HRT side effects: dry eyes and constipation

[Signalbox]

Since starting taking HRT I have had 2 side effects that are really making me feel quite stressed out.

One is my eyes have become bone dry during the night. Feels like I have grit in my eyes. My doctor says it is unlikely to be a side effect of HRT because HRT is supposed to make things more lubricated. But it has come on so suddenly since I started HRT that it feels like a side effect to me.

Has anyone else noticed this?

The other is that as soon as I start taking the Utrogestan I become kind of constipated. It's not that I can't go, but just that I feel like I need to go about 4 times per day. But then it's hard to empty my bowel. This has then caused me to have piles. I have tried using the Utrogestan vaginally which has helped slightly but I am still not comfortable for the 14 days that I have to take it. I spoke to my doctor about this and she didn't really have any advice (apart from I could get the mirena coil which I am really reluctant to get.

I wondered if I spaced out the Utrogestan it might be less likely to make me constipated. I thought I could take one at night and one first thing in the morning. Does anyone know if it is OK to space out the dose of Utrogestan? Does anyone else do this?

I have a stuffy nose since taking hrt. Every morning.

I too suffer with constipation on hrt. Not sure what the answer is really because life would not be much worth living without the hrt, so I'm putting up with being bunged up a fair bit!

I'm not certain if I've noticed any positive effects yet. Only negative ones :(

signalbox
Not sure what the answer is tbh

Managing meno symptoms at the moment but may try HRT again if this changes

Unfortunately HRT does not suit everyone and the constipation was worse for me than the meno symptoms 😞

I’m going to admit I haven’t read the whole thread (Ds aged 10 with autism isn’t letting me 😁) but do google Sjorgens syndrome. It’s fairly common in menopausal women and it may actually be a coincidence that it’s come on at the same time as you started taking HRT. It can cause issues with constipation as well as dry eyes / dry vagina etc. I get eye drops on prescription for it. It’s an autoimmune disease and often occurs alongside lupus - interestingly enough lupus / sjorgens often flares if oestrogen levels are raised or if oestrogen is taken via the combined pill or HRT.

I know online there is advice about only using x1 Utrogestan daily (if you are using it vaginally) I wonder if half the dose would make a difference but I am reluctant to try without my GP’s approval. Constipation is misery inducing isn’t it? It would help if I was seeing some positive changes from taking the oestrogen.

This is interesting because I suffer with IBS with diarrhoea which I am convinced is hormonal as it has only happened post menopause. My GP has agreed to start me on HRT to see if it helps because for me constipation would actually be a bonus. Only problem at the moment is the pharmacy can't get hold of the patches so I've not been able to start yet to see if it will help, but that's another story😕

Thanks afterfire. I’m not aware of any auto immune issues. I wonder if that would show up in a blood test? I know a little bit about Sjogren’s but mostly in relation to dry mouth so hadn’t considered it.

A couple of years ago I was suffering from about 2 weeks of severe bloating per month. After doing loads of investigations they put me in the mini pill and the bloating disappeared overnight. It was such a relief. So yes hormones can definitely help with digestive issues (or make them worse!) Fingers crossed HRT sorts yours out x

Dry eyes are such a pain. I’m battling blepharitis and the glands not working properly and add in pollen too currently. I look permanently bleary eyed and exhausted though I try eat well, take omegas and try stay hydrated etc. I’m not convinced it isn’t connected to thyroid or autoimmune issues but nothing seems to show up in routine blood tests. Warm compresses, heated eye masks help with the dryness but the blepharitis is a challenge.

Signalbox I had issues with bloating had colorectal appointment
And and trans vaginal scans as i had bloating- nothing found

I think this is all hormone related but docs won't agree

Hormones have a lot to answer for- the peri meno keeps delivering

Mine was definitely hormonal. I started keeping a diary and it started about 5 days before my period and carried on for about x2 weeks. The mini pill worked wonders. They did loads of tests on me too and found nothing that would have caused the bloating.

Frustrating isn't it. i feel my body is failing me signslbox

The piles are the worst 😞 that is another thread 😳

signalbox 🤣

Affecting my eyesight too!

It is unpleasant. Doc has also suggested thyroid might be an issue so I’m having a blood test for that.