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Menopause

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Joint pain with HRT

8 replies

fluffy71 · 25/07/2023 21:50

I’ve been taking HRT for 6 weeks. 2 pumps of oestrogel and utrogestan tablets (progesterone) to take on days 15-26. I’ve been having intermittent periods for the last 18 months so not having had a period for 4 months prior to starting the meds, I didn’t have a cycle to guide me when starting the progesterone. Not sure if this makes any difference. But I feel so tearful the last week my hip particularly is really stiff and sore and I’m so exhausted!! Sleep not a problem but having to nap everyday whilst looking after my 5 yr old! Everyone tells me it will get better but I feel so awful 😞 I feel like throwing them down the toilet. I’ve struggled to get another GP appointment. The doctor initially told me to book a follow up in 3 months but the receptionist said their booking system doesn’t take bookings that far in advance! Then my 3 month supply of progesterone on prescription was unavailable due to shortages, so think this is adding to my anxiety😩 I can’t carry on like this I feel like a basket case!

OP posts:
fluffy71 · 26/07/2023 16:28

Shame no one replied. I did speak to my doctor and she said it sounds like progesterone intolerance and to stop immediately. Has anyone else done this? I’ve managed to book a private doctor next week for a second opinion. Every woman and her dog seems to have good experiences of it so a bit dissatisfied tbh

OP posts:
SanRaz1 · 26/07/2023 17:44

Hi, it may just be that the dose needs tweaking. HRT has really helped me with stabilising moods but can’t same the same for joint pain.
re: progesterone. I had major issues with synthetic progesterone but have been okay with Utrogestan. X

fluffy71 · 27/07/2023 20:52

Thanks for your response. The doctor said I was on a high dosage that clearly didn’t agree with me so to come off it. Said it’s probably not the end of my menopause journey and I may have to have something else in future. (Aka go away and don’t bother us now!) Yes anger and bitterness seems to be part of my symptoms too) I didn’t take my gel last night and had a migraine today, so decided to half the dose until I see private doctor next week to avoid any come down.

OP posts:
DarlingCoffee · 28/07/2023 05:03

Can you swap to a lower dose in patches? I didn't get on with the gel at all. I don’t think what I have is perfect but the patches are definitely more effective for me

Poolbugs · 28/07/2023 05:38

If it's any consolation I've always been awful with progressive (PMT, ante-natal depression, migraines etc) buy more take the utrogestan vaginally. Other than itchiness/skin discomfort I have none of the more crippling symptoms rock I am so thankful got as the oestrogen helps loads with my moods/joint soreness/insomnia etc.

Has anyone suggested you try this too? It's still for 12 days/cycle

Moredarkchocolateplease · 01/08/2023 09:14

OP, I have always had to nap everyday even when I was in 20s and 30s. My children joke about mummy needing a nice lie down on the sofa!

It is significantly worse when using progesterone though, utrogestan made me feel drugged and I hated how deeply I slept on it. I didn't feel refreshed but zombie like instead. It wasn't quite as bad vaginally though.

I have the coil now and I'm having at least two naps a day and sleeping 7-8 hrs a night.

Not sure what the answer is, the coil makes me less suicidal than utrogestan though so I'm sticking with it for now! I have started testosterone too so that might perk me up.

Curlylocks1207 · 21/03/2025 07:32

Hi,
I know this is a long post but just wondering how you got on in the end? I'm in a similar position to how you were a while back.
Have had crazy pain in joints and muscles this week, on day 10 of Utrogestan and it also effects my sleep, waking throughout the night, waking with major anxiety. It definitely doesn't agree with me.
Wondering about the coil myself aswell.
It's so hard with hrt, no 1 size fits all and seems just trial and error.
I had a hormone test recently, via a private company and it showed my estrogen was at the higher end, progesterone in the middle.
I'm going to ask to try testosterone aswell I think as a lot of symptoms I have still could possibly be to do with low testosterone, test did show that my levels are low.
I hope you got some relief.

LizziesTwin · 21/03/2025 07:34

@Curlylocks1207 I suggest you start a new thread as other helpful people might see this was started in 2023 and not scroll down to your post.

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