HRT

[DoreenLethal]

Another HRT thread - sorry.

But 7 years after asking, and after my periods ending, and after 7 years of hot hot flushes, sleepless nights, aching muscles I finally got HRT patches two days ago. I raced home, put one on and life has already changed for the better.

No hot flushes.
No aching muscles [I can walk to bed now, not hobble].
And although I am not sleeping well at the moment it is due to the heat and more than a little excitement at maybe getting a decent night's kip [so excited about this I can't sleep!]
And even though I am still doing 12,000-15,000 steps at work, in this heat, in the polytunnels and gardens, shifting and heaving stuff about, I am not feeling like death by the time I get home.

7 years I have suffered and overnight the difference is amazing.

I asked why I was not allowed them before and the [male] doctor told me that there were health concerns 7 years ago...I didn't want to keep poking the hive as he got the book and started looking up the right prescription but oh my god I can't believe the change.

I feel like a human again.

I'll probably get no response but just needed to get it out there!

[PingPongBat]

... stopped taking it this summer because I had been getting monthly hormone headaches ...

[PingPongBat]

I've been on the combined pill for as long as I can remember, but stopped taking it this summer monthly hormone headaches over the last 2 years. Initially I felt OK, a few headaches here and there, but in the last few weeks I've been experiencing incredibly achy muscles & stiffness - I just feel really sore in my arms and legs all the time. Taking off a shirt over my shirt is a struggle, getting up from sitting is painful. And then this week I've started having irregular heartbeats and feeling lightheaded, even when just sitting watching TV.

Are these symptoms the sort of things that can be alleviated by HRT? Is there anything else I can do to help with the aching?

My mum and grandmother also had osteoporosis, and I've read that HRT can help with this too so I'm tempted to book a visit to my GP to ask about it.

[lljkk]

@Piscivorus:
I don't know what you think of as an unbiased source.
Cancer UK or cochrane reviews?
They both suggest that HRT definitely raises the risk of cancers (they call this a "statistically significant" increase).
But when you look at the raised risks, it might be one extra case of ovarian cancer for every 1000 women on HRT. Or a similarly small number of breast cancer cases per 1000 women (I can't find numbers, but might be 5-10 extra cases).
You might decide that those are pretty small risks if HRT hugely makes your quality of life better otherwise, in mean time.
But No one can decide that for you, it's a personal choice.
It sounds like you don't even know for sure if HRT would help you, or how much it would help, so that might be the first thing to find out (you'd have to try it to find out).
Best of luck.

[Piscivorus]

Thanks, will have a look

[PollyPerky]

The latest research seems to show that HRT does not cause breast cancer- it may promote the growth of cells already present. So a woman may have one cancer cell which would have developed in maybe 10 years into a tumour, but HRT has accelerated that growth. I have been told this personally by a consultant.

I left a link on a previous thread written by the chairperson of the British Menopause Society. If you go t //www.menopausematters.co.uk Home page, scroll right down to the bottom, you will see Blog. There are 2 links there to HRT and breast cancer. The author of these blogs is Dr Heather Currie, consultant and chair of the BMS.

Lifestyle causes more breast cancer than HRT- alcohol, being overweight and inactive. If you look at the stats this is shown. There is a lot on the website I linked to under HRT Risks and Benefits.

[Piscivorus]

Could anyone give me a link please to some info on HRT that is unbiased?
My aunt died of breast cancer some years back and was convinced it had been caused by the HRT she had following a hysterectomy so I had always thought I should not have it but am now reconsidering

My periods stopped about 3 years ago at 51 and I thought I was getting off lightly as my only symptoms were feeling a bit warm now and then and not sleeping well (I am never tired until at least 2am and find it impossible to get to sleep before then which leaves me knackered each morning). About 6 months ago I had some vaginal symptoms which were diagnosed as atrophic and have Oestriol cream for that. Just recently though I feel anxious, dithery, can't make decisions and feel as though I am constantly on edge which seems to be a common menopause symptom

I am really torn on this as, irrational as it might be, I am scared there may be risks but would appreciate learning more so I can decide

[clippityclop]

Does anyone have experience of Tridestra? 49 now and about a year ago could n' t cope with night sweats, aching and itching any more. I was prescribed the 1mg Elleste. Symptoms went, I felt great. However the difference in my period every other month became more extreme. I've always had one month of cramps, really low mood, rotten pms and clotting, dark blood, and then the next no pain whatsoever Just a sorry of jittery feeling for a few days and then bright red blood. Now have been prescribed Tridestra to even things out. Only on day 3 ,so any advice would be great.

[DoreenLethal]

Thanks Polly - I honestly am very active and took up running earlier this year which I had to drop when I got this job as I was so exhausted in the evenings as I never stop. Literally. 6 months after starting there one of the volunteers commented that it was the first time he had seen me sit down since I started working there and was going to get a photo taken of me actually sitting down to do something.

I always investigate anything before I pay the prescription charges so will be looking at what I have been prescribed this evening.

[PollyPerky]

ok. Got the picture!

Here is a link anyway.

www.nos.org.uk/healthy-bones-and-risks/exercise-and-strong-bones

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the use of calcium / vit D supplements ( google) with some experts saying they are not helpful and may increase risks of heart disease. There is also research showing very little improvement in women under 60 who take them. Whatever you do, don't just swallow them and think they are the 'cure'.

You will probably be offered bisphosphonates . These preserve bone by stopping the turn over. They do have side effects and can only be used for a few years. Some research says they are not suitable for younger women or women who don't have severe osteo ( T score -3 or more.)

