My body attacks every healthy thing I try to do with it.

Walking gives me GERD but sitting around like a fat, lazy turd gives me zero GERD.

B vitamin complex dried up my vagina completely and I blamed it on perimenopause. Then I stopped taking it and my vagina returned to its plump, juicy self.

I ate a healthy food that was fortified with a supplement I had a reaction to that gave me glue ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction and tinnitus that made me want to end my life.

Flash IV drinks gave me severe panic attacks and made me sick.

And if I don’t take Zyrtec every day, I will lose my mind and have anxiety, depression and panic disorder (I’m glad at least have this and it keeps me mostly sane).

I’m not a good candidate for HRT. I had a very bad reaction to birth control pills when I was younger.

I’m 48F, perimenopausal and my quality of life is zero. Just trying to survive each day while my body takes swings at me and doesn’t want me to be healthy. Doesn’t want me to be anything but dead, I reckon.

Don't know if this belongs here, I just need a community of people my age who may have had the same experience. Is this due to menopause? I don't know. I'm so embarrassed. I lied to my husband and said I spilled water on myself and the bed. He joked and said yeah you peed yourself. I got a shower. When I got out, he apologized and said if I did pee myself, he was sorry to joke about it and if that made things worse. He offered to help me strip the bed to wash the sheets. I thought about it and my lie and decided to acknowledge the truth by saying I would wash the sheets myself.

I feel really low. I know i can't control what happened. I just feel like a child and an old lady at the same time. And just when I was really easing into this menopause thing. I started HRT about 6 months ago. Started taking care of my skin, losing weight, sleeping better.

Ugh help!

UPDATE: While making my lunch, I had to pee. And then my body said NO YOU HAVE TO GO NOW! Followed by a bit of burning and not feeling "empty." Yup. UTI. Made an appt with online doc. Got a prescription for that. Still have an appt with my OBGYN to discuss my HRT in a few weeks. And ordered a waterproof mattress cover which will be here tomorrow.

I seriously cannot thank you all enough for your kindness this morning. I felt very humiliated and you made me feel better with your stories and solidarity. Sometimes knowing other people have been where you are makes all the difference. 🖤

My skin changed so fast. It used to be normal-oily, and now it's cracking. My old routine does nothing, and even CeraVe isn't cutting it. Has anyone tried Typology's lipid-replenishing balm or Eucerin Original Healing Cream? I keep seeing richer creams for really dry skin, but I don't know what's worth buying. What actually helped you? Ugh, my skin is so uncomfortable. Any advice appreciated!

Has anyone experienced worsening gut problems with HRT? For the past 4 months or so I have had much worsening bloating and constipation. So much so that I have been to a GI doc 3 times and am working with a specialist. I’m not sure that the HRThas caused it but the time line matches up. I did also read a study showing that women on HRT can have an increase in these issues.

I have experienced some benefits (libido being the big one) but the stomach issues disrupt my sleep and my life really badly. Ugh.

I’m exhausted all the time. My muscles ache, my bones hurt, and some days I feel like I have absolutely no energy to do anything.
But it’s not just the physical symptoms. Emotionally, I’m struggling too. I feel depressed, overwhelmed, and find myself crying over the smallest things. Some days I don’t even feel like myself anymore.
Unfortunately, hormone replacement therapy isn’t really an option for me because of my family history of blood clots and because I’ve had a blood clot myself (not a DVT).
I just want to feel normal again. I miss having energy, feeling happy, and being able to get through the day without feeling so overwhelmed.
**Has anyone else experienced this? What has actually helped you get through it, especially if you can’t take hormones?**
I’m feeling pretty lost right now and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who understand. ❤️

Surgical menopause. Was still using an expired brand with mylan brand and was doing ok. 2d ago I applied 3 Mylan patches to equate to my dose that 2 patches previously provided. First day felt off. as today progressed worse and worse hot flashes/neck sweating. I took 1 patch off and noted it had a lot of adhesive gone as if it was dumping E too quickly. Patches don’t look this bad on change day. Anyone else notice this?

Started gel packets on Thursday last week. Just applied day 6 dose. Been applying in AM. Been off & on with headache & feeling off a bit since but also pushing a wee bit of crud out of system. But I think headaches are from change. I’m going to continue with it to give it some time. The patches were a pain for me & I like gel delivery. Give it at least a month?
Ive also gone back to waking at 3, but thinking the full moon is also to blame. 😉

So I am 48. Post Menopause and 2 weeks in on HRT. I have also been put on an anti depressant vortioxetine.

