What I wish I'd known about menopause | Liz Earle Wellbeing 

Everyone saying if only we knew. During my 40s I seriously thought I was going mad. Didn’t seem to get any answers from GP. I had dizzy spells, went from a confident driver to someone scared to death to drive, eyesight changes, anxiety, and loads more symptoms. I saw specialists who diagnosed complicated migraines, was given anti depressants, sent for CBT, diagnosed fibromyalgia, tested for vertigo, diagnosed osteoarthritis. The list over the past 12 or so years is endless. Not one mention of perimenopause. If only we knew what we know now!! Been taking hrt now for 3 months. I feel I’ve been robbed of so many years 😮

Hi Liz, I’m 11 years post menopause - never took HRT as I’d had ? TIA in my mid 30’s & was told it may increase stroke risk for me. Luckily I didn’t suffer too much, plenty of hot flushes but not night sweats or mood swings to speak of. In my 40’s I knew changes were starting to happen but had never heard of peri menopause until I found a book called Could it be Perimenopause which was a revelation at that time for me! Until recently I didn’t realise all our cells have oestrogen receptors. I just always associated it with the end of periods but clearly it’s so much more & as someone with high cholesterol I also never knew that cholesterol can increase during menopause & beyond. No one tells you this stuff. Women need to know all this from their 30’s so it’s great that information is getting out there & that peri/menopause are no longer taboo subjects!

Yes. NO ONE ever mentioned perimenopause to me and I discovered it the hard way - by going through it! Extreme fatigue, joint pain, irregular periods, night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, tinnitus, vertigo etc etc etc all started when I was in my early 40s and I was caught very unaware.

I wished I had known about the perimenopause before it happened to me. I was 43 when it started. The anxiety and panic attacks and then depression lead me to the GP. Even after discussing that I had only suffered with this after my babies he still didn’t look at my age and think this could be hormonal !. So I spent the next 8 years on antidepressants. Although I then started suffering all the other symptoms you mentioned here, was even sent to the ear specialist and fitted with a hearing aid for tinnitus. It wasnt until I came off dosulepin earlier this year that I started feeling anxious and moody etc. The new GP still said no to HRT as I suffer endometriosis and adenomyosis. I refused more antidepressants and finally a lady gynaecologist overruled his decision. I am now 52 and started the menopause 7 months ago. Thank god I am now on oestrogel and the mirena. It shouldn’t be a struggle to get the help and knowledge every woman deserves. 8 years of suffering with all the symptoms is ridiculous. This should be taught at high school along with puberty and pregnancy lessons in biology. Your information is spot on.

I wish I'd known all this 10years ago when I went through the meno. I struggled generally and felt unsupported particularly at work. I'm glad women now have options and can talk more openly. 😁👍

So helpful as always! Fab! Thank you. X

What a great video Liz, thank you ❤️

Brilliant. So helpful and comforting! Thank you so much.

Brilliant delivery of this so important subject. Well done Liz !

Thank you, exceptionally helpful and I have shared this now with all my female friends!

This has been the most informative video that I have watched on the subject, thank you!! I have had many of these symptoms, even the one mentioned about being suddenly panicked about driving. I thought I was going crazy. It is so good to know there are others going through this too.

Great information, now I understand more what I’m going through!

Brilliant Liz. Thank you so much. 🙏🏻❤️🥰🤗🥰. Xx

Thanks Liz for this additional bit of information. It is always good to receive updates and reassurance. I am still in two minds about trying HRT and am trying to get through the hot flushes/night sweats/muscle and joint aches naturally so the more info I gather, the more it will help me to decide. I haven't approached my GP yet as considering moving surgery. Once I make that step, I will definitely have the conversation with them. I have suffered from benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) for about 18 years so perhaps it now makes a sense why I feel dizzy from time to time. I bought your book 2 years ago when I started to have symptoms and it has helped me alot More of these short videos please :) xx

Thanks for sharing all of that Liz, so interesting, I’ve been suffering mainly with migraines and insomnia for years, I’m just hoping it will end soon! 😊

So important to highlight that Modern HRT is Natural ! 👏🏻

Excellent video, thank you, 💗💗

Thankyou for awesome info I wish I knew these things earlier cheers

Thank you Liz as always for this very helpful information, misunderstood by so many professionals. ❤

Such helpful tips and insights from you Liz, I have made sure to send this to my sister and girlfriends. You are an angel! Thank you so much!❤️

Excellent video, thank you for sharing your experiences and encouragement. I will be seeing my doctor in a week to request some HRT.

