Advice about HRT.

[Octopus37]

Hi, I'm seriously thinking of going on HRT cause I am struggling with peri symptoms, mainly low mood and anxiety, also very tired with sort joints, periods all over the place. I had a blood test done a couple of months ago which confirmed that I am going through the change. I am 46. Was wondering how much HRT helps people. I was worried about the cancer risk, but I have recently read some information which has reassured me. I'm worried about gaining weight. I was on an off AD's between age 39 and 44, which didn't help with my weight. I'm not overweight as such, about 9st4 at 5ft5 tall, but I used to be much slimmer in my 30s. Despite diets (I have been half a stone heavier than I am at the moment), I have never got down to my old weight. I recognise that this is an age thing and also down in part to a bit of lack of self control, but my body has nevertheless changed. I would love to lose some weight, but even if I cant, I dont want it to get any worse and I am concerned. Just wondering what has happened for other people. Regarding diet, I have been in a weight loss forum for the past year and a half, it is continued work in progress which doesn't get very far. Someone has recommend the Hi, I'm seriously thinking of going on HRT cause I am struggling with peri symptoms, mainly low mood and anxiety, also very tired with sort joints, periods all over the place. I had a blood test done a couple of months ago which confirmed that I am going through the change. I am 46. Was wondering how much HRT helps people. I was worried about the cancer risk, but I have recently read some information which has reassured me. I'm worried about gaining weight. I was on an off AD's between age 39 and 44, which didn't help with my weight. I'm not overweight as such, about 9st4 at 5ft5 tall, but I used to be much slimmer in my 30s. Despite diets (I have been half a stone heavier than I am at the moment), I have never got down to my old weight. I recognise that this is an age thing and also down in part to a bit of lack of self control, but my body has nevertheless changed. I would love to lose some weight, but even if I cant, I dont want it to get any worse and I am concerned. Just wondering what has happened for other people. Regarding diet, I have been in a weight loss forum for the past year and a half, it is continued work in progress which doesn't get very far. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks

Hello Octopus…big hugs to you! I think you and I are very much in the same boat. I have been experiencing a massive shift in my anxiety and depression levels over the last couple of months. Had a blood test back in March which shows I am perimenopausal but the last few weeks have been unbearable. I literally feel like I want to claw off my skin one moment then I’m reduced to tears the next! I was prescribed Trazodone 50mg as I have trouble staying asleep. This was 3 weeks ago and although it helps me sleep I actually feel as though my anxiety levels have skyrocketed on it. I spoke to my GP as there are other symptoms including thinning hair, burning skin, dry eyes, zero libido and I feel at the end of my end of my tether. We both feel I would benefit from starting HRT and he has has prescribed me with Elleste Duet 1mg. However after reading LOTS of posts from fellow mumsnetters, I am terrified to take this as lots of folk seem to have had a horrible experience on the ‘green’ pills and I don’t think I can take much more. Sorry for highjacking your post Octopus but any reassurance anyone can give would be greatly received. Thanks

Bump….any ladies out there with advice? Just cracked open meds and the info makes for grim reading! 😬 Have stuck my little stickers beside the tablets so ready to pop the fist one but a little scared….

I haven’t put on weight in 21 months on HRT. I have more energy for rigorous exercise now too.

Hi. I don't have experience but this might be worth a read (I remembered it after reading your post).

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/hrt-not-one-size-fits-treatment

Hi Oneglass..thanks for responding. Can I ask what, if any, side effects you had on starting HRT? Terrified it’s going to ramp up my already awful anxiety/depression…. Thanks x

I have the coil and patches! It was one of the best decisions ive ever made! I have actually gone back to feeling like a human being again rather than an exhausted, aching, neurotic, tearful monster! It has regulated my bleeding as well.

Thanks Fizz…will absolutely give that a read x

I am 44 and recently started HRT patches. I see an endocrinologist for this. Early days so far, but I have noticed a massive reduction in night sweats, no noticeable weight gain, (I would like to lose 3kg but so would a lot of women my age). I think my anxiety has improved, but not totally sure. Any reason you are on tablets rather than transdermal @BlueVelvetine ?

Hi Pablo! This is very positive. Really hoping for same outcome… take care 😊

Hi lovingspring….this is what GP suggested. Said it was easier to adjust dose? Tbh I did ask for the patch but he just said ‘let’s start with the tablets’ 🤷🏻‍♀️

The only side effect I had was from the progesterone element (Utrogestan, originally). It didn't work well on my particular endometrium (uterine lining) and didn't prevent it from developing polyps and thickening and bleeding when it shouldn't have done on continuous HRT, so I switched to a Mirena coil. I have no side effects at all from the coil now (five months in).