I feel I just want to be alone all the time. I can't bear work anymore. I want to live alone. I don't want to talk to anyone. I don't cry.

Does anyone else feel this way? Is this normal? Will it get better?

The HRT struggle is more and more real.

I started patch HRT a few months ago and am now confused — evidently there are different manufacturers for estradiol patches? If the doctor writes for “Climara” (brand name), then we get Mylan or Sandoz etc (generic est patches named after company who manufactures them?

I recently saw a copy of a prescription when my doctor upped my dose and it said “Vyvelle-Dotti…” are these permissible generics?

As an aside, if Mylan or any patch falls off, call their customer service and ask them to provide you with a free box via your pharmacy - did this last week and it was easy and is nice to have a stash.

Hi, just wondering if anyone can cheer me up with positive stories. I am a couple of years post menopause, I used to be very creative, I would paint, machine embroider, digitise my own designs. Write poetry/songs. Play the keyboard, not that well but it was fun. I was also a exercise addict and loved it. As soon as my periods stopped that was it I went from ideas coming to me constantly to nothing. I am on Hrt and use testosterone gel and all my physical symptoms are gone and I have regained some energy but I want my creativity back. I also don't have the same capacity for exercise, if I try to push myself I pay for it later with a low mood. I don't even know who I am without this part of me. I am scared that I am going to be stuck like this. I never used to ever be bored but now it's like I am a non person. Every so often I have glimmers of feeling normal but it is always short lived.

Good news. Found my strength of patch at telyrx. Thanks to a post on this forum. They are on their way and will be here tomorrow.

QUESTION: I've been without them for 6 days. When I put one on, will it be like starting over or will I get any relief within a few days?

Post menopausal bleeding

Hi

For those of you who have had post menopausal bleeding on HRT and it was caused by that and not anything else, how long did it take for it to come right after you adjusted your estrogen and/or progesterone?

Thanks!

I’m 50 and in peri (I think) on 4 pumps of oestrogel and Slynd (synthetic progesterone, micronised P intolerant).

I recently had an ultrasound for some pelvic pain and bleeding that I thought was another ovarian cyst. Scan showed no cyst, a small 1cm fibroid and an ovary that was close to my uterus (inconclusive but adhesion not ruled out). My lining was 4.1mm - the guidance wants 4mm on continuous HRT. Solely because of the lining, I’ve been referred for a hysteroscopy.

Interesting context, I’ve had two very similar experiences a year apart: start gel then a month later develop pelvic pain, bloating and bleeding. The first time this happened, a year ago, the symptoms were attributed to a large ovarian cyst and a slipped mirena coil. The investigations and mirena coil removal (and a 2nd failed coil) took several months to solve by which time I had started to trial the patch. On the patch, my pelvic pain, bloating and bleeding all went away, though most of my perimenopause symptoms came back (wasn’t absorb it it well). At the time, I thought the pelvic pain and bleeding went away because I no longer had the coil and cyst (absorbed itself). But in hindsight, the picture is unclear and perhaps the change to the patch caused the improvement in pelvic symptoms.

I know that changing HRT seems like the most logical and least invasive option. However, 4 pumps of gel is the only estrogen that has come even close to treating my debilitating perimenopause symptoms (all over flu feeling, intense anxiety and suicidal thoughts). In an ideal world, I’d keep the gel (now resettled for 3 months) and figure out and treat why it seems to be causing pain (if it’s the gel). Part of me wonders whether it might be some endometriosis that would benefit from treatment but I’m self diagnosing based on google!.

I’m not sure whether to push back on the hysteroscopy since I had these symptoms a year ago and suggest moving HRT first. But I’m very nervous that I’ve tried most oestrogen and apart from the oral pill, the only thing I have left to try is the Divigel.

The other option is to have the hysteroscopy, but I don’t see that that will fix my pelvic pain as it’s really just designed to check my lining isn’t cancerous. I don’t believe I have polyps or fibroids that would be causing this amount of pain. Should I just get the hysteroscopy and see what it says? I surely should be able to take four pumps of gel without pelvic pain? In case it’s relevant, I’ve been offered complete sedation for the hysteroscopy. Because of that, I’m leaning towards having it done. But I’m not sure it’s going to get me any further forward.

