Progesterone sensitivity?

I for one, was not expecting this to happen to myself during lockdown.

A trip to A&E with regards to my hormones!!

It came all of a sudden and was a big shock which has really derailed me, physically and emotionally.

After trying various forms of HRT, last year I was fitted with a HRT implant. It appeared to be working, I had a feeling it had stopped working and was told it had not been working since November 2019.

I had taken a break from HRT to reset my body as advised by my Consultant. This was manageable, albeit with some minor symptoms. It was just before the time that lockdown arrived that my insomnia and various other menopause symptoms reappeared. It was agreed that I should start with some HRT again. A regime of patches and a new progesterone that I had not tried before called Provera.

I had been experiencing spotting since November 2019, which I had been relaying all my symptoms with my consultant,

I then started with HRT and all seemed well, I could feel some improvement.

I felt good and I could feel a difference to my overall wellbeing.

Everything appeared normal, the spotting had stopped. After taking the progesterone, there was no bleeding. I simply put this down to having had so much spotting of blood previously that there was going to be no bleed caused by the progesterone for the month of April 2020.

A week or so after taking Provera, I suddenly became very cold, I could not get warm and became white in colour. The following day I was extremely tired and feeling out of sorts, not myself, but I put this down to the current lockdown environment of being stuck at home and the stress affecting me.

I was awoken during the early hours of the following morning with the most excruciating pain along the right side of my body that radiated down my right leg. The pain came in a crescendo of waves and was making me feel physically sick. I immediately took strong painkillers to ease the pain. This took some time to work and I then felt ok to carry on with my day as usual.

By mid morning around 11am I was unable to stand, talk or think the pain again came in waves of incredible pain. I called my Doctor to ask what was happening to me? I had never experienced so much pain and the bleeding which had now started was becoming very heavy.

My Doctor arranged painkillers and medication to help me with the pain and bleeding. I was exhausted and weak, I could not think straight, concentrate or move around. I remained in bed for three days. I was totally bed ridden by this sudden traumatic pain and heavy bleeding.

After four days the bleeding subsided as did the pain and I was starting to feel somewhat better. Later that day during a phone call to a friend, I became very teary and emotional. Very sudden and unlike me? After our conversation ended I stood up from the floor and there in front of me was a puddle of blood on the floor. I had started to bleed and had soaked through my underwear, sanitary ware and clothes.

I immediately went to the bathroom to change, at this stage I passed a large clot which then put me into a state of shock. What was happening to me?

Thankfully my friend called be back to check in on me as it was very unlike me to get so teary. Once I told her what had happened she told me to call 111 straight away.

After talking to the Nurse during my phone call with 111 I was advised to go straight to my local A&E dept. I could not make sense of what was happening to me at all. I was coping ok the best that I could considering lockdown and in the midst of the pandemic. How could my hormones be doing this to me now?

I felt so dreadful that I knew I had to go to hospital to be checked over. It was a very strange journey as I was not sure if I was going to be kept in hospital, if I needed an operation if I would come out of hospital? What if I caught coronavirus? How could my body be doing this to me at this time.

You can only enter A&E on your own currently because of covid-19.

I was feeling so weak and very unwell that I felt I needed someone with me, I was treated very professionally and with care from the health care professionals.

My blood was taken and tested, I was asked if I was pregnant!

To be pretty sure this was not on my radar!

I had a stern talking with myself during my journey to the hospital, that if I needed to have an operation that night, then so be it.

My blood count and blood tests came back ok, I was not allowed to be admitted to hospital because of Covid-19. I was told that the HRT implant had made my womb lining very thick and that I was possibly sensitive to progesterone.

I was relieved to be leaving hospital and I just wanted to be rid of the heavy bleeding and just to feel better again.

I felt that my body had really let me down and I still have no idea as to why it has decided to do this now especially during corona virus.

I was then actually terrified of taking any more tablets/HRT to ease the bleeding. I had to take it to help me feel better. It has made me feel better.

I do not know where my menopause journey will now take me, whether it will be a mirena coil or a hysterectomy. I had never heard of progesterone sensitivity before and do not know how it is treated for women and I wanted to share my story with you and to raise more awareness for women about this symptom.

I will keep you updated of my journey and share with you my findings and information if you suffer from progesterone sensitivity also.

Talking to BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey with Allison Ferns radio presenter – Lockdown and managing perimenopause/menopause symptoms.

I was asked to join Allison Ferns to talk about managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms during lockdown. Allison and the team made me feel very welcome and it was good fun to join in the conversation, helping to make a difference to listeners.

You can listen in to the interview on BBC Sounds now before it disappears on there, or you can read the transcript from the interview below and on our website https://perimenopost.com/

The advice I gave to the audience and to yourselves also ;

Aim to get outside in the fresh air each day for 20/30 minutes to get some vit D, exercise is good for your mood, bone health and wellbeing.

