A question for those still menstruating or using cyclical HRT

Quite a niche one! Do you feel that your symptoms (pain, inflammation, fatigue) are affected by your cycle?

I'm experiencing a little more pain and stiffness than I have of late and am trying to decide whether it's fluctuating hormone levels or the after effects of my very gentle day at work on Thursday. I've looked back at my symptom diary for last month and I don't seem to have experienced a similar increase then but I didn't at that time feel as generally well as I have done over the last week or two.

[Telian]

I’m afraid I don’t fall into either of the two categories you mention but hopefully someone who does will be along. Many of us on here are way beyond those years I’m afraid.

Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Telian]

Thanks Telian.

[Coffeebeans]

Yes, I always feel worse pain wise before my period. I'm in peri and on cyclical HRT including testosterone.

I'm fairly sure peri started this whole shebang off if I'm honest! Hormones certainly play into how I'm feeling with the PMR but it's also really hard to work out what it causing what.

[Hidden in reply to Coffeebeans]

Thank you Coffeebeans - it's good to know that I'm not going bonkers!

As you say, it's difficult to know what is causing what! I've been on cyclical HRT for a couple of years so things are pretty well established and well managed and I can usually predict the different stages of my cycle but PMR adds a whole new layer of complexity!

[Coffeebeans in reply to Hidden]

A mix of peri and PMR is not one I would recommend as a whole.

[Hidden]

I started to notice my aches and pains more when started pre menopausal at 48 when my cycle was all over the place, I'm 2 yrs post menopause now and was told pains was menopause then finally diagnosed dec last yr.

[Hidden]

Thanks you Karenwelsh. I'm sorry you had such a tough time getting your PMR diagnosed. Perhaps we can add menopause to the interminable list of PMR triggers!

[Megams]

~I wish ~ Prior to ceasing my periods (aged 55) I felt feminine & reasonably vital most of the time.

I've discovered that once through menopause (as I am now) everything dries up & drops off "though to speak".

Sounds odd but enjoy while you still have your working parts

[Hidden in reply to Megams]

I'm sorry that you have found going through the menopause so emotionally difficult - I know that can be the case for some people. I have been on cyclical HRT for several years and, frankly, welcome the regulation and predictability - although now it seems that I need to consider the possible hormone/PMR interplay.

[Megams in reply to Hidden]

~Emotionally I travelled through menopause OK, it was more the distinctive body changes (internally) that went with the decline in hormones. If I could have had HRT a little longer than 6 months I'm sure I could have staved off a few of the aging niggles. I reluctantly heeded advice of Endocrinologist at time.

Have been using natural hormone cream as per consulting a Functional GP some years ago - of course this is debatable in various medical circles but I am sure it helped me.

Sending best wishes with your hormone/PMR journey ~

[Hidden in reply to Megams]

I'm lucky not to have experienced that particular change. I have no plans to come off HRT - 6 months doesn't seem very long at all.

[Megams in reply to Hidden]

~Agreed 6 months too short .While on HRT I felt great - my Endo did not want me on it in first instance as have migrainous history - she felt I was stroke risk.

I hope you get to stay with your HRT for as long as you can ~