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Menopause

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Original poster

HRT dose

8 replies

Rainsdropskeepfalling · 28/09/2023 20:48

I'm on the coil and trying a estrogen based patch - I've on week 4 and my anxiety is through the roof, brain fog getting worse. The gp said 3 months before a dose review - I'm looking for confirmation that things WILL get better... please??

I'm doing to paperwork so I should be able to see my blood results in a month's time - I flagged complete loss of libido so I hope they will be checking testosterone levels...

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 29/09/2023 07:59

what dose is the patch @Rainsdropskeepfalling

Usually, it's at least 50mcg with 25mcg being a starting point for older women (over 60 starting hrt for the first time.)

It's not usual to do a blood test. They aren't accurate (have to be done over 24 hours so not practically possible ) and dose is decided on symptoms.

Original poster
Rainsdropskeepfalling · 29/09/2023 09:30

@JinglingSpringbells thank you

I'm on a dose of 50mcg.

So if I understand correctly I stay at this dose for 3 months, we review the symptoms at 3 months and then the dose is adjusted accordingly? The symptoms may take 3 months to change I guess.

I wasn't sure if any of the base line levels could be determined in a blood test. I'm tired, depressed, anxious, can't remember my name, etc - all signs of menopause but could also be affected by other things out of balance too?

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 29/09/2023 09:56

It is true that you need to keep going to 12 weeks and reassess.
Blood tests are not necessary and don't show anything as the levels of estrogen can change by the hour.

HRT can be marvellous but you should also try adding in daily exercise (outside) as a way of dealing with depression and low mood, and also eating very healthily. Gut health has been linked recently to mood/ depression so cutting out ultra processed food is a start, and also increasing the number and variety of fruit and veg in a day, and foods like plain yoghurt, kefir and anything fermented.

Original poster
Rainsdropskeepfalling · 29/09/2023 18:31

@JinglingSpringbells thank you.

I started running 5km 3 times a week, trying to get 10k steps on the other days, I'm losing weight on slimming world, I've cut down to one or two alcoholic drinks only on one weekend day, I've restarted my probiotic and gut healthy diet (lot of veg juices!), cutting out dairy. I haven't got to fermented foods yet so I'll try that next...

Maybe this is just what life is now and I shouldn't expect it to be better

OP posts:
Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 29/09/2023 18:39

I don't think this is how life is now, so don't settle for that. @JinglingSpringbells has as always given some great advice. I am 18 months into the HRT journey and not fully settled, I am on max dose oestrogen and about to add testosterone. However I started a wholefoods diet about a month ago and feel so much better for it.

You are doing all the right things, yes things change as we age but, doesn't mean we should feel as you describe, it is not a given. The first few weeks on HRT were pretty rough for me but, it did deal with most of the symptoms I started it for, the rest are down to me and hopefully the testosterone.
Good luck.

Original poster
Rainsdropskeepfalling · 29/09/2023 19:07

@Allthecatseverywhereallatonce thank you. I'm not quite onto a whole foods diet and I know most people hate the idea of slimming world but for me I like the fact that it's normal food, and at least half a plate of veg. I can get on board with that. The syns, yeah, well, it's a way of identifying things that aren't great by some metric and you may want to eat them in moderation.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 29/09/2023 19:09

Rainsdropskeepfalling · 29/09/2023 18:31

@JinglingSpringbells thank you.

I started running 5km 3 times a week, trying to get 10k steps on the other days, I'm losing weight on slimming world, I've cut down to one or two alcoholic drinks only on one weekend day, I've restarted my probiotic and gut healthy diet (lot of veg juices!), cutting out dairy. I haven't got to fermented foods yet so I'll try that next...

Maybe this is just what life is now and I shouldn't expect it to be better

Oh- I'd not agree with cutting out dairy. It's good for you! Natural yogurt is gut-friendly especially the Greek sort (not 'Greek style/ type' but the real thing.) Yoghurt is full of beneficial bacteria.

You also need to watch your calcium if you cut out dairy as it's harder to get the amount you need. Not impossible, but needs some thought.

Original poster
Rainsdropskeepfalling · 29/09/2023 19:17

I feel less 'icky' when I stop dairy - but I tend to just have a week on, a week off. I am concerned about calcium (there's so little in a multivitamin) - I like broccoli at lot but I'm not a kale fan yet. I probably don't eat sardines frequently enough but I get through a lot of spinach. But yes, it's a great point about dairy being the easiest way to put calcium in your diet.

I also read a few papers about different magnesium salts so I'm going to try a few of those for a couple of months.

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