Is HRT even an option?

[AnastasiaBeaverhausenn]

Hi.
I had a hysterectomy in February (cervix and uterus removed, kept ovaries)

I'm now really struggling with brain fog, low mood, vaginal dryness, awful insomnia, bloating, night sweats and hot flashes.
I'm 43 and my bmi is 34 (down from 58 eighteen months ago but stalled for three months now)

The last time I queried hrt (last year) My GP said that I was too young and bmi should be under 30.
I'm in dire straits here and simply can't continue as I am.
I miss the old, happy me.
I didn't think perimenopause would come on so fast (I'm assuming that's what it is) because I kept my ovaries but here we are.

I know precisely nothing about hrt, only that I shouldn't need progesterone because I have no uterus.

Can anyone advise me on what I should be asking for or what to try please. I have a face to face appt with the gp next week so I'm trying to prepare.

Thank you 💐

I had a hysterectomy with ovaries removed at 45 and went straight on to HRT. I was told if the ovaries were left in they would wither anyway so I don't see why you shouldn't get it.

Yes, the ovaries ‘know’ there’s no womb so you’ll hit peri quicker.
My BMI is over 30 and I’m on it.

Certaibly should be an option - the doctor may prefer patch or gel rather than tablets as there’s less risk of clot / stroke. Ask if there is a GP with a special interest at your practice.

Try speak to a different doctor at the practice. You're not too young if you've gone through medical menopause. As a previous poster suggested, transdermal patches may be preferred.

Well done on getting your weight down! That's not easy, I know. Hopefully you will find that when you get some HRT you'll have more energy and reduce it further (if you want to). The main thing though would be for you to just feel better in yourself.

Good luck!

Thank you for your replies, I really appreciate it.
Any ideas on what I should be asking for (different doses and types) Is it just estrogen that I'm looking for?

Thanks again x

Just oestrogen, yes. I’m on the gel, but you could try patches.
I prefer gel as I’m in control of how much I have.

I think I'd prefer the gel too, I'm allergic to plasters so I'd be worried about that.

Do you start off on a low dose? How do you know if the dose is too low or too high?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to get as much info as I can from people who are actually using it.

Thank you 💐

I was prescribed two pumps but only have one, I’m happy on that, it’s got rid of the reason I went on it.

I believe you can have up to 4 pumps.
I alternate the thigh I put it on every day, and spread it out with the end of the lid.
And I now do it in the morning as I think it was disturbing my sleep.

Try vaginal oestrogen too - this will help dryness etc and is very low risk.

Hi OP I’m a specialist nurse and do menopause :)
As others have said you just need oestrogen, you’re not too young and topical oestrogens are safe re: VTE. Small increase risk of breast ca is used >1 year but that risk is minuscule compared to the benefits for most people.
If you aren’t keen on patches the gel or spray is good. I’d ask for oestrogen and start small with one pump daily. You should see the effects pretty swiftly!
see another GP, ask for a women’s health nurse and arm yourself with NICE guidance. balance is a great resource too.

Yes you can have HRT! You need vaginal/vulval HRT for the dryness, then transdermal (patch/gel/spray) oestrogen. BMI doesn't matter.

Op, you really need to go to a private menopause clinic. It would literally be the best thing you could do for yourself. Don't waste your time and health on a GP who knows fuck all about menopause.

I haven’t just used HRT, I take some supplements as well. I take magnesium L-threonate for brain fog and insomnia, and I stopped alcohol for night sweats and insomnia.

WTF! You had an actual hysterectomy and No consultation about hormone replacement?? Effing useless doctors.

Thank you so much everyone, I feel much more confident fighting my corner now.

I'll update next week after my appointment 🤞🏻

Summerhillsquare, I kept my ovaries which is supposed to mean that I don't need HRT.
It's definitely sped up the peri symptoms though.

Hi
I just wanted to thank you all for the advice. I had my appointment today and my doctor was absolutely lovely.
She's started me on two pumps of oestrogel and we're reviewing in three months.

Thanks again 💐 😃

Well done, thanks for the update.