I never had any side effects from the oestrogen gel.

You may need to tweak things (I'm on gel because it is easy to change the dose.)

I actually feel really good. Being able to sleep at night and not have a feeling of anxiety and doom is liberating.

Be careful of self-fulfilling prophesies @BlueVelvetine :)
If you approach something with a 'this isn't going to work for me' mind, that's often the outcome.
Many women are very happy on HRT but don't come to social media to talk about it.

As a PP says you may need to switch 2 or 3 times to get the right sort- bit like trying on jeans! But there will be one type out there that suits you.

The type you are on includes Norethisterone for half the month. If that doesn't suit you there are at least 4 other options.

Meant to add, my endometrium had probably been 'acting up' for years before I started HRT. I had very very short cycles and didn't seem to be very good at producing progesterone or using it, so I really needed the Mirena. Should have had it inserted about ten years ago: silly me for taking too much note of negative stories.

There's a message there about HRT too: you tend to hear the negative stories.

@BlueVelvetine

Hi lovingspring….this is what GP suggested. Said it was easier to adjust dose? Tbh I did ask for the patch but he just said ‘let’s start with the tablets’ 🤷🏻‍♀️

Maybe fobbing you off- they are cheaper . The drive now is to get women off tablets and onto transdermal as 1st choice.

What was blood test for? If for oestrogen should be between 200 and 600 on hrt.
Patches best for oestrogen as safest.
Utrogestan best progesterone as only bio identical one.
www.chelwest.nhs.uk/professionals/gp-advice-and-troubleshooting-guide-for-hrt-in-primary-care

Yes, I’ve actually read that the gel is easier to tweak….makes sense. Wonder if I could start the tablets then switch to the patch/gel? Jees my brain is pickled….

Been on novofem fir 2 years and best thing I ever did! No side effects at all. Also use topical oestrogen for VA with no side effects

Thanks for all replies…this is all very new to me and I wish I’d known half of this before consulting GP.

@whatsnext2 I had asked for my hormone levels (FSH) to be checked last year and again this year. Last year I was told that they were sitting about where they were s’posed to be but this year they indicated I was peri menopausal. The hike in anxiety has hit me like a train…I was previously on citalopram for a few years but weaned myself off of it last August. I was feeling completely fine and then it all changed…almost like the flick of a switch. The Trazodone has helped me sleep through the night but I wake with horrible anxiety/sadness which persists till mid afternoon. It’s exhausting.
@JinglingHellsBells, thanks for insight…I do agree I have to go into this with a positive mindset..it’s just a tad scary
Thanks ladies, you are all so lovely for replying x

@Theeyeballsinthesky - that’s great to hear 😊

The weight issue. Hrt helped my sleep and mood dramatically which means I am more able to exercise and I’m not craving snacks. So that is a positive for me.

If you read some of the threads on here about the davina tv program (you can watch that on catch up) it will give you overview into some of the debate around cancer risk. It’s far lower than say being overweight for a start!

Also you can try hrt for say 3-6 months to see if it works for you. If not for whatever reason stop.

I've always taken the lowest dose of HRT and have found it's enough to keep all of the symptoms at bay.
I was literally psychotic without it and a red, sweaty mess.
I've been on it for at least 10 years and it's FANTASTIC! It protects your heart and bones also.
Doing it without HRT would not have been possible for me.

@BlueVelvetine I've been on Elleste Duet 1mg for five years and found it works perfectly for me. The Norethisterone tablets do make me a bit more grumpy, but nothing major that I can't cope with.
In fact after reading various threads about how gel and patches were better I gave them a try a couple of years ago. It was a complete and utter disaster for me! The Utrogestan made me very ill and it seemed I didn't absorb the estrogen very well transdermally, so I went back to tablets.

As others have said, try different types to see what suits you.

Oh @Whippet that’s very reassuring to hear. Do you take it at a specific time of day?

@Shehasadiamondinthesky ‘literally psychotic’ is exactly how I’m feeling! My 13yr old is even starting to ask if I’m ok which just breaks my heart….

Can’t see that I have much to lose by giving it a go. It’s just the side effects I’m concerned about as I always get very nauseated taking meds. Anyone have any advice on this? Xx

I take it in the evening.