HRT - when to go on it?

[bitachey]

Worried about side effects/weight gain.

I’m 49 and still have regular periods. Symptoms are brain fog mainly and sore joints, irritability, occasionally night sweats and anxiety. I’m thinking I should take it as a preventative for osteoporosis as it runs in the family. Also I’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hands and am getting tests for rheumatoid arthritis which was flagged as a concern when I had an MRI.

I have a prescription but am scared! Any words of wisdom would be very welcome.

Oh don’t be scared, truly there is no need. If you’ve been prescribed it, your doctor obviously thought you met the NICE guidelines for diagnosis. Osteoporosis was one of my main concerns and reasons for taking it myself. I did not get any weight gain, just weight loss. I am a completely different person to the person I was before I started it, thank god! Although not completely my old self, I’m close and I’m well enough to deal with the mental health issues that developed from being so miserable. Do it. It will change your life for the better. Just be aware of your body, notice things and don’t stress about it not being perfect first up. I had to tweak my dosage about three times and I may have to increase my testosterone I think but am waiting a bit. Honestly, I was freaked out at first even though I’ve been taking my thyroid hormones for years! But I didn’t need to at all. Take it and start your journey feeling positive and hopeful :)

I went on it at 48 and wish I'd done it sooner! I'm 18 months in and, after a bit of tweaking with my gel pumps, I've now hit a sweet spot where my metabolism seems to have kicked in again and I'm actually losing weight, albeit very slowly. I know others have a different experience regarding weight, but you may find that when the brain fog lifts and you're feeling more like yourself you will want to exercise and eat better. Yes, there are potential side effects, but that's the same with any medicine. IMO, the positives HRT can bring are immeasurable.

Thanks! I have spoken to my GP again and she’s suggested I try it and and see how I get on. I already have a good diet/don’t drink alcohol/am fit/run/do weights/yoga etc…and just freaking out it will mess everything up. I am a good weight now but have had an ED in the past so am paranoid about weight gain. Urghhh

That’s understandable. Just now that statistically speaking, most women find the opposite happens when starting on HRT.

@WahineToa Thank you. I’m picking the prescription up today.

You are welcome, let us know how you go with it. It’s good to have other women to talk to :)

I hesitated to pick up my prescription too! I’m only 2.5 months in and still figuring out whether it’s working for me. Annoyingly I did put on weight very quickly (half a stone in 3 weeks 🤯 - see my earlier post about that!). It then levelled off and Is showing signs of coming back down a tiny bit.

I can live with a bit of extra weight if it resolves the peri issues I was experiencing (rage mostly, but also some aches and pains and very recently anxiety). Jury is still out on that though.

I can sympathise OP. I spoke to my GP yesterday as I’ve been getting more symptoms lately (especially aching joints & muscles), but as I’m only 43 and after reading about the problems many women seem to be having in getting their GPs to act, I was kind of taken aback when he offered me HRT straight away! Now I’m wondering if I should actually take it, and whether the potential side effects would be worse than the benefits…

Went to get my prescription and they don’t have it as they can’t get hold of Evorel 50. Grrr. Went to the wrong pharmacy first too!!! Not a good day.

Hi op I couldnt get Evorel either. I only started the patch so no big changes yet. Sleep is a bit better Im 49. Good luck with it.

Oh no are there Evorel shortages??

Yes Wahine but I think some chemists stock a bit more than others. I got a generic one demestrial

Is there any benefit to Everol over the generic one? The pharmacist said I could get the GP to reissue the prescription with the generic patch on

Estradot better. My patches dont stick great after 24 hrs I finish the box dont want these again. Demestrial 50

Sorry @Mary46 is Demestrial the same as Estradot. I’m a novice!

They different brands. I think the Estradot stick better! It just depends whats stocked

thanks. Do you take progesterone separately ?

Pondering asking for a prescription too… can I ask how you’re getting on, @bitachey ?