Hi girls,
I am not doing well today --- My period came on the 9th and today is the 17th and it is starting to take ages for my hormones to climb so that I can start to feel better again. I dread my period because I know that I will struggle with the symptoms that seem to overwhelm me at this time. I am having neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, and anxiety. My leg or arm will suddenly jerk (I can cope with this) but it's the feeling of weirdness I can't stand. I can't explain how I feel but it's like a sinking, fainting feeling and my head feels dizzy sometimes, like the feeling you get when the dentist is using a drill. At this moment I am scared, I can't even stand any noise and suddenly I am feeling so irritable. I dont think I can stand what perimenopause is doing to me anymore and I dont know what to do to make myself well again.

Recently I went to see a doctor in London who said I am oestrogen dominant and has prescribed natural progesterone cream - although I want to take it, I am so afraid of making my symptoms worse-

Can any of you give me any words of advice? I feel like I've been riding this peri roller coaster for a very long time, I've so had enough.


PS - the doctor I went to see seems to follow Dr Lees protocol and yet Vliet says the opposite... who is right? .. Thats what I'm trying to figure out by reading their literature.


sorry for such a desperate post .... my hormones are all bottomed out right now.

Thanks for any replies.

EveningPrimrose: You poor thing...I know where you are coming from. I have entire weeks where I just feel so dreadful I can't stand it. I can also relate to the feeling of not being able to stand noise..for me bright lights are bad too. It's like I'm a newborn baby gerbil with no skin and the world is too loud and stimulating for me to handle. My little tiny dachsund had a play toy on the bed last night and in the middle of the night it fell off the bed..and made a loud BANG! as it fell onto my hardwood floors. I woke up from a sort of half-sleep and felt like someone had punched me in the head...my heart starting racing, I broke into a sweat---and all from a loud noise!

I wish I had some good advice to give you regarding estrogen...I still can't figure out if I'm estrogen deficient (which my blood work says I am) or estrogen dominant (which my symptoms say I am.) It's all so confusing. I guess each one of us has to just take a trial-and-error approach to see what works.

Be gentle to yourself today. Make a list of things that make you feel good, and then resolve to ONLY do the things on the list. I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but maybe a short walk outside? Sometimes the simple act of being in the outdoors makes me feel better...more grounded, if you know what I mean.

The other piece of advice I can offer to is to distract yourself; keep busy as much as possible...and try not to focus too much on how you are feeling. I know that sounds weird...but it seems that the more I notice my bad symptoms (the dizziness..the feeling like I'm going to faint...all of it) the more amplified they become. I can remember once I was having a really bad panic attack...and I had this indescribable "bad" feeling deep in my stomach and chest...i was literally out of my mind...so in desparation, I just grabbed a mop and began cleaning the kitchen floor. I think sometimes our adrenaline builds up and needs to be burned off. I'm not saying that housekeeping is the answer to all our ills (god forbid!)...but when I'm highly engaged in any sort of activity, I don't feel quite as bad.

Hope some of this helped. PM me if you want to chat a bit longer...I love to exhange mail!

Hugs,
Robin

OH EP! Darling sorry to hear your are stuggling so! I don't really have much advice other than to ditto Robin's.....be gentle with yourself! You are a lovely, warm woman and take heart in the fact that we are here for you .....Just take it one day at a time. I know it is tough too when you never know what that day will bring. Peri can be so depressing and maddening....just keep telling yourself that this too shall pass!

All the best my friend!

Evening.....do a search for Claire Weekes - I think you'll be surprised at what you find. Just a couple of days ago, JJ put several posts on about some of the things she has found in her books, and it's exactly what you're describing. We've had quite the conversation about these feelings, and you'll find MANY of us have the very same thing. One of the posts talks about mental fatigue, and another speaks about the tension headaches we get during peri/meno. The tight neck mucles? The sense of going up and down on an elevator or being on a rocking boat...it's all there.