Keeping socially distant at all times.

A healthy diet, try to be mindful of what you are eating. No cakes and sweets as much as they are tempting, avoid! Eat plenty of green vegetables, fruit and lean meat. Drink plenty of water, keep hydrated. Avoid alcohol too if you are experiencing anxiety or insomnia symptoms, alcohol will add to this during your sleep. Try to limit alcohol to once or twice during the weekend?

Keep a journal of your symptoms, a diary of how you are feeling and the duration of symptoms.

I mentioned a symptom chart and tracker that is available from https://perimenopost.com/ to download for free.

This will help you to keep a track of your symptoms during lockdown, you will be able to use this tracker to help you to discuss with your GP/HCP to plan your course of treatment and to monitor how you are feeling.

Lockdown has thrown us all into a busier lifestyle with a full household, adults working from home, home schooling, a much longer day with no privacy.

Before lockdown you maybe managed your menopause symptoms by choosing to exercise each day, meet friends for support, alternative remedies such as yoga/acupuncture/aromatherapy to help aid your symptoms.

You now find yourself in a place where everything is intensified, that also includes your menopause symptoms. Be honest with your partner and children tell them if you are experiencing symptoms and that you need some space, ask them to help you around the home if it is all overwhelming. Try and incorporate into your day some quiet time for you to rest, recharge and practice self care. If your symptoms are affecting you seriously do not suffer in silence, contact your GP/Doctor there is help out there, as I have stated above personally with my recent trip to A&E.

Call 111, your GP or contact your Consultant by email. Doctors can make contact with you via zoom/video calls there is help out there.

I would like to say a big thank you to Allison Ferns, the producer of the afternoon show and all the team for a great time talking to your listeners.

Below is a link to the transcript of the radio interview with Allison and myself.

7/5/2020 – BBC Radio Sussex/Surrey Afternoons show.perimenopost-bbc-radio-sussex-surrey-7-5-20-2-1Download

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 34 MENOPAUSE SYMTPOM TRACKER TODAY
https://perimenopost.com/

Download your free 34 menopause symptom chart and tracker today, to help you keep a journal of your perimenopause or menopause symptoms during lockdown. https://perimenopost.com/

This one came as a bit of a shock!!

I’m not preaching that I’m a 100% confident person, but then is everybody that confident?

Yes, I have experienced nerves just like you all and the whole population. Taking my Driving test, going to interviews, personal life events, even starting this blog! You can learn from them and cope with it as best as you can at that time.

But this symptom literally hit me like a bolt from the blue, it came with no warning and no trigger. At first, I thought I was having a stroke or a heart attack, the mind already going into overdrive! Thankfully, I now know this was not the case, it was just our old friend, anxiety.

It can come to strike, well for me, at any given moment. It then floors you at that time and leaves you feeling, a sense of panic and paralysis of one’s actions for that moment. I was fortunate that my Consultant explained that anxiety is a very common symptom during the menopause and if you were lucky to have not had this before, you may well experience at this stage of your life.

Seek medical help if you are feeling that you cannot cope and if this symptom is affecting your quality of life, there is help. @westkentmind @mindcharity @menopausesupport @menopause_doctor Or talk to your Gp.

For myself, I found if I counted to ten immediately and took deep breaths it helped to ease the feeling. I gave myself a mantra too, some positive self-talk!

“you can do this – it will all be ok, it will go as soon as it came”

Give it a try ! it works for me.

Self-care is important and support around you is vital, surround yourself with kind, fun people who have your best interest at heart. Call a friend, go for a walk, find your happy place, exercise, lose yourself in a good book, maybe try an online mindfulness class, a new hobby you are keen to try. Keeping socially distant.

Shoutout to the women who fix another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.

@thegoodquote

Try to not think it too much, keep yourself busy and distracted. It is just what your body is going through and if you need some help, talk to someone and as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Let’s support one another, women to women, as we are all either going through or will be going through this stage of our lives at some point.

@megsmenopause website has a wealth of information detailing the menopause, I have found her site to be a personal lifesaver!

Have you listened to PeriMenoPost Podcasts during lockdown?

Have you listened to our podcasts?

Season one, currently published episode 6. Talking to Rebecca Smith, Editor and Founder of Goldie Magazine, an online digital magazine. We discuss life, lockdown, fabulously simple solutions during lockdown. Rebecca also shares her own personal journey with menopause and raises awareness for post menopause with her infectious energy and positivity!! Instagram @goldie-magazine

https://anchor.fm/dashboard/episode/ebl6qm

Ep 1 Sam Palmer @MidlifeMakeover

Ep 2 Sue Blair @change_n_thrive

Ep 3 Petra Coveney @menopause_yoga

Ep 4 Nicky Phillips @Niix.fit

Ep 5 Naomi Murray @botanica_health

Ep 6 Rebecca Smith @goldie-magazine

Stay safe, connect with one another via technology and be kind to yourselves.

