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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask for HRT even though symptoms aren’t too bad yet?

25 replies

paddyclampofthethirdkind · 01/10/2023 17:54

I’m 50 and whilst I haven’t got any major symptoms of the peri menopause I have started to notice a decline.

I still have a period most months but am definitely less regular than I was. Occasionally get a hot moment and definitely feel a bit warm in bed.

The biggest change I have seen though is in my mood and energy levels. Definitely have spells of feeling low and more than anything a real sense of “can’t be arsed”. I love exercise but struggle to get out of the door - going on a work night is a complete no no. I have gained a bit of weight as well, which doesn’t help my energy levels.

I have a tough job which I am still able to do as well as I always did, but once I get home I’m done in.

A lot of my friends have far worse symptoms of the peri and so far I’ve been lucky. I am thinking I’d rather ask for HRT before things get worse. Now I know none of us are getting any younger but I’m not prepared to believe that life becomes shit at 50 and am prepared to do whatever it takes to get back on track!

AIBU or should I just put up with it for a bit longer and see how things go?

OP posts:

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 01/10/2023 18:40

No. Don't put up with it. Why would you? You can start on a low dose now. My emotional symptoms came on me very quickly & got quite bad almost overnight to the point I had made a plan for ending it. There's absolutely no benefit in waiting imo. Good luck!

Purplemertle · 01/10/2023 18:53

Good luck, I have struggled with peri for 4 years and now officially menopausal for 2 and went to Dr to ask for HRT. It was made clear that she wasn't prepared to even consider it until I lost weight. I accept overweight but not excessively so, I was so upset that never gone back.

Original poster

paddyclampofthethirdkind · 01/10/2023 18:55

Purplemertle · 01/10/2023 18:53

That’s awful! Do you mind me asking how overweight you were as I am overweight, although quite muscular too.

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 01/10/2023 19:01

I asked for HRT and ended up being prescribed thrush cream. Be prepared to have to fight for it.

sandalsinthebin · 01/10/2023 19:24

I went as soon as I got minor symptoms. A friend advised me to exaggerate a bit because some docs don't like to prescribe HRT. I did so and I got my dosage right in plenty of time before symptoms became really bad. My advice would be to lay it on a bit thick - why tolerate ANY symptoms when you really don't need to?

Mabelface · 01/10/2023 19:28

NICE guidelines state that women over the age of 45 presenting with symptoms should be prescribed hrt in the first instance.

Original poster

paddyclampofthethirdkind · 01/10/2023 19:33

sandalsinthebin · 01/10/2023 19:24

That’s what I was thinking! If I lay it on thick, they might be more likely to take me seriously! Would I be better seeing a male or female doctor?

OP posts:

UnaOfStormhold · 01/10/2023 19:35

I'd say it's definitely worth a try, particularly given the bit about exercise - exercise can be a really important part of managing menopause symptoms as well as great for your overall health, but if you're too exhausted to exercise that can really make things worse, and HRT may help with sleep and energy levels. I started HRT with mild symptoms (insomnia, night sweats, irritability) because I have a family history of osteoporosis and wanted to give my bones all the protection I could get. I was actually surprised that it helped with symptoms that had crept on so gradually I hadn't associated them with peri.

UnaOfStormhold · 01/10/2023 19:38

I wouldn't exaggerate symptoms to a medical professional. Be really clear about your symptoms, what you would like to do (I think the phrase "trial of HRT" can help) and that you have done your research, are aware of the risks and are making an informed request for treatment in accordance with the NICE guidance. Unfortunately this may not be enough due to the gaps in GP education, so be prepared to move on to another GP who is willing to listen.

spinspinsugar55 · 01/10/2023 19:41

I’m 43 and on HRT. Felt very perimenopausal over a year ago. Had blood tests which didn’t show anything, and never really do apparently. A female doctor I spoke to was quite dismissive. A male doctor really listened to me, was honest with me that he didn’t know enough but wanted to investigate further so brought me in for a physical appointment with a different female doctor. Felt completely seen and acknowledged. Started on a low dose and have now found the level that works for me.
Do not put off asking about it, it’s saved my mental health!