Evening I have had those feelings for well over a year. The headaches, the boat rocking, the off balance sensations, feeling as if my head is in a fog. I put it as "I feel as if someone has filled my head with pressure, then sealed it up". Many of us talk about clogged/stuffed ears and how it increases our feelings of anxiety. Much of these...sensations? I think are related to sinus and ears. I, up until a few days ago was on Inderal for a thyroid issue. But it got to a point where my ears were popping 100 times a day, to the point where they hurt from the pressure. It was as if I was descending on a plane. Since I couldn't take Inderal and a decongestant, I stopped the med and began using Sudafed. (the behind the counter kind, not the weak knee'd stuff you can buy off the shelf). With it, I used small doses of valium because I realized I was in a circle of anxiety and until I broke that, I would continue to feel bad.

What I'm trying to say is, having the head spins, the headaches, the off balance sensations etc, I was constantly tense because I knew, one quick turn, rolling over in bed to fast and pow...I'd be off rocking on my boat. So, it wasn't just a matter of using one thing, it was a combination of both. The sudafed helped clear away the brain haze and opened my ears, and the valium is helping to re-program my body so it doesn't 'think' anxious is the way it's suppose to feel.

Is it working? Yes. No, it doesn't magically disappear, but over the last few days it's helped more than I can say. I can now look down without everything swaying. The pressure I feel in my temples and in the back of my neck are easing. Yes, I still have the brain haze, but nothing like before. So...I have hope.

As for the progesterone cream...I've been using it for several months now, and I do believe it helps calm. Since yours is a script kind, I'm not sure what is recommended, but the kind I get from the health food store says I can use it 2 times a day if need be. During the worst of the anxiety, I did use it twice a day, but now I'm only using it at night, right before bed. In fact, I keep it on the night stand, so I don't forget...

Evening I know how scary this is, as I wrote in one of my posts under Claire - I absolutely hate this, and to me it's the worst out of every meno symptom I've had. You'll be amazed at how many were like me, scared to death we had brain tumors...but I promise you, it isn't. It just seems to be that our hormones are causing our ears to retain fluid and our sinus area to be alot more sensative then they used to. So what we end up with is this strange, strange head....

Anyway, go hunt those 2 post up and have a read...I think it might make you feel a bit better...ok?

Hugs
Tay

Oh I feel so bad for you. It is so overwhelming and scaring at times. Noone could have ever made me believe that hormones could do such a number on us. I am not the same person I was two years ago and I want the old me back. I started bcp's last July and for the most part, I am better. Not the same, but better. i hate the idea of taking them, I worry about it all the time, but it gave me back some quality of life that I was missing.

It is hard to distract yourself when you feel so awful, nothing seems interesting, but even a walk around the block may help, some chamomile tea, a call to a friend.

I hate to say anything about drugs, but Xanax helped me overcome the really bad anxiety that came with these symptoms, helping me to know i was not dying, and I really felt I was. I didn't need it often and now only one every month or so. I resisted taking it, but I know now, that to relax is very important and when I am so worried about the physical symptoms, I cannot do that.

Keep posting, it always helps to know you are not alone. Hang in there. Joan

HI EVENINGPRIMROSE I AM SO SORRY YOUR BACK FEELING BAD AGAIN. BY THE WAY I GOT MY PERIOD ON 9TH TOO. I HAD THOSE SINKING FAINTING FEELINGS TOO ALL LAST YEAR WHAT A NIGHTMARE.WHAT HELPS ME IS XANAX AND ZOLOFT WHAT A CHANGE ITS MADE. I ALWAYS DRINK DECAF GREEN TEA . EXERCISE REALLY HELPS AND I ALWAYS SAY TO MYSELF WHEN I AM FEELING BAD IT WILL GO AWAY JUST ANXIETY AND HORMONES. I DON;T LET THIS GET ME DOWN ANYMORE. I DO HAVE MY DAYS BUT I RIDE THEM OUT.AND I ALSO NOTICE THE HRT PREMPRO I WAS ON MADE ME A LUNATIC. I AM STAYING OFF HRT I TAKE MY CALCIUM CHEWS AND GET SUNSHINE. I KNOW EASIER SAID THEN DONE. I WISH YOU THE BEST. HUGS TERRY

(((((EP)))))), sending a big hug your way. This hormonal stuff is the pits.

