Elleste solo - does it work?

[newname99]

After years of visits to the GP I have finally managed to get my doctor to take my symptoms seriously. I had the mirena coil fitted in December which really helped with the heavy bleeds, ovulation pain and sore breasts. The hormonal acne seemed to clear up as well but I still had mood swings/fatigue/lack of concentration. A week ago I started on HRT, elleste solo 1mg and the acne has come back with vengeance and the insomnia/fatigue is still there.

Has anyone had similar experiences? Is it too early to expect results? I guess I was just hopefully of some early benefits after waiting so long!

TBH I'd re-assess the Mirena :)
It's supposed to be the perfect thing but some women with hormonal acne will find it triggers it as it's usually the progesterone part of a normal cycle that promotes acne.
There's also a lot to be said for getting away from pill form of HRT. NICE has stated that transdermal is safer and fewer side effects. 1mg is a low dose and a lot might be lost during digestion.

The combo that consultants recommend is the Mirena then Oestrogel which is a clear gel you apply to your arms once or twice a day and you can change the dose yourself from 0.75mgs to 3mgs daily - but you give each dose a couple of weeks or more until you find the level that suits you- I've used it for 7 years and it's brilliant ( as is my consultant who prescribed it from the start!)

Just some things to think on.

Thanks so much Polly, I was offered patches but assumed pills easier.I had felt my skin was clearer when using Mirena but maybe a coincidence.

I'm not feeling any different so maybe the dose is too low.

Polly, your comments here made me perserve with the gp to get hrt so thanks for all the valuable advice.

I agree with Polly - that is exactly what I am on (after a bit of a fight and advice from here). Works brilliantly and feel great. But, have never had acne so can't comment on that.

Just thought I would update especially for others on the HRT journey. Nearly 3 months in and I am feeling better . I had on/off bleeding which was really annoying and I nearly stopped taking the pills but in the last 3 weeks that has stopped.
I think the acne flare up maybe have been unrelated (I have food sensitivities and think it was triggered by them) as my skin has been totally clear since.

I feel it has taken several months to work. I have felt tired (normal levels after a very busy time in work) but not the crippling fatigue that I would have previously felt.

I am due to have a review with the GP and think I will ask for patches as suggested but am not keen to jeopardise the progress I have made already.

To others who may consider HRT, I would say - try it but you may need to stick with it for several months, especially if you have had the symptoms for a long time.

Great to hear you feel better! Just to endorse your comments- pretty sure my consultant advocates 3 months on any HRT before giving up or swapping, so looks as if that is what you've found.
I'd recommend gel over patches because you can adjust the dose so easily .