side effects of HRT

[Cookay]

I've just started a different type of HRT at age 62 after not having any for 8 years. I'm on Evorel 25 patches (Estradiol) twice a week, Utrogestan 100mg capsule per day (taken vaginally), also Ovestin 1mg cream daily (vaginally). I've already reduced te Utrogestan to every other day. It's only been a few days but I've been experiencing what feels like an achey womb on and off (a bit like pre-period pains used to be in the distant past) Ibuprofin or a hot water bottle soothe it. Also a bit of dizziness and spacey-ness which comes and goes (I am prone to vertigo and tinnitus anyway), also very tired but sleeping very well. Do these sound like 'normal' side effects that will ease as my body gets used to HRT, or should I let my GP know? TIA

Are you inserting it at bedtime? That is the way it's supposed to be used as the side effects are dizziness .

The period pains will probably go. I'm older than you are and use it on a cycle (my choice) and I usually get some type of 'feelings' at some part of the 12 days but they are very minimal.

In your case it's probably because everything is waking up after being shut down for years.

Have you been advised to use Utrogestan every other day?

There was a report out from the British Menopause Society in January this year on using progestogens. (I did leave a link to it here although you would need to go back several pages.) They said that women should use the correct amount regardless of orally or vaginally. This supersedes some drs saying it can be reduced with vaginal use.

Not 'having a go' but just wondering if the dr who advised is not up to date?

@JinglingHellsBells Yes, I am inserting at bed time.

As I have ostepenia/ high calcium, I am going through my Endocrinologist. She has been super helpful and up to date and I have emailed her to ask if OK to reduce the Utrogestan as she had mentioned starting on low doses and building up if necessary and also that vaginally it is absorbed more quickly. I reduced it myself. I will check the information from British Menopause Society. Thanks!

Lots of women have osteopenia- including me :)

TBH even at your age, it's often advisable to start on a cycle of HRT for a month or two, with Utrogestan 12 days per month. This allows you to see which of the 2 hormones is producing (any) side effects.

The vaginal dose is 2 capsules x 12 days per month, or 1 capsule daily every day.

Hello Cookay I am watching your post with interest. I'm 18 days into 1.5 sandrena gel and the utrogestan. I'm 60 and starting HRT for the first time. My side effects are similar to yours, plus slight migraine, constipation, sore breasts, no interest in anything and tiredness. Originally felt sedated, but it has worn off somewhat. Started taking vaginally last night and had been intending to take every other night. Like you, I am wondering if my body will become used to it. I hope things settle down for you.

My lovely prompt endo has said to keep the utrogestan to every day and not to reduce the dose. She thought my symptoms are normal reactions and it can take a few weeks to adjust. It's great having someone I can email who replies straight away.

I've been on HRT patches for a couple of months. All good so far. I'm due to have surgery under general anaesthetic in a week. Pre-anaesthetic assessor told me to stop HRT until 2 weeks after surgery. Ideally stop 4 weeks before surgery but because I've not been on it long, not to worry as they don't want to delay surgery. Later I noticed the info sheet had out of date references regarding preventing thrombosis. Has anyone else had to do this? My endo is on leave so I can't ask her.