! My husband ogles every fine young thing that passes and then denies it if I say anything! Im 14 years younger than him but feel I look just as old. I've been started on hrt 3 months ago and my sleep has improved as is the hot flushes but I still seem to be turning into an old hag when I look in the mirror. it's so very depressing. Im 49 years old dreading the big 50 !