Disclaimer: Not a Doctor. If any concerns, please contact a medical professional
My journey with HRT.
Entering menopause at any age is filled with trepidation and uncertainty – you feel older, your biological system is entering a phase of quiescence. I guess for me, it felt the same and when I was weighing up the pros and cons of additional surgery. I eventually came to realise that surgical menopause and HRT was the practical solution. I had limited success in managing my pain and essentially no quality of life. I could not look after my daughter without support. I went from walking miles to barely walking.
Finding myself home more than out. I found every day tasks difficult and exhausting- I was out of breath having a shower or bath. Things needed to change, and quickly…
When the consultant discussed HRT with me I had many questions/ did some of my own research. I thought I would share some links to assist. I now have to take oestrogen until I reach the age of natural menopause.
I missed being me and being my happy self. I am sure those I work and live with feel the same. I could go from happy to tearful in a few minutes.
The first couple of weeks were extremely challenging and tiring. I wasn’t sure if it was all recovery related – but I was finding myself in rooms not knowing why I entered them- or post operative issues (aside from infection). My daughter (who is 4) was finishing my sentences. I felt a bit like an old person asking for things to be repeated more/ forgetting simple things like medication; (and before the operation I was writing everything down but able to retain better). Confused and weepy, at times. I was a bit of a mess.
My consultant suggested that I increased my dose of HRT. I have been on the new dose (for about a week…so it’s early days) but I feel like my mental state is getting better. I am remembering things or why I am in a room. #Small wins. (I used to have a very powerful memory and could remember old phone numbers, bank details, complicated passwords, song lyrics etc.)
My poor husband probably told me things over and over again the last few months (worse so after surgery), and my retention was so low, I forgot mid sentence what I was thinking. Hopefully short lived.
It’s one of many possible side effects of surgical menopause and hormone imbalance.
Not great when you’re recovering from surgery/ trying to explain symptoms to a Doctor… or anyone how you feel. At least the consultant was very understanding. He advised me to take the medium or strongest dose and see how that works with my fatigue, brain fog etc.
What you need to know about HRT (UK links):
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/about-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/
Alternative treatment:
Brain Fog – reality of endometriosis sufferers/ menopause symptoms
https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/brain-fog-endometriosis-symptom/904428
https://endometriosis.net/living/brain-fog-tips
I am an #endometriosiswarrior and an #adenomyosiswarrior💜.
Let’s raise awareness and compassion for all women afflicted by these diseases. The struggles are real but I hope to bring you some #NewJoy by sharing my story. I challenge you to think of what makes you happy in life and keep being #strongwomen especially if you have entered a transition phase of your life. This is even more important as I watch my own daughter grow up and hope she does not suffer the same issues I faced.
In summary,
Take care of yourself.
#believeinyourself❤️ #loveyourbody and #bekind 🤗😊❤️🩹
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