Hello ladies,

So, I had my blood results back and they indicated that I am early stages of meopause or perimenopause cos my monthlies ain't quite stopped, although they are all over the place.

I went to see a specialist and she has given me HRT, mainly due to my age - going through this a lil early at nearly 40! She recommended this as low levels of estrogen can have long term problems for young 'uns?!!

To be honest, this is not what I wanted to hear... I ain't sure why, as the friends I have spoken to about it don't really see it as a huge issue... perhaps I am being too sensitive.

Anyway, I have started the evorel conti Patches... put my first one on today!

Just wanted to put it out there to see if anyone else had used them and what it was like?

I suppose I am really worried about weight gain, as I have read that it can be a side effect... I don't want to sound superficial but I can't help it. I am almost positive that the hormone thing is the reason that I still haven't lost any weight since the end of Jan and the thought of gaining really freaks me out.

I asked her about this issue and she said she is a firm believer in 'you are what you eat' and that as long as I eat Protein and veggies I shouldn't gain and should continue to lose... hmmmm...

thoughts or comments would be warmly rec'd ( and I'll try not to cry...lol)

I'm not on anything yet, but at 45 I'm firmly into peri-menopause. Might be getting a period every couple of months... my last one, IF it was even one, lasted about 4 days and I didn't even have to wear anything, it was so hardly there.

As I mentioned in the Wellbutrin thread, I'm gonna try that again--not only do I have the irritability, but I also have no libido at all, and can not get this last 20-25 lbs off. Wellbutrin is supposed to be good for both, and I know from past experience it's definitely helpful with bedroom matters!

I'm kind of nervous--no, very nervous--about HRT since my mom had breast cancer 10 years ago that was feeding heavily off her estrogen.

Hey Stacy,

I can understand your worries about HRT with your family history... I don't have any medical history ( adopted ) and I ain't sure whether ignorance is bliss or not?! I am going to try the Patches and see if they help, just make sure I am extra vigilant with all matters of the body!

thanks for getting back to me as I am finding the whole thing a little surreal; it is good to know that others are in simialar boats!

Oh Coops I hadn't read this, but hang in there. To be honest I wouldn't mind having early menopause as I'm SICK of my periods and they already did their job in my life. I know the hormones and all that can drive you mad and it can make you very emotional. Just think that you'll be over and done with it and you'll still have your sleeve to help you in the process. If you weren't sleeved maybe you would drown your sorrows and emotions with food? Anyway goodluck and we're here for when you feel like screaming

Oh Coops I hadn't read this, but hang in there. To be honest I wouldn't mind having early menopause as I'm SICK of my periods and they already did their job in my life. I know the hormones and all that can drive you mad and it can make you very emotional. Just think that you'll be over and done with it and you'll still have your sleeve to help you in the process. If you weren't sleeved maybe you would drown your sorrows and emotions with food? Anyway goodluck and we're here for when you feel like screaming

Hey Chilo,

thanks for your kind words - again!...

You are such a great sleeve sister and friend... and your right... If I didn't have the sleeve I would have gotten really drunk this weekend and pigged out on take away food... then feel really bad today etc... just gotta get on with it now and keep doing what I am doing... hopefully my body and mind will be kind to me soon xx

Coops,

I'm sorry to hear this. I do think hormones are complicated little pains-in-the arse! Personally, I feel like my hormones are through the roof right now, and I wish we knew more about how to regulate them. Hang in there, and I hope it goes well for you!

Thanks Lila,

they are a pain in the arse, for sure!!

I don't remember feeling hormonal in the beginning... I think I was sooooo focused on healing, then on getting the diet right and in Oct I had pnuemonia, which knocked me for six... all of a sudden I am experiencing hot flushes, mood swings etc...

I dunno what to suggest!!!!!

your weight loss is brilliant by the way... you really are doing well, even if you don't 'feel' like it at the moment!

Hang on in there! x

Aw, thanks, Coops! I am really excited and happy with my sleeve, I just need to get these hormones under control! If I learn anything good, I will pass it your way! :-)