Angelique: “After three weeks of hormone therapy, I felt like myself again”

Angelique is 57 years old and works as a OBGYN nurse, specialising in both pregnancy care (obstetrics) and women's reproductive health (gynaecology). She is a mother of two adult children who have moved out of the family home a few years ago. Angelique now lives alone with her dog. She leads a busy life, balancing social engagements with work and hobbies, such as riding her motorcycle and going to concerts. She was on the pill for many years and so barely noticed menopause. This changed when she came off the pill at age 50. Angelique: “A year after I stopped taking the pill, working nights became difficult for me. I also began to struggle with feelings of depression.”  

Going through menopause was a difficult time for Angelique. When she went to see her GP about hormone therapy, he did not take her seriously. Thankfully, she had other options. 

Menopause arrived without warning

When Angelique stopped taking the pill at age 50, her periods had stopped. “I don't know when perimenopause started. It was only when I came of the pill that I realised I was menopausal. About a year after I came off the pill, I noticed a change. I started getting hot flashes, but the biggest change was my mental state. I felt low, depressed and not like myself at all,” says Angelique. 

Searching for a solution

After a while, it dawned on her that menopause might be the culprit. “I consulted my GP about my symptoms. He wasn’t in favour or HRT because, as he put it – and I quote – ‘taking hormones causes breast cancer’. I replied that this was based on decades-old research, but he refused to write a prescription.” 

Thanks to her work at the hospital, Angelique had other options. “I am an OBGYN nurse, so I approached a gynaecologist in my department. Here’s the deal, I said to him. I need hormones now or I’ll throw myself of a cliff, and I don’t want to do that to my daughter.” 

Start of HRT

The gynaecologist prescribed hormone therapy. “I started taking the tablets and within three weeks I felt like myself again. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around how fast it went. At first, I thought it had to be psychological. But it really worked.” 

Her experience with hormone therapy

Angelique: “I was feeling extremely depressed and barely able to function. Hormone therapy changed all that. I was able to go to the gym again and felt better about myself. I had my life back. No more feelings of depression and hot flashes. It was brilliant. I only had a few mild symptoms.” 

I talked to my employer about my symptoms. Thankfully my employer was very understanding. I didn’t have to do night shifts anymore.

Top menopause tip

Angelique is all for HRT. However, it’s a really personal decision. Angelique: “I know many women who benefit from hormone therapy. If you are struggling with symptoms and feel like you don't recognise yourself, then maybe it is worth a try. After taking HRT for only three weeks, I felt like my old self again.” 

Tips and advice