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 really can't deal with more weight gain! Have you all had this?

No. I had put on a little weight pre HRT. It wasn't much, I know it's much more of an issue for others.

With the increased energy I have from HRT, I'm back to normal, happy with my shape.

However, I exercise a lot, and to quite a high level. I still did that pre HRT but was exhausted.

@EarringsandLipstick

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

No. I had put on a little weight pre HRT. It wasn't much, I know it's much more of an issue for others.

With the increased energy I have from HRT, I'm back to normal, happy with my shape.

However, I exercise a lot, and to quite a high level. I still did that pre HRT but was exhausted.

Hoping it gives me more energy!

Finally got my prescription & now waiting for day one of my cycle to start!

Have oestrogel & utrogestan 100.

Anyone else on that combo?

@MistandMud

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

Amazing!

To those of you taking the gel...

If it says one pump for the gel per day... do you alternate sides?

Are you putting it on inner thigh?

@missfliss

I've started with the gel - two pumps rubbed to inner thighs.

Have to use the utrogestan tablets on days 12-24 of cycle

I've been told to start with one pump. Wonder how/why you'd decide to move to two?

So many questions!

Also have any of you seen this about the "fake" oestrogel?

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTkdTOVJsgc/?utmmedium=copyy_link

I've been told to start with one pump. Wonder how/why you'd decide to move to two?

I just messaged the GP and said, 'It's not having much effect yet' two weeks in, and she said, 'Increase to two pumps then and call me back in a few weeks if that hasn't helped.'

I have exactly that combo, but 100mg Utrogestan every day, not a cycle (haven't had proper periods for many years because of Mirena coil). I put it on random bits of me, really. Mostly thighs as I have fairly skinny arms.

Have to say that it's a chilly thing to do now the weather is cooler!

Oh, another thought -- I was awaiting ultrasound for bloating and urinary frequency at the start of this. That has actually diminished quite a bit after two months' HRT (but I still have the appt lined up and have had blood tests meanwhile).

Going to be very fed up if the ultrasound shows reason to give up the HRT! I was getting kind of resigned to feeling very old and knackered, but a few weeks of feeling relatively normal has been so nice.

So. Collected my prescription today. Reading the patch instructions they say start within 5 days of your period starting (I still get mine) yet my GP told me I can start anytime?

Anyone else on Estraderm Max 50 patches?

Hello, I'd love to join in too. I'm halfway through second pack of Femoston and I've noticed some improvements and some side effects. My joint pain isn't as bad despite having osteoarthritis. The flu type pains have gone, and I'm not sweating as bad as I was. My moods seem to have mellowed a bit
Side effects at the beginning were horrible headaches and a bit of nausea. However I have gained weight especially on my boobs which are feeling huge haha! And around my tummy/hip area.

I've to check in after my 3rd month with the nurse.

I'm 52 and have not had a period for over 3 years. My peri and menopause were manageable but lately I have started to have aching joints, low mood and tiredness.

I'm making changes to my diet and exercising more but should I consider HRT? I did ask the GP a couple of years ago but her words were 'you're not climbing the walls' so didn't pursue it. Is it worth going back?

Hoya,

Has anyone else seen reports that the Oestrogel in the new type of packaging is not working for some women??

Still waiting to start mine & it was in the dodgy packaging. 🙄
So have now made my request for the spray (lenzetto). The practice pharmacist was totally unsure about prescribing it & has gone off to check with doctor.

Such a flipping palaver! 🙈

Here's a link for more info:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUNDrvUozTO/?utmmedium=copyy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUP8kiEMZre/?utmmedium=copyy_link

I started Estraderm patches on Wednesday (day 1 of my period) and have to take Uestrogen tablets day 14-28.

Anyone else on the same combo? I'm feeling no changes yet 🤣

& it was in the dodgy packaging

I have heard this. My sister is a pharmacist and was being asked by some women to track down the product with the older packaging as they were afraid to use the one with the new packaging

I think that doctor is being a little irresponsible to be honest. The company has confirmed that the ingredients are identical. Women will notice symptoms returning some times. It's very unlikely that this is to do with any change to the composition - this is regulated, and available to check online. Her advice is correct - return to your GP to discuss an alternative.

