This last 6 months have been much more productive. I have lost 2 stone in weight, I feel much better and I am smiling again. I have been asked to take part in a radio and TV programme for BBC Wales and BBC World News. As a person that never used to shy away from attention this was the right thing to do for me. I know that there are so many women out there that are struggling the menopause symptoms. As long as I am able to share my story to help others get a better service then I’m in.
I travelled to the BBC Wales in Cardiff and was interviewed for a pre-recorded programme, and later went on to take part in a news story which was live. The links are here if you are interested
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-44860468
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bb87rz
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bb87rn
ITV Wales later went on to interview a lady in Newport who shared a very similar story to mine.
I have also started up a petition to ask NHS Wales to improve services to women experiencing menopausal symptoms. I have done this because you may not believe how difficult it is for women to get help. Women are being prescribed anti-depressants and some GP’s have told women that its a part of life and that they should just get on with it!
Since taking Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone, there are very noticeable improvements. I no longer suffer with night sweats and hot flushes and I dont get anxiety attacks anymore. I feel like I am in control of my body again. I was surprised to find out exactly what Oestrogen does to your body and the positive effects it gives you.
These are some of the effects of low Oestrogen
- painful sex due to a lack of vaginal lubrication
- an increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a thinning of the urethra
- irregular or absent periods
- mood swings
- hot flashes
- breast tenderness
- headaches or accentuation of pre-existing migraines
- depression
- trouble concentrating
- fatigue
I notice in the last 6 months that my nails are also much healthier and that they grow at a rate of knots! My nails have been peeling for years so its nice to have healthy talons. 🙂
Testosterone is taking its time to give me benefits though, I need to be taking it at least 6 months, some women do not see any benefits however it is prescribed to improve energy levels (I also have much hairier legs).
Its now 6 months since I have been taking this combination. At first I noticed that my mood dipped somewhat when I take the progesterone. It didn’t really have an impact in the early months because I thought I would cope with 7 days of low mood as the other 3 weeks of the month felt so good. However as the months have progressed I think that maybe I should discuss it with my pharmacist or menopause specialist. I only take progesterone for 12 days of the month orally however I read that using vaginal progesterone has better outcomes. So I went to see my pharmacist first. I explained that for around 7 days I feel tired, irritable, lethargic. He looked up if I could take the tablet vaginally however he didn’t have any knowledge of alternatives. He did say however, that it isn’t normal to feel like I do, my quality of life should be good every day not just 21/28 so he suggested I get professional help. I contacted a menopause specialist through the facebook page who said I could use the tablets I have and insert them vaginally each night. Apparently when you take tablets orally they have to go through your stomach, kidneys etc which can have a dramatic effect on the benefits as opposed to oral routes.
So I thought I would give it a go however I didn’t get a period in August? I will just see how I get on next month. If I feel better but I dont get a period I will have to consult the the menopause specialist in Cwmbran.
The last week of August 2018 I experienced the odd night sweat too which is starting to concern me. I have also noticed some vaginal dryness and generally feeling sore. I am hoping that I am not building up to increasing symptoms again as I am not sure if I will be permitted to increasing the dose of Oestrogen, maybe I could have more Oestrogen through a pessary perhaps? I will have to read up on that and get in touch with Nicky Noble.
This is why I started this blog. So I can keep a track on how I am feeling each month. I have been so well the last 6 months and really looking forward to the future again. I am now looking to go back to work and starting to apply for jobs (unsuccessfully though) but I am a little concerned that as I have been out of work for a year that I might have left it too long to simply jump straight back in to the sector. My confidence has dipped a bit I guess but I am a strong believer in fate. What will be, will be!
Exercise and fitness has been great though! I got a PB for my 10k and half marathon distance and I have signed up for Snowdonia Marathon and my first Ultra which takes place next Feb (2019). I still go to the gym twice a week for strength and conditioning and I do yoga and pilates each week.
See you next time.
How the Menopause nearly beat me 