I felt I had nothing to live for until HRT patch saved me

RETIRED hairdresser Joan Walsh is still having menopausal symptoms 20 years after they first began.

The grandmother has suffered with low moods since her late 40s.

Joan, now 74 and living with husband Peter, 84, said: “I was 43 when my symptoms started. Although I was still having periods, my moods were very up and down. I looked awful, felt awful and became angry for no reason.

“I’d be in the supermarket and suddenly burst into tears. My son would find me walking home from the shops crying.

“It went on like that for about 15 years and I became very depressed. I often thought about ending things.

“I felt I had nothing to go on for and although I had a family who loved and needed me, it didn’t make a difference.

“It was very irrational and I couldn’t explain why I felt like it.

“Luckily, I was good at telling myself everything would be OK and the low moods would pass. My life was good and the next day I’d feel OK again.

“At 50, I was prescribed HRT patches. It made a big difference.”

Joan, from Leeds, added: “Overall, I felt good. I had loads more energy and felt so much calmer. People commented that I looked better.

“But even now there are a few days each month when I feel low and emotional and can’t explain why.

“I’ve been told by doctors that everyone has bad days but I know myself better than anyone.

“Sometimes I wake up crying for no reason and won’t answer the phone for a week because my mood is so low.

“There are days I wish I could go back on the HRT because I know I’d feel better. I’m glad the worst is behind me.”