Could you try the smallest dose of your progesterone? I can't take hormones so I'm no expert but believe me there are some days when I would gladly try them.

Everyone has already given you such great advice. Do be gentle with yourself. I've just watched the FA Cup Final and thoroughly enjoyed it. Anything that distracts your mind on to something fun or soothing or interesting is a good thing.

I'm the same with noise too, I've become really really sensitive to it. You live in a rural area don't you? Can you take a short walk?

I wish I could help more, PM me anytime.....

robin

Oh Gez not you too! We are on the same boat and sinking fast! My last period has really done me in!
I love how you describe it as a weird feeling! Beside the body aches-fatigue-ANXIETY and OMG my stomach is so mess up!
internal tremors, is that what you are having when you say it feels like a dentist drill?
Aura this morning and then bam a migraine, my right eye still can not make straight lines. Just want to run to the ER and beg for help but been down that road many times!
Resting does not help!
Just went with my husband to pick the mower up from the shop and had a tiny break!
Very tiny maybe the motion of the car?

I set here crying> asking why is this is such a struggle?
Why can't my body just call it quit and stop this madness!
Like you I set here scare! My skin feels like it on fire and I wonder if I will make it through the day????

I just want someone to make it better> like a child when their sick and Mom or Dad knows just what to do to make you feel better! .........

Hugs dear friend! Wish I had said something to comfort you!

(((EP)))

Huge hugs! You know I've been just where you are.... we joined P-S in the same year, and how insulting it is to go up and down, feel a little better, then be cast down again!

It's strange that your doctor claims you are estrogen dominant, as your symptoms are worse right after your period, when your estrogen stores would be quite low, wouldn't they? Don't they build as the cycle goes on? The things you describe were worst for me the "big year" of 2004, when everything felt it was hitting at once, and my periods were really slowing down... I always felt this was associated with LOW estrogen.

The only thing I can advise is to "ride" the feelings as much as possible, take time to rest (even if it feels that it's not helping - I think on some deep level, it does), and as others have recommended, try to distract yourself. Honor the sensitivity to loud noise, and get things at just the noise level - pace of activity - comfort level you possibly can. Take heart in the friendships here, and come as often as you need to! There are lots of arms wrapped 'round you...

This is going to pass, as impossible as it feels to believe it right now!

(((HUGS))) Dear Friend,
JJ

Evening Primrose,what you describe is the same as how I've been feeling for the last few months,the pressure in my head some days is unbearable,along with lightheadedness and feeling like I'm losing balance.Today has been an awful day,I feel really down and utterly sick of feeling this way.I agree with what the others have said about distracting yourself and keeping busy,I know thats easier said than done,but it's good advice.Hope you feel better tomorrow. Pippi.x.

Oh I so empathize with what you are feeling. And I want to make it all better for you. Just wave a magic wand and make life good again. Or even bearable.

I beg you not to apologize, for if you do, then the rest of us must also. You are having a particularly bad day. There is no reason to be sorry. Not for having it, or writing about it, or asking for support.

Please try to remind yourself that the symptoms do wax and wane. You do have some days that are better than others. Try to hold onto the feeling of the better days. Or hours. Or even minutes.

Every time you post on this site, dear friend, you touch me in a most profound way. You never whine or rant or demand. You reach out in a way that is so eminently human, I remember that I am not alone. I know that you want answers, and not to hear that you are helping someone else. But that is all I have. I hope you can draw some small measure of strength from the fact that you help me each and every time I see your name appear.

Be good to yourself. Do whatever you need to do to feel even the least bit better. I am there with you. We all are. The collective pain is what will ultimately lead us all to the collective relief. Sending you as many cyber hugs as is humanly possible,

Marcy

my friend, i am sorry to hear that you are having such a miserable time of it. i understand & i've had all those symptoms that you describe. it feels like it will never end & i've stood & looked incoherently at all the literature that contradicts each other & felt reduced to tears.

hang on & keep trying to get through the moment for now. keep coming here for all the wonderful advice & support that all these great ladies so lovingly provide.

thinking of you & sending safe cyber-hugs,
ellen

Hi Evening Primrose

I have Dr Lees Book - which is very good reading if you can get your hands on a copy.
Progesterone is your calming hormone, so when we don't have enough - it is no wonder we feel anxious.

