HRT

[CC8te]

I was taking HRT for 32years after a hysterectomy. I had a TIA and the consultant immediately told me to stop HRT. I have since been experiencing withdrawal side effects of sleeplessness, sweating profusely, then shivering on and off throughout the day and more so through the night, brain fog, lack of energy or enthusiasm and I have gained a stone in weight without changing me diet.
I am looking for anyone who has experience similar things and suggestions on how to cope.

That sounds really tough, I don't have much to suggest except that Veozah might be worth looking into as a non-hormonal treatment for hot flushes/night sweats. The increased risk of clotting with transdermal HRT is small but as I understand it still real (despite what is commonly said on social media) and you don't want to take chances with TIAs.

The other thing to consider is your bone health - it might be worth getting a baseline DEXA scan and making lifestyle changes such as Vit D, calcium (ideally from diet) and impact/resistance exercise, as falling estrogen levels can lead to a significant reduction in bone density.

Transdermal hrt is much ‘safer’ than tablets. Go back and ask

I had a TIA and am still on HRT. I use a spray - oestrogen only as I had a hysterectomy (though of course that’s the same for you). My gp insisted I take a lower dose after TIA, but didn’t say I had to stop taking it.
If I were you I would seek a second opinion. It’s simple not true that you must stop taking HRT after a Tia. Your symptoms sound awful!

Hello, thank you so much for the information you posted for me I will definitely get a second opinion now and I didn’t know there are other options. I have started taking vitamin D and calcium in a supplement.
thank you so much

This is what AI says about HRT and clots. I know AI isn’t always accurate:

HRT and Blood Clot Risk

• Oral HRT (tablets): These increase the risk of blood clots because the estrogen is metabolized through the liver, which produces clotting factors. The risk is generally considered small in healthy, younger postmenopausal women but is higher in those with additional risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a history of clots.
• Transdermal HRT (patches, gels, sprays):This form of HRT does not carry an increased risk of blood clots above the baseline population risk because the estrogen is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver's initial metabolism.