DramaAlpaca · 01/10/2023 19:42

I have a tough job which I am still able to do as well as I always did, but once I get home I'm done in

This bit really resonated with me. It was at that stage I 'gave in' and asked my GP for HRT. I have bags more energy now and don't need to collapse after work.

chillidoritto · 01/10/2023 19:42

Worrying to hear that some ladies have difficulty getting hold of something that others say makes such a difference. If men went through this there would be no such problems I bet!

BlondieLady · 01/10/2023 19:46

As well as improving your symptoms, something to consider is to avoid vaginal atrophy. In just a few years you are at risk of this if you don't take HRT.

UnaOfStormhold · 01/10/2023 19:47

It's a bit of a lottery unfortunately. I was lucky - filled in an online form, got a call back from GP next day, quick chat about what I was experiencing and what I wanted, booked in for mirena fitting the next day (total fluke, there was a cancellation!) and started estrogen a fortnight later, no battle at all. But I'm aware others have different experiences.

Original poster

paddyclampofthethirdkind · 01/10/2023 21:31

I’m definitely going to make an appointment as I don’t want things to get any worse. I think I will just lay it on thick without actually making things up.

OP posts:

Purplemertle · 02/10/2023 12:04

Hi I'm 5ft 5 and 14 St 6lbs, I try and walk alot but seem unmotivated. I suffered badly with endo all my life.

Pollyputhekettleon · 02/10/2023 12:07

Purplemertle · 01/10/2023 18:53

Being overweight does not mean you can't take HRT. Find a better doctor.

dutysuite · 02/10/2023 12:14

I would. I’m 44 and my GP just won’t listen - instead offered me antidepressants which I declined. I have such terrible brain fog, no energy, low mood and for the first time in my life anxiety. I also have horrendous periods. I just want to feel my old self again. After reading the comments here I’m going to go back to my GP.

jeaux90 · 02/10/2023 12:19

Just want to add my experience of this. Definitely go on HRT. Give it 6 months and see how your symptoms are then go back and ask the question, how do I know my hormone levels are where they should be? Ask for a blood test to check.

If your testosterone is on the floor and you have brain fog and low libido ask to be referred to your menopause clinic to be considered for testosterone.

Testosterone has been a game changer for me in terms of my mental capacity and focus at work. But they will mainly prescribe for low libido.

Lastly many GPS are crap about HRT , you need to find one who understands it.

Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 02/10/2023 12:56

It is hard to believe that it really is a lottery for women regarding HRT. I was prescribed it relatively easily but as I was under 45 needed bloods to exclude other causes of night sweats. I didn't have hormones measured as unreliable. It has taken about 18 months to get my HRT right, and I am lucky enough to have just started testosterone. I have a very informed GP.
I suggest just asking to start it.

JuneFromBethesda · 02/10/2023 13:05

I wish I’d started earlier than I did - I had 2 years of increasing low mood, anxiety and insomnia before I realised what it was (in my defence those two years were 2020 and 2021 so I thought it was simply in response to the pandemic!). I say go for it.

@dutysuite i hope you have more luck asking again.

I now have a Mirena coil and use Oestrogel, which has been hugely positive for me but I do wonder whether I should ask for testosterone as well. My libido has been absent for YEARS without a flicker of life, and I’m still struggling with brain fog. My memory is terrible and it’s really affecting my self-confidence 😞

@jeaux90 @Allthecatseverywhereallatonce did you find it difficult to get prescribed testosterone?

Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 02/10/2023 13:09

@JuneFromBethesda For me it was incredibly easy, I still had symptoms despite max dose of oestrogen so my GP suggested it. I was offered an NHS referral or a trial of testosterone. I know lots of people say it's the missing part of the HRT puzzle for them. It is early days but my head and thinking feel clearer and I feel more positive.

I know people who have used superdrug for testosterone which would have been my next step

Hapagirl48 · 02/10/2023 13:31

I guess it depends on your doctor. I'm 49 and sound really similar to you OP, regular periods but irritable and lack energy. I was prescribed HRT almost immediately (after a couple of tests). TBF, I haven't noticed a big difference since taking them though...

JuneFromBethesda · 02/10/2023 14:02

Thanks @Allthecatseverywhereallatonce I’ll pluck up the courage to go back to my GP - it would be so good to get a bit more mental clarity 😭

Original poster

paddyclampofthethirdkind · 03/10/2023 18:07

I can’t even get an appointment at the doctors at any time after 4pm!

OP posts:

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