Climagest HRT

[Susu1]

My doctor has prescribed 1mg of Climagest to try for three months. I wasn't blood tested. I have trouble sleeping and do get mood swings. I don't suffer any other symptoms such as hot flushes. I haven't had a period for, maybe, six months. After reading of the side effects, I am worried about taking it. I don't really want to have periods again, but wonder if anyone thinks it will help with my sleeping problems and lack of energy. I am 54 years of age. Thanks.

[MissBoPeep]

Just try it and see- how can anyone else tell you what will work for you. Everyone is different.

[Susu1]

Okay. Thanks

[MissBoPeep]

Sorry if that sounded a bit sharp. But truly- you won't know until you try. If you are worried about side effects then have a good read of the pros and cons on HRT on //www.menopausematters.co.uk

[KT12]

Susu, my story is so similar to yours - the only difference is that I am 49. My GP put me on the same dose of Climagest also for 3 months. After two months (not completing the second pack) I have stopped taking it and have an appointment with the GP this week. Much like you, the main reason for opting for HRT was for insomnia and Climagest did the trick - much better sleep and much more energy. So why did I stop? Well the GP said I would have light periods only, but since starting I have had 3 incredibly heavy and painful periods that have lasted more than a week (for the first two) and the last I stopped the tabs after the first day and the period lasted only 5 days. The first period started about 5 days after starting on Climgest. Since stopping I can definitely feel the lack of energy creeping back but sleep has been ok-ish.

GP said that once I turn 50 I can opt for an HRT option that would not bring on periods - I think that is what I need...So as you are 54, I'm wondering why you were not given this option? Good Luck.

[MissBoPeep]

As far as I know you have to have been period-free for a year or more to go onto a no-bleed prep.

The other thing to bear in mind is that there are dozens of types of HRT and if one doesn't suit then another might.

One regime which is very safe is topical estrogen- patch or gel- and the Mirena coil which does away with periods altogether.

You can also have a long-cycle HRt regime which is one period every 3 months. Not all GPs will offer this as there is the slightly higher risk of uterine cancer but possibly a lower risk of breast cancer if you use it long term because you are not exposing your breasts to 2 hormones every month- and it's the progesterone which is linked to breast cancer.

[MissBoPeep]

KT12 you need to give any HRt at least 3 months so your system gets used to it. Breakthrough bleeding or heavy bleeding is a common side effect but if you persevere it usually clears up, so I have read.

[Susu1]

Thanks so much KT12 and MissBoPeep. This info has been very helpful. I started taking the Climagest a week ago and so far no bleeding or any noticeable differences. I realise it takes a while to get into the system. I don't know why my doctor didn't prescribe a no period pill as this would have been preferable from my point of view. If I dont get on with this one I shall return to the GP for a different form once I have completed the three month trial stage of Climagest. Thanks again. It's so helpful to get advice etc from people with first hand experience.

[KT12]

BoPeep, as we are all different I assume the effects of how quickly HRT will have an effect also differs from woman to woman. While it is fine and well to say the bleeding I was experiencing for nearly three months is 'normal' and that I need to trial other types of HRT. With the work I do and the lifestyle I lead I simply can't have the continued risk of extremely heavy and on-going bleeding with every trial. My GP did not think the extent of the bleeding was normal. She sent me for a scan, but there was nothing untoward. I have now opted to take Menolieve which is working to an extent. We are off on a skiing holiday soon and I simply do not want to be bleeding very heavily on holiday hence trying other types of HRT are not an option at the moment. I'm not keen on the Merina Coil (for reasons I won't go into here) or a patch (as I do a lot of sport).

You are a great advocate for HRT and you persuaded me to give it a try and I did with a bit of a negative effect. I suppose it is not for everyone. In fact my 'suffering' was worse on HRT...