HRT

[Notsomerryperries]

Good morning,

I have been prescribed HRT after suffering from perimenopause symptoms for a couple of years. I’m only 39.

I began the Utrogestan before bed two nights ago. It did not have the sedative affect on me as it does on others. After the first night I felt a big difference in my mood the next day. I definitely felt happier than I had in a long time! After night two though today I feel quite spaced out/ groggy.

I need to add in the 50mg oestrogen patch at some point too but was scared to start both together as I have awful health anxiety and worry about side effects.

Had anyone got any experience with this combo of HRT and can offer some words of wisdom about how I might feel when starting? In the hope that I’ll be reassured it is normal and not to panic!

Thank you 🙏

Hopeful bump

I started using the estrogen patches and progesterone. They were great.

I currently use estrogen gel and the progesterone pills. Works a treat, I feel human again!

I'm on oestrogel in the morning and 100mg utrogestan each night. I've had no negative side effects at all. I haven't noticed much effect on my sleep from the utrogestan but taking magnesium glycinate has helped massively on that front

The oestrogel has been transformative for me. Some days are better than others, but I feel like myself again. It's the oestrogen that's the most important part of HRT so you do need to start it. It can take up to 12 weeks to kick in so stick with it

You’re better off starting the patch as soon as possible as it’s all the hormones together that make the difference. I wouldn’t necessarily focus on trying to pinpoint exactly how you feel now. I felt an immediate improvement in my mood (more with the oestrogen than the progesterone) but lots of the benefits happened gradually over time.

Also, you might be better off moving this to the Menopause board.

Fingers crossed you feel better on the oestrogen - it was life changing for me.

I use oestrogen spray and progesterone pill. Works brilliantly. No side effects. I definitely know after a couple of days if I skip either!

I’d have started with the estrogen patches and seen how that worked for your symptoms and then added progesterone after a couple of weeks. If you are taking progesterone sequentially (12 days/month) just start it on eg 15 August and then 15th of the month thereafter.

I get no noticeable sedative effect from progesterone - I take it because you need it to maintain a thin womb lining.

If you are anxious about it you should probably go back to your doctor and discuss how to take it.

Thank you for the advice.

I am going to start the patch tonight! I’m guessing it’s ok to put on before bed?

Well I did put the patch on last night and all was well! I have noticed this morning though that one side isn’t sticking and looks dry?