Thank you so much for this info, full of good sense which I have passed onto my friends and family. I too am as incensed as you, after years of being passed from consultant to consultant offering me possible diagnosis of MS, arthritis and auto-immune disease! Since taking HRT after hearing your advice, I am now feeling so much better. My daughters like yours, are much more aware of what the menopause actually means which is great, not just for their generation but for generations to come.

I am so sad but grateful for learning about menopause. I've been to so many doctors, which has made me very confused. Laughing & crying at the same time, thanks for the great information & hope. ❤

Thank you for this video.

Thankyou for another informative post I started my hrt journey a year ago and all my symptoms but the annoying tinnatus has gone I'm just hoping that too will subside.It helped my debilitating anxiety massively.Thanks again for making us all aware of the lesser known symptoms too!

Thank you for this useful video. 🙏 I've been taking HRT for 14 months now and like Liz I don't intend to stop. I wish I'd also started years ago! 🙂

Thank you so much Liz for this information. I really appreciae it. I'm 50 and have many symptoms, still having my periods from time to time😅. My gallbladder was removed more than 3 weeks ago . I have never heard of HRT. I'll definitely give a call to my GP and starting having a Healthy Lifestyle ❤❤

I'm 47 and just started HRT Oestrogel and Utrogestan. I've been getting the dryness symptoms and this was how my GP diagnosed me - but have been suffering for years with unexplained joint pain and fatigue. Thank you so much for your videos they're definitely helping me on my new journey and giving me hope. X

Hi liz , im 54 and been suffering from hot sweats for a good few years , but my night sweats and sleepless nights have got worse which made me feel so anxious and so tired throughout the day , so been put on hrt and only been taking hrt for less then two weeks and feeling so much better and already feeling the benefits 🙏 i know it’s not for everyone , but I think its the best decision I’ve made X

Thank you for the fantastic info. I am 57 and got on HRT a few years ago. At 54 I could often not even walk without intense hip joint pain. I never connected it with menopause. Once I got on HRT within a week my hip pain went away. Like you I did not even notice it was gone. Thanks again for your channel!

thank you for this video -i had a surgical menopause and left the hospital with no information on the menopause or any of it's symptoms and within 3 months i had a frozen shoulder , widespread bilateral joint pain. low mood , dry vagina, no libido, lost confidence. i Have been on a very sharp learning curve ever since and it has been greatly helped by your book and you tube channel. Keep spreading the word you are educating and empowering women. L.xx

Thank you for the information. I am 45 an I am at Perimenopause stage going through all these changes and starting to realize I need to do something because I am not feeling myself at all and coming across your video really has helped me to make a a decision and look for professional help. This week I will be looking for a Dr. That specializes in Menopause to help me get back to feeling close to normal again.

I genuinely appreciate your knowledge, comments and advice regarding menopause. You’ve become an authority on the subject and champion for all of us. There is so much trial and error to find what works for each individual. I’ve tried bio-identical, natural and now I’m on HRT patches. It’s helped with a lot of symptoms but supplements, diet and exercise are also beneficial. 🥰

A month on I'm feeling better in myself so things will surely progress. Yay! Xxx

Thank you Eliz another encouraging, informative and interesting video. I really do appreciate all the research of the important things to help use improve the quality of our lives and help use look good and cared for during our midlife. The health I have received regarding HRT from the Newson Menopause health clinic has been invaluable. Thank you for this information I wouldn’t have know where to go if it wasn’t for your RU-vid channel. It has changed my life beyond recognition- I feel so much better than I did prior to HRT. My energy levels have improved and my symptoms have decreased. I am wondering if you have done any research on cupping therapy for visceral fat around the stomach and cellulite in post menopause women. If so would it be possible to share it with use on your RU-vid channel.

I've been getting crackling in my ear - so strange! Thank you for speaking about this. I've just been to the doctors and have got my hrt patches. Thanks to yours and others' channels I actually felt more educated than my doctor! She didn't know what I meant when I asked if it was body identical...

