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Case history

Caroline age 44

"My periods were going haywire-more frequent and lasting longer, and I was feeling so tired but I never thought it could be the menopause, after all I was only 42. My youngest child was only 4 years old! Anyway after 6 months of getting more irritable and weepy-for no reason- I started getting hot flushes in the daytime so I went to my doctor. She was very understanding and recommended HRT. I'm quite good at taking tablets so I tried those first. It took a couple of months to get used to HRT, at first my breasts were very tender-a bit like early pregnancy-but my doctor had warned me that could happen and it's all settled down now. I feel much more like my old self; and at least I know when my periods will happen and they don't drag on for days." 

Jennifer age 52

I decided to start HRT when I reached the menopause because my mother has bad osteoporosis and broke her hip last year. I've done quite a bit of reading and know that osteoporosis can be prevented now. And I certainly don't want to have the back pain and hip problems my mother has suffered! So as soon as my periods stopped a year ago I asked my doctor for advice. It was a joint decision-we decided to go for patches because they're so easy and suit my lifestyle. My periods aren't bad at all but as soon as I am old enough-around age 54 my doctor says-I will change to a no-bleed type of HRT, as I don't really want to go on having a regular bleed if I can avoid it with different medication. I didn't really have any menopausal symptoms but I know this is doing my bones good and will prevent the awful problems my mother has."

We are grateful to the Amarant Trust for their help in compiling this section.