To just ditch HRT completely

[menopausalmeltdown]

I am 46, hit perimenopause at 42. Since then I have tried nearly every possible hrt combination (sequential, combined, gel, patch, spray). Currently on 100 oestrogen patch and 200 Utrogestan (vaginal).

Migraines have been a real problem for me and the gynaecologist thought it was probably lack of oestrogen. Since upping the patch the migraines haven’t disappeared but have become less frequent.

However I feel absolutely rock bottom. Constantly exhausted and depressed and have put on a huge amount of weight. I just do not know where to go from here and am thinking about ditching hrt altogether.

Anyone able to offer suggestions or had anything similar. The only things that I haven’t tried are the Mirena (I’m reluctant as so many people have issues) and Cyclogest. Has anyone tried either of these?

Thanks all!

Do you suffer with many Menopause symptoms or are they more localised..
For instance I mainly suffer with VA so use topical HRT, without it I'd be in constant pain/discomfort.

There's a good forum called Menopause matters that really is a wealth of information.

Thanks for replying. Main symptoms are irregular bleeding, sweating and migraines. I'll have a look at the forum

Have you had your hormone levels checked to see if you are absorbing the oestrogen?

Serotonin is largely produced by the gut microbiome, do you have any digestive symptoms? If so you may find addressing these helps with the depression and also with hormone balance.

I found testosterone to be a helpful addition for energy but you need to get oestrogen optimised first.

Thanks for this. Hormone levels last week were normal but I'm very aware that they will fluctuate over the month. Testosterone was tested because that was another thing to try but as it was normal not sure if this helps. Only real digestive symptom is bloating...

I’m watching with interest. I’ve given up taking my HRT. I just can’t see to get the balance right. A gynaecologist recently said that I had to take such a significant dose of both oestrogen and progesterone ( the same amounts as you take) due to my weight. In essence she felt it was my fault and what could I expect. I was also taking testosterone in an attempt to deal with low libido. I’m finding not taking it is leaving me with uncomfortable VA but I’m at a bit of a loss as to know what to do. I have a lot of weight to lose but depression and anxiety plus recent significant bereavement is making that impossible. I’m just sort of existing.

Part of the reason I started HRT was that every time I had a hot flush I had a migraine.

While the HRT got rid of the flushes and so the migraines that went with them, I can't honestly say it made my overall migraine better.

For that I needed a separate migraine treatment. It's possible you do too.

Sorry that you're feeling rubbish too and that people seem to have been unsympathetic. It's really very difficult

I’m finding not taking it is leaving me with uncomfortable VA but I’m at a bit of a loss as to know what to do.

While I've been using the gel since late last year, 2 pumps daily alternating arms/legs, due to having had a hysterectomy and it causing me to feel tired in the afternoon I suspect I could stop that if need be but suffering with VA myself there's no way I could stop the topical HRT, infact I'm I've an appointment made to see my GP about increasing it since my ovaries have been removed.

I have sumatriptan which helps but don't like to take them too often. Are you taking a triptan?

If it’s the migraines bothering you, I agree go for migraine medication. It is not always linked to hormone levels. There are options other than triptans.

Id reduce the estrogen back down since estrogen causes weight gain and you only increased the dose to test the theory that it would stop the migraines, when it hasn’t.

Hi @menopausalmeltdown I never ever take more than 6 triptans a month as it can cause overuse headache- had it, it was awful.

But if you are having more than 4-6 migraines a month you need a daily preventer treatment.

I was unlucky and had limited success with all of them but that is unusual. I am now on Aimovig and it's like a miracle.

I also eat less as not forever trying to stop a migraine coming on as hunger is a big trigger, or stuffing my face with carbs during a prodrome.

Thank you this sounds sensible

I have tried propanonol (so?) but it left me exhausted. GP suggested amitriptiline but I'm a bit reluctant due to side affects...

I went through it without HRT because it's only used as a last resort in the US as it increases the risks of stroke, heart attack and cancer while you're on it. Only 4% of American women take it, according to government statistics.

I used evening primrose oil and natural progesterone cream from a health food store. Worked a treat, and neither of those ingredients increase stroke, heart attack and cancer risks.

I went through a lot of combinations before I got the balance right. I started HRT when I'd been peri-menopausal for a while, so around age 46 ... brain fog, hot flushes, VA, anxiety, tearfulness, depression and insomnia were taking over my life and affecting my ability to work.
I also bled heavily when the GP gave me a certain oestrogen dose without balancing it properly with progesterone.
I'm now in my 'happy place' with 2.5 pumps of Oestrogel a day and 2 progesterone capsules (oral). No bleeding, and moods fairly settled. I also need topical oestrogen for the VA.
Some women say that adding testosterone into the mix is the final piece of the puzzle for tackling exhaustion and libido, but I'm happy where I am at my age (late 50s). Hth.

Thanks for sharing

Thanks for this

Hi @menopausalmeltdown

My GP has put me on a low dose of amitriptyline for migraines - the only thing that has worked, and took a few weeks, but am now down to maybe one or two headache days a month, versus the previous 6 - 10.

Have you had your thyroid checked? It can cause a lot of similar issues to menopause and often hits at around the same time for a double whammy!

That's interesting so might be worth a try

No actually I did wonder whether I should ask for other bloods

Would love to see your sources for this.

It might actually be that you have too much oestrogen, especially if you're still having periods? I've just finished a book called Hormone Repair Manual that goes into all this, it talks about thyroid and migraines too.

It's a bit late for me as I'm now in my 50s but I wish I'd read it in my 40s. It suggests other tests, supplements that you can take, and there's a lot about how you might actually get too much oestrogen if you're still having a cycle. Highly recommend it. Not on commission!

I have the coil too, I've had it for contraception for over 15 years now and it really suits me. Getting it in and out isn't fun, and I did have weight gain, but it has really helped.

I'll check it out. I hadn't thought it in that way but I do have a cycle so entirely possible. Thanks

Same. Sounds like very outdated information.