Have a great week Menos.Advertisements

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The week that was Menopause talk.

Were you able to watch #BBCMenopause?

Louise Minchin at BBC Breakfast has opened the dialogue on National TV discussing Menopause, this will have a huge impact for many women’s lives whilst managing Menopause. The Mp Rachel Redditch discussed the word Menopause in the Houses of Parliament, so change is starting to occur.  The word #Menovist has become a term now used for the growing number of women making a stand about Menopause to highlight awareness and the need for women to be able to make an informed choice for the treatment of Menopause.

Yesterday was MegsMenopause Conference 2019  PeriMenoPost was fortunate to go along and the spend the day at the event.  What a day it was!!

#Menovist Meg Matthews

The day was planned to perfection,  the expert guest speakers included;

Meg Matthews, Dr Louise Newson, Dr Niamh O’Kennedy, Dr Larisa Corda, Dr Saadia Meyer, Alix Fox, Ane Auret, Jannette Ryan, Annabel Oakley-Watson, Dr Sarah Ball, James Dempsey, Hala El-Shaffe, Caroline Gaskin, Dr Ornella Cappelari and  Michelle Zelli. The message that was conveyed throughout the day was positive and valuable with information to empower women to use when asking for help, support and treatment from their doctors. Tips, and advice of how to manage symptoms.

Meg Matthews has created her own brand and a tribe of followers, Megs website was a lifesaver for myself and for many other women. I discovered the site and read through the helpful information and it helped to make me realise that I was in fact normal, that what was happening to my body was a natural part of a woman’s life.

Meg is a true Menovist, she has stood up and spoken out aloud about her experiences and she works tirelessly to ensure that menopause is accepted and understood, there is no stopping her. https://megsmenopause.com/

Liz Earle is also a Menovist,  she too advocates the importance of ensuring women are informed of knowledge of Menopause and treatments that are available to women. https://lizearlewellbeing.com/how-safe-and-helpful-is-hormone-replacement-therapy/

Dr Louise Newson is a Gp and runs her own Menopause Clinic, she is leading the way with her clinic and the treating of women and Menopause.  We need more GP’s like Louise up and down the country to help women with their journey of the Menopause, Louise wants to ensure that every woman receives the right care they so rightly deserve.  https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/

Diane Danzebrink is campaigning her petition to #makemenopausematter, she wants to ensure awareness with education in schools, workplace and training for GP’s to learn more about Menopause.  Diane rightly states it costs the NHS more money with the current system that is in place. If more education, training is implemented it would save the NHS money, women would then be treated with the correct care that they rightly deserve. Sign the petition today to help make this change happen for ourselves, our daughters, granddaughters and further generations.https://www.change.org/p/penny-mordaunt-mp-make-menopause-matter-in-healthcare-the-workplace-and-education-makemenopausematter

Andrea maclean another #Menovist in the public eye, Andrea has written her own account of her journey of Menopause in her book – Confessions of a Menopause.  To also raise awareness and help spread the Menopause word.https://www.thisgirlisonfire.co.uk/

Yesterday’s discussions provided a wealth of expertise from the guest speakers during Megs Menopause conference, they all had the same ethos that women should be able to make an informed choice regarding menopause treatment.   Women will be post menopause for a third of their lives, due to the fact that times have changed and as a society we are all living for longer. Women need to be able to have that quality of life to be able to enjoy life, have fun, and to be in the best possible health that they can be.

• BE INFORMED
• BE AWARE
• YOUR CHOICE

The more women that can become involved with helping this change and to spread the word would really help.

Everyone would benefit including ourselves, daughters, grand daughters, family members, friends, work colleagues and more generations to follow.

The menopause needs you!! Are you a Menovist, help to make a stand and make the change happen!

Photo by Nina Uhlíková on Pexels.com

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BEEN THERE, SEEN THAT, GOT THE T-SHIRT? 

Why not join in our competition and win your very own T-shirt! Follow PeriMenoPost on Instagram.  All you ahve to do is give us a follow. The Winner will be chosen at random from list taken, closing date 31st May 2019 at 12pm.

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Great news this week for Menopause !!!

Menopause is to be introduced into Secondary School education.

Have you been wondering where our blog has been these past few weeks?

PeriMenoPost took a recent trip to New York, it was great to be back it had been 23 years since the last trip! So much life, the  hustle and bustle of New York, the humidity however was a challenge with menopause symptoms, jet lag and heat!

