flashing lights on HRT - help

[motherofmuddles]

Hi
Im 47 and definitely as blood tests have shown going/gone through the menopause
GP prescribed HRT and it was an absolute bloody god send all symptoms disappeared and I felt human again
ONLY within four months I started getting flashing lights migraine type thing and had to stop. I left it for six months and all the horrible menopause symptoms return.

GP prescribed another brand of HRT but again after four months the flashing lights came back ! Anyone else had this and have you found an HRT that worked or anything that worked
Really appreciate any help or suggestions

You might find that using HRT as an oestrogen patch or gel, plus a separate progestogen, will help. HRT in pill form is associated with a higher risk of blood clots and other side effects.
A transdermal type like patches or gel is not.

Thank you
Can I get it from my gp or do I need to see a gynie

You can get the full range of all HRT from any GP in the NHS.

It might be best to try to learn what is available then you can go and ask your GP for it, because generally they prescribe either the cheapest form, or pills ( tends to be cheapest) because many are inexperienced about the menopause and do not know which other HRT options are available or better- in your case after migraines your GP should have known that transdermal HRT is better due to lower risk of blood clots.

Have a look at this site under HRT on the Green part of the menu and you will find a list of all HRT options inc patches, gels, pills.

www.menopauematters.co.uk

Thank you I really appreciate your time ??

There is currently a post on that website about how patches are better for anyone with migraine- it's been posted by someone who sent the site founder - a gynae- a query.

I'll try to copy and paste the relevant bit for you. This is the reply from the gynae.

"^There is a huge variation in how much estrogen we absorb from the bowel
from tablet HRT, and then how quickly we break it down--some women just
do not get enough estrogen into the system from tablets to control the
symptoms. Therefore if no help from Femoston 2/10, would agree that
patches would be better. With a history of migraine, patches anyway are
preferred rather than tablets so migraine is NOT a reason NOT to use
patches, instead, migraine is a reason to use patches!^

Thank you have printed out and am taking back to the GP
cheers

Which one are you on? My BFF was on one that seemed to be causing migranes and she swapped. I'm on it, but I can't remember the name ATM!

Just remembered - it's Prempak!

yes I was on prempak then swopped for Femoston
Finally got my appt and am seeing the NHS guy today !

Hi how long before the lights disappeared?
I came off HRT as started with lights and think May be related but I’ve been off HRT 3 weeks and lights still not gone

@angeace22 ZOMBIE thread now 8 years ago. You might get more posts if you start a new one.