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

Thanks @Whippet 😊

@BlueVelvetine sorry to hear that you are going through similar. Have to say I wish my 14 year old would ask if I was ok, the other day he told me I'm an old hag, which didn't help my mood. I have been reading through all the replies, which were really helpful. Its a whole new world. I'm a bit concerned about the side effects, but really need to feel more like myself again. @Whippet your experience is reassuring, I thought that patches would be the way to go as well, eventhough I know they are more likely to push tablets cause they are cheaper.

@Octopus37 your weight for your height sounds fine btw. I am 166cm and finding it really hard to get back to under 60kg - still hovering around the 64kg area. I'm 48 now and it just seems to take longer than ever to lose weight!

I'm not on HRT but have you had your vitamin D checked? Mine was appallingly low and since rectifying that and taking a general under the tongue supplement, I have been feeling a lot better!

aw @Octopus37 tbh I think I’d prefer he hadn’t noticed I wasn’t right…your boy is just being a typical teenager but I’m sure he adores you xx. Mine is just a little sensitive xx
@TheFunBus….interestingly my Vit D was in my boots about 18mnths ago (was 17 and was told it should have been between 30-50). I was put on a loading dose for 3 months then a maintenance dose for further 3 months. I’m wondering if it’s low again?

@BlueVelvetine it's worth looking into especially as there hasn't been much sun over the last year and we've all been trapped indoors!

Thanks @TheFunBus … I’ll look into that x

@BlueVelvetine transdermal (ie patches or gel) is normally recommended over oral as it reduces the risk of adverse effects, it also increases bioavailability as is metabolised slightly differently. Maybe have a Google and ask your GP if transdermal would be better it is recommended in prescribing guidelines.

Thanks @Lovingspring … will do that xx

@BlueVelvetine

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

Make sure you eat regularly and also get a break. menopause makes you exhausted and you just cannot do what you used to do. Don't just settle on one if it makes you fell rough, I tried 6 varieties of HRT before finding one that was perfect.

Thanks @Shehasadiamondinthesky, that’s good advice x
I have just woken up to severe anxiety and uncontrollable crying. I can’t go on like this. I am shaking/trembling, feeling sick constantly. My GP prescribed me Trazodone a few weeks back and although this means I sleep I think it’s making my symptoms worse. Does anyone have any experience with this drug? I am on a low dose (50mg) but thinking of stopping but fearful of the withdrawal on top of everything else. I can’t believe how all of these feelings just came crashing down on top of me. I feel like a failure 😞

I've been taking Femoston 0.5/2.5 conti for about 4 years now, my periods had stopped but flushes and night sweats were terrible along with anxiety which I'd never had before. The difference was amazing, sweats and flushes disappeared within a week! It's low dose and I didn't try any alternatives as seemed to do the trick. However, I'm now 53 and have noticed other symptoms including my nails splitting vertically, dry eyes, struggling to keep weight under control (that isn't new but seems harder than ever) so maybe I should have it reviewed. I've just had repeat prescriptions due to lockdown and not having face to face appointments

@oneglassandpuzzled that sounds great! And this is why I am considering going to my Drs. this week.

Will report back OP.

There's an insta page by Naomi Potter with LOADS of helpful info on HRT. I'm liking the look of the sprays.

https://instagram.com/drmenopausecare?utmmedium=copyy_link

[quote SmiledWithTheRisingSun]@oneglassandpuzzled that sounds great! And this is why I am considering going to my Drs. this week.

Will report back OP.

There's an insta page by Naomi Potter with LOADS of helpful info on HRT. I'm liking the look of the sprays. [/quote]
Looking forward to finding out how you got on!

I've started Elleste Duet 2mg today, had to have a blood pressure check first, luckily it was ok. Will see how I get on.

Morning ladies, I have been taking Elleste Duet 1mg for 11days so far. On day 5/6 I started having left sided pelvic pain/back pain. Years ago I had adhesions removed and the pain I’m having is similar (dragging, pulling pain). I wasn’t told at the time that I had endometriosis but think this may have been the case. I’ve since read that oestrogen can reactivate endometriosis and wondered if anyone has any experience of similar pain/discomfort? Thanks all xx

I haven't experienced similar, but glad to hear that you have started HRT as well. Hopefully one of the other ladies will be able to advise you about the endometriosis stuff. I am on day 6, think I am feeling a bit better on the whole, felt great over the weekend, but had a bit of breakthrough bleeding and stomach ache yesterday, fine today. Hope you get it sorted. Take care

I have lost weight! I think because I don't rage eat - with my moods in better control I am better able to manage my eating.

