I didn't realise HRT would feel like such a shot in the dark

[JillyLooper]

I know I'm very lucky to have it available. But I hadn't realised it was just so much trial and error. I'm in probable perimenopause, and different symptoms come and go horribly whether I'm on HRT or not. Don't know whether to up or lower the dose at any time. The same signs can be related to too high or too low of different hormones. No one can tell me much to guide, apart from "try it". It's mayhem. Anyone else feel the same?

What type of oestrogen are you taking and what dose?

I think we’re making the same point here.
Why are women not getting optimal treatment for their health needs and yet expected to do more or at least the same as men at home and work?

The GP ordered blood tests (I don't actually know which ones, but in response to me saying I was losing hair and have brittle nails) and I got a text to say they were normal. I'm going to call to ask for more detail.

Do you have the nhs app?
I have not had blood tests since using it, but apparently you would be able to see the levels of whatever they have tested you for.
There is a range that is 'normal' but you can fall into the normal range but still be outside your own normal, if that makes sense.
It's so easy to just assume there's 'nothing to see here' but if you're still losing hair and breaking nails it's worth going back for another chat.
Ed to say, sorry, I see you are going to call again! Definitely worthwhile 😊

No, I'm not in England. I'll give the doc a call, thanks.

recently I asked for my oestrogen patches to be increased to 75,2yrs post hysterectomy age 49.large busted ,but oh my,my bust has increased &painful at times. Brain fog no different.did have low iron.often feel hot still at times.
I am trialing as I had 50g patches left ,one 75 patch & one 50g patch a week.
I do wonder if to come off it completely to see what happens.
It’s a nightmare thinking do I feel like this because of HRT or just me 😂

Yes. Got fed up of it after a couple of years.
Am now addressing my symptoms through diet & exercise and feeling heaps better!

I’m sure your medal is in the post 🙄

It's the same with any medication, it took me 5 months to find a BP medication that suited me, I felt so unwell during that time. My advice is keep going back to the GP but that's a whole other issue getting an appointment 🙄

A pump. Just taking one pump per day atm. And one Utrogestan capsule (100mg), every day (I don't have a cycle due to Mirena - which I've had in for 7 years so is probably releasing v little progesterone).

One pump is super low. Is that what your GP recommended?

I thought if you had Mirena you didn’t need progesterone by tablet?

I felt like that. It was horrible. Then also started getting constant palpitations. After 2 years of HRT I have given up.

Diet and exercise have helped massively with the aches and pains and moods. It's hard to maintain but am really trying to.

You don't have to take it orally with an in-date Mirena (although mine is out of date). But some people benefit from more progesterone systemically, as the Mirena-released stuff is very local and low dose.

Yes, one option is to increase it. But I don't think it's helped much, so GP seemed to think stopping altogether and increasing it were equally valid strategies. I just have to "play around with it"....

I think I would go for an increase first. I am not surprised it hasn’t had much effect cos i thought two pumps was the standard dose.

and?