Given in and seen my GP today
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi all, my first post on here and I have to say I feel better having read all your posts. Thanks for sharing your stories xx
It takes a lot for me to go to the doctor's, and even sat there today trying to explain all my symptoms I kept wishing I wasn't there!
I'm 56 and I had a hysterectomy when I was 40 but still have my ovaries. I've been having hot flushes for about 4 years and I thought I was coping ok until this year. I have so many more symptoms now, mainly fatigue, anxiety, headaches, times when I feel as though I'm on a different planet (brain fog?) and unable to cope. I also have vaginal dryness and it's affecting my sex life with my partner. We've only been together a few years and although I've told him it's due to the menopause, I'm feeling guilty and even more anxious.
So, the doctor told me the options and I have another appointment in a couple of weeks to tell her whether or not I want to take oestrogen or antidepressants!! I'm favouring oestrogen tablets., the thought of antidepressants terrifies me.
I'll let you know how I get on.
4 likes, 8 replies
kate_80669 Guest
Posted
2chr2015 Guest
Posted
haley30534 Guest
Posted
Hi Lorri, in my experience I started peri with extreme anxiety that came from out of the blue, I know that hormone fluctuations cause seratonin levels in the brain to fall, this in turn causes nervousness anxiety and depression, I'm on antidepressants, because I know all they do is stop the seratonin in the brain from diminishing, so it takes time for them it to be restored, I've been on antidepressants now for 5 months and I feel almost normal again on the anxiety/ depression part of this, I hope I find a relief either way x
lori93950 Guest
Posted
Still waiting for it to kick in with the mood and fatigue .
Guest
Posted
Thanks all, it really helps reading about your experiences.
My work colleague was prescribed Prozac and she felt terrible so stopped taking it after a few weeks. I guess we're all different and it's a case of finding what works for you.
Having someone understanding to talk it through with is a big help xx
CarolKelso Guest
Posted
Guest CarolKelso
Posted
Thank you Carol, that's good to know.
Guest
Posted
Hi all, I thought it was about time I updated this.
I've been taking oestrogen tablets since September, 1mg a day. They did make some difference in that the sweats and flushes stopped and the vaginal dryness improved, and I don't feel as tired/ exhausted. I do get a lot of headaches, but I've always suffered with headaches & occasional migraine. I also still have anxiety issues and often feel as though I'm not in control!
I had a 3 month review with my GP and said I would continue taking the tablets for a few more months and she told me to wean myself off them. I now take a tablet every other day and my next review with her is in September.
So from my point of view they've helped but not solved all the issues! Hopefully things will improve in their own time - I'd love to cut my working hours and reduce the stress, haha!