I know the theory about weakened bones etc if a woman doesn't take it and some women never suffer PMS but having spent half a life held to ransom by hormones, surely it's better for some women when they finally disappear? Has going through the menopause improved your emotional life or do you still suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and all the psychological stuff each menstrual cycle caused?
2006-11-26 17:52:56 · 14 answers · asked by Pixxxie 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
In the UK, going to an OB/GYN isn't exactly like going to the dentist!! Most women only have one when they are pregnant or have severe problems, so I can't ask someone I don't have. Also, what would be the point of asking someone something if they haven't gone through the menopause?? I'm asking about personal experiences, not professional ones!!
2006-11-26 18:01:04 · update #1
I am taking HRT currently.
I was afraid of it. Not only because of the problems that my own natural levels of hormones caused (PMS, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts...) But, the media also feeds into the fear of HRT...breast cancer, heart disease, stroke...
Before my hysterectomy (both ovaries removed), I was hypertensive, had 'lumpy' breasts requiring yearly diagnostic mammograms, and my lipid profile sucked.
Nothing has really changed in regards to my blood pressure and lipids except that physicians are more proactive in my care.
My breast tissue is improving. I am counting on a screening mammo this year, no diagnostic mammo.
PMS. That is a different issue. I never honestly addressed this with any physician. Hind sight allows me to realize that it was a much bigger issue than I was willing to give credit to. I didn't want to be labeled. I work in health-care. Complaints of depression, anger, etc negates everything, especially if you are a menstruating female.
I still take medications since HRT. But, overall, things are more stablized. I allowed myself to experience a taste of menopause prior to starting HRT. I didn't like it.
I'll wean myself off of the hormones in a decade or so. But, for now, I'll continue with my prescriptions. I am in my 30's. I have a family. I prefer the consistent levels of hormones I have now. I don't have the time and energy to address all the concerns and complaints of full-blown menopause at this point in my life.
Good luck.
Beccy (below) is right.
I see an RE. A reproductive endocrinologist.
2006-11-26 20:24:28 · answer #1 · answered by buggeredmom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 25 and after having a hysterectomy last year am on HRT. If you take HRT it gives you an even dose of hormones so you are always on a level and you will feel much better. You get the mood swings etc when your hormones are all over the place and uncontrolled. If you are under 45 I would say it is a good idea to take it, it lowers the risk of weak bones, premature aging etc
It is not a gynaecologist you need to see regards your hormone levels its an ENDOCRINE specialist. Ask your GP to refer you.
If you get your hormone levels checked and get the best advise for you personally you will feel much better xxx
2006-11-26 20:30:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm just recovering from the after effects of HRT, not good for every woman,it caused me water retention, weight gain and high blood pressure. It did not improve my emotional life, no changes there,I still get anxiety attacks, anger and depression. Don't agree to take HRT until you are satisfied you have read about alternatives, the homeopathic ones, and discussed it with a well womens clinic. I am not going to bother with any of it, trying out vitamin supplements, nothing settled yet though.
2006-11-27 07:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me tell you, I couldn't get hold of HRT soon enough. My life was hell and within a few days of treatment the improvement was phenomenal.
I am aware of the risks but am not going back th the wreck I was before.
We all have to make our own choices, but for me it has worked and I'm happy with that.
I know many women have hell at this time in their lives, but if relief can be found then go for it is what I would say.
Try here www.menopausematters.co.uk
2006-11-26 18:11:05 · answer #4 · answered by honey lugs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to:
http://www.power-surge.com/educate/menoprimer.htm
Look around it is free...I originally found my way to cyberspace 8 years ago because I was anticipating Menopause and I am still waiting. But I digress...I would NEVER use HRT. It has been proven to be a longitudinal study conducted on millions of women by the medical profession and drug companies. Almost everything they said it did FOR us turned out to be Wrong. AND it has been proven to be hugely detrimental to our health Not to mention what they do to mares and foals to manufacture the stuff(PREganant MARes uRINe-premarin) And to add insult to injury the same time you quit taking it is exactly when ALL the symptoms come back(as mentioned here already)
2006-11-27 05:22:54 · answer #5 · answered by ronibuni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a great book called 'fertility, cycles and nutrition' by Marilyn Shannon (available from www.ccli.org/store) which contains all kinds of advice relating to evey stage of a womans life. She recommends taking certain supplements rather then HRT as a way of coping with the change.
2006-11-26 18:09:35 · answer #6 · answered by MrsC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Something that might help is Yaz. It and other pills shorten the period. Also Wild Yam which can be found in most vitamin stores and vitamin sections of drug stores. It has an ingredient that is similar to estrogen and helps to lessen monthly problems. The effects of both and any types of surgery can be researched on this web site www.webmd.com
2006-11-26 20:45:42 · answer #7 · answered by zeroartmac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
menopause is a time when your hormones are all over the place hot flushes palpitations etc hrt can be very good for suppressing or controlling these symptoms, and afterwards life is a lot calmer
2006-11-26 18:13:27 · answer #8 · answered by puzzled? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, throughout the history of "Man". Remember Samson and Delilah? Cleopatra and Mark Anthony? I'll leave the modern history alone. We remember the names. A man does have 2 brains. It's the one that's from the bottom up that gets him into some interesting predicaments. The old folks said it is the time when the little head rules the bigger head.
2016-03-28 21:25:07 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im going without.my mum was on them for years and when she came off them she went straight into the menpause coz the hormones replace the ones youre losing so as soon as you come off them it all happens again but at an older stage in your life.so i opt to go through it now rather than put it off coz thats all HRT doesits no worse than other things life throws at you
2006-11-26 18:11:18 · answer #10 · answered by nendlin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