and me Menopause

Rebecca has Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH), and although she has already gone through menopause, she lives with constant menopausal symptoms due to medication for breast cancer.

“I suffered more with breathlessness during my menopause and still suffer breathlessness once a month, which is quite weird. The change in bleeding made me anaemic as it was so erratic. Due to my blood clot risk, there was no help for me at all. My doctor said it won’t last forever and I would ‘get over it’.

It wasn’t until afterwards that help was offered for me by way of anti-depressants, but it was too late, the worst was over.

Unfortunately, during my menopause, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I now struggle with constant menopause symptoms due to the medication I have to take as maintenance for my breast cancer.

I have found hand-held fans helpful for the hot flushes, especially at night, as the little battery ones can be quite forceful and take the breath away. Cotton sheets and natural fibre clothing really help too.

Ask for help if you need it. Mood swings can be tough to deal with and there is help available, but it might not be offered – so you need to ask. You don’t need to suffer.”

Sue, has PAH and connective tissue disease and is in the early stages of menopause.