What's been going on?

 SO.....

I have kind of neglected my blog for a while. Not intentionally... life just got busy, overwhelming and chaotic. I have started the Menopause injection now (this will be my 3rd month of the injection) and it's been a rollercoaster. BTW this is completely reversible and shouldn't stop me from having kids in the future, at the moment I am only on a three month trial. 

"Menopause, chemical: Menopause induced by chemotherapy or other chemicals or medications. Chemical menopause is a type of "induced menopause." Induced menopause is distinct from natural menopause which occurs when the ovaries naturally decrease their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Induced menopause, due to the abrupt reduction of ovarian hormones, often causes the sudden onset of hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms such as dryness of the vaginal lining and a decline in sex drive. When the levels of hormones normally produced by the ovaries suddenly drop, changes associated with the menopause promptly take place: hot flashes (a sudden warm feeling with flushing), night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire (libido), forgetfulness, trouble sleeping and fatigue, probably from loss of sleep." 

https://www.medicinenet.com/menopause_chemical/definition.htm

It is hard. I have started Tibolone (Tibolone helps to restore the balance of female hormones in women who have a lack of oestrogen; it helps to ease symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats)  which is a tablet form used to counter-act the menopause side affects. It has reduced the pain, the bleeding, the achy joints and my mood- I was very easily irritated before!! I am still having issues with hot flushes and struggle sleeping however, I will be seeing my Gynaecologist at the end of the month so this will enable me to discuss everything with her and see what the next step is. I don't really have much else to say about this journey, I can't believe the 3 months has gone so quickly. 

I did have an ultrasound which I am in fact quite nervous about. I was in the for at least 40 minutes. Not much was said and she did a lot of digging, quite literally! So I am hoping to have good results here. One thing I have struggled with is just getting doctor appointments and being heard (a shock I know). I am struggling to get anywhere with anything, getting brushed under the carpet is very common theme here and not just for me, for many others too. I know its not the doctors fault, they are overworked and underpaid. But its certainly taking its toll on me over the years, mentally and physically. This is why I say to anyone with symptoms to keep chasing, its a long journey and if I can help anyone get diagnosed sooner or get the help they need, I will keep sharing my journey. Because what might have not worked for me, might work for you. 

PS...I have started a TikTok in which I discuss Endometriosis and starting the chemical menopause. @eleanorcasey899

As always, if you have any questions, tips etc please share I would love to chat and build a proper community here💗💛