Other information: I’ve been on Slynd for 5 months and another progestin mini pill for 4 months before that so don’t think that’s the cause of the bleeding. I’m unable to add micronised P to solve the bleeding due to intolerance (I really did try it orally and vaginally for 3 hideous months)

Edited to add: I do think there’s something wrong with my pelvis. I can no longer take vaginal localised oestrogen without getting cramps (after a bowel movement) that are so strong I have to lie down for 20 to 30 minutes. Neither the tabs or the cream.

Any thoughts?

Ive been on HRT for 2 years. Started at 37.5mcg estradot patches (and 100mg progesterone) for hot flushes mostly. Steadily increases to 50 then 75. That seemed to be the sweet spot.

I was still having significant mood/anger/rage issues though so thought maybe to increase to 100mcg to try. My GP obliged (he’s not well versed but open to my direction).

Well about 3 days in a started breakthrough bleeding and my boobs were crazy tender and sensitive. Just really did not feel good and still don’t.

I’m about 6 days in but have already gone back down to 75mcg by cutting 1/4 of the patch, about 2 days ago.

I’m still bleeding a little (a bit in bowl mostly on tp) though and boobs still tender.

I’ll schedule an appointment but until then how worrisome is this? I’m mostly uncomfortable. My mood may have been life circumstance related so my preference is to stay back down at 75mcg.

Second question is I got bumped to 200mg progesterone while in 100mcg estrogen but before when I was using 75mcg patch I was prescribed 100 mg but sometimes took two to help me sleep. What are pros/cons of 100 vs 200mg I should look out for? Maybe 200mg 2-3x week was kinda my sweet spot..

Thank you all!

Was scheduled for a hysteroscopy today (under anesthesia) due to on/off mild spotting and doctor prescribed 400 mcg misoprostol to soften cervix (never gave birth) told me could take orally or vaginally. Google told me vaginally has less sides effects (also told me 400 was a high dose for this). Took it last night and a few hours later holy cramps and insane shivering. You can’t take anything but Tylenol which does nothing for me. Felt like significantly bad menstrual cramps. Arrived at 11 for 1 pm procedure Waited and waited, procedure time came and went then told would be a few hours more. Maybe 4:30. It had been 14 hours no food, 10 hours no water and laying there in pain only to be told would have to reschedule !@&!. Still feeling cramping and off. Wondering if the misoprostol is worth it?

Just to get this out of the way: Yes, I have spoken with my doctor about this. In fact I’ve had an exam and an ultrasound, and I’m scheduled for a d&c a week from tomorrow. And I spoke to the nurse over the phone today just to be sure that where I’m at is still OK.

But holy effing hell this is insane!!! I’ve been bleeding daily for 5.5 months, mostly light spotting until this past month, but since then it’s been getting heavier and heavier, to the point where I’m now bleeding waaaaayyyy more than I ever did when I had periods. I basically never used super tampons when I was menstruating, and for the last week I’ve been using super-plus 3-4 times a day plus backup pads, and I’ve been passing clots that are gradually getting bigger.

Initially the light daily bleeding seemed tied to getting a Mirena IUD in early May. 3.5 weeks ago I got the ultrasound, and that showed the IUD position was fine and I have one small subserosal fibroid.

It’s getting hard just waiting around like this, not knowing what’s happening, what it could mean, and what might come next. I’ve got another week to go before my procedure, and the IUD is definitely coming out for good before the hysteroscopy/d&c.

If you had heavy postmenopausal bleeding, what turned out to be the cause, and how did you resolve it?

In surgical menopause with h/o PCOS and endometriosis. Ive seen many providers and no one knows what to do for me. Granted most are generally incompetent when it comes to general dosing for surgical menopause and understanding that we may not absorb patches/gels and this requires alternative strategies , not “67 is a good E level post menopause”- NOT when you’re in surgical menopause at 45 w/ high androgens. Tho it seems estrogen patches are contributing to oily face/scalp and hair loss x 2 years. My body seems to hate estradiol.

I was great on birth control x 25+ years until last ovary removed and cant use birth control anymore . Oral E doesn’t improve things.

