If you're on HRT, did it help?

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I wanted to ask about other MNetters' experiences with HRT. If you are currently on it, are you happy with how it’s working? I’ve been on HRT for over a year and while it has helped with hot flushes, I’m still struggling with other symptoms (low energy, poor sleep, brain fog) and just generally not feeling great.

I’ve had blood tests done and everything is coming back as it should, so it seems like I’m on the 'right' HRT, but I’m not getting the amazing results that so many people talk about.

I’d like to hear from others - good or bad experiences. Thank you.

I like the sound of vaginal estrogen stopping night time wees but I’ve always needed to see once or twice a night at least so does this mean it probably won’t help me?

It sorted my chronic insomnia and night sweats within a few days, though of course it takes a while to overcome years of broken sleep. Mood swings alleviated too. Those were my main symptoms.

I find it helpful but it can take a while to find the precise dose and regime and that can change too - hormones keep fluctuating for a while.
My biggest complaint was fatigue and joint pain. Both of which are significantly improved.
I'm still menstruating at 55 which is tiresome and I have been switched to continuous progesterone now. First variation of that didn't suit even though it was an adjustment of the drugs I had been on for a couple of years. Am now on a reduced dose of estrogen and progesterone in a patch and feel fine but the bleeding hasn't quite settled yet. Best I have felt overall in years. Also take a multivitamin and vitamin D. Plus calcium occasionally but that upsets my stomach.

I started on patches but was allergic to the glue so went on to tablets. I was expecting a magic fix but didn't really feel much different. Eventually I switched on to Oestrogel and, for me, that was a game changer. One of my major symptoms which hadn't changed after 18 months of HRT patches or tablets went within a week of being on the gel. It might be worth trying different types of HRT to see if you absorb it better.

Mine made a massive difference. Hot flushes, migraines, insomnia and most aches all went. I’d say it’s life changing for me. That sounds dramatic but I used to feel constantly uncomfortable and tired and now I don’t.
I had issues with temperature regulation for as long as I can remember (maybe since I started periods?) and suddenly having no issues was amazing. I think the fact I can now sleep all night is the best thing though. It’s brilliant.
I tried coming off my HRT a couple of years ago and all the symptoms came back. I gave it a while but things didn’t settle down so I’m back on HRT and am still the biggest fan of it.

The only thing I’m not sure about is anxiety. I was never the least bit anxious but began to feel a bit twitchy when I started going through menopause. I felt very strange to me. I don’t get it so much now but it’s still there a little. I don’t know if it is just age, or menopause or HRT. It feels odd as I’m not someone who worries and I’m not someone who has much to worry about.

GP says the same thing. Refuses to prescribe anything. I think it's about risks/benefits but at the point I am it could only be beneficial.

Totally sorted my sleep issues.

What dosage are you on?

Sleep, sore joints and flushes (which had started in 10min cycles in the evening and were the last straw) all immediately improved/solved by a low dose of oestrogen.
Progesterone made me feel awful (weepy) so despite reluctance I had a Mirena inserted at the same time as hysteroscopy under GA. Much much better than the tablets, which I had also tried vaginally.
No return of mental clarity, improved mood, libido etc even with higher doses of oestrogen and adding testosterone.

Not all women get UTIs as part of VA.

@1990sMum absolutely. Touch wood. I've never had one. I was generalising.

I was lucky enough just to have dry skin, sore to sit down at work etc..

Brain fog, aching joints, itching etc improved. Sadly the anxiety and rage have not 😩

Don’t know yet.
Have had a month of Evorel. Definitely feel
less tired and more motivated. But not sure it’s worth the reappearance of periods and the terrible acne.
Ill try the 3 month supply and see.

Just made me gain loads of weight and start bleeding randomly so I packed it in.

I’m the same as you op - not sure it’s done much. It cured the hot flushes, and my anxiety is a bit better but with the massive boob increase (and soreness), weight gain, acne and bleeding I’m not having the transformational experience that others are having.

I was 2 years post menopause before I started HRT (menopause symptoms triggered by significant weight loss - fat stores estrogen, less fat, less estrogen).

I was at breaking point when I started <4hrs sleep a night, up to pee 2-3 times a night, spending the night throwing duvet off then back on all night. Insanely itchy vulva waking me at night and I’d have to get up to put on some vagisil.

Within a month I was sleeping much better and could go all night without a pee. Itching stopped, A year later symptoms have returned and I have recently upped patch from Evorel 50 to 75, some improvements but not quite there yet, giving it another 3 months before another review and if I need another increase.

Overall good results for me. Mid 40s and I've been on it for a few months. Some ransom bleeding which isn't ideal.

Much better sleep, joint pain has gone, mood generally improved and more motivated and less anxious on HRT.