Talk me into HRT

[DustyLee123]

So I’ve got the Mirena in to control my heavy frequent periods. I asked about HRT gel some time back and got it, but stopped after 3 days due to bleeding. I started and stopped once more due to bleeding again, and then decided to give up.
So now I’m fed up of being angry and getting no real pleasure from life. I don’t think I’m depressed, I enjoy walking the dog and coffees out. I just can’t find any motivation to go on holiday, buy clothes, go to a gig etc.
Im reluctant to take it because this is my only symptom. I’ve no not flushes, I sleep ok ( when it’s not hot ! )due to magnesium and a good sleep routine. I take omega 3 for achy joints, and vit B for energy. That’s the way I prefer to do it, treat each symptom individually and as naturally as possible. But I give up on the anger and lack of pleasure, I can’t find a cure.
I really don’t want to take HRT. I’m really concerned about the slight cancer risk, and I’ve just lost a relative to cancer very quickly.
So please talk to me about the benefits to a 52 year old who is fed up of being angry and hating her husband.
Thanks.

@timefornewme2023 are you peri or post menopausal? I thought the continuous regime was only meant for post menopausal women. Its quite confusing. I'm due to start my utrogestan on Thursday and I'm dreading it.

@SameKeyThough I was peri ( I am now recovering from a hysterectomy so no more progesterone at all!)
I was baffled by it too to be honest but then I did still have a bleed so figured it wasn't quite the same as continuous.
I did post on here at the time and didn't seem to find anyone else taking it this way.

OP, I would suggest trying Evorel patches rather than gel. They seem to control my symptoms much better than gel. I've got Mirena too.

Sorry, I meant Estrodot patches. Evorel worked fine for me too but Estrodot are better because they're much smaller and I find they stick well.

@timefornewme2023 can I ask why you had a hysterectomy? Was it for menopause symptoms? I've been told I would need to try several different types of progesterone before a hysterectomy would be considered but I'm wondering if that would be the case if I went private...

Hi @SameKeyThough no not really.
I discovered that some of my issues were caused by fibroids so that was the reason for the op.
I am only a few weeks into recovery but am excited to enter a new chapter now with hopefully less new symptoms popping up.

thankyou , i already do vaginal route.....thought about doing this everyday but i was worried about feeling rubbish everyday taking it if I'm so obviously progesterone sensitive . progesterone messes with me so much im so tempted to not bother and just risk a thickened lining ( i won't though as im too shit scared of cancer!)

So I just thought I’d do an update after 3 weeks of one pump.
Well, I don’t hate my husband quite as much, and we’ve been having a bit of banter.
And, TMI alert -it seems that my orgasms might be coming back .

Delayed response but what a great update - I hope things continue to improve.

They haven’t ! Naughty dreams and the O’s went, as did the banter with DH ! I had tender itchy boobs for a while, but still going with it.

Hi OP sorry to hear that - are you on one pump still? That's a low dose if I understand you correctly so lots of room to increase (up to 4) if you aren't seeing the benefits ?

Also can look at testosterone for libido.

Keep with it !

I've been through the menopause and didn't take HRT. 14 years now and no health problems. My sister is fine and other family members are all fine and haven't taken HRT. Friends who haven't taken it are also ok.

What I will say is that none of us are overweight and all exercise and eat healthily.

Overhaul your lifestyle first so that you are in the best possible physical health before you contemplate HRT as many problems such as feeling tired are not due to menopause but are caused by being unfit and overweight which the body struggles with as you get older.

I would never ever have taken it and I'm so glad I didn't.

I can sleep again. My migraines have stopped and I'm no longer getting vertigo. All menopause symptoms that were RUINING my life. HRT = Game-changer for me.

In terms of cancer-risk, my weight was climbing incrementally before HRT. Has now stabilised as a result of HRT and I'm going low-carb to get it back down. My doctor told me the weight gain was as equally as concerning in terms of both cancer risk and diabetes risk. So I'm working on the principle that being able to manage weight cancels out the risk from HRT....

Sadly it doesn't work for me.
I've tried them all at varying doses.
Sleep is appalling, as is mood and motivation to do anything.

Fibroids could also be causing me bother, not sure yet.

How do people cope? I feel grim.

OP, really hope it works for you 🤞

@dressedforcomfort what hrt regime do you use please?

I’m actually thinking of coming off it, in fact I’ve only had half a pump today.
I can’t shake the feeling that i’m giving myself cancer, and I know that it’s in my head, but i’m having repeated bad thoughts about it.

Being overweight is one of my problems, and I do love my food. But I do exercise. I need to reduce my portions, and stop buying chocolate and mochas.
I have a friend who sailed through menopause, she is very slim, and Ive often wondered if that’s the difference 🤔

@BigPussyEnergy you're giving me hope. I have a dr appointment next month about the state of things "down below". I'm single for now but not really ready to embrace the idea of lifelong celibacy when I could live for another 40 to 50 years!

@DustyLee123 its up to you of course but if you were a friend struggling with symptoms like this I would gently suggest you have this conversation with your GP or a specialist (if that's available to you ) as I think weighing up day to day how you are feeling now against risk of cancer which is often inherent in our day to day lifestyle choices is important.
If you aren't on the right HRT regime for your needs then you are probably off kilter on the benefits versus risk.
I am not sure it's as simple as managing weight and lifestyle.

@Runaround50

Am on estrogel sachets that I run directly into the skin each day and Utrogestan capsules on days 14-28.

Utrogestan not the easiest thing to get hold of atm. Usually have to visit 2-3 chemist before I find one with some in stock. But it really improves my quality of sleep.

@Runaround50 sorry - got brand name wrong. I meant estrodiol sachets.

I've been through the menopause and didn't take HRT. 14 years now and no health problems. My sister is fine and other family members are all fine and haven't taken HRT. Friends who haven't taken it are also ok.* What I will say is that none of us are overweight and all exercise and eat healthily.*

Doesn't follow for everyone. I wasn't overweight. Don't smoke. Barely drink and am active. Menopause hit me like a truck....

@dressedforcomfort thanks very much. Are they the sandrena sachets? I do have a few of those and the gel pumps. Maybe I will try gel again, I just don't know what to do for the best right now.

@Runaround50

yes, that's right. The silver sachets in the light blue/green box....

What I will say is that none of us are overweight and all exercise and eat healthily

It really isn't fair to guilt trip women by implying they are having meno symptoms because they are fat, sit around all day and eat rubbish.

And, although you all feel healthy, there is no way of knowing what's happened to their bone density or heart health. These health issues often occur at 60+.