I use the cream morning and at night - if you put too much on you will feel a little sleepy, then just cut back on the level a bit.
It is very safe. Dr Lees is very good. I use the cream for my endo and my perimenopause.

I think you need magnesium for the twitches, and I think low magnesium also makes you sensitive to noise and nervous.

The other thing I would suggest is to chart your symptoms.
Some months you will be estrogen dominant, and others you may not be.

Charting your monthly cycle, really helps to lessen the anxiety, as you will start to see patterns.

Good Luck and I hope you are feeling more your old self soon.

nzmum Have you been prescribed your Progesterone cream by Patient Advocates In Auckland or Tauranga by any chance?? The reason I ask is that I have been down that route with them too and the Progesterone cream was anything but calming to me, infact it sent me loopy and gave me no end of problems. Not everyone can tolerate Progesterone in any form and Dr Lees teachings contradict many others like Dr Vliets opinions. I wish it was as simple as just one thing fits all then we would all be cured but I think it's far more complicated than just saying we are Estrogen dominant and Progesterone will help. Progesterone gives me anxiety and many many other bad effects along with it. Haven't tried any Estrogen yet though to see if that has a different effect on me and I'm not to keen to try it out. It took me over 12 months after stopping the P cream to get it out of my system so I can see why many women are careful of starting it.

EP has that doc sent you for blood tests on day 3, 14 and 20 of your cycle to see if you are indeed E dominant like Dr Vliet likes to check for before recommending any treatment?? Many of the symptoms of hormone deficiencies are similar to hormone dominance so it's near impossible to see which way we are swinging at any given moment.

Hang in there my friend .... Kia kaha

Rox

"I set here crying> asking why is this is such a struggle?
Why can't my body just call it quit and stop this madness!"

exactly the same words that have been going through my head all day. how much more of this can i take??????

((((((((((((EP))))))))))))))))
I'm so sorry you're struggling so...I certainly know how you feel. Every day is a new adventure.......I will pray that you find a solution. I get so overwhelmed with what I read.......such conflicting information that I chose nothing....I'm just suffering daily for a long time now and hope it's over soon. Let me know if you find what works for you. Hope to see you in the chat room soon.

Hugs,
Karen

Yes I have been using the cream by Patient Advocates, but having the book, I feel gave me a better idea of how to use the cream. Having had endo for most of my adult life, I am very aware of my hormonal swings. I am really surprised you had problems with it, I have heard of women who have not had any improvements with their symptoms, but never feeling worse. Progesterone is generally very well tolerated as it is the hormone that pregnant women produce in large quantities. Because the cream is topical, I would imagine it takes only a few days to be excreted from your body. However, it is the balance of the hormones that really matters, so if your estrogen is low and you have too much progesterone than I can imagine that you would soon experience symptoms to estrogen dominance. It is best to listen to your own body, and as in your case try something else if it is not working.

Hmmm, I'm going to start research natural bio identicals again. I can't live with the onslaught of symptoms anymore! If it's not the stuff I'm going through this week, Ill get the night sweats, hot flashes and racing heart in the middle of the night. I want to be normal again!

Oh I know of a few women personally who have had bad effects from using the P cream prescribed for them and you will find many on these boards who have had similar experiences with it. Obviously some of our bodies just don't like Progesterone which is very unfortunate cos the people who do seem to like it do well on it. And not all women feel good while pregnant so progesterone must be the culprit there too since it is at it's absolute highest during pregnancy. I could never tolerate the BCP when I was younger and most of the women I know who don't tolerate Progesterone didn't tolerate the BCP either, seems we were doomed from the start LOL.......

My one and only blood hormone test I had done while using P cream showed my estrogen at the very low end of normal and my P at the high end of normal for that stage of that month even though the saliva testing showed P level in the therapeutic range. P doesn't convert into E so all it was doing was tipping the balance in favour of P which was defeating the purpose of being hormonally balanced and it increased my Testosterone levels so I had the libido and aggravation of a man which I didn't like at all.