I am also about 6 weeks into testosterone because I was just feeling really foggy. Testosterone is absolutely fantastic for energy, and I think that helps with weight loss as well.

HRT is the best thing about being a peri menopausal woman in the year 2021.

In terms of cancer risk, I gave up regular alcohol. It seemed like a good trade - and alcohol was giving me hot flashes.

Morning all, I am really struggling with Elleste and considering stopping. I am having extremely low moods and shaking/palpitations (even with propranolol) and I haven’t started the green pills yet. This morning I have dreadful cramp as well which I’m surprised at as thought this would start with progesterone? My main reason for trying HRT was to help my anxiety/depression but I’m now feeling hot/sweaty overnight which wasn’t really a symptom before? My question is, if I am to stop HRT do I need to complete this months course, ie the green pills? I’m terrified tho gs will het worse….thanks x

Sorry should read ‘I’m terrified things will get worse’

@BlueVelvetine

Morning all, I am really struggling with Elleste and considering stopping. I am having extremely low moods and shaking/palpitations (even with propranolol) and I haven’t started the green pills yet. This morning I have dreadful cramp as well which I’m surprised at as thought this would start with progesterone? My main reason for trying HRT was to help my anxiety/depression but I’m now feeling hot/sweaty overnight which wasn’t really a symptom before? My question is, if I am to stop HRT do I need to complete this months course, ie the green pills? I’m terrified tho gs will het worse….thanks x

It's your choice but just over a week into using it, doesn't give it a fair trial. Your low moods are surely a symptom of peri and estrogen ought to help but less than two weeks' use is nothing. Also, the hot and sweaty feelings could be a) the weather and b) your own lack of estrogen that would be happening anyway.

Are you trying other lifestyle measures like exercising daily (at least 30 mins outside, walking, reducing refined carbs, reducing alcohol, etc?)

Thanks for replying @JinglingHellsBells. I’ve been trying to get out and about but feel exhausted and completely paranoid about bumping into someone I know who asks how I am! I’m an emotional wreck at the moment. Mornings are horrendous. I think I have read a little too much about the effect of the green pills and now terrified as can’t take much more. I also have an interview coming up this week and this is an added stressor. Also started AD’s just over a week ago so my system is being bombarded. I didn’t expect to get cramps whilst taking the oestrogen only tabs but this morning has been awful. Is this normal? Thanks in advance x

@BlueVelvetine I'm not your dr so ignore my ideas, BUT having read all Dr Louise Newson has on her website, using ADs (now) and at the same time as HRT doesn't sound a good idea. They don't work for peri and meno symptoms of anxiety and the answer for most women is HRT at the right dose and the right type. Starting both together means you can't sort out any side effects of ADs (of which there are many) and if your HRT is working.

Unless you have had long term depression and anxiety before peri meno, the advice from NICE is women with peri symptoms are not to be prescribed ADs- it's in the link of the Nice guidance on this forum. I don't know why your dr has gone down that route.

As I say I am not your Dr and there may be reasons for these drugs, but on the surface, it's not a good move. There is a huge ongoing campaign to get drs to stop giving ADs to women in peri meno.

There are 4 types of progesterone available and the 'green pills' are just one sort. Many women are fine on them. I used Norethisterone for 6 years ( that's the pills in your pack) and was fine with them. I only changed as Utrogestan is safer and body identical.

Mindset has a huge role in how we feel and if you expect the worst, that may well happen! it's the opposite of the placebo effect!

Maybe you could try other things at the moment, like mindfulness (lots of free apps and ones like Headspace), some gentle yoga, meditation, and gentle walks in green spaces - all shown to be more effective than ADs for anxiety and no nasty side effects.

The cramps may just be the effect on your womb lining- they will stop.

If Elleste isn't for you there are plenty other types of HRT. Most women now are not being given pills- it's patches and gel that's the best.

Thanks again @JinglingHellsBells. I have a history of anxiety/depression which has been exacerbated in recent months due to a series of difficult life events. I agree it’s hard to know whether it’s the issues I’ve had or if it’s fluctuating hormones that’s the cause of these awful symptoms so think the GP is flinging everything at it tbh. I previously did well on an SSRI and so hoping same will happen this time. But, I am having added symptoms of dry eyes, itchy/burning skin, loss of libido etc coupled with a high FSH that led GP to also suggest HRT. I did query the oral tabs as read this is not the preferred option but GP felt it was easier to adjust the dose? Or is it just the cheapest option? I’m also massively concerned about the effect of norethisterone on my hair as have had marked hair loss in the last 18mnths and have read this can cause hair fall. I think I would do better with a gel tbh and some locally applied progesterone (if there is such a thing?).