Scared of HRT

[NickyNora]

I started HRT last October after blood tests showed I was perimenopausal at 43.
No real symptons apart from tiredness & achy joints. GP gave me Femoston 1/10.

It sent me mental... quite literally. Never experienced anything it. Severe anger & rage. Screaming, smashed my kitchen up, smashed my sons xbox & that was final straw as i really scared the dc.

GP referred me to a Menopause Clinic. My FSH was 30 & LH 13.
She prescribed 2 pumps of Estrogen Gel & Micronised Progesterone Vaginal capsules (200mg)to be used for 14 days.

I'm terrified of reacting to the progesterone. I didn't realise it was to be used vaginally until I picked the prescription up from the chemist.

I asked for the smallest dose of progesterone possible. The Dr recommended a Mirena but i am really wary as I'm scared I will react to it & won't be able to remove it.

The hot flushes have really kicked in. My eyes are dry. Joints are really painful. I'm very moody etc. I totally understand the importance of HRT at my age but I'm scared of reacting to the progesterone. I really am not keen on using it vaginally for 2 weeks of the month.

Anyone else use progesterone this.way?

Hi Emerald, many thanks for your kind and friendly words (your English is fine!). No, I am not in menopause yet, but I am really hoping that I will not get the really bad symptoms that so many women suffer from. Thankfully there is no family history of severe menopause.

I hope your HRT treatment works for you.

Thanks for replying miss! I feel so lonely sometimes and I try not to allow my early meno ruin my life! I try my best! :)

Emerald, have you seen the Menopause Matters forum? www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php

Hi! Yes, I find it very helpful too! Thanks! :)

PollyPerky You were correct. I contacted tbe Menopause Clinic & the doctor admitted she had made an error.
I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to get a new prescription.

Can i just add, one of the most difficult aspects of going through early menopause is the lack of informatuon or clarity from my doctor. Infact I have now seen 6 doctors!

PollyPerky has a depth of knowledge of HRT that very few people have. I appreciate & value her advice.

I am not taking HRT lightly. I am very concerned due to my family history & having an underactive thyroid that I am at high risk of developing ostreoprosis and or heart disease.

I can ignore my symptons currently but i am under no illusions that my symptons are going to get better before I'm post menopausal.

Why should we 'suffer with menopausal symptons?
If I was depressed, I'd take an antidepressant.
If I had a pain, I'd take a pain killer.

HRT is no different except GPs seem to lack knowledge about a process every single women will experience... so i have had to resort to asking strangers on Mumsnet for advice.

Thankyou PollyPerky

Thank you for coming back to the thread and updating! Im so pleased the dr has said it was an error and that hopefully you can now start on the course and feel better.

The other thing you or anyone can do is always check with the pharmacist; they vary in their expertise perhaps depending on how many HRT scripts they dispense, but some may be able to offer a helpful opinion.