Maybe now I could do with a little of that libido but just a little

Rox

Girls,
I've read your replies and I'm so grateful for the love and support that you've shown me. I'm incredibly lucky that I can turn to this board and all the wonderful women here.

I want to say more but I'm still struggling so badly and I need to write to other people who have sent PMs but I can't quite manage it yet --- my brain isn't exactly thinking straight at the moment. I've cried so much the last two days --I can't help feeling tormented by perimenopause. I want it to end --- I guess I'm having a particularly bad month and I'm having what you might call a meltdown. Funny how people refer to it as a natural transition - there is nothing natural about this.

I will post in a few days when I am feeling better but I just wanted to let you know that I'm ok and I'm still reading this thread.

I cant thank you enough for being here, so THANK YOU! I'm trying to be positive and get to where I want to be with my peri health -

I love you girls,

((((hugs))))

Gez~

Huge hugs and mucho love coming your way EP

Thinking of you as always

Hang in there, we are gonna make it through

Rox

Pro-Juven progesterone cream

This is the cream that my doctor prescribed -- anyone heard of it?

EP,

I am sorry I missed this thread! I have been really busy in my life and haven't been on the computer as much as normal!! That is funny when hangin on your computer is more "normal" than living in the real world, isn't it?? I am up at 4 in the morning because I got such a bad sunburn I kept waking up from pain, finally gave up on sleep and thought I should check up on my pals in PS.

I am so sorry you are suffering still, this has been a long painful journey for you. I understand your desperation, and trepidation of trying something new. All I can say is the hormones have saved my sanity, and given me back my quality of life. I absolutely could NOT go on the way I had been, I was not living. Well you remember how bad it was, and now I am like a normal person again. I am merely telling you this so you do hear that some people have been successful using hormones of one kind or another. I have stopped taking my progesterone a couple of different times for 5 days at a time, and I feel noticibly worse without it. Not everyone does poorly on progesterone. All the information is confusing, often condradictory, and pretty daunting overall....you need to chose a plan for yourself and execute it. If it doesn't work out, move to Plan B. I hate to think of you suffering needlessly, when potentially relief is sitting there right in front of you!!!

Whatever you decide, know you are not alone and there are many of us out here thinking of you and wishing you well. Hugs.

I just want to add a little of my experience with progesterone and, is that it work wonders just with a tiny bit on my body. I didn't need to the recomended amount . At first i followed the instruction but it was too much and i started using less and less till i found the amount that my body feel comfortable . It just worked on some of my meno symptoms but not on all of them, and still looking for the magic formula.

menosick

I wonder if there is any correlation between feeling sick during pregnancy, and the ability to tolerate progesterone? I got sick, fat ,nauseous, tired and bloated on the Birth control pill. I got morning sickness with all my pregnancies, and nausea for 9 months. My body cannot tolerate progesterone. How did your pregnancies make you feel?

Well I felt sick and was sick with both my sons and couldn't tolerate red meat in any way or form for the whole 9 months and with my daughter I had the worst pregnancy of all of them. Didn't actually vomit with her but felt sick for the first 4 months, hardly ate cos everything tasted like cardboard and was sooooo tired all the freakin time and developed the worst case of heartburn in mankind and ended up with a hiatal hernia. So I suppose that indicates that my body hates Progesterone. Also couldn't tolerate the BCP either and I tried many but they all gave me either anxiety or depression or both along with other horrible things. Felt great after the birth of my 2 sons but had a major hormone crash after the birth of my daughter which has been similar to what I've been experiencing the past 2-3 yrs. From my observations it seems the women who couldnt tolerate the BCP don't seem to do well with Progesterone either.

Rox

I had send EP a PM and did not realize you guys where talking about progesterone cream.

Don't think I have tolerance for it either.
I started using it again last week before my melt down.
I was feeling so tired and thought I would give it a try again.
Within two days I ovulated since I had the pain and discharge. First time this year, then I get a migraine PLUS horrid breast pain! ANXIETY!
So I stopped and now I'm having night sweats but at least the anxiety has settle down!

