Menopausal symptoms while on HRT (no ovaries).

[Cocolepew]

I've use Evorel 50 patches since a hysterectomy a few years ago. The last few weeks I've had tender and heavy breasts and the last few days I took hot flushes.
I feel irritable/ bloated the way I did with PMS which I really suffered from.
Is it possible this is menopause related?

[Nellyphants]

Of course! I'm no expert but maybe you need to up the dose?

[befairdontjudge]

Yes you often need to change.HRT several times to get the right one. Like PollyPerky I am a huge Oestrogel fan. I suspect your dose needs changing. It does occasionally.

[Cocolepew]

Ok thanks, the no ovaries is confusing me because I presumed the patches would be enough, I've used them for about 5 years.

[PollyPerky]

Depending on your age you might need to increase the dose. 50mg patch is about 1.5 - 2mgs oestrogen ( roughly) and I use 1.5mgs as gel. Much older than you I assume (?) 60s- and need that amount to keep symptoms at bay. Oestrogen falls off a cliff within a few years of menopause quite quickly, so it's possible you need a higher dose. Nothing to lose by trying. On the other hand tender breasts can be due to excess oestrogen! It's unusual to get them post meno on HRT. I think you are going to have to experiment- maybe increase to a higher patch or swap altogether to gel then you can fiddle the dosage yourself.

[Cocolepew]

Thanks Polly, I'm 48.
I'm due back at the GP for something else so I'll mention it.