Thank you Liz I have now had a total hysterectomy & on her gel & I take magnesium drops in a drink of water as I feel I can measure dosage which now 2 gels a day is good for me. As I said to my son that I have my old self back 😊. Had to go private for operation as I was ignored & offered anti depressants & I refused ( worked in mental health) , uterus extended with fibroids, polyps & cysts on ovaries. I haemorrhaged during operation apparently & surgeon said it was a mess. Lost 12lb instantly due to the amount of weight from uterus extension of 7 months pregnancy equivalent. I am back to the gym ( used to teach exercise) & now have no shooting pains down my legs, ringing in ears, temple head pain, joint pain. Information is key & knowing how the hypothalamus works & hormones keep us alive. ❤

Thank you for the useful knowledge, I am experiencing premenopause symptoms and the tips is useful. By the way, you look so young and beautiful compared with your age.

Great information thanks. Is there a minimum dose of oestrogen gel required to get the prevention of heart attack, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s? I’ve watched some of Menopause Taylor’s videos and can’t quite work out of one pump of oestrogel 0.06% is sufficient. Thanks for all you are doing x

This little video contains so much positive information, thank you Liz! I'm 51, menopausal and struggling. I moved to Spain from Cumbria 6 years ago so it's not straightforward for me 🥺

Love listening to your channel Liz I actually don't have a clue about HRT I am 55 years old and learning a lot from your channel . I definitely suffer the hot flashes and brain fog but I have recently ordered the INDI supplements for body and mind and going to start on them see how I go . Thanks for all what you do. 👍♥️

Hi liz so delighted to happen on your site you explain it all so well I never had much body hair and now none at 58 menopause has turned me into n old lady killed with joint pain sweating 🪣 buckets been on anti depression meds for 10 years which took away every desire in my life I just want to hibernate and stay on my own for ever I've had 7 beautiful babies. They are brilliant as is thier dad .I feel like an outcast in my own family my sisters don't seem to be so badly affected I'm now on a. Patch which helped with the sweating but the atrophy is awful I've just been given vagifem I was also on an antibiotic for an infection. But I've got the most awful case of thrush now I have to test that wait for it to go before .I use V/F I look forward to hopefully feeling better for the rest of my life Cos I'm much too young to feel this dam old ... thankyou again x

Thank you so much for this useful information. Oestrogel myths dispelled ... very important as I was worried to be honest.

I had migraine headaches for years. Then started the ear problems, dizziness, chest pain, tiredness, eye problems, anxiety, depression and loss of confidence. Finally found out from my naturopath that it's perimenopause. She prescribed hrt and 5htp and it has made a world of difference!

Amazing 🎉

Hi Liz, Thank you for talking, discussing, and highlighting this vitally important subject, we need this info. Do you have any tips on extreme itchy skin, which I am experiencing just soooh uncomfortable. And yes its driving me up the wall.

I’m 40 and 2 months ago started getting panic attacks and bad anxiety when thinking of driving. I felt my world just closed in. I couldn’t go into work because I couldn’t get on the motorway. Luckily my employers were very supportive and I became completely home based. I also ended up in hospital with heart palpitations, everything was ruled to be normal. My hair started to thin, my skin was itching all over and when I put it all together I thought I had an under active thyroid. Then I thought of perimenopause and yesterday I spoke my GP and he agreed so now going to start on HRT

Hi Liz, can I ask you this, you didn't speak about the possible cons of HRT, I used to be on HRT patches and the progesterone tablets too, I took Estrodot patches 50mg and ugesterone? Think that how you spell it... Anyway I stopped because I now have a gallbladder full of stones and my gallbladder walls are desease too, I'm tyring to avoid having it surgery removed by doing flushes to my gallbladder.... But, upon reading, taking HRT is one of the reasons why my gallbladder maybe like this, so I stopped, but my symptoms are terrible again... What's the latest evidence on this and hrt and gallbladder ? Do you know? Also is the Estrodot and ugesterson HRT a bio identical product? If not how do I get this bio identical type? It was the NHS that put me in patches is bio identical versions available on NHS? Your information is brilliant, thank you for doing this. X

You're actually really beautiful. Knew of your products interesting to see the lady behind them x

