Menopause and anxiety with Dr Rebecca Lewis on the Liz Earle Wellbeing Show 

I keep telling my doctors “I need help. Something is not right!“ for me it’s that joyless flat feeling coupled with fatigue and no desire to be social. It’s heartbreaking because I am , or used to be, such a social person.

I find instead of not wanting to get out of the house , I want to go out more often and get away from the house because everything that has to be done in the house is actually causing me mental anxiety

Thank you so very much for such valuable information. Unfortunately I never knew any of this 15 yrs ago at age 45. Went to the GP, put on anti-depressants, then sent to a gynecologist and had womb lining lasered off, was put on tiny dosage of oral HRT, things got worse, marriage broke down. lost everything in my life (husband, home, job and then my children over time became alienated because they were convinced by my ex that I had a mental health/personality disorder. Eventually, I found a GP who specialised in HRT/menopause and it made such a huge difference though obviously too late for what I had lost. Going from being a sociable, relatively outgoing, friendly personality to being mostly alone and fearing going out or being with people, and of course the daily grief of not having my children in my life is a challenge to say the least. However, I know your information will be life-changing for the better for many and caught just in time and that's such a wonderful thought for future generations. Thank you again and best wishes.

This video helped me immensely. I haven’t heard people talk about the various symptoms that many women experience in their early 40’s. I’m dealing with several of them and now I know I’m not losing my mind 😂

Thank you so much for this brilliant podcast. I always swore that I wouldn't take HRT, and I'd do it "naturally", mostly because of the widely advertised health risks. But at 48, I'm just starting to experience some symptoms, which I think I'd underestimated. But having listened to this information, I now feel confident - and safe - to find out more about HRT. It's also been really helpful to learn that things like increased anxiety, OCD behaviour, and forgetting words, can all be down to flagging levels of oestrogen. What a relief!

Exactly! Pre-existing mental health problems (PTSS, OCD and depression), been on meds and therapy for a long time; thought I overcame for the most part and then perimenopause hit me at 47! Back at square 1. THANK YOU for this.

Love seeing this live! This is so brilliant - what a positive message to end on!

This pod cast is absolutely amazing, i started hrt 12 weeks ago, and it was Dr Rebeca lewis her self i saw, and she is amazing, thankyou for all the work you do , you are changing lives, . X

Such a great watch - thank you Liz and Rebecca!

I wish we all had someone like you and Mille in our lives to to keep us on the right healthy path and to give us enough knowledge to make these kind of choices easier.😉👍

Ty, ty! I appreciate the information about anti-depressants. I have read the studies and it is disheartening how this is not talked about more. It makes it difficult for women to determine who to trust. I am subscribing to your channel. Thanks again

A wonderfully reassuring and calm show. Thank you.

Oh my word this was so interesting! You left me a message on Instagram to watch this and I’m so pleased i did. Thank you so much x

Liz you look great and speak a lot of wisdom. Just started my HRT journey and I’m so happy with all the info you’re providing, Thankyou so much. I’m feeling less alone and sharing all of your wisdom with the women I know 🙏🏻

Thank you for another great interview. Great need to get the word out to many more GPs. I would have been spared several years of worsening misery had I known more and the GPs I've seen. Keep up the good work

Thank you so much. It's so important that we talk about this. Entering peri at 42 was a huge shock and I thought I was going insane at first until my GP got to the bottom of it. 4 years on it's still a bumpy ride, but conversations like this are SO hugely helpful. Thank you.

Wonderful video. Informative in an easy to understand way. It’s a relief to know I’m not “crazy” and I am not alone. Thank you, both.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I can't believe I have found you, my whole life has been changed in the last two years and I have lost who I was, I nearly lost my job due to this lack of hormones etc... thank you for enlightening us and sharing the knowledge that will empower us to get the right help. I am not going out of my mind after all :) thank you x

Thank you both for all you do creating awareness to all women we need this more than ever ...wish I had this 7yrs ago xxx.

Thank you. I’ve been driving for 35 years and suddenly I am way too anxious to drive on the freeway. It’s bizarre. This is so helpful. I’m def in menopause at 52.

This is just brilliant. Will be sharing with all my menopausal friends and family! Agree that knowledge is power here.

Thank you for this helpful information!

This is so interesting. Very good information for women. Thank you.

Essential listening for anyone who is still in two minds about taking HRT.

Amazing how the universe will guide you on your path in search of resources to not help educate but confirm you are NOT losing it, completely and there is support! Great video, thank you so much for sharing!

So informative and clear, I really feel that this has given me a rich insight into what Ineed to do next. I am sure I donot need to tell you of the impact the menopause is currently having on my life and hoping that I can now find a positive outcome after listening to this.

Two beautiful Ladies and so very helpful. Thank you so much. ❤️

I learned so much from this, thank you!!!

Thank You so much for this most excellent information! Its like you are talking about me totally

Loved this conversation. So important & informative. Thank you.