Hi EP and all you other wonderful women out there. I'm sending this to every woman I know that's going through menopause. My good friend found this article and I'm passing it on to you. There are two sisters that have come up with an all natural product that REALLY WORKS! It's amazing. My girlfriend tried it and it really helped her. I ordered it and have only been taking it for a while now - but it works! I'm already feeling so much better overall wellness. Ah - relief finally. Please check this site out ladies. I wouldn't send it if I weren't so excited about it.
Bobbi
http://www.alternativetherapyresources.com...e-menopause-415

Snowmoon, I was reading this board here (I'm considering adding some cream progesterone, OTC, to my program) - but I'm writing to you because I noticed your Native American saying - about entering into heaven, etc. It is SOOOOOOOOO beautiful! I'm going to write that down somewhere, so that I can remember it. If it's true, I should make it up there someday.

Hi Girls,
Just to let you know I havent forgotten this thread. I decided to take the progesterone cream and will let you know how its going in the next few days. I've been so tired and lethargic lately, it's been difficult to write lengthy posts.

Hope you're all doing good and will write in a few days............

((((((((hugs))))))) to ALL!

Hi EP,
I missed this thread first time round but just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you & hope you'll soon be feeling better. I've been feeling much better lately but then this afternoon I just felt so tired & had to lie down & now I just feel really lethargic & heavy. I have skipped 4 periods so hoping that I'm getting closer to meno.
All the girls here have given you great advice, all I want to say is that I know you'll get through this & one day you will feel good again. I understand how exhausting it is to feel crap for so long, I have had many days where I just sat & cried because I couldn't stand feeling so unwell, you just have to keep picking yourself up & moving forward because this won't last forever, & on the days you can't pick yourself up come on here & we'll help you get back on your feet again, emotionally at least!
Take care EP & let us know how you are.
love & hugs Sarah xx

Evening Primrose I just read your initial post and I can related to that "weird", "sinking, fainting" feeling. It would just come over me and although I never fainted I was always afraid I would. I started drinking more water throughout the day, and it seems to have gone away. If it was related to hormone fluctuations or dehydration I don't know. It took a few weeks of conscientiously drinking a lot of water for me to see a change. You might try drinking Gatorade, also, if you suspect you're dehydrated. It's such a weird feeling, and the only time I felt similar was when I was pregnant or when I was dieting.

It may be that your body just needs some time to rest and rejuvenate. Don't worry--you'll feel better soon.
Frisbee

Evening Primrose I just read your initial post and I can related to that "weird", "sinking, fainting" feeling. It would just come over me and although I never fainted I was always afraid I would. I started drinking more water throughout the day, and it seems to have gone away. If it was related to hormone fluctuations or dehydration I don't know. It took a few weeks of conscientiously drinking a lot of water for me to see a change. You might try drinking Gatorade, also, if you suspect you're dehydrated. It's such a weird feeling, and the only time I felt similar was when I was pregnant or when I was dieting.

It may be that your body just needs some time to rest and rejuvenate. Don't worry--you'll feel better soon.
Frisbee

Hi, EveningPrimrose! Please let us know how you do on the progesterone cream. I'm thinking of using a little of it, myself - but so far, I haven't used anything for my symptoms.

Keep us posted, and I hope you feel better soon!

Hi,

Just reading back through this thread -- Thanks for all of ur replies and comforting words, wish I were living close by - I'd have some wonderful friends in my real world.

I wasn't sure if I should start a new topic but I'm hoping it's okay to come back here and post. I have a question, so I'm hoping someone can help. As you all know, I've started taking the bio-identical progesterone cream. The doctor suggested I cycle it, so I should take it for 3 weeks and wait for my period then start again on the 7th day of my cycle. The problem is, I haven't seen my period yet and I'm almost a week late. If I dont see a period before the 7th day, should I take the progesterone cream or should I wait? I've tried to contact my doctor but she's on holiday for a week and she doesn't have anyone at the clinic that could advise me. I have called my GP who is going to call me back on Monday, maybe he can help. What could be causing a late period? Is it the progesterone? I am more confused than ever ... I feel like I have PMS at the moment --- wicked!

Hope you;re all having better days --- with the grace of god.

((((hugs))) to ALL!!