Just some things for you to think about before your appt to discuss treatment. You may get enough improvement with HRT and exercise because HRT is now the first line treatment for women under 60.

www.nos.org.uk/healthy-bones-and-risks/exercise-and-strong-bones

[DoreenLethal]

I am a head gardener. I exercise! I barrow woodchip, I cut down trees, I move plants, I dig over plots, I move compost, I turn compost, I hoik pallets around - I never stop!

Mondays are my Sundays. Back to it tomorrow. After the blood tests.

[PollyPerky]

You need to do exercise. Seriously. I got a great book from the National Osteoporosis Society with photos etc. I do floor exercises with ankle weights, then lunges, squats, some exercises for the back and shoulder with lightish dumb bells, as well as walking a lot. You can reverse the process but you have to really be committed and work-out 3-4 times a week .

[DoreenLethal]

-2.9

Got an appt with an osteo clinic in nov. Vit D and Calcium blood test then start the Calcium and Vit D supplements tomorrow. And of course the HRT!

[PollyPerky]

I'm so sorry to hear that :(

I had osteopenia at 47 -ish which was almost full blown osteoporosis in my hips. I had NO risk factors and this was 6-7 years before I was menopausal. Last scan ( a year ago) my bones were normal thank goodness, and I got a big improvement before HRT with exercise alone. I'm now in my 60s.

What treatment is suggested and what is your T-score? If you don't know, find out because treatment varies and some is not without risks.
PM me if you feel like it.

[DoreenLethal]

So - I've had the scan and got the results today.

I have Osteoperosis. Deep joy. So thanks to that female doctor, I have missed out on 7 years of treatment that could have prevented it.

Utter cunt. I'm fucking furious.

[PollyPerky]

Precious- where abouts in menopause are you? Did your periods stop altogether last year? Why did you change from patches to pills?

Conti HRT which is a 'no bleed' HRT is for women who have not had a period for 1 year. Many of us don't get on with conti HRT because it's 2 hormones daily- the progestogen part opposes the oestrogen to prevent the uterine lining building up, so there is no need for a 'period.

Progestogens are the hormone that can make us feel 'yucky- they are the PMS hormone! You don't have to use conti- you can use sequential and have a monthly bleed and then you are not using progestogens every day.

I am 8 years post meno but use a type of HRT that gives me a cycle.
Many of us use Oestrogen gel (or a patch) and a separate progestogen / progesterone each month to mimic a natural cycle.

Unfortunately, a lot of GPS are not experienced enough with HRT to offer these regimes so they dish out pills and assume conti works for all women.

The other thing to think about is the dose- you may simply need more oestrogen to get better results.

I really suggest you read the forum on Menopause Matters website and look at the menu there about HRT and different types, pros and cons of types.

[Esspee]

Go back to your doctor. There are lots of options and sometimes it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find the one that is best for you. Hope you feel better soon.

[precious222]

Hello ladies, im a newbie to this, can anyone give me some advice on hrt, i started the menopause last year and i went on to femseven conti patches they worked for 2 weeks, im now on femoston conti tablets they dont seem to be helping at all there just makeing me really depressed,

[DoreenLethal]

I feel so sorry for women who believe the medical consensus is against HRT which is just wrong in light of the most recent research.

I asked for HRT 7 years ago.

[Esspee]

Doreen, lovely to hear the HRT has worked for you and you are feeling fab. Keep spreading the good news, I do every chance I can. I feel so sorry for women who believe the medical consensus is against HRT which is just wrong in light of the most recent research.

[DoreenLethal]

Doreen- if your GP is that rubbish then be prepared for them NOT to refer you for a DEXA scan

I went for my test results today - my FSH hormoes, which at over 20 apparently would be considered high - mine was 97. So definitely the menopause. As if I didn't know.

Anyway - I seem to have actually got a decent doctor there as he just straight away started filling out the referral form for the bone scan and gave me another 3 months patches. Boom.

I am feeling fab. Honestly, I haven't felt this good in years.

[Esspee]

Hi Polly, yes I had a surgically induced menopause so only need to take oestrogen. The only possible bone density issues I have relate to an early menopause (at 40). If any problems showed up then I expect I would be called in more often. I'm in Scotland where I have to say I have almost always been impressed with the standard of care we get from the NHS.
Oestrogen works wonderfully for me leaving me with extremely strong bones and I love the freedom my implants give me. Twice a year I have a minor procedure which leaves me free to live my life without having to think about changing patches.

[PollyPerky]

Espee what are you using for the progestogen side of your HRT- or have you had a hysterectomy? Interested that you have a bone scan only once every 10 years. Are you in the UK? Just wondering because the guidelines are every 2-3 years for anyone with bone density issues (I have them once every 2 years) and they aren't given routinely anyway on the NHS.

[LifeIsGoodish]

I wouldn't say I felt 21 again , but I did feel human again.

I started with Evorel + Mirena, twice-weekly patches. Looks like either GP or pharmacist made a mistake.

Actually, I've had 3 different patches + Mirena, and the gel + Mirena, too. Vastly prefer patches. Had to change from Evorel because my skin didn't like the glue. Gel didn't suit me. Best patches were Estradot, but suddenly could no longer get hold of them and had to switch to Elleste. But Elleste are 40mcg instead of 50mcg, and I think that's why they're not quite as good for me. Still amazingly wonderful, though!

[Doinmummy]

I've got Evorel 25 I've got the Mirena coil fitted , which I'm having replaced next week as it's been in 6 years.

I've been wearing this patch for 13 hours now and am most disappointed that I don't feel 21 again

[LifeIsGoodish]

I noticed significant improvement within a few weeks, took about 3m to get maximum improvement.