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Menopause: Questions and answers

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I have recently been tested for rheumatoid arthritis because my joints have very quickly become sore and very painful - all results were negative. So I started to think of other reasons for this sudden decline in my health. I am 50 years old and use a Mirena coil for contraception - so I never see any period. This obviouly makes it difficult for me to monitor my cycle. I was tested 2 years ago to see where things were in my menopause and I was just told that it had started. Last month, suddenly out of the blue, I bled fresh red blood with a couple of large clots. I have also seen my GP due to my heart fluttering - they dismissed this as I recently had a heart trace done and my blood pressure is normal ( I take regular medication for high bP). I cannot tell you how happy I feel to have found your website and it has helped me self diagnose my menopause - so my question is what shall I do now? Should I have a blood test done to confirm my very strong suspicions? What medications can I take - my GP has prescribed some pain relief gel called Tiloket which hasnt really helped. My elbows, knees, toes, fingers, and even my neck are so sore - I even felt like my jaw was aching. As this is all very recent, I have only just started logging when my pain is worse but 3 weeks ago I could hardly believe the pain. It has so rapidly increased. Now today I am itching like craZy but joint pain has diminished. It gets worse at night and first thing in the morning. Can you recommend anything to help or what I should do next?

I am glad we have been able to shed some light on your symptoms. Unfortunately, most doctors, especially the male ones, don't associate a whole... Read the full answer 〉

I've been told by my doctor that I am Peri-menopausal. I had an ablation about 5 years ago due to having very heavy and very frequent periods. I have to use the Estring and a cream periodically due to thinning, and painful intercourse. I have a lot of issues going on in my life right now. My mother has Parkingsons/Dementia and is in a skilled nursing facility. I have three other siblings that have not lifted a finger to help me with anything, and they barely go and see her. I am very sad and I feel very depressed all the time - I don't rest well and I cry on a daily basis. I should be happy right now - my first grandchild was born only six weeks ago. I used to go to the gym everyday and now I don't have the energy or the desire to go. I've put on weight despite the fact that I try really hard to eat heathly. My arms, shoulders, and elbows hurt nonstop. Sometimes I feel like I don't want to be here anymore! I went to my MD about these feelings and they said that I was not suffering from depression, but that I was in a depressing situation. They advised that I come up with a plan to make myself happy. I have been put on anti-depressants before but they don't seem to work. Do you think that I need to make an appointment with my OBYGN and talk to him to see if I should be put on HRT? What can I do? Is there a blood test that can tell if you need to be on HRT? I've heard such bad things about hormone replacement drugs that I'm a little worried. I would greatly appreciated any advice you can give me.

This is really common, so please don't panic:  The reason behind it is low oestrogen levels. Oestrogen acts as a mild anti-depressant and generally... Read the full answer 〉

Did you know?

You won’t get the menopause the minute you turn 50! The average starting age is actually between 45 and 55 and it can often depend on a number of factors including hereditary, weight and health, however every single woman will have an individual menopause.

Learn the truth behind other menopause myths

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