My history:
A year ago I missed a couple of periods. Since then I have been having some night sweats (no sweats but I wake up, feel a wave pass through me and feel hot for a few minutes). Dr tested my estrogen late in my cycle and it was high and vagina seeemed fine. Went back a while later for vaginal discharge and different dr said vagina was dry and looking like I would enter menopause soon.

This month has been horrible. I had a 16 day cycle and then a 28 day cycle and bled, spotted, for 12 days, not uncommon with me this past year. Then I had some night sweats again every night for a week, up to 3 a night, and with a couple of them horrible palpitations that lasted a few hours, fast heartbeat, feelings of dread and thumpy heart. They stopped but then I had a second bout and now I feel it during the day off an on. I have been getting a bit of heartburn, depression and some other symptoms. I'm at day 28 now and feeling my breasts are a bit sore and maybe a period brewing down the track.

My question is I am due to see the dr again next week for results of blood tests and holter heart monitor. I think it is my hormones.

I am reluctant to start HRT unless neccessary.I don't like to take anything if I don't have to. I think it will make it more real if I am on HRT too, I'm a bit in denial as I feel too young! I can't take the pill because of migraine.

If every month is like this one though I can't hack it, it has been horrible and affecting my life. Remedies I have tried have been walking more cutting down on alcohol, I've also bought some calcium and fish oil. I am only 43 and I feel like hormones would be good not just for symptom control but as a good option for my bones and heart health as I am starting so (relatively) young.

Has anyone controlled symptoms with progesterone? Is this a good option? Does it help with dry vagina (Not sure if I have this or if it fluctuates during the cycle, and I have an estriol cream prescription but haven't tried that yet.) I did take it for 18 months years ago for endo (to preserve fertility) and tolerated it well though I lost a lot of weight and had no sex drive. I think that was a much higher dose.

I would love some advice from people who have gone the HRT route. I would like to have some info for when I see the doc and I really would like to try the least invasive route. I haven't discussed bios with her yet (she is a great doc but very forthright, I'm sure she will have an opinion). I worry too that I won't tolerate it as I don't tolerate the pill.

Thanks in advance for your help

Hey Purpleflower,

I am 44 and just found out I was in menopause. I never thought I would do HRT. I too did not do well on birth control pills years ago. I started the HRT patch about 10 days ago. I now feel pretty close to normal. I truly felt I was losing it! Since you are still having cycles you may not be in menopause yet, maybe perimenopause. Either way, know you are not alone. We are all going through this. Just saw Menopause The Musical the other night. Bought the cd.....very funny and helps me laugh about this time a bit. Do not be afraid to try medicines that will help you improve the quality of life. I am planning on switching to bio identical hormones soon but for now I an THANKFUL for the HRT patch. Good luck and God bless you!

Lady In Pink

Thanks Lady in Pink, it really helps to know I'm not alone :-)
I hope that the patch helps you a lot. Does it have estrogen?

The patch does have estrogen and progestorone. It is "climara pro". So far so good. I truly felt my neurons were not connecting! I was very depressed. Now with faith in God, myself and the help of meds I think I will be fine.......... You have to set up a "good" thought pattern in your brain. It means everything! Let me know how you are doing. If you need me I am here. I know I need the support of all the ladies too! :-)

Love,

Lady In Pink

I took a progestin based BCP and that helped but because of other health risks I have had to come off of them. They did help. Currently I am using soy in my diet and hope that helps alleviate any symptoms that might return now that I am off the BCP. So far no hot flashes at least.