Realistic expectations of HRT.

[NickyNora]

I've been on HRT for 10 months. Estrogel (4 pumps & Utrogestan 200mg for 10 days per month) for 6 months.

Hot flushes are only about once or twice a-day now. Still have joint & muscle pain. Fatigue. Memory loss. Zero labido. Irritable & moody (but better then it was). Bladder irritation getting worse.

I have an appointment at yet another menopause clinic tomorrow.

What realistically can i ask for or do to feel better?

I've really cleaned up my diet. No alcohol, caffine, sugars or processed foods. Even lost 15lbs! . Try to exercise every day.

I have improved since being on HRT as i literally couldn't cope with day to day life but I'm far from how i was.

I'm 44. The thought of spending years as i am is soul destroying. Maybe i need to accept this?
Whats a realistic expectation of HRT?

It sounds awful and I'd be inclined to think you have something else going on not just peri meno. You are on 3mgs estrogen daily which is a high dose.

If you go to the meno clinic (be aware many are staffed by GPs not specialist gynaes) you should ask for
-a blood test for estrogen levels
-testosterone
-blood test for virus to check you've not had something and got post viral fatigue.
-Consider the option of longer cycle HRT so that's maybe 6 -8 weeks estrogen only and see if this makes any difference because micronised progesterone can cause tiredness in some women.

Are you using topical estrogen for your bladder?

No I'm not on topical estrogen though i clearly need it.

The doctor today has referred me to ST Thomas'.

I lost confidence when he tried to give me antidepressants & said testosterone isn't prescribed by the NHS...