What a great week it was for Menopause! The fantastic Diane Danzebrink, Rachel Maclean MP and Doctor Louise Newson have had the support from Damian Hinds MP to introduce Menopause into secondary school education.  Menopause will now be included into childrens RSE lessons so that knowledge and awareness is discussed. This is a major step forward for menopause and for younger women and men too, this will really help all generations to now accept and understand what women go through,  as everyones menopause if different.

Please support Diane’s campaign #MakeMenopauseMatter her next mission is to have menopause training for Gp’s and for menopause to be recognised within the workplace. 

https://www.change.org/p/penny-mordaunt-mp-make-menopause-matter-in-healthcare-the-workplace-and-education-makemenopausematter

I would just like to say a big thank you to you all for following PeriMenoPost, it began as a result of my studies with Digital Mums to retrain my skillset.  I have successfully passed and am now a freelance Social Media Strategist. Thank you to all PeriMenoPost’s followers for all your support and engagement. I have thoroughly enjoyed running my campaign #UndoTheMenoTaboo and PeriMenoPost so much so that I shall continue to run with myself at the helm! Please join me and PeriMenoPost on the next part of the journey and let’s see where it will take us!

There is definitely more discussions and conversations taking place now and hopefully menopause has been accepted and normalised.

Have a great week Menos, what else will be in store for menopause news this coming week? 

#Menomoment – clumsy & forgetful?

So remember in my last blog, I mentioned how important self-care is?

Mmmm, Guess what?

Whilst in the process of taking my advice of self-care, I somehow inadvertently managed to have quite a nasty accident.

Whilst packing for an impromptu holiday by the seaside in the UK.  One searched high and low for the UK holiday wardrobe staple, that is,  the uniform black swimming costume. For those chilly summer days when braving the cold water.  My haven, that is my uber comfortable bed is one of those ottoman styles, the type that helps you beat that storage solution, one of those beds that you can raise.

Found the swimsuit, all good to go!  However, this was not to be. The bed would not close flat, I had not laid the boxes flat.  The bed seemed high enough to move the box back to its place as the bed would not close down.  When an accident is about to occur, why does it always feel like slow motion? 

Just like that! As quickly as a puff of air, the bed immediately collapsed onto both of my wrists! Trapped to the bed, it was just like a scene from “some mothers do have em” or the expression “no one will hear you scream”

There was no one at home to hear my cry for help, the panic then set in.

I somehow managed to rip my sleeve, enabling myself to free one arm.

Great!  My watch had then become wedged between the bed frame and my wrist on my other trapped hand,  causing more pain and discomfort. I still do not understand at just how I managed to free both arms and to be able to do this, but somehow I did!! The power of a mighty meno!

I managed to gain all the strength I had,  I wedged my right foot in between the bed frame and lifted the frame with the now free arm.  It took me around two attempts and the panic had well and truly set in. I managed only just to free the trapped arm. I immediately went into a state of shock, I scrambled across the bed to the telephone and managed to call my husband to help me as soon as he could.

A quick phonecall to 111, who recommended a trip to A&E, I had no feeling what so ever in my hands I was then starting to worry.

The x-ray revealed no broken bones, just rest and review in 7 days.  The pain has been very intense at times a sort of extreme form of pins and needles in my hand.

Not the best start to a holiday! but my whoopsadaisy accident forced me to rest up! Hands are on the mend, thankfully.

The coast with the most

Have you found or noticed during menopause you have become more clumsier, more accident-prone, falling over, forgetting things?

Do you feel at times during the stages of perimenopause and menopause that your equilibrium feels out of balance?

My current HRT has changed recently, I am definitely noticing a change of symptoms and behaviour that had disappeared and has now returned, kind of up and down just like the rollercoaster ride again. 

Just to add to all the madness to finish off the holiday and one’s brain!

I’m normally so super organised, packing for the whole family, this includes a final sweep of the accommodation in case those runaway socks or pants have dodged the suitcase. Though most importantly for those teenager earphones!

I still cannot believe it, now worried I am sounding a lot like Victor Meldrew!! Yes, I had managed to leave a whole drawer of MY items behind at our accommodation.  So very unlike me!

My holiday was a nice restful break, but strangely my injury had forced me to just stop and take life at a slower pace and it felt great!!! Our lives become so busy with running around ensuring that the list is all ticked, everybody is entertained and with the pressure of busy lifestyles.

Menos, an important message here, stay away from ottoman style beds and double-check your holiday accommodation!

What another week is has been for Menopause!! Whilst relaxing the menopause alerts were pinging away, merrily. All the recent awareness of menopause and the use of HRT to treat women.  It seems there is now a shortage. How is this possible? Surely this cannot be correct? How do you feel about this Menos? How will this affect you? Is your Gp proactive and helping you to ensure you have a supply to help you through? Has it already been a battle and that you now feel cheated by the system? Will be interesting to see where this will lead us too with the current menopausal age of women.  I feel the power of women empowering one another, will help to raise awareness and bring the necessary change needed to ensure that all women receive the right to equal menopause treatment. 

