Surgical Menopause - Restart HRT?

[SebastianFlytesTrousers]

I am 9 years post TAH/BSO - I had the surgery aged 46. I have tried various forms of estrogen only HRT and was given 2 x 6 monthly estrogen only implants last year but these were stopped as during the second one I developed a rash (which later turned out not to be related to the implant). I am returning to the NHS menopause clinic who prescribed the implants next May - I've waited over a year so far to be seen again. I no longer have hot flushes but I do feel really dreadful most days and I've gained a lot of weight in my midsection since I stopped HRT, which I know is typical. The things that are getting me down the most are awful joint and muscle pain, crashing fatigue, low self esteem and anxiety. I've been tested by my GP re: B12 and vit. D etc and all good there. Is it worth restarting HRT now? My GP is OK about prescribing and I actually have a choice of Evorel 50 patches, Estrogel or Elleste Solo to try at home. I tried the Elleste just before Christmas but panicked after the 2nd day as I developed a very upset stomach and nausea and stopped them. I'm worried about the Evorel - both getting the patches to stick and possible skin irritation as I've had this before a few years ago on Estradot. The gel I found was a total faff. I know no one can tell me what to do but I feel stuck in an indecisive and apathetic rut. Is this also due to low/no estrogen and will restarting HRT possibly lift me out of all this? Thank you for any kind advice.

I'm in the same boat, just a few yrs younger waiting for advice from my GP.

It's hard to know what to do, isn't it? Personally I feel stuck in a total rut of indecisiveness especially as the flushes have resolved, but I am very aware that there are possibly many other benefits to being on HRT for life now. Will you bee talking to your GP soon?

I had a surgical Meno at 50 but I still have my uterus - I like evoral conti and despite horrid allergies and skin issues Im doing ok with the patches

I also had surgical menopause. Evorel stick to me no problem. I’ve only had one come off in 5 years of using them. I stick them on my hip, do it long before I have a shower, not after or they will come off as skin is too warm. I don’t apply body lotion and they are only on for a couple of days, alternating sides and area, so I’ve never had a skin irritation. I think HRT is worth it for the bone protection, possible prevention of Alzheimer’s, preventing hair loss and the dreaded middle age spread! I feel far better on HRT than without.

Do you have your actual results for your b12 & vitamin D?
B12 normal levels are set really low in this country, you can actually buy injections over the counter in Germany because it’s such an important vitamin, you can still get awful symptoms in the lower range of the U.K. normal range which is 150 for our lab. Normal is 150-900 so if you are 151, surely you would feel miles better at say 750.
Vitamin D is normal at 50 but needs to be 75 to be optimal and for bone protection.
Ferritin can be marked normal at 15/20 (depends on labs reference range) but nice guidelines say treatment needed under 30, and it needs to be above 70 for healthy hair growth. many whom would feel better towards 100 (normal range goes up to around 300).
Have you had thyroid tested too?

Thank you so much for sharing that the patches are working well for you, KatyMac Do you find they stick well for the most part, and may I ask where you find the best place to apply them is please?

There are so many benefits to taking hrt. Raised energy, reduced anxiety, cardio vascular protection and bones too (reduced osteoporosis). I use oestrogel, one pump in the am and one pm, dries in under two mins, no faff at all. I had bursitis and two frozen shoulders when I started, all resolved now.

That's great to hear about the Evorel, I feel much more hopeful now about trying them! Estradot were very touch and go re: sticking when I tried them a few years ago no matter how careful I was with them, but I've never actually tried the Evorel. Are you on the 50mcg dose if you don't mind me asking? Great info. too about the ranges for B12 and Vit. D too - thank you so much. My results were marked as 'satisfactory' when I phoned in for them, but my female GP is actually very helpful and I'm planning on seeing her after the New Year and will ask her for the actual numbers. I forgot to say that she also ran thyroid including antibodies with same re: satisfactory, but I'll ask for a breakdown of those results too.

Funny you should mention shoulders, LuckyCharmz - mine are agony! I'm seriously having problems even shampooing my hair at the moment. I'm so glad HRT has resolved all of this for you and feel very encouraged to restart. Thank you so much!

i put them low belly and I only have problems if Im not concentrating and they fold before I put them on

I take huge doses of Vit D and B12 & methyl Folate too

Thank you for the patch placement tip, I really appreciate it. I definitely need to ask my GP about supplementation and what 'satisfactory' actually means re: my results. I'm sure I definitely need Vit. D supplementation at least, especially as we have even less sunlight here in Scotland year round.

I started on Evorel 50 but am now on 100.
I’m guessing satisfactory means you would feel miles better if you upped your levels -the GP Will probably say ‘the levels are fine and won’t cause you any symptoms’ though.

Magnesium is good for menopausal women, there are lots of different types though so might be best to Google which ones are best for you but, just for example.

This is hugely helpful as I have been thinking of starting magnesium, but was unsure of which to try. Thank you so much!