Omg I've listened to alot of videos and yours is very interesting focusing on the perimenopause which there isn't much said about and this video explained alot and I feel you have hit the nail on the head in regards to Dr's, time and giving out anti depressants. Thank you

Thank you so much for this very valuable information 💖

Very interesting and educational. I'm so glad that a light is now being shone on this subject. Thank you ❤️

Thank god for these ladies and their information. ❤️❤️

This video really so informative and applies to me. I don’t take the HRT due to the years that women got breast cancer from it, but recently I have heard so much good info on it.

Great show,very informative x

Thanks indeed!!! Reallly useful

This is brilliant. So much helpful information that I didn't get from my GP on taking HRT and coping with anxiety.

Fantastic talk - very informative. I thoroughly and learned some new things too which is great👏. Keep it coming 😊.

That’s so true Dr. Rebecca about finding the words to describe how I feel so run down 😰 and having to beg to go back on HRT when I was taken off suddenly with the cancer scare, and I had just had hysterectomy my body collapsed 😱

So grateful I found this video. I got prescribed HRT last week and after reading the leaflet was terrified to start taking it.

thank you liz

Great information, now we just have to tackle our uneducated GP's. Thank you!!!

This is tremendously grpund breaking. Thank u thank u

You're an amazing woman 👏 So informative. Excellent work! Thank you 🙏🙌☺️🌹

Thank you so much, this makes me feel so much better about taking hrt

I didn’t start symptoms until my mid 50’s as far as moods and my period stopping which may be late but wow! I scared myself! Ugh! Hope it passes

so very grateful for videos like this. Gp's just don't have the knowledge on hrt and menopause.

Thank you for this video, very helpful. I am going through anxiety hell, waves of anxiety overiding my self ....

Great talk

This is one of the best discussions I've ever heard about HRT! My doctor gives me DHEA to boost testosterone levels because half will convert to testosterone without the negative side effects.

Excellent!

I can really understand the fear element I have mine only got it a few days ago but anxious of side effects.....

I am on HRT and I still suffer from severe anxiety, brain fog, memory lost , depression but most of all severe anxiety it is hell truly hell

Thank you, excellent video - just hope I can find a GP in Australia to prescribe me HRT

thank you for sharing, I thought I was the only one who has a hard time driving. I no longer drive on the expressway; I had a panic attack and never went back on the expressway. I think i lost my confidence.

Thank you!

Such an informative podcast. I have started using the HRT patch this morning after listening to you and Dr Louise Newson, thank you for all your advice. I have been given a combined patch; estrogen and progesterone, I hope it works xx

Yes, yes, yes... yes

This is brilliant , I am 61 been on HRT for 30 years , had my first serious discussion with a GP last Friday , I went to him with a list of what I wanted he has started me on Oestrogel and referred me to an NHS Specialist menopause clinic and I have referred myself to Louise Newson ‘s clinic and I will attend which ever appointment comes first . My daughter is peri menopausal and I don’t want her to have the struggles I have had . I am angry that I didn’t do my own research earlier . I can’t go back in time we have 5 wonderful grandchildren and I want to be fit and well to enjoy them . I want to tell the whole of womankind to look after their own health and spread the word . Thank you for all you do to promote Womens health x

Thanks for a helpful discussion, however, the link you provide to assess symptoms does not work.

Thank yu for this !!! So relatable !!!! They tried me on .05 estrogen patch and 25mg compound testosterone last year. I had strange reaction to it. Doctor thinking it was too much at once. They have tried me again on estrogen patch only 0.025 and will slowly raise it. My FSH has been very high for a couple years and my estrogen has been

What was the brand of Estrogen this doctor recommended please , Thankyou so much for this , I will be sharing 💜

I feel I'm goin crazie amongst other factors of life

Doctors said mental illness need to take SSRI but I don't feel it helped and made me sick and will turn to jobless soon as I got tired and can't wake up early to work.

I feel that way I feel flat blah anxiety n severe mood swings

I'm the last yr iv had awful health anxiety i got hrt but iv been terrified of taking it because I'm scared of side effects and if it makes me feel worse I'm scared of all medication and this video has helped me feel normal and like I'm not alone in my fears I might start my hrt tomorrow iv had it about a week and not touched it cos I seen the size of the info leaflet and it put me off

I was too scared to use localised estrogen for vagina dryness because I read the leaflet, if frightened me. It went out of date 2020, I've had it since 2018, didn't use it!!! Since following Dr Louise Newson, Dr Rebecca Lewis and Liz, I've phone the doctor as I want to give it a chance as my sex life dried up 4 years ago ( excuse the pun!)

Well said Liz, women are attacked on every side most often by the GP responsible for their care

I live in Ireland, where we have to pay for GP visits. I was relieved to recently meet with a lovely lady doctor (have to do everything privaty here, unfortunately) where the consultation cost 200 euro plus almost 70 euro for a months suppky of HRT. So it doesnt come cheap.

