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

@BlueVelvetine

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

Hi,

I had a hysterectomy due to the triple whammy of endometriosis, fibroids and adhesions caused by a botched myomectomy procedure. That was 13 yrs ago.

I've been experiencing anxiety, depression, hair loss, loss of labido and hot sweats for approximately 11 years but I chose to ignore/live with/not discuss any of these symptoms, made small adjustments and kept pushing on with my life. Brain fog, tiredness & insomnia were additional symptoms, heightened during the pandemic - which contributed towards me having a mental health breakdown. I didn't get out of bed for two weeks.

Fortunately, around this time I stumbled across Dr Louise Newson discussing menopause symptoms, unbeknown to me it was menopause awareness month. Listening to her I realised that I had been experiencing menopause for at least 10 years. Which makes sense because I've had a hysterectomy.

I've been on HRT, the transdermal patches since December 2019 and I finally feel like myself. Initially I started experiencing mild cramps and spotting. I was worried about endometriosis returning, but the spotting & cramping stopped completely after 14 days. All of the menopause symptoms have GONE. I can sleep, the tiredness has gone, I'm more motivated to excercise, I've stopped overeating - which was due to never being able to satisfy this weird craving that I had, that I could never satisfy. And importantly the brain fog & anxiety has gone. I feel like me.

Oh my libido is non-existent so I'm going back to my GP to see if I can get some testosterone (loool I suspect she'll say no, wish me luck).

HRT has worked for me. I hope me sharing my experience gives you some insight and a bit of hope.

Thanks for sharing @NurseButtercup. It’s lovely to hear great outcomes. I’m so pleased you are doing well and sincerely hope this is just a period of adjustment for me. Can I ask if your hair regrew? I previously had extremely thick hair and have lost at least half which hasn’t helped my confidence x

Hello I was wondering if anyone could advise please as my drs is closed until Monday. I was recently put on HRT and collected my prescription today. I have Oestrogen patches and Progesterone tablets. The Progesterone tablets are Norethisterone 350ug. In the patient information leaflet it says they are used as an OCP, nothing about using them for HRT. Please can someone knowledgeable advise me whether this is the correct dose of Progesterone, Thank you

Sorry @HotWeather I’m not able to advise but just wanted to reply and say good luck with starting HRT. I’m sure one of these lovely ladies will be along soon to advise. 😊

@HotWeather (Just a thought - might be best to start your own thread another time as this is getting lost with the OP's thread about whether she should start hrt.) I only saw it as I was having a little browse :)

It's hard to advise on the exact amount you are taking and the type of hrt regime you are on.

Norethisterone is in ALL types of HRT (pills and patches, except for Femoston and Prempak.) It can also be used with estrogen gel and estrogen-only patches.

However the amount you take depends on whether it's daily (a combined, continuous regime) or for 12 days per monthly cycle.

If it's the latter, that amount if not enough because the usual amount is 1mg which would be 3 tablets (but don't quote me on that as I'm partly guessing.)

You really need to ask your GP to check the amount. Are you eager to start it before Monday?

ps @HotWeather You might want to discuss micronised progesterone (Utrogestan) with your GP as this is the most popular and safest at the moment and one which menopause consultants favour.

I’m 47 and had some menopausal symptoms such as stingy foof, heart racing at night/insomnia, occasional low mood & brain fog & weight gain. My periods have got significantly lighter & less painful over the past 2 years. I
I started Evorel 50 4 weeks ago and felt better to start with but my boobs inflated & felt like when your milk comes in painful. I’ve just had a period and it was incredibly painful and I was bloated out for 5 days, in agony with bowel problems and headaches & anxiety…I don’t get headaches!
I haven’t replaced my patch and I feel much more like myself.
Has anyone had their dose lowered or started on the gel only?
I want some help, but getting a GP appt for menopause is like getting one for a stubbed toe!

@JinglingHellsBells thank you so much for your fast reply. I have not had a period for over a year so am on the continuous HRT. What happened was I started on Evorel Conti (50ucg of Oestradiol in 24hrs) then I had a blood test and my Oestrogen was still too low. So I have been changed to Evorel 75 which is just the Oestrogen, plus the Norethisterone 350ucg tablets (one a day).

I am not desperate to start before Monday, it is just my GP is part time & quite hard to get hold of, last time it took over a week. I just wondered if anyone knew if this sounds right. I read the information leaflet and it seemed that the Progesterone was for use as an OCP, it didn't mention HRT which is why I am questioning if it is correct for me,

Thank you for the suggestion of Utrogestan I will ask about that.

@HotWeather This table on the types of HRT and the ratio of estrogen to progestins is very helpful.

www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

Look at all the types that include Norethisterone.

I think that what you have been prescribed is too low a dose of Norethisterone.

It's usually 0.5mgs or 1mg daily depending on the amount of estrogen. A patch of 75mcgs is roughly the same as 2 mgs estrogen (pill or gel) so that would look as if you should use 1mg Norethisterone.

You've been given 35mcgs which is less than these.

Thank you so much again @JinglingHellsBells that is so helpful. I was getting so confused. I think I am going to email my endocrinologist and let her know what the GP has put me on, does that sound the best thing to do. I will ask about the micronised progesterone too?

@sttf01 I know the feeling of trying to get a GP appointment for menopause.

@HotWeather

Thank you so much again *@JinglingHellsBells* that is so helpful. I was getting so confused. I think I am going to email my endocrinologist and let her know what the GP has put me on, does that sound the best thing to do. I will ask about the micronised progesterone too?

@sttf01 I know the feeling of trying to get a GP appointment for menopause.

To be honest, @HotWeather not all endos know much about hrt- it's not their specialism. They are 'general' hormone specialists dealing with everything from thyroid to diabetes.You'd be better off talking to your GP or one who knows about it.

@BlueVelvetine sorry to hear you are feeling rough, I had a bit of stomach ache one day, think it could be the Oestrogen aspect. Think other posters have given excellent advice. Try and look after yourself if you can.

@JinglingHellsBells Oh ok, I was only going to ask her as she was the one that suggested to the GP I start it. Will be phoning the surgery tomorrow morning for a GP appointment. Thank you for all your advice it has been very helpful.

I am so glad you started this thread @Octopus37 , it really seems to me that women need to educate themselves about HRT, as the knowledge of HCPs can be varied. Menopause does seem to be being openly discussed a lot more often, which is great.

@JinglingHellsBells I just wanted to let you know that I have talked to the endocrinologist & she has asked that I be changed to Utrogestan. I asked her if that would be better and she said yes. Now to get the GP to write a prescription. Thank you so much for suggesting that as I never would have asked about it, had you not said.

Well I have just had a long chat with my GP who hadn’t heard of Uterogestan so reluctant to prescribe it. He has now written to a specialist for their advice before taking anything further. I’m a bit lost tbh as I thought it would have been a quick and simple switch. I can either stop taking the Elleste (which in fairness I already have as couldn’t bear to take it last night) or continue with it until GP gets response from specialist and who knows when that’s likely to be ☹️

[quote HotWeather]@JinglingHellsBells I just wanted to let you know that I have talked to the endocrinologist & she has asked that I be changed to Utrogestan. I asked her if that would be better and she said yes. Now to get the GP to write a prescription. Thank you so much for suggesting that as I never would have asked about it, had you not said.[/quote]
Great news! Result!