Liz’s story

I had my youngest child in my early 40s and went straight from extended breastfeeding into perimenopause.  

It was small changes that I noticed at first – my energy levels and mental ability seemed to slow, despite sufficient sleep. My periods became infrequent, and I never seemed to lose any of the baby weight I’d gained even though I was running around more. Plus, my hair just got thinner and thinner. I didn’t have thick hair to start with so I became a little self-conscious, particularly when I could actually see beads of sweat on my scalp on sunnier days!  

When I saw my doctor, she confirmed it was most likely my hormones and perimenopause, combined with being a little run down as a busy mum to two children whilst working-full time. I was surprised. I thought I was years away from anything relating to the menopause so hadn’t done much research. The doctor recommended various info websites and briefly talked through some helpful options to tackle the things I was experiencing. I tried the natural route first and plumped for a daily multi-vitamin, which did seem to help a little on the hair front.  

But two years in, my symptoms because much worse. I’d have regular night sweats, hot flushes and anxiety. I’d also have entire days where it seemed like a great fog had descended on my brain. I couldn’t think of simple words and just wanted to close my eyes and tell the world to go away. Even cooking family meals, doing the housework, or taking the kids out for the day – all things I’d done with gusto previously, became a massive effort. I had a lot of mum (and wife) guilt in those moments and was hugely thankful to my super supportive husband. And, although I’m not particularly vein or concerned about appearance (it’s all about comfort these days), I also noticed that I started to look more haggard, as if my spark (and skin elasticity) was disappearing. That’s when I made a conscious decision to try HRT.  

I submitted an online form to my surgery in Dorset and saw a team of senior nurses within a three-week period. They discussed the risks of HRT with me and the different ways HRT could be taken (pills, patches, other). They were so kind and understanding, and soon gave me a prescription and a follow-up appointment. It’s now been over a month since I started HRT and I can honestly say it was the right decision for me. My hair and skin feel lovely, and the night sweats have gone. It’s amazing how mentally with it I feel too. There’s been a noticeable difference. I feel like me again….a stronger, sharper woman ready to take on the world again.