HRT & How It Helped Me

I began experiencing noticeable perimenopause symptoms at the relatively young age of 42. Heart palpitations, night sweats, and thinning hair were just a few of the issues I faced. After ruling out other potential causes, my doctor suggested that these symptoms could be related to hormonal changes.

It wasn't until I started experiencing severe night sweats that I realised I was likely in perimenopause. The lack of sleep was taking a toll on my mental and emotional health. I was desperate for relief and I wasn't prepared to leave the surgery without a solution. Thankfully, my doctor prescribed HRT patches, which helped alleviate my symptoms significantly, and I was sleeping much better less than 48 hours later.

I’m 52 now and officially menopausal. I’m still on the HRT albeit a different type to suit where I am. There have been issues with the supply of my medication which has been a real pain but other than that I can say that I have been lucky. My GP was great and my symptoms were not as bad or multitudinous as some women’s, but its still been a bit of a rollercoaster.  It’s the mental and emotional symptoms that have taken the biggest toll; forgetfulness, crippling anxiety and depression. I’ve never been a little ray of sunshine in fairness but I was pretty robust other than that. But not being able to decide what pair of knickers to put on in the morning and having to force myself to get in the car to drive anywhere came as a real shock (if I could remember where I’d put the keys of course).

I hit a low point a few years ago when life conspired to serve up a perfect storm. The combination of symptoms plus a husband who had no understanding and much less sympathy, together with a series of stupid life decisions caused a bit of a meltdown. Without wanting to sound too melodramatic, I think the HRT was the only thing standing between me and the 10:58 to Paddington. Some things have improved since then fortunately, but I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what hasn’t.

Coping with Symptoms

HRT has been beneficial for me.

In addition to medical help, there are several lifestyle changes that I have found helpful.

• Prioritise sleep: I aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and protein.

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps.

• Manage stress: I practice yoga for 20 mins, first thing, in front of a sun lamp.

• Seek support: Talking to friends & family has kept me relatively sane.

  
  

If I could give my 30 year old self a bit of advice? Be to your own best friend and not your own worst enemy. What do I mean by that? Take the advice you would give your best friend! Ask for help of you need it, loose weight if you need to, do some exercise... etc.

Conclusion

If there was just one thing that I had to recommend it would be - eat well.