The Patty project

Day 21 of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and I’m feeling like I’ve had a bit of a win.

Actually, it’s a pretty big win for me.

Last night I slept for almost seven hours, and the night before I managed six. That might not sound like much, but I haven’t slept for more than four hours at a time in what feels like years.

Menopause has been kicking my butt!

Hot flushes, frozen shoulder, waking up every few hours to pee and the constant exhaustion that comes with broken sleep.

I’ve been tired for so long that I think I’d forgotten what it feels like not to be tired.

When I sat with the doctor who prescribed my HRT, she initially wanted me to wait another week before starting.

I almost cried.

I remember looking at her and saying, with a shaky voice, “I’m exhausted. I need this to get better.”

I was so tired of being tired.

And it wasn’t just the lack of sleep. It was the way I was feeling during the day. Moody, irritable, lacking motivation and sometimes just not feeling like myself.

I knew menopause was affecting me, but I don’t think I realised just how much until I started noticing these little improvements.

Over the past few days, my hot flushes have become less frequent and nowhere near as intense.

My shoulder is still giving me grief, but even that has been a little more manageable at night.

And then there was today.

Today I had energy for most of the day, and I was happy. Just happy.

I can’t remember the last time I felt like that.

I actually found myself wondering if this is what normal feels like.

It’s strange to think that something as simple as getting a decent night’s sleep and having enough energy to get through the day could make such a difference.

I’m only 21 days into HRT, so I know it’s still early days. I’m not expecting everything to suddenly be wonderful, and I’m sure there will be some ups and downs along the way.

But I’m noticing changes, and they’re making a difference.

I wanted to share this because I know there are so many women out there going through menopause, struggling with sleep, exhaustion and all the other symptoms that come with it.

For me, deciding to try HRT came from reaching a point where I just couldn’t keep feeling the way I was feeling.

And today, for the first time in a long time, I felt good.

I’m hopeful, and I’m grateful.

Here’s hoping there are many more days like today.