The reason I quoted that line was - there really is zero evidence about 'dodgy packaging'.

@PeriChristmas

Here's a link for more info:

[[https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUNDrvUozTO/?utm]]medium=copyy_link

[[https://www.instagram.com/p/CUP8kiEMZre/?utm]]medium=copyy_link

@PeriChristmas Note everyone is on social media. I don't use Insta and can't see links.

The packaging issue has gone on for years. I have posted about it on another thread here.

When this thing first kicked off, another poster on Menopause Matters wrote to Besins and had a long email exchange with them. She posted the replies.

I have discussed the issue with my consultant. They believe there is no issue and that anything women feel is probably down to their own hormones shifting OR the opposite of the placebo effect.

I've used gel for over 12 years.

In that time, the outer bottle has changed shape and colour (it was white and gold) and the cardboard box is sometimes labelled Oestrodose. This is the EU version but it makes its way to the UK sometimes. The product in the rigid plastic carton is the same regardless of the cardboard box.

The inner pouch (which you can't see) in the gel container (the rigid plastic bottle) is the same regardless of the names on the cartons.

Also, if a product was fake the pharma company could be sued as it's illegal practice.

Quality control in pharma is the highest of any manufacturing standards.

There is simply no way that they could produce a fake product which has to pass several stages of pharma regulations, and companies manufacturing pharma products and audited regularly, where every step of the process is examined by independent auditors. (Someone I know does that very thing.)

@JinglingHellsBells

Also, if a product was fake the pharma company could be sued as it's illegal practice.

Quality control in pharma is the highest of any manufacturing standards.

There is simply no way that they could produce a fake product which has to pass several stages of pharma regulations, and companies manufacturing pharma products and audited regularly, where every step of the process is examined by independent auditors. (Someone I know does that very thing.)

It's not about it being "fake".

Lots of women have been reporting through the NHS yellow card system, that their symptoms have returned since the packaging was changed.

There are menopause Doctors and GP's on instagram and this is where I found out about the issue.

It seems to be an issue but no one knows why. I would therefore rather avoid taking that medication if there's an alternative.

@EarringsandLipstick

& it was in the dodgy packaging

I have heard this. My sister is a pharmacist and was being asked by some women to track down the product with the older packaging as they were afraid to use the one with the new packaging

I think that doctor is being a little irresponsible to be honest. The company has confirmed that the ingredients are identical. Women will notice symptoms returning some times. It's very unlikely that this is to do with any change to the composition - this is regulated, and available to check online. Her advice is correct - return to your GP to discuss an alternative.

It's not just one doctor reporting it though.

@badgerread

I started Estraderm patches on Wednesday (day 1 of my period) and have to take Uestrogen tablets day 14-28.

Anyone else on the same combo? I'm feeling no changes yet 🤣

Going to be using ustrogestan and Lenzetto @badgerread - day one is imminent.

Hello 👋🏻

Back to update - have settled on 3 pumps oestrogel for now and will start my 12 monthly days of Utrogestan on Saturday so only a partial update really.

Headaches easing off now.

Overall though I LOVE HRT so far.

Most of my symptoms heavily reduced at least and I feel like I have my zing back. I used to feel weak and fatigued a lot - about 30 mins after applying the oestrogel a get a palpable boost.

Hoping the Utrogestan is ok - will update after

Can I ask you lovely ladies for some advice please? I have picked up my HRT today and Dr told me ( via phone appointment) to take tablets 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. The leaflet says to start on day 1 of my cycle, but I have no idea when that is as I have had a uteral ablation. I suspect that I still ovulate - I just don't bleed any more. Does it matter if I just start today and begin a two week cycle of taking / not taking them?

Hi all and thanks for this thread it's great.
I have my first gp phone appt Monday regarding HRT.
I am also worried about having to take something on day 1 of my cycle pamplemoussed as my periods are very haphazard with months where nothing happens so no idea when day 1 is!