Have a super week menos, keep talking menopause.  Why not check out a fellow #Menopal #blogger, @teaandcakeforthesoul.wordpress.com sending you a speedy get well wish.  Look out for some exciting PeriMenoPost news during the next week!!

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

Menopause is hitting the headlines once more and discussions are taking place, this is fantastic news!!

However with many headlines regarding HRT shortages and last friday’s  Lancet report findings, this has now plunged menopause into a yet another hot debate and causing much confusion, anxiety and frustration for many women. At a time  for many menopausal women when they need supporting the most.

More information and assurance is needed to help ease minds that HRT for menopause is still ok to be used.

Before starting HRT your Doctor should always advise you of the risks that you need to consider before starting HRT. If your symptoms are debilitating and are affecting your quality of life, you need to decide and weigh up the pro’s and cons as to what is going to help you going forward to help you manage your menopause treatment. Alternative or HRT,  each and everyone of us is different and not all menopause is the same for all women. You have to make the best decision that is going to work for you, a balanced and well advised decision will help you to feel that you are making a personal and well informed choice.

HRT has personally been very beneficial.  Yes, I worry about the risks. But my quality of life was being affected greatly and being of a relatively younger age than the average menopause age of 51, I felt I needed the help. I would of tried anything to be honest, as I felt I could not of carried on as I was.   Surviving on hardly any sleep and the long list of symptoms, fatigue and tiredness were the worst times. 

When HRT works it is fantastic, you then only realise at just how much you had been suffering with such debilitating symptoms.  I now have energy to exercise, a more healthy mindset. I noticed that my skin and hair had returned to a healthier appearance. Overall a sense of wellbeing and a zest for life returned.

My decision to take HRT was also to help prevent against a heart attack, or a stroke and importantly,  due to a family history of osteopororisis.

I want to enjoy my life and have a better quality of life.  No woman should have to live with debilitating menopause symptoms, there is treatment for women and all women should be able to have access to it.

If you missed the articles that have caused the debate and discussions we have attached them here for you to read through. If you are experiencing concerns and are worried please contact your Gp or menopause specialist and ask more questions regarding HRT.

The guardian newspaper article https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/aug/29/breast-cancer-risk-from-using-hrt-is-twice-what-was-thought

lancet report

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)31709-X/fulltext

Dr Louise Newson @my_menopausedoctor has advised through social media, press and TV that she will still be continuing with her hrt treatment for herself and that she feels that there is nothing to fear. We feel reassured by her balanced view and advice.

@my_menopausedoctor – Dr Louise Newson

Menopause Awareness Month

MENOPAUSE AWARENESS MONTH

September is Menopause awareness month and judging by the recent coverage on social media, the press and TV.  We are pretty sure that more awareness will be available for women to help them find the right course of treatment to help them along their menopause journey. We will keep you posted of future events and information that may help you.

@menoandme are holding a menopause health and wellness event on the 21st of Sept in central London. To buy your tickets click on the link in the bio @menoandme on Instagram or www.menoandme.com

Jane Dowling and Dr Heather Currie will be speaking about a health initiative, menopause awareness, fundraising for charity in women. 

All you need to do is bring your smile! Goody bags and raffle prizes, we have our ticket, Menos book yours today!! 

Real life Meno 60 Seconds Interview

This weeks Real life meno 60 seconds interview guest is our competition winner @Emmapriceroberts  – Congratulations and well done Emma!!!

Our #UndoTheMenoTaboo T-Shirt is on its way to you this week!!

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

Emma Price Roberts would like to share her perimenopause story with you.  Read Emma’s story…

I am a peri-menopausal 47 year old mum to three girls.

I Finally visited my Gp in april of this year,  after experiencing a meltdown whilst at work. 

I was suffering from relentless hot flushes and aching bones.  I began to treat each symptom individually, until a friend mentioned to me “could it be the menopause?”

I arrived at the Gp surgery in a flood of tears.  Luckily, my Doctor listened to my list of symptoms.  She saved mine and my family’s sanity by prescribing HRT.  I had to make an informed decision and decide my next step,  even though my mum had suffered with breast cancer the benefits have definitely outweighed the risks!

Life isn’t perfect,  as with HRT it takes time to settle and needs adjusting and I have had to increase my dose.  I have also discovered that by taking CBD oil, this is helping me to manage my anxiety it is now so much better than it was.

Real life meno 60 seconds interview with Emma Price Roberts

PeriMenoPost 60 Second interview with real life #Menowarriors

Emma Price Roberts

1) Best Part of menopause?

