Would you bother with HRT for these symptoms?

[Dogsgottabone]

I'm 44 and I have developed the following symptoms over the last year or so and having listened to Davina's new book last week I'm wondering whether HRT might help me.

I have started leaking wee, at first it was when I was running or sneezing and coughing whilst I ran. But now just walking the dog the other day I just started seeping wee in tiny bits. I'd been for a wee before I left the house too. It was horrible.

Then last night I was out for dinner and as the meal came to a close and I stood up I started walking up the stairs in the restaurant to the ladies and I started seeping again. My pants were patchy with wee once I sat down on the loo. I don't feel like I'm losing control of my bladder like after I gave birth, it's just a seeping feeling.

Also I get occasionally dizzy, i will be walking and sometimes reach out to hold on to the air or whatever is nearby as I have a little momentary turn.

I occasionally feel like absolutely going crackers at the teenage children, usually they are pushing me anyway but I just lose it.

I do get the occasional sweaty night in bed where I wake up with a wet top, but I don't have hot flushes.

I appreciate that everyone is different, but would you bother going to the GP for this to discuss HRT?

No. I'd work on my pelvic floor. Pick your battles with your teenagers. Eat a healthy diet, cut down on caffiene and walk lots.

Ha I'm doing pelvic floor exercises right now!

I eat a Very healthy diet and don't drink caffeine and very little alcohol.

I exercise a lot too, I do weighted HIIT or swimming most days, plus always go over 10k steps (not including in the house, only steps while I'm out with the dogs etc)

Even if you don't want systemic HRT, I'd suggest asking for topical HRT (cream or pessaries) for your bladder symptoms to prevent developing other symptoms of atrophy, which can be very uncomfortable.

@inininsomnia thanks I hadn't thought of that.

I exercise a lot too, I do weighted HIIT or swimming most days, plus always go over 10k

You need to stop the HIT. It's making your pelvic floor worse.

I've had surgery for prolapse and was told by drs and women's physio to do not high intensity exercise ever again, and not to lift anything above 3kgs, and even with low weights to use the correct posture.

Doing pelvic floor exercises need to be done for up to 6 months to see real improvement. 10 squeezes (hold for 10) 3 times a day with 10 quick flicks after the 10 long holds.

Look up Gussie Grips (Elaine Millar) for advice and also physio Michelle Kenway.

HRT isn't used to what you have. You could try vaginal estrogen but you really need to try to get your pelvic floor stronger.

I would ask your GP. I am similar in age and started HRT due a range of other symptoms. I found that my stress incontinence (which had started in my late thirties but which I'd previously assumed was related to simply not doing enough pelvic-floors), improved significantly when I started HRT.

@JinglingHellsBells thats great thank you.

I'd have though the HIIT and weights would strengthen things as I'm working on my core so much?

I'll start those pelvic floor exercises with gusto then. I absolutely hate the feeling of them eugh.

@Poffytop thank you for your experience.

I saw my GP about something else last week and as I left I asked who the right person to speak to about HRT would be in surgery. I think I'll see if I can have a phone consult about it but specifically mention the stress incontinence (with reference to the aforementioned pelvic floor exercises!)

Following. I have muscle and joint pain and have had all other conditions ruled out so peri is suspected as cause. I can't believe it can have such an effect.

@Dogsgottabone This is a great site and she also has lots of youtube videos and a DVD.

www.pelvicexercises.com.au/?v=79cba1185463&c=04007ae3e449

Sadly, many exercises to improve core strength mean a downward pressure on the pelvic floor and it gets weaker.

I've just had a good look at the gussiegrips site, that's really useful. 10,10,3 I am going to find a way to incorporate that. If I can find time to exercise I can find time for this too.

Will look at the other resource tomorrow I'm just heading to bed now. I am really grateful for your input.

Do at least one set of pelvic floors standing up.

Hi all, little update. I've downloaded the squeezy app, started doing lots of PFE and booked a session with a physio to check it all out.

I still think the the peri meno thing is at the back of my mind with the mood swings and other bits and bobs that are happening, but in terms of pelvic floor I think I need to take action now.

I went for a walk after work with DH last night and I told him all of this, he then made a joke and because I was walking AND laughing I did a little squirt of wee. Just kind of emphasised it all!

I also discovered from spending the day reading about it that two forceps births might have made the problem so much worse.