How long to feel effects from HRT?

[MarshmallowFondant]

Started on 25 microgram oestrogen patches on thursday to try to deal with my hot flushes, low mood, vaginal dryness etc. Some boobs today, which I was told to expect.

How long - roughly - were you on HRT before you started feeling better?

I think about a month but I also had covid at the time so a bit hard to judge. I'm on 50 mcg patches and just about to get the next prescription. When I was discussing with the gp, she said she likes people to have tried the dose for 2-3 months before changing it but if it's not working, it's fine to try a stronger dose

Also I've been given Vagifem pessaries which help with dryness - not one of my symptoms so not sure why o have them! But have you got anything else to take as well?

My GP has prescribed 3 months supply, and after that wants me to have a blood pressure reading and bloods - I also take thyroxine for an underactive thyroid so he wants to see how it's all working together.

He did say that at that point we'd have a chat to see how things are going with a view to either upping the dose or adding in a cream or something.

I don't take progesterone or anything as I have had a hysterectomy so have no womb to protect.

On tablets. Sleep improved almost straight away. Slightly wobbly 1st month emotionally [however, wasn't exactly on an even keel before].
On month 3 now and I feel I am coping better generally with life and my anxiety and brainfog have improved.

Pleased to report I had a good night's sleep last night :-) Was shattered yesterday evening, probably because I had slept so badly the night before. Wasn't woken by hot flushes in the night which is unusual for me and slept right through to 8.30am. And no knot of fear and doom in the stomach when I did wake up.

Early days, but i'm feeling positive. I can put up with the tender boobs if I can get relief from the fear and the poor sleep.