Still looking for the best part of the menopause…..however having the support of wonderful groups on social media & meeting new friends has definitely been a positive! As too is the fact that I am now starting to look after myself rather than everyone else 😊

2) Tell us your best #Menomoment?

I can’t remember!! That sums it up completely!!

3) What has been the worst part of your menopause?

My worst symptom is the anxiety and the sense of being overwhelmed by everything.  Waking up in the middle of the night with palpitations is scary, but with the help of CBD oils this is helping to ease this symptom.

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treat your menopause?

NHS route – very supportive GP who is young enough to be my daughter!

5) Have you been supported within your workplace?

No.

6) HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause?

It was a difficult decision for me as my mum had breast cancer 14 yrs ago however after reviewing all of the data & talking to my GP I decided that for my own sanity ( & everyone else’s around me) I would start HRT. I am currently on Femoston 2/10……sweats have stopped & the aching joints however anxiety is still something that I struggle with. To help with that I am now taking CBD oil (my 17 yr old daughter was initially mortified until I explained everything!!!) & I find that this is my new BFF!!!

7) What advice would you give to a younger you prior to Perimenopause and Menopause?

Be happy.

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

‘You are not going crazy!!!!’ 

9) Who would you like to give a shout out – mention too? Who has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through menopause?

My friends have been so very supportive – they have been my sounding board & my therapist over the past year…….they were the ones who reassured me that I wasn’t going crazy & persuaded me to see my GP.

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior?

Meno and Me this fabulous lady gives me the inspiration to get out & about when some days I would rather sit on the sofa with a packet of hobnobs (although some days that is completely acceptable)…….I follow her on Twitter & Instagram too.

Thank you Emma for your story and taking part in this weeks real life meno 60 seconds interview.

This week brings September and a routine with children back to school and teenagers off to university. 

The holiday season is now over and life returns back to some normality.  The lovely weather returns, with bright sunny skies with a much needed cooler temperature, a deep sigh from all menos there!  Possibly the best feeling walking on a bright, sunny, cooler september day when the crispy golden leaves start to fall, crunching beneath your feet.  Helping you to appreciate and visualise the change of season, also a reminder that it’s time to wear layers! 

The return of the hot and cold weather is back!!

What are your plans this week Menos?

Kick start your exercise plan?

Keep a symptom chart of how to manage your menopause symptoms?

Make an appointment to see your Gp to help you with menopause symptoms? 

Enter our competition?

Retweet or repost our blog for your chance to win an #UndoTheMenoTaboo T-shirt and for your chance to be our real life meno 60 seconds interview guest!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.

Competition time –

Enter our competition to win yourself an #UndoTheMenoTaboo T-shirt!!! Simply retweet this week’s blog and the winner will be chosen by Friday 6th September 2019 Midday 12pm. Terms and conditions – below.

#UndoTheMenotaboo

Please read these terms carefully before entering the competition. 

Entering the competition constitutes an acceptance of these terms and conditions.

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The Competition opens on (1st Sept  2019 11pm) and closes (6th Sept 2019 Midday 12pm )

Entrants can enter at any point between these dates.

To enter the competition entrants will need to like the post and follow us

● Entrants can only enter the Competition once, but can like, regram/repost  comment, tweet and RT as many times as they like

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Whatever your week brings menos make sure you have fun and smile!

Have a great week menos.

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

What a year it has been for menopause! It was great to be a part of the summer menopause awareness that occurred through social media and national tv and press.  Perimenopause, early menopause, menopause and post menopause is now being discussed more openly. 

Menopause within the workplace is now being taken seriously and women are able to access help and support from their employers. 

There is still some way to go but we are heading in the right direction to help the younger generation to know what to expect and for the current menopause age woman to gain much more information and support.

If you have been following PeriMenoPost on social media you’ll know that not only do we talk socially about Menopause on all things digital but we can also help your business/brand to talk menopause friendly too!

I am Lorna Ive Founder of @PeriMenoPost and a digital mum graduate.  PeriMenoPost can help your business to grow with strategic social media management. 

I had a bolt of inspiration to help other women going through all stages of menopause.   I wanted to create an online tool to help provide women with a friendly, fun and informative community. Navigating women through the rollercoaster ride of menopause with the help of social media platforms, Twitter – Facebook and Instagram with a weekly blog and competitions.

Perimenopost began as my campaign in January 2019 for my digital mums training, I was then able to put my lightbulb idea I had formed into action!!  Perimenopost has helped to make menopause become more accepted and discussed in social conversations online and in real life. 

Is your brand talking menopause friendly?

Do you have a business or brand that you feel can help women manage their perimenopause or menopause  journey? Are you a brand that would like to reach out to the menopausal woman?