Can anyone recommend a progressive menopause specialist for complex cases (that hopefully can incorporate integrative medicine such as thyroid, adrenal, GI health?) endocrinologist, gynecologists, “HRT specialists” have not been helpful.

I was diagnosed with POI a few weeks ago, and I just got an IUD and 1mg oral estradiol this past week. Just now I posted on a POI Facebook group and someone commented telling me to immediately contact my doctor and get off of oral estradiol because of blood clot risks. I had heard of it beforehand, and it seemed like more of an uncommon side effect from what I read at the time, but after that FB comment I’m scared 😭 they said I could get a pulmonary embolism, even.

Are blood clots and embolism common enough of a side effect that I should truly be worried??

The divigel generic is out in my region. I am considering switching to the estrogel generic. Does anyone have any experiences with it? Was there an adjustment period for you? I have had a bad time switching from patch to gel, so I tread having to switch medication again.

I am currently on 1.5gr Divigel generic (previously .075 patch), so I guess I need 2-3 pumps with estrogel generic.

Thank you!

I've been struggling for a year with this, off and on. I started on progesterone with a T pellet for a year before adding E. Tried the patch, cut in half for .25mg..instant anxiety and heart palpitations - tried is several times and had the same reaction every time. Cut into 1/4 and did that for a few months. It helped with the night sweats. Pivoted to compounded estradiol and estriol cream..that worked great, with no side effects, it was just expensive. Went off the cream to see if the estradiol pill would work, prescribed by my gyn. Again, instant anxiety and heart palpitations with just .25mg. Is intolerance a thing?

I just wanted to share some of my peri journey through the past 1,5 years.

About 1,5 years ago peri hit me like a ton of bricks, didn't even know much about it until then so feels like I took a crash course on it. It is the worst thing to happen to me ever.

I went to a private menopause clinic my manager recommended and they are great but expensive, but to be honest I happily give them my money!

My sex drive left the building, I had panic attacks, anxiety, extreme fatigue and many more symptoms.

My partner has been great and so supportive, he educated himself through out this and understood when I came home from work and could barely speak out of fatigue some nights. In April I went up to 1,5 eastrogen patch twice a week, 200 utrogestan per night, and also testosterone. It help a little with the brain fog but the anxiety and fatigue kept on.

Just 1 month ago I crashed again and could not get out of bed for a week, crippling anxiety and extreme fatigue again..... My partner had to literally walk me to work 1 day as I thought I would faint and has such anxiety, could not go up a set of stairs even, just awful.

I went to my dr again and the bloodwork showed that I had an ok amount of eastrogen etc. But given how bad I was she upped my patch to 180 twice a week which is deemed a high dose, so I now have a combi patch of eastrogen/Progesterone on top of my other 2 patches. It took 1 week and I felt like a new person!!! I even manged to work out (very light and not at all as before, but still!) and I am not crippled by fatigue and have my sex drive back a bit.

I am cautiously optimistic and just wanted to encourage people as even if it shows ok levels of eastrogen you might still need more as when it drops it can completely go away. I really wish no one had to go through this as this is horrible but appreciate this forum of support and sharing of stories so much!

I am just starting HRT and I have to take one pump of estradiol in the morning and 200mg of bio-identical Famenita in the evening. I'm also using a cream for dryness.

I am doing this to help with my lack of sleep, joint aches and hot flashes. I don't feel that bad without all of this and my mood is actually more stable than when I was menstruating. I am trying it to see if it helps with the sleep issue especially but am wary of side effects or increased risks in other areas. Has anyone ever felt that being dependent on all of these meds are not worth it? I'm worried about hair falling out, digestive issues starting up like they did on my period, or skin breaking out. I don't want to end up with more problems than I started with.

Additionally, I travel frequently and only take carryon. How do we bring our doses of the gel with us? The bottle is far too big for carryon. Do you put it into another squeeze bottle or something?

I have been without my estrogen patch for 5 days now. I feel miserable. I have horrible anxiety, hot flashes, sweaty and just feel awful.

Both my pharmacies are out everywhere until November. Tried cost plus and by the time prescription got there, they were out.

Was om the reddit menopause page this morning and happened to click on a link, which recommended trying Telyrx. Apparently, they have it. Had to pay $200 for 3 months and expedited shipping. Fingers crossed it goes through and is approved. I don't care how much it costs.