Trying MHT for one month?

[HerbsandSpices]

Does anyone know if it's possible to take MHT for one month, just to see what it does, if anything? I know three months is better but there's one symptom I really need to try to address. If I do it for a month can I just stop it after 30 days without adverse effect? (Yes, I am working with a doctor, but considering trying this before next consult).

Yes, of course it's possible- no one can stop you using it.

But is it realistic for it to work on whatever the symptoms is, in just a month?

Some of us get huge improvement in days, others it takes 3 months.

Why do you only want to try for a month?

*stop you using it - 'make you carry on'!

Because I don't really want to use it at all but, if it works for the one issue, it might be worth it. I know three months is ideal but I figure that a month will at least show if there's any chance of the MHT making a difference. If it seems promising, I can do another month. If it eliminated the problem, or almost did so, I could use it full time.

What is the problem you want it to help?

Why do you not really want to use it at all?

I have problems with irritation in the nether-regions. Have tried everything. It helps but doesn't fix it. I have topical estrogen already. I'm well engaged with my doctor over it.

I don't want to use it as other symptoms are manageable and I don't feel the need to do anything about those. If it fixed the above problem I'd have reason to use it but I don't see any reason to use it otherwise.

Ok so you vaginal atrophy / genito urinary menopausal syndrome as they are calling it now.

Are you using Ovestin/ Vagifem enough?

A lot of GPs know little about this and will tell you to use for 14 days then 2 x a week. In reality, many women use it more often (consultants know a lot more) and sometimes 4 times a week or even daily to get it under control.

Have you tried that?

I've tried using it every day. I think it actually works better slightly less often. I also have steroid cream and moisturisers. I don't know if it's GSM for sure. Anyway, I figure a month should at least allow me to say that it might be making a slight difference, which is enough to try it to see if it helps more significantly over the longer term.

I'm a bit concerned that having regular cycles means my hormone levels aren't so depleted it's a good idea to supplement hormones. If taking MHT makes a difference though, I suppose it shows they are.

Are you in the UK?
Reason for asking is that the term used here is HRT but in some countries it's Menopausal Hormone Treatment.

I'm a bit concerned that having regular cycles means my hormone levels aren't so depleted it's a good idea to supplement hormones.

The fact you have VA means that your estrogen levels are low(er) than they were.
Using HRT will never bring your levels up to what they were when fertile, or pregnant, so it's not an issue to worry about.

I thought MHT was the 'new' thing for HRT. Some articles suggest that anyway. Same thing though, so they mean the same to me. :-)

You seem to know a bit about it. Do you think it will do any harm to take MHT/HRT for just a month then stop (or keep going, depending on result)?

The only place I've seen MHT is in research papers and articles by the International Menopause Society. (But you could be right as well- who knows!)

You won't do any harm, no. But you need to keep an open mind about how long it might take. You see, if you stop at 1 month having had no improvement, how would you know if using it for 6 weeks wouldn't have done the trick? or 2 months? or 3 months?

There is no yardstick saying it will work in a month, because everyone is different.

I don't expect it to work in a month (but who knows, I might be lucky and get dramatic results and wish I'd done it sooner). I think I should be able to get a hint of whether it makes a small dent.

I guess the worst thing that happens is that I get a bit of extra hormone exposure for a few weeks. I feel like if I start then I'm committed for the full month, to the end of the progesterone tablets.

BTW, the worst time for me is the week before my period. So if that's the progesterone phase, isn't there the possibility taking the progesterone tablets will make it worse?

I'm just trying to decide because my period is due this week so I need to decide whether to stick that patch on when my period starts. Otherwise I'll have to wait till the next cycle again.

To be honest, no one has a crystal ball. It might work in a month, it might take 6.

The real issue here is that you have reservations about HRT.

Are you seeing added estrogen as a negative, rather than something that is topping up your own levels, and maybe also helping your bones and other organs?

I'm reading lots of positives but there are some scary stories out there. I'd feel better about it if I had a hysterectomy and didn't have to worry about my uterus.

Also, I won't last six months if there's no difference in that time. But there's also a chance I stick it on and wish I'd done it sooner.

There's probably also the 'thing' that I don't like to take medications in general, though I know sometimes that's just necessary.

But yes, I'm a bit scared of it.

I think that's natural, but you need to decide if your symptoms are worth trying it.
It's made from yams and exactly the same as out own estrogen (unlike the Pill.)

Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate it. :-)