Menopause for almost 25 years now

[SamBudge]

I had a hysterectomy at 35 and still have both ovaries.  I've been on HRT for about 20 years now...Premarin and now Estradiol. I was immediately slammed into menopausal symptoms...mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, get up about 3 times a night to urinate, and did I mention FATIGUE.  My husband is very understanding, but we are both getting very weary with all of this.  I want to feel sharp, energetic, and not break into a sweat the very mention of heat.  I live in northcentral Texas and we get very hot weather, which means I'm constantly running air conditioners and I carry a little manual fan with me all the time.  I am on the lowest dose of Estradiol.  I've just recently purchased some OTC Pro-Gest cream in the hopes that it might help to balance me out, etc.  I live in a very tiny rural town which is about 2 hours from any large city..  I take Caltrate and Vitamin D.  What else might I do.  I'll be 60 in a few months.  I want my life back.  I want to be joyful and energetic and involved with my family.  Help?

[bhattsay3782]

Hi. I do understand what you are going through. Let me tell you that firstly you must try and accept that Menopause is a normal process that happens to every woman on earth. Just the way you learnt to take your monthly cycles in a normal way when they started, Menopause is also a natural course of life. You can stop taking hormones now that you are 60. I think it would be better to take things naturally rather than prolonging symptoms with pills. After menopause one should continue on vitamins and calcium pills regularly to avoid deficiencies. You can also visit a psychologist who can help you to face Menopause better. In case of severe problems you might need to take some anti-anxiety drugs for an initial brief period. They will help you to calm down and to settle into Menopause comfortably. Good Luck!