No longer a taboo, menopause conversations are now taking place. Let your business join in the conversation and help to raise brand awarenes and helping women at the same time.

Let perimenopost take your brand to the next level and create a winning formula!

Perimenopost is a resource for women to use online to be a part of a friendly, fun and informative community, to gain further information and understanding with a postive mindset helping to make informed choices. 

Contact PeriMenoPost today.

www.perimenopost.com

@PeriMenoPost twitter

@Perimenopost instagram

@PerimenoPost Facebook

Starting the conversation about all things #earlymenopause #Perimenopause #Menopause and #postmenopause.  Breaking down the taboo one post at a time ..

@lornaivemedia

This week’s real life meno 60 seconds interview is Jane Milner, read Jane’s story of her journey with menopause and her own personal story.

PeriMenoPost 60 Second interview with real life #Menowarriors 

1) Best Part of menopause?

Being able to blame everything on the menopause!

2) Tell us your best #Menomoment?

Understanding that everything I was feeling was due to the menopause and that I wasn’t having another breakdown. I’d been very worried about a deterioration in my mental health, and the thought of another period of mental illness had been quite overwhelming, so to learn there was an explanation for it was a huge relief.

3) What has been the worst part of your menopause?

Currently, appalling skin. Dry , itchy, red, inflamed, spots (I appear to be 15 again!), hives, you name it. It’s driving me scatty. 

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treat your menopause?

NHS

5) Have you been supported within your workplace?

Yes, in the sense we have a very open and honest work environment, and there are colleagues going through it as well. My boss has also been very understanding as I’ve kept him fully informed of what I’ve been feeling/experiencing in so far as I feel it may be affecting work. He probably sometimes thinks it’s TMI but I tell him anyway! 

6) HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause?

I’ll try anything! Currently awaiting HRT (long story), but also taking High strength evening primrose, and a “menopause support” type supplement. 

7) What advice would you give to a younger you prior to Perimenopause and Menopause?

Be more prepared. I had no point if reference as my Mum died young, so I think I presumed I was too young (I’m 49). Also, research possible symptoms. I had no idea of the range of things that could happen – see answer 3!)

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Without a lottery win? Still working, but hopefully fewer hours than I do now. Still in this house but hopefully having been able to do all the work to it that I would like, and still with the boyf – we’ve been together less than 2 years, but he’s a keeper. 

9) Who would you like to give a shout out – mention too?

Who has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through menopause? Shout out to every other woman to whom I’ve said “I’m menopausal” who has given me that knowing murmur of understanding, or shared symptoms, or remedies or idea for coping. It’s so reassuring to know you’re not alone through it.

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior? 

I adore broadcaster Jane Garvey, she’s intelligent and funny and an absolutely fierce champion of women and our issues and rights. Being able to hear someone talk openly about their own experience on national radio  brings a normality to the situation which really helps. If you haven’t discovered the Fortunately podcast with Jane and Fi Glover, you’re missing a joy, I can’t recommend it highly enough – you can thank me later 😉 

Jane Milner @FannyIngabout –  Twitter

Thank you Jane for your story and thank you for the fortunately podcast suggestion, sounds very empowering and interesting! Thankyou for raising awareness about how menopause can make changes to your skin, this came as a surprise to myself too! Fingers crossed that you win the lottery!

You can follow Jane Milner at Twitter @FannyIngabout

If you would like to take part in a Real life Meno 60 seconds interview, Direct message PeriMenoPost.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Christmas will be upon us before we know it, as women we like to rush around and do absolutely everything! Does this sound familiar?

Before the busy weeks arrive, why not take some time during the day just for you.  This could be a peaceful walk, visit a friend, join in with christmas carols to get in the festive mood! Even a cheeky nap! Whatever you need to help you get through the season feeling positive and refreshed, it is a time of giving, why not give some important time to yourself.

Try not to over burden yourself with too many lists, chores and parties! A christmas film and mince pie does wonders!!

Have a super week Menos!!!!!

Keep smiling #Menotribe!!

Hello,

Let me introduce myself to you, I am a middle aged Mum of four children, happily married and living in East Sussex. If you had asked me 8 years ago that I would be blogging to you to highlight the menopause I would probably have dismissed it and laughed, “Not me!” Wrong!

Upon reflection, looking back at my early menopause symptoms, they started around the age of 35 with heavy periods. I put this down to just being “me”, I must of been the only woman to have had continuous problems and suffering with periods, PMT and pain. I had absolutely no idea of what was lying in wait for me … My main symptoms being that I was having heavy periods and pain.

