Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

About to start HRT

155 replies

PeriChristmas · 16/09/2021 07:19

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 09/10/2021 10:54

@wildthingsinthenight

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!
Day 1 is the first day of your period. So that's your sign @wildthingsinthenight
OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 09/10/2021 10:56

@missfliss

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

Ooo good luck @missfliss 🤞 Please do share how it goes!
OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 09/10/2021 10:57

Right finally at day 1 of my cycle & starting on my Lenzetto spray today! Fingers crossed it goes well 🤞🤞🤞

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 09/10/2021 10:59

Been told to take 2x progesterone tablets days 12-16 - is that what others are doing? Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 09/10/2021 11:04

Sorry that should say days 12-26!

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 10/10/2021 06:13

Ok I know it's 6am, but I am currently astonished & had to share...

I've just woken up after one day of the oestrogen spray & for the first time in years I don't feel 108!

Seriously. I normally wake up and everything hurts. It's day 2 of my cycle so I still feel that in my womb.
But I mean my legs, arms, neck, back just feel loose and well younger I suppose. It can't have worked this fast can it? Hmm

OP posts:
missfliss · 10/10/2021 08:22

It could well have worked or started to work that fast :-)
Friends on patches for example say that if they don't change their patch in time they get a noticeable 'dip' then a very quick ( within 12 hours) return to being symptom free when they change to a new patch.
Apparently every cell in your body has oestrogen receptors - so you are 'primed' for it!

I start my progesterone tablets this evening ( day 12) apparently the tip is to take on an empty stomach and just before bed - so no evening snacks !

Original poster
PeriChristmas · 10/10/2021 08:50

@missfliss

It could well have worked or started to work that fast :-) Friends on patches for example say that if they don't change their patch in time they get a noticeable 'dip' then a very quick ( within 12 hours) return to being symptom free when they change to a new patch. Apparently every cell in your body has oestrogen receptors - so you are 'primed' for it!

I start my progesterone tablets this evening ( day 12) apparently the tip is to take on an empty stomach and just before bed - so no evening snacks !

Well I'm just so flabbergasted that it could make that much difference so quickly. I literally feel like running around 🤣

Am a little concerned though that the progesterone will make me feel crap. Have never got on well with the pill. Have you been told to take 2 tablets from day 12-26 @missfliss ?

OP posts:
missfliss · 10/10/2021 09:00

Yup - the same - 2 tablets - days 12-24 in my case I think.

Also worried that progesterone may not be as 'fun' but going to give it the full three months before I evaluate- apparently taking it with a full stomach really does magnify the effects.
Also the fact that it is body identical and micronised ( utrogestan) is a big positive

Okbutnotgreat · 10/10/2021 10:10

@Champagnecharleyismyname I could be your twin and have just started HRT. Spoke to the GP about something unrelated and just thought I’d ask. I said no awful symptoms just feel I could be feeling better for a fit healthy woman and she agreed. I am trying 50mcg Evorel patches with a daily utrogestan pill.

Original poster
PeriChristmas · 10/10/2021 15:18

What does body identical and micronised mean?

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 10/10/2021 15:20

[quote Okbutnotgreat]@Champagnecharleyismyname I could be your twin and have just started HRT. Spoke to the GP about something unrelated and just thought I’d ask. I said no awful symptoms just feel I could be feeling better for a fit healthy woman and she agreed. I am trying 50mcg Evorel patches with a daily utrogestan pill.[/quote]
Ow my first doctor said to take the progesterone daily then another one has said to take a double dose for 1/2 the month. What's the thinking behind these different approaches?

OP posts:
wildthingsinthenight · 11/10/2021 08:48

Thank you PeriChristmas
My gp call is this morning and I'm really nervous.
What I meant about the 1st day of my cycle is that my periods are obviously dropping off so I may not have one now until December potentially. So i'd have to wait til then?

wildthingsinthenight · 11/10/2021 09:02

PeriChristmas really hope your postive effects continue!

wildthingsinthenight · 11/10/2021 11:28

My gp call went okish I have appt for the nurse to do height weight blood pressure then a call back from dr to discuss options.
She hadn't heard of oestrogel which does not fill me with confidence ( said she will look into it) and she said I needed a blood test til I quoted NICE guidelines that over 45 you can diagnose with symptoms. No blood test needed.
Feel a bit flat that she didnt seem very up to date with the current thinking

