Menopause after HRT for 18 years help!!

Sounds like me actually although I am older than you. I have been a version of this for so long I have adapted somewhat. Nothing special just what other people say on here. Walking, distraction by any means. Stopped alcohol just about, we enjoy zero alcohol beer just one a day. Reduced cows milk use Almond milk sugar free, I do have yogurts and a bit of cows milk in drinks. 

I try and be active, life is too depressing otherwise. Danced today with my group. My energy was so flat last weekend with anxiety I thought I wouldn't manage it. I did and I'll rest for the next day. I think we all have to work on ourselves. Reach out see what's available. I have started a few things with my local Macmillan Centre. 

Hi sabrina22

Thank you for your reply. I turned 60 last month and I feel about 90 at times!! I did get a burst of energy tonight and cleaned the bathrooms

I think you put me to shame with your dancing etc. I feel soo tired most of the time as sleep is a couple of hours and then I can’t fall back to sleep etc. I don’t drink milk and only have fruit teas but the fuzzy head and anxiety has prevented me from walking out alone. I am going to call up my menopause nurse at the GP surgery as some recommended supplements etc aren’t suitable for us ladies with/ having treatment for  breast cancer.

Good luck with your exploits ️ xx

I felt very similar being put into a medical menopause when I was first diagnosed mid-40s. Intense and panic-inducing ho flushes every 20 mins, 24/7. Crazy anxiety and constantly weepy (though being diagnosed with cancer may not have helped that last one).

All I can say is it did get significantly better for me over the coming months. I'm 2.5 years on and still get hot flushes, but they don't give me a panic attack at the same time, and therefore easier to cope with. They have also significantly reduced in frequency, though some things make them worse like alcohol and stress.

I was still suffering from mood swings and insomnia to a level that I found difficult to cope with 2 years on. The flashes of anger out of nowhere were the worst, I just didn't recognise myself. And the constant low mood was alien to me, I am usually upbeat and positive. The lack of sleep wasn't helping, especially with a full time job, though I'm lucky that I can work from home.

I finally admitted I needed more help and have been on a low dose antidepressant for 6 months and it has made a huge difference. No more mood swings and I usually sleep not too badly. I feel like me again.

Other things that intiailly helped were all the usual for hot flushes - chillow pillows, fan by my bed, hand held fan, dress in layers etc. I also tried acupuncture for the anxiety, and I found that very useful though I needed a top up after the initial course every month. I haven't needed any acupuncture since the antidepressants. 

I was always pretty against taking prescription drugs if I could help it, but since I take so many other drugs for the BC treatment, then taking one more to counteract the effect of the others didn't seem so bad.

It does get significantly better though, though unfortunately with time.

I too take a low dose of antidepressant. I have something prescribed by the GP for sleep, I only use it at most twice weekly. I use Paul McKenna's cd ' I can make you sleep'. It's about using self hypnosis to get back to sleep. Even if I feel grim I walk, just for 20 mins. Women do walk around my village on their own. Walking solo is ok, just do it at the right time of day. 

I have to be upbeat and I am not all the time, my energy and mood do drop. Missing sleep is the worse thing. Paul McKennas method is about counting backwards from 300. It's annoying and difficult in the middle of the night but that's the point. I agree accepting all that goes with the menopause is true, but don't let it define you. X 

I found Paul McKenna very helpful too, and of all his techniques, the counting backwards from 300 is the one I use every night. It works!

Hi LynnS,  Reading your post took me back to 9/2021.  I had been on HRT since I was 55 and was diagnosed at 72.  Was feeling great on HRT but once diagnosed off it I came.  I had just had my pellets inserted in August and diagnosed in September so knew I would feel ok for a few months.  I got initially diagnosed with DCIS in right breast but after more tests found stage 1 invasive in left so two lumpectomies and radiation and Anastrazole for 5 years and doing well now.  My hot flashes are occasional and of course other things from arimidex but I get out about 5 times a week and bicycle, walk and do what I like.  I think because I am older the hot flashes are not too often.  My medical oncologist told me about Relizen by bonafide and it is plant based so no problem for us women whose tumors love estrogen and progesterone.  They have products for vaginal dryness too which I use and it works.  Their customer support is great too.  
I remember the lack of sleep when going through menopause and it was dreadful and that is why I went on HRT along with the sweats, itchies, bitchies etc.  
I hope you feel better soon.  
Barbara

Hi Barbara

Thank you for your reply.

I was reading about plant based supplements and my bcn said I have to be extremely cautious about using them due to the receptors being dependent on the hormones!! That’s the thing you get told one thing and then the opposite. I’ve booked appt with the menopause nurse on 19th so hoping I get some more information 

Obviously you have been told from the oncologist so he should know right?! ️

Glad you have got some relief over time and I agree that it’s very reactive to stress

wishing you lots of luck for the future 

Lynn xx

Hi Beatthebreast

thanks your replying to my post ️

Can I ask which anti depressant you are currently on and the doseage please. Always good to consider lots of things

take care 

Lynn xx

Oh yes the supplements he advised for menopause symptoms are all safe as he told me nothing that will stimulate my estrogen or progesterone.  I am 100% estrogen and progesterone positive.

If you look up the company bonafide you can see ingredients and talk to the bcn about it.  Here is the link to bonafide 

https://hellobonafide.com/

Take care

Barbara