My Doctors and Family suggested that I have a Hysterectomy. I received no information that having this would force me into a Menopause. I had four young children at that time and I was still quite young in terms of family life. The idea of having this procedure could of been a living hell and I just did not feel ready to have such a huge life changing operation at that moment in time. Exactly six months before my 40th Birthday, a milestone that was looming over me.

They say life begins at 40. But for me the bleeding started and it never stopped. This was the start of the horrendous rollercoaster of visits to Doctors, Specialists, various scans, X-Rays and tests but to no avail, it was just “me:” I felt l was swimming in a sea of loneliness and confusion at a very vulnerable time. I had no idea what was happening to my body and my overall well being, I just knew that something was not right.

At 43 years old with an unhelpful GP I battled through. I was keeping diaries, seeing specialists, having scans; tests, taking supplements, diet and exercise. However, there does a come a point when you think to yourself it is just “me” and question “why is this happening to me?” You can’t quite put your finger on it, all you know is that it can be debilitating and life changing. None of my friends or family really could relate or understand, no one else was having such issues. Before my 45th Birthday, my symptoms cranked up big time and I experienced insomnia, fatigue, hot flushes, and anxiety. I was really struggling by this stage.

I luckily changed GP, this was a defining moment for myself. A supportive GP and their time was all it took to help and guide me. I was fortunate enough to be referred to a local Gynaecologist – a man, who simply said to me “have you had your hormones tested?” “no” I replied, “you could be having an early Menopause” “No, not me surely not, I’m too young” That’s when I came to a realisation of the journey that I had been on, it hit me like a car crash as to what I had been dealing with. On one hand I felt relief with the knowledge, but at the same time a sense of great loss of myself poured over me. I felt Waves of emotions that would come and go, it was very distressing and came as a huge shock.

I realised at this point that no one speaks of the Menopause and most definitely not an early Menopause. Whether it is a generation issue or one’s own pride. Women do not talk about it. This needs to change (pardon the pun), women need to know what to expect and be prepared for when it comes. It can feel a very lonely place as you do feel different. I experienced feelings of anger as I felt I was not ready to have this happen to me and that It had never occured to me that I was in the throes of an early Menopause.

I was prescribed HRT and I can honestly say it has changed my quality of life. My hormone levels were alarmingly low and this spurred me to make the decision that I made to take HRT I wanted control back over my life. I did not want the Menopause to control or define me any more. Perimenopost is my vision to help women through this stage of life with knowledge, empowerment, friendship and care. When I went through this, there was no local information.

Locally there is no information available it is still non existent. Perimenopost will be a resource for all women, local and across the country to use for a sense of self worth and to know that they are not alone. I will share with you weekly, what has worked for myself and what is available out there to help women like you.

No, nor did I. This one came as a bit of a shock!!

I’m not preaching that I’m a 100% confident person, but then is everybody that confident? Yes, I have experienced nerves just like you all and the whole population. Taking my Driving test, going to interviews, personal life events, even starting this blog! You can learn from them and cope with it as best as you can at that time.

But this symptom literally hit me like a bolt from the blue, it came with no warning and no trigger. At first, I thought I was having a stroke or a heart attack, the mind already going into overdrive! Thankfully, I now know this was not the case, it was just our old friend, anxiety.

It can come to strike, well for me, at any given moment. It then floors you at that time and leaves you feeling, a sense of panic and paralysis of one’s actions for that moment. I was fortunate that my Consultant explained that anxiety is a very common symptom during the menopause and if you were lucky to have not had this before, you may well experience at this stage of your life.

My equilibrium was really affected and I now can sympathise with people who suffer from anxiety on a daily basis. Seek medical help if you are feeling that you cannot cope and if this symptom is affecting your quality of life, there is help. @westkentmind @mindcharity @menopausesupport @menopause_doctor Or talk to your Gp.

For myself, I found if I counted to ten immediately and took deep breaths it helped to ease the feeling. I gave myself a mantra too, some positive self-talk! “you can do this – it will all be ok, it will go as soon as it came” Give it a try ! it works for me.

Self-care is important and support around you is vital, surround yourself with kind, fun people who have your best interest at heart. Call a friend, go for a walk, find your happy place, exercise, lose yourself in a good book, maybe try a mindfulness class, a new hobby you are keen to try.

Shoutout to the women who fix another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked. @thegoodquote

Try to not think it too much, keep yourself busy and distracted. It is just what your body is going through and if you need some help, talk to someone and as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved

Let’s support one another, women to women, as we are all either going through or will be going through this stage of our lives at some point.

@megsmenopause website has a wealth of information detailing the menopause, I have found her site to be a personal lifesaver! I have attached a link to an article for you, for further reading about anxiety with the menopause. https://megsmenopause.com/2018/06/19/dealing-with-anxiety/

@sonyateclai Share with PeriMenoPost your stories or advice, the more we can share the better and support each other, have a great week!!