Patches

[CollagenLady]

Hi all

I've been recommended a patch form of HRT.

I can't remember the name of it but it's for post menopausal, no periods for 4 years.

I don't want to have periods again, I've heard some HRT can start that again.

Background info: I had terrible terrible mood swings and hormonal effects with my periods, PMD was mentioned.

I am extremely sensitive to Progesterone resulting in mood swings and bloating/weight gain.

I was on gel and P tablets during my peri menopause to help with my hormones but I found a lump in my breast so the doc told me to stop. Also as it was taken whilst I still had periods it actually helped.

Now my periods have stopped, I white knuckled it through the hot flushes but I'll be honest it was a relief not to have the periods and mood swings.

Now my mind fog, memory and anxiety is really bad at the moment but my weight is under control (first time in many years due to diet). I'm very nervous of waking up my hormones again and really couldn't stand having the potential of having a period again (crazy days) but the mind fog and memory loss is causing me real problems.

Any suggestions welcome and if you can tell me what the patch is called (memory example ) I'd be very grateful.

Thank you.

Bumpity Bump...

Hi, sounds like you're using evorel conti, and no you won't get periods because you don't have a natural cycle and don't ovulate anymore.
Younger women who still have periods will use sequential HRT that will give a bleed but conti is exactly as it says continuous dose of both hormones.
If you haven't had a period for 4 years you won't get one now and any post meno bleeding needs to be seen by your doctor.

Thanks @TinaWeymouthsBass

I haven't started anything yet but the Conti patch is what has been suggested to me.

I'm worried about side effects as my body is in okay shape for the first time in years due to a strict diet and I don't want to put on weight again (shallow I know ).

I would take it for mind fog, energy and anxiety.

I've been using patches for 3 years (although I use oestrogen only patch with a mirena coil) and haven't found weight gain an issue. Any weight gain would likely come from progesterone as it does increase appetite.
The progesterone in HRT is a far lower dose than you would normally produce yourself before menopause, so if you managed to control your weight before using HRT patches then there's no reason you wouldn't be able to when using them.

Hi @TinaWeymouthsBass

I'm against the Mirena coil for my own body, going by my past experience with Progesterone. I'm so super sensitive in my body and knowing my luck I'll be in the minority who get the weight gain and depression. I know if it works it works but if it doesn't it can be a nightmare.

Did it help you with brain fog and energy?

Thanks

I’ve been prescribed patches today and the GP said that it might cause spotting to begin with but anything heavier or any spotting beyond the first three months should be checked by a doctor.
I’m 2 years post menopause.

I'm using Fem Seven Conti patches.

Haven't had a period in years as I was on Cerazette. Stopped taking that over a year ago. I've been using the patches since July and no bleeding.

The night sweats stopped pretty much overnight. They were horrendous. I occasionally have the odd one but they are nowhere near as bad as before. I haven't had a hot flush in months but the brain fog and overall tiredness hasn't changed much at all unfortunately. I still have no energy or enthusiasm to do anything and
I find it very hard.

That said, I was told it could take 3 to 6 months for the effects to be fully realised. So far I have been pleased to lose some of the symptoms but it hasn't been the solution that I was hoping for as yet...

And no issues with weight gain or depression at all. I was depressed and overweight before. No changes!

@PyjamaMamma
Good luck keep us posted with how you get on!

@BelindaBumcrack
Thanks for your reply, sweats have stopped or slowed right down since I've limited sugar intake. Shame about the brain fog and energy

@CollagenLady
I love the mirena, had it for 15 years with no issues, it's also the gold standard for HRT along with oestrogen patches or gel as it's s safe way to deliver progesterone directly to where it's needed rather than going via your liver or bloodstream. Some women don't get on with it some do, I think it's the best invention ever as it's given me 15 period free years!

@TinaWeymouthsBass

That is so great for you, I just won't take the risk as I've seen the dark side when my hormones go awol!

It's a bit of a marmite solution and happy it's working so well for you!