EP - I think you'd be wizest to wait until you speak to your doctor before using it. While it's possible the cream is causing a delay in your cycle, it could also be your just getting closer to meno and that's what's mixing it up. The OTC kind, is different from the bio's - does your GP know anything about them? If not, I'd wait to see whether you get your period, or until the doctor who prescribed it comes back.

I too have that head feeling. Feels like I'm sinking somethings, sorta like my head is off balance from the rest of my body. I swear, is it possible to have your head feel like it weighs 50lbs? (good grief!) Course when you add a lovely dose of anxiety into the mix, what a joyful (NOT) time you have. But, hey...it's gotta calm down sometime....right?

Hang in there Eve...

Hugs
Tay

Hi Tay,

The doctor I went to see in London specialises in perimenopause and bio-identical hormones. I am taking projuven, a high potency cream but I've been tweaking the doses a little because it was too much for me at the therapeutic dose. Since my doctor and GP are not available, I have called pete at he pharamacy but he's at lunch, got to call back in an hour so maybe he can help.

Hope you're doing well, Tay.

HI EP!

I don't have much experience of the hormone creams etc, but have you thought of ringing the out of hours GP for advice if you feel you need to make a decision immediately? It's a difficult one as none of the GPs really know much more than us about things they don't normally prescribe. (My GP actually takes notes on what I tell him has helped my symptoms for reference when he tries to help other people (LOL) Makes me wonder who's the doctor!)

Hi Squiggle,

My GP isn't available until Monday, he's the only one I trust! I've found a diamond in the practice so I wont talk to anyone else! He seems to know more about perimenopause than the rest of them put together, and he's familiar with my medical history. I had a long talk with him when I went to see him a few weeks ago. I am still trying to get hold of Pete, but no luck yet. I'm sure he'll be be able to help, and I can talk about my symptoms in general -- it's always good to have a second opinion.

How are you, Squiggs? Did you get the problem with the bank sorted out?

HI EP

Yes I can understand that! It's hard to find someone who knows what's what. How did you find the London doctor?

No the fraud investigation is ongoing and getting worse by the day. Found out the fraudsters got Hubby's signature and telephone password (not PIN but Password!) wE NEVER WROTE THIS DOWN ANYWHERE - JUST SOMETHING hUBS SET UP VERBALLY WITH THE BANK SOME YEARS BACK. LOOKS LIKE AN INSIDE JOB AT THE MOMENT. Whoops - sorry hit CAPS LOCK by mistake! Anyway, it is full blown identity theft now - goodness knows what they might do next with the info that they have!

my god, squiggle, that sounds awful -- I guess the bank have put a stop on everything? -- I would imagine they have!

The doctor in London was recommended by a member here at PS --- She's a good doctor but I'm surprised that she doesn;t have an assistant that can take heralls whilst she's on vacation.

Yes that's strange that she has no-one to advise like that - this must be a common question - but it's great news that you have found a way to get bio-identicals here in the UK at least.

Bank is great on the helpful and pleasant staff front, but useless procedure-wise behind the scenes. Account is still open, and has to be until they sort out the problem. About the only thing they've stopped is our legitimate payments going thro! Nightmare - don't recommend anybody banks with the big B bank. I have found out by asking around that most of the others refund you first, then look into the problem, but with B it's the other way around. All our D/Ds are bouncing left right and centre and we are having to find the money elsewhere to pay them off.

Hi ((EP)) how are you doing? Did you get any answers from the doc? Sorry you're having cruddy PMS. Has it eased any? As you know I'm wondering if I'll end up needing BHRT before all this ends. It sounds as if your dose needs tweaking. Hope the doc has some answers for you and you're soon feeling better.

Hi Robin,
I'm doing okay thanks and infact had quite a good day yesterday --- I'm becoming more active and I THINK I'm doing better. I haven't spoken to Dr Bond because she still hasn't returned my call and is supposed to be back from her vacation today. I will wait and see when and if she calls. I've spoken to Pete and he's told me not to take the progesterone cream until I see my next period and my GP called this morning and said the same thing.

The PMS has eased but still no period -- I am 8 days late...

How are you doing? Feeling any better?