World Menopause Day

MOnica I was agreeing with you about HRT. It really isn't a magic panacea. In fact, it can actually cause problems, given its association with breast cancer. I'm currently taking medication to block oestrogen because I had hormone positive cancer, so I'm effectively going through the menopause for the second time . Women who have had pre-menopausal cancer aren't allowed to take HRT. What I was suggesting is that for women who do suffer from the symptoms of menopause, there should be more understanding in workplaces.

growstuff I am not suggesting that you would never be ill if you did everything 'right'. I dislike that school of thought as much as I dislike the opposite of suggesting that you cannot remain healthy and well if you do not take some hormone or drug and it was the second attitude I was objecting too. Esspee suggested that it was necessary to take oestrogen to live fit and well into old age.

There is no rule. We all find our way through our lives as best we can and as suits us, and our health outcomes are the combination of so many factors, including health inheritance and living circumstances.

MOnica Unfortunately, I am somebody who has never been overweight, doesn't drink or smoke and exercises reasonably regularly. Nevertheless, I've had a heart attack, breast cancer and have been T2 diabetic for decades and am now suffering from painful neuropathy and there is concern about my eyes. I don't agree that a healthy lifestyle guarantees a fit old age.

Nevertheless, I do agree that oestrogen isn't the only key to conditions commonly experienced as we age. High levels of oestrogen over a lifetime, to which HRT contributes, are correlated with breast cancer.

I didn't take HRT, but with hindsight maybe I should have done. I went through a few years of hellish symptoms during the menopause, but I just soldiered on. In the end, it contributed to losing my career, income and home. I wish I'd been able to talk about it with my employers and explain why my absence increased and my performance dipped. I didn't want to make excuses, but understanding would have helped.

Esspee

growstuff That would be a question for their medical team.

I know the answer. The point is that HRT isn't a magic pill and some women can't take it, so alternatives need to be found. It's not quite so simple as taking HRT.

I am 79, I did not take ostregen. I have no underlying illnesses, take no medication and I have just spent three hours in the garden cutting shrubs down, pruning them and gathering them into sacks to go the tip. This after sending the morning doing cleaning and going to the market in a local town.

You do not need to take ostrogen for a healthy old age. You just need to eat healthily and make sure you are not overweight, and keep yourself fit, mentally and physically.

Obviously some people will need HRT and other medical interventions and will have other illnesses that change things. But, plenty of women have a fit and healthy old age without needing to depend on medication of any kind.

growstuff That would be a question for their medical team.

Esspee I expect you're aware that the body still produces small amounts of oestrogen after the menopause. Some breast cancers are stimulated by oestrogen and there is a correlation between breast cancer and HRT. That's why most breast cancer patients are prescribed drugs which block the production of oestrogen. Menopausal women who have had breast cancer aren't prescribed HRT either. What do you suggest for them?

I find that most women of my age 70s and above were never made aware when they reached menopause age that the long term effects of reduced oestrogen levels could have a huge impact on their latter years.
Almost all my acquaintances who have not taken oestrogen, are now suffering with reduced quality of life. Those of us who have chosen not to go through menopause are far more active with few if any health concerns.
Today's 50 year olds have a better clue thanks to people like Davina McCall but our generation needs to ensure that our daughters and daughters-in-law know they need to research the subject before making a decision which suits them.

Esspee do you read minds yes I have a bladder prolapse and waiting on hosp appt for 15mths but under care of bowel and bladder clinic where the nurses are wonderful they scan you and listen to you- most appts are 40 mins long whereas with the GP 10 mins -if you can actually see a GP..never expected this bladder issue which has affected me .aside from the incontinence issues now have N0-Confidence to stray far from home due to accidents.my social life has diminished and some friends don't understand..think hormone level checks should be managed at a much younger age as they can show how low levels are and treatment options discussed ..have always had a hormonal imbalance as worked/lived in Germany where any female over 40 gets a health check each January..when I returned to UK mid 90s i requested a follow up..asked the GP and She said why did I want to know what my hormone levels were??!!!

I agree with @M0nica - menopause is everywhere and much of the rhetoric is designed to make us either buy things (books, clothing, supplements, courses) or demand HRT as a magic bullet. Woe betide the woman who either doesn’t experience symptoms, can’t have HRT or prefers a lifestyle approach to managing the changes.

I dont have migraines, I am really glad that for people who have them there is advice around the issue. I dont really understand why you would complain about this being discussed.

Esspee The things you mention are female specific aging problems, but not specifically menopausal. The menopause is the period at and around the time your periods stop.

I am also not sure that they are rarely spoken about. I have seen, and see articles and discussions on all of them.

I think the main problem is that nowadays there are so many things that everyone says we should talk about that we never talked about before that there just isn't time to fit them all in.

How about the male problem of drastic drops in testesterone levels as they age. isn't that as serious as the drop in progesterone levels in aging women? Now that is a subject you do not see discussed. In both cases a drop in reproductive hormones as we age.

Esspee

How I agree Espee. I am 73 and hot flushes have returned.

Many women think they have passed through the menopause unscathed but it is when they reach 65, 70ish that the real problems start to show themselves.
It is rarely spoken about (one of the last taboos) but many many women suffer from incontinence, osteoarthritis, vaginal atrophy, prolapse, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, loss of libido, rapid aging etc. all linked to prolonged low oestrogen levels. Women need to be informed of this. Tell your daughters.

I started the menopause at the same time as one of my sons was going through a divorce.T he various problems which accompanied that made my hot flushes etc fade into the background.I cannot say anymore as it would out me.
I used to tell people at the time that my worst hot flushes had two legs two arms and a head attached to them.

Esspee you did indeed have a great surgeon...my male surgeon never offered an implant and hadn't heard of this and my op was 21 years ago so later than your operation...believe if i had been made more aware of options - i was only offered patches and tablets, perhaps i wouldn't have the severe widespread OA i have today...am sure there are many others who have/are suffering and probably its another postcode lottery where not all options are available for all...but pleased to know organisations/companies are now promoting better support with women's health programs in the workplace .There are many menopause symptoms that can result in women either switching jobs/going part time (as I did) or giving up work as they feel too fatigued, misunderstood, struggle with full time hours and just not coping well....it shouldn't be a taboo subject anymore!

Could World Menopause Day give some time and thought to all those of us who passed through the menopause without problems, or only minor problems ?

It seems that we are the only women who are now pushed to the back and treated as if we were an embarrassment.

I had an instant menopause when my ovaries were unexpectedly removed over 30 years ago.
My lovely (lady) surgeon inserted a tiny oestrogen implant before closing me up and I felt wonderful immediately after. I have it replaced every six months and it is like having my battery replaced.
I am so thankful that modern medicine has made menopause optional. The early symptoms can be unpleasant but the long term results of lack of oestrogen are devastating to so many.