I am now in full blown menopause and with my heart condition I cannot go on estrogen, however, living in Asia my doctor has put me on placenta shots something I never heard about. Yes, they absolutely indeed help, after going off them for a week I almost went batty and ran to the doctor for a shot. They also help with my pain in my legs and that was something I did not know they help with as well, until I woke up morning realizing my legs were feeling better and researched and found that placenta is used for arthritis.

thank you Liz for always bring menupause to the front 🙏 ❤ much respect 🙏

thank you

About a year ago, I started having some occasional night sweats and anxiety... I thought nothing of it at first. But since a few months ago, the night sweats happen almost nightly, I'm really anxious and moody, I've had occasional vertigo and really heavy periods. I'm 42, and this took me completely by surprise, because I thought like so many women that menopause was something that happened in your 50s and associated it mostly with hot flushes and the loss of periods... I'm glad I've found this and other resources on line. JUst a question... do I need to have clear "menopause" hormonal levels to get HRT? (last blood test showed my estrogen is a bit low, but the other hormones are still within normal levels)

Thank you. I went to a female Dr 6 months ago who told me not to "self diagnose" when I told her about the itching as I remembered my mother was the same 30+ years ago, she implied I was dirty and told me to wash my bedding! You are lucky if you can get a good doctor who listenes.

thank you for speaking on these symptoms docs don’t take seriously such as how anxiety can peak and some of us no longer drive, i’ve become agoraphobic. also the itchy skin, omg. i will keep pushing the docs for hrt cos so far they keep saying i’m too young. at 48, i don’t think so. and as a south asian woman i feel not listened to at all.

Thanks for this video. There are young-ish OB/GYNs who are aware that the old estrogen studies were small and flawed,, but I agree that more need to be educated. I just met with one such doc last month as the OB/GYN nurse I've been seeing since around age 40 said I'd need to go off the Pill at around 50 or so, and she's retiring and suggested a new female-owned clinic with a GYN-practice only as they might keep me on my med. I was in such a panic because my mother went through horrible perimenopausal symptoms for years until she had a hysterectomy at 56 to eliminate them and then went on an HRT patch, which she still takes in her mid-70s. Why didn't they put her on HRT or even BC pills prior to the hysterectomy to avoid all that? Blame the older doctors, her husband included. I'm in my very late 40s (I'm also thin with low BP and no family history of clots or breast cancer) and have been given the green light by my new doc to stay on my 1/35 pills, which suppress my awful periods with cramps, GI issues, headaches, etc., until I need a different medication down the line. I am hoping to be blissfully unaware of any perimenopause symptoms as time progresses. In my case, the benefit far outweighs the slight risks. I have had severe, chronic health issues and chronic pain since age 27 that are largely genetic in nature, and am so glad to not have to go through the horror stories I grew up hearing about in addition to what I deal with daily. I feel like I am back in control of part of my body due to these new studies and docs who actually research them. Sometimes, you just need to try a new provider. Best wishes to all.

I just had an interesting conversation with the pharmacist who's employed by my GP surgery, who suggested to cut a long story short that at 56 and having been on HRT for 18 months I should have another review in 6 months with the view to coming off HRT, due to my age which was emphasised several times and the increased risk of breast cancer! I was appalled as I have no other risk factors, he really questioned why the GP ( who is no longer at the surgery ) why I was prescribed vagifem and oestrogen patches - this rang alarm bells he clearly did not understand as my trigger for HRT was recurrent UTI,s.After some forceful discussion which was stressful I'm now wondering if I'll need to fend this attitude off at future medication reviews - if I hadnt listened to you and Louise Newson , it would have rocked me even more. , it was quite clear that the push was to get me off HRT. its shocking that with all the publicity this was such an unpleasant experience , Thank you .