My gynecologist said I am not a candidate for HRT because of a past blood clot in my lung. So I use a anti-anxiety antidepressant med.

I'm 54 and still having my monthly period. They are getting closer together, much heavier and much more clottey. It's miserable. When will it end already

I found this very interesting and has left me knowing more than I ever have. I’m new to all this at 51 and for the past 12 years I’ve been on anxiety medication which really helped me. I was always adamant I was never ever going to use HRT as my mum said it caused some many other issues including breast cancer higher risk. I’ve experienced some hot flushes or night sweating and my periods are irregular so I’m going to find a good experienced doctor that can chat with me about it further. Liz do you use gel rubbed into your skin or just gel patches?

What group of progesterone does cyclogest belong to? I was originally prescribed utrogestan orally, however, struggled with palpitations and anxiety, changed to taking it via vagina, it got better but continued to feel on edgr/nervous. Then was changed by pharmacist to cyclogest 200mg pessary via the rectum and the anxiety is up and dowb

“Women haven’t got the words.. word finding difficulties” 😭

Most doctors look at me like I'm nuts. So far extreme depression and zero motivation. But it's my hair that's changed. Dry scalp..not one drop of sebum! Down stairs is fine 😅.its my hair and the depression that's awful. My hair is like cotton wool. I am on HRT (patch and oral progesterone)however I still get depressed and my hair is still so dry. I don't believe I am on the right dosage yet. Sometimes adding progesterone cream combined with the Hrt makes my hair go back to normal for a bit, then back to dry gotten wool if I stop. What is responsible for zero sebum on scalp?

Please put the link to the document for us. Thank you

lost of joy .. exactly “well said”

I've just turned 38 and this speaks so much to me. (... please consider not talking over the guest - my brain can't take it!)

Hi I had an hysterectomy in 2009 ovaries preserved. That would be 13 years ago I have recently this year had ovaries removed I am 61 now due to multiple cysts on both ovaries. I have all of the symptoms of menopause that has worsened since. I am on Evorel 75 patch and vagifem. I am trying to be trialled on testosterone still awaiting the outcome.

what can you take if oestrogen is a problem? I could never take the combined pill because of the oestrogen.

Thank you for this very helpful video . I am using the gel but only 2 pumps per night ,I feel better but not great . I have no ovaries as I have had full hysterectomy . I'm going to contact my GPS to get guidance of how many pumps I should be using. This video is 1 year ago so I'm wondering if things have changed regarding testosterone, can women be prescribed it now ? Thanks again .

My doctors offered me HRT tablets said it was better to start with a low dose. Do periods stop if taking HRT

Magnesium supplements are effective for menopause anxiety - tablets which take about an hour to kick (I get mine from Boots) spray takes about 15 minutes and is very good for restless legs too (I get mine from Holland and Barrett) or bath flakes. Also a good general vitamin tablet as B vitamins are also good for symptoms. Soya Isoflavine tablets mimic oestrogen and can help too for anyone wanting an alternative to HRT.

What about the side effects of HRT can we talk about natural remedies?

I have anxious attacks, last month it went to full speed anxiety and I had to be hospitalized =(

Hello, unfortunately I can't take HRT, due to breast cancer. I currently just keep working and exercising, hoping that symptoms will get better. Consuming Caffeine free drinks definitely help with reducing hot flushes.

Please place the mic closer

I suffer from Migraines and my doctor has told me he can’t give me anything with estrogen in because they will make my migraines worse. He has told me to take evening primrose oil. Which I’ve started but not sure it’s helping. Any advice gratefully received.

Could someone please let me know which oestrogen gel the doctor said she prescribes to her patients? Thank you if you can help. Edit: don’t worry, heading to the website with my brain fog!

Can we here more from people that have found hrt to be extremely beneficial to anxiety/ depression/ hot sweats/ urinary infections PLEASE .

My Dr prescribed me premphase. Do you have any information about this hrt? Thank you.

At what stage should you take blood pressure medication during menopause if you are on hrt patches. Will you be able to come off blood pressure low dose med if it lowers whilst on hrt?

Can you discuss herbal remedies for menopause please, for those that don't want to take HRT's? ty!!

Would you recommend Evorol Conti patches

Hi I just started HRT 4 days ago and trying to be patient. Can you tell me how long it will take before I feel better?

If you take estrogen will you ever go through actual menopause? It delays actual menopause?

Hi, maybe this was answered before .can you stay on oestrogen till the grave ? And if you start at a later stage ,say late 50s or sixties is that better to leave it as long as possible to start if you're not suffering too much thanks .

What if you cant take hrt. Will symtoms eventually resolve. What happenscwhen you come of hrt?

Gave me bad melasma and hypertrophic scarring from surgery. (Pregnancy also gives you hypertrophic scarring).