Wombat49 · 11/10/2021 12:09

@wildthingsinthenight

My gp call went okish I have appt for the nurse to do height weight blood pressure then a call back from dr to discuss options. She hadn't heard of oestrogel which does not fill me with confidence ( said she will look into it) and she said I needed a blood test til I quoted NICE guidelines that over 45 you can diagnose with symptoms. No blood test needed. Feel a bit flat that she didnt seem very up to date with the current thinking
You did her a favour, she has no excuse now she does know about these things.
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 11/10/2021 13:12

@wildthingsinthenight

My gp call went okish I have appt for the nurse to do height weight blood pressure then a call back from dr to discuss options. She hadn't heard of oestrogel which does not fill me with confidence ( said she will look into it) and she said I needed a blood test til I quoted NICE guidelines that over 45 you can diagnose with symptoms. No blood test needed. Feel a bit flat that she didnt seem very up to date with the current thinking
Well done for going @wildthingsinthenight at least you gave started the process!

My first discussion with my GP was months ago. But we got there in the end! It's just so ridiculous how much pressuring & persuading some GP's take whilst others just seem to say "yep fine here's a prescription!"

OP posts:
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 11/10/2021 13:14

@wildthingsinthenight

PeriChristmas really hope your postive effects continue!
Fingers crossed!

I got VERY hormonal at one point yesterday & annoyed/upset with DH. But then I do have my period so hard to know if it was just that and DH being annoying 🤣🙄

OP posts:
wildthingsinthenight · 11/10/2021 14:03

I hear you with the DH PeriWink

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 11/10/2021 14:16

Did any (or all) of you have to have a mammogram before starting on HRT?

I've been on the mini pill for 10 years, but have been struggling with peri symptoms for the last year and the last 6 months in particular. GP seems happy for me to move to HRT but she's requested I get a mammogram (precautionary, I've never had any lumps or bumps) and full blood works done first. I'm in Ireland and the wait for mammogram in the public health system is months, to go private would cost hundreds and I'm not inclined to as it's only precautionary. Do I absolutely have to have one??

wildthingsinthenight · 11/10/2021 14:48

@LifeInAHamsterWheel

Did any (or all) of you have to have a mammogram before starting on HRT?

I've been on the mini pill for 10 years, but have been struggling with peri symptoms for the last year and the last 6 months in particular. GP seems happy for me to move to HRT but she's requested I get a mammogram (precautionary, I've never had any lumps or bumps) and full blood works done first. I'm in Ireland and the wait for mammogram in the public health system is months, to go private would cost hundreds and I'm not inclined to as it's only precautionary. Do I absolutely have to have one??

Oh that's a pain. Thstvwill really prolong things. Gp never mentioned a mammogram to me this morning just height weight and blood pressure checks
Original poster
PeriChristmas · 11/10/2021 16:18

@LifeInAHamsterWheel

Did any (or all) of you have to have a mammogram before starting on HRT?

I've been on the mini pill for 10 years, but have been struggling with peri symptoms for the last year and the last 6 months in particular. GP seems happy for me to move to HRT but she's requested I get a mammogram (precautionary, I've never had any lumps or bumps) and full blood works done first. I'm in Ireland and the wait for mammogram in the public health system is months, to go private would cost hundreds and I'm not inclined to as it's only precautionary. Do I absolutely have to have one??

No no mammo. Didn't actually even see my GP! Have had a health check with the nurse which included bloods & bp though & GP asked about if I have any family history of breast cancer.
OP posts:
LifeInAHamsterWheel · 11/10/2021 16:26

That's good to know. I have a follow up consultation next week when my bloods are back, I think I'll just plead the case for proceeding without the mammogram. Fingers crossed!

Original poster
PeriChristmas · 12/10/2021 08:28

Another good effect I've noticed today is that my elbow, which had been really painful for months has literally stopped hurting. This is day 4. I'm astounded.

Was still a bit emotional last night when my darling family were driving me up the wall 😳

OP posts:
wildthingsinthenight · 12/10/2021 12:52

@PeriChristmas

Another good effect I've noticed today is that my elbow, which had been really painful for months has literally stopped hurting. This is day 4. I'm astounded.

Was still a bit emotional last night when my darling family were driving me up the wall 😳

Great. Another positive!

I have a lot of joint/body pain and nerve pains in hands and feet as I have Long Covid for 19 months and gp thinks I have fibromyaligia now too. So it all gets a bit murky as to what is causing what!
So I am so interested to see how much my pain is helped by HRT