Hi liz I been suffering last 7 years doctor had me on anti depressents an anxiety meds for this time . I started my HRT after watching Louise newsham podcasts 18 months ago . It’s helped with h a mood a little , but I’ve had tintus, dry eyes , hair loss , itchy skin , horrendous mood swings , reacurring water infections. But my roller coaster mood swings and brain n fog is really effecting my life . I had to give up work . I gained 6 stone but lost 4stone since being on HRT . I’ve just come off patch’s on to oestrogel . But myself now and honk am missing testosterone. Am still suffering despite being on the gel . Think am goin to save for a private clinic so that can get the testosterone I really feel this is the missing peace in the jigsaw . I eat healthy I do keto an IF and I also do daily walks . Would love to get back running but my knee isn’t s got bing me trouble . I have my own weightlifting equipment at home but need to try do this a bit more xx am really enjoying ur podcasts at the moment thank u vet much ❤

Thank you Liz, great info as always. I am post menopausal (10 years plus) & really did not know most of this, especially the headaches, migraine ear problems - it’s so frustrating that like me, so many of us were unaware of the connections and were put off taking HRT through scaremongering 😞 I would love to know if vaginal Estradiol (vagifem) would affect migraine?

Oh wow I have been having sensitivity with my ears for about two weeks now and I couldn’t figure out what it is. I went to the doctor. He checked my ears and my throat and he said it’s fine. This is so insightful to know that it’s hormonal and then something that I have to wonder what it is or will it go away?

Why aren't women ever taught about this before we go through the Perimenopause and Menopause... No one ever tells us except for people like you thankfully.... I never ever heard of the Perimenopause until I was going through it myself.... We have so many health issues, and I'm annoyed that our drs never ever tells us about what we need to expect going through it... My own Dr put me on anti depressants but it made me a thousand times worse, my anxiety went sky high, absolutely awful...it wasn't until I went to 2 other drs and i insisted I go on hrt which has made me feel so much better....thank you so much for talking about this...still now though, hardly anyone asks me how I am, and they know I have been struggling with the Perimenopause, but alot of people never ask how you are....and I think that's sad myself. I believe in looking after yourself, self-care and never feel guilty for saying no to people if they ask you to do something, but you don't feel like it, so say no.... Look after you ❤️

I have been going private for menopause treatment since 2018 and i will not change . I am on my 3rd GP surgery now that knows nothing about menopause/only know the old scaremongering taglines for Hrt treatment/uninterested/unhelpful. Regargless of all the experts about such as yourself , STILL the NHS are slackling massively.

Im 56 years old , I started 3 years ago suffering from health anxiety that paralysed me .

Anti depressants worked for me through the menopause transition. Once my periods stopped I felt so much better. Also I have realised I am progesterone intolerant, so HRT didn’t really work for me. 😊

Hi liz how much are your magnesium tablets please ? How do i order them xx

Which brand is suggested? To ensure people dont get fobbed off with the wrong brand by their GP.

Hi Liz, yes I've been using oestrogel topically and it helps a bit however I'm not doing good the progesterone side( utrogeston) and when I've used the vagifem tablet I swell up with fluid so I'm trying to figure it all. So confused

How long does it take for HRT to show some effect on the aching Joints.? Ty v much.

oh my alah sis i have hot flashs 15 years and i have my ear rings always thangs your infonmation

I always thought you go through hot flashes and mood swings. Didn't know about your joints being achy and losing collagen during this time. I just got through suffering through frozen shoulder and it was a nightmare.

Thanks Liz for a great video. Is there a cut off age when you should not take body identical HRT?

Liz, could i know whether these symptoms will end once we are done with menapause??

We are really outliving our ovaries aren't we? The average life expectancy of women in the early 1900's was around 45!!! Women need to replace what is missing, and I am sure glad I did :*) Love your channel, keep up the good work!!!!

What about people that have a family history of breast cancer and had an hysterectomy 10 years ago ovaries kept ? How safe is Oestrogel for me my joints are so painful? 😢

What do I do when my cardiologist says he thinks hrt is a bad decision for me? Not because of blood work, cholesterol normal, but because of family genetics? Belly bloat is killing me!!!!!! No one addresses this situation. 😞🥺

No..HRT for me I went holistic there are better ways.

❤❤❤

I get upset because 4 GPs who don't know me at all, all say as I'm over 60 and menopause has been happening for at least 10yrs, there's too much risk of heart disease etc. Bear in mind I've been looking after my own health for over 20yrs, not wanted their help. Now I want it, they can't help. Last one I spoke to, even said It'll get better!! I'm waiting for the miracle to happen. Maybe she should have given me a sticky plaster 🤔. And still everyday I suffer anxiety, dry skin, tinnitus etc. I am so angry with their reasons.

My gynaecologist says that I must have a yearly mammogram because I am on HRT. Is that a must?