About to start HRT

[PeriChristmas]

Well I've finally convinced my doctor to give me a prescription.
She said to start on day 1 of my cycle. So waiting for that now. Will be another 3 weeks.

Anyone else at the start of trying HRT & want to compare notes?

I've been on gel/tablets for 2 years and patches a few months before that. But I'm meant to take my tablets days 15-27 not 12-24 which some months means I don't take 12 tablets because my period starts first!

On my second patch now. Fingers still feel lots better, hips a bit better but nothing else to report. Sleeping through was a one night wonder.
I'm still knackered and achy, hot flushes still the same, reflux still the same.
Wondering at what point it kicks in or whether I'm going to need a higher dose. I'm on Evorel 50 sequential.

May I join?
I’m on 1st conti patch (3rd week in) felt fine on the first 2 weeks of patches, but this one, feel more headachey and not so vibrant :-(
Have had to request my repeat as they only gave me 4 weeks to try.
Anybody else had this on the conti patches?

Wow lots of ladies here - it's good to hear everyone's experiences. I'm really only on day 4 so super early days here.
The real test will be completing a cycle of no combined pill ( 3 more to take in last pack) and then start Utrogestan in a few days

missfliss
I think you're supposed to take the Progesterone on day 1 of the calender month.
See this thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/menopause/4275710-Help-Bit-confused-by-progesterone-schedule
1st of every month (so you remember )

Thanks- it's all a bit confusing but my instructions from clinic are to take on day 12 of my cycle - so starting 12 days from first day of next bleed. Then whatever calendar day that is I'll just repeat that each month from then on in

It's all so confusing!

@DobbleDobble
Yes, I only got one month, although we don't pay for HRT where I live, which was unexpected.

And my periods aren't regular (and never have been) so GP said start whenever.

Really hoping it might help with my digestive issues, sore joints & mood swings too

It's helped with all of that for me 🙌

The oestrogen patches have been amazing. Overnight transformation. I feel a bit weepy when I

Sorry posted too soon ...

I feel a bit weepy thinking of how bad things were & how much oestrogen has helped.

But ... I'm struggling with Utrogestan. I'm only on my 2nd cycle & taking it in the latter part of my cycle. It feels like I experience some of the same symptoms again, digestive issues, bloating, mood swings, anxiety. Tho not as bad.

The first two weeks of the month are brilliant!

I feel like myself for the first time in years.

Re dates.

You can start any day you want with the oestrogen and either take progesterone daily (lower dose) or last 15 - 28 days (counting from the first day you started the oestrogen, if higher dosage).

I waited until the first day of my cycle. Felt it was easier for tracking, reduced chance od break-through / irregular bleeds.

My instructions are to take progesterone daily, but I’m not sure it’s a lower dose. I’d better check that with the GP.

Started on Kliofem 6 weeks ago , last period was over 2 years ago , peri wasn't too bad , mood swings, hot flushes and insomnia but I managed with red clover and black cohosh. Then it all kicked in about 6 month ago , joint pain , pelvic floor problems , night sweats etc ....
most of the issues have lessened especially stress incontinence and joint pain , only downside is at week 3 last month and currently I've had horrendous cramps and light bleeding and what feels like PMS but it's common in the first 3 month apparently, I think the benefits are worth it and hopefully it will settle down soon

I’m on everol 100mg patch and due to start Testagel and Vagifem (localised vaginal HRT). I had a bilateral oophectomey and hysterectomy is Nov last year. My gynaecologist put a test prone implant in during the op that has worn off.

Only issues I’ve had is slight weight gain, hair is shit, apparently I look more feminine 😂 .. have increased patch to 100mg from 75mg due to anxiety moodiness etc.. seems to of helped if I’m honest. I’m 39.

Testosterone

I had back problems before they scanned my abdomen and found a lot of junk in the trunk (suspected ovarian cancer, stranglated bowel and stage for endo). I had a spine fusion in May last year and they struggled to fit the cage as I had a lot scarring on my spine- turns out that was endometriosis. All in all HRT is a god send! Hope you are all getting ok, does take a good 3 months tho.. I have been on Prozac for years and not on it anymore, I think it was definitely low hormone levels etc.

My GP wouldn’t give me a blood test to check hormone levels due to ban because of vial shortage so paid privately for a hormone test and it was very telling that I needed my HRT changed

@MistandMud

My instructions are to take progesterone daily, but I’m not sure it’s a lower dose. I’d better check that with the GP.

Usually it's either 100mg daily every day or 200mg daily in the latter half of your cycle only.

But worth checking in case there's other regimen / formats.

I'm picking up my prescription tomorrow! I've gone for the patch twice a week and utrogestan for days 14-28. I'm able to start straight away. I'm actually really excited 😁

I was super excited too @badgerread - I think it's the idea that I might actually have some energy abd hence more enjoyment of life again.
Many days I'd literally be overwhelmed by 07:30 am already and have run out of steam

missfliss I'm hoping it'll help me with the mood swings and joint pain primarily but I am getting a number of other symptoms as well. I'm going to start tomorrow then I've got to call my GP in 6 weeks for a catch up. She said it takes about 3 months for it to kick in properly?

@EarringsandLipstick

Re dates.

You can start any day you want with the oestrogen and either take progesterone daily (lower dose) or last 15 - 28 days (counting from the first day you started the oestrogen, if higher dosage).

I waited until the first day of my cycle. Felt it was easier for tracking, reduced chance od break-through / irregular bleeds.

Am also waiting for first day of my cycle. Am a bit nervous to be honest.

I know this sounds silly but I really can't deal with more weight gain! Have you all had this?

I’m not talking serious weight gain but just a sort of slight plumping up by a kilo or so, PeriChristmas. My face looks better for it, I’d say (or maybe it’s the reduction in grey eye bags).

I’d trade a bit of weight gain for the massive discomfort of day and night sweats any day. It was so awful suddenly drenching tops and having my specs slide off my nose, and going from hot to cold so quickly at night that I barely slept. But I imagine the balance is different for everyone.

And I’m running properly again! The joints seem to be happier for the change.

Hi everyone thought I’d update:
Got my repeat prescription sorted,
Nurse happy that headaches are bodies way of getting used to patches but said side effects to be tolerated in first weeks not endured if too much and can try other variants.
Not had the headaches since my initial post!
So am 4th week in and do feel have better energy.Not solved my hair loss yet but has helped the hot flushes and not needing wee in night!! Hoping the dry skin comes along soon too!
She stated that it is ok to take mini pill for contraception and the patches until am other side of menopause.
Hth someone