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Original poster

Do I really need HRT??

32 replies

Helenmelon74 · 08/05/2024 09:18

Hi, just after some expert advice here. In February I spoke to my GP because I’d had headaches,anxiety and dizziness for months and was feeling pretty wiped out in general. GP suggested HRT (I’m 49) which I said I’d think about. In February I stopped taking Omeprazole, lo and behold the headaches stopped!! The dizziness and generally feeling crap got worse!
4th March-Coil removed (out of date, no contraception needed)

6th April-I had bloods done which showed high infection markers.

7th April- urine tested, very high bacteria levels. Started strong antibiotics.

8th April-started HRT advised by doctor due to how I’d been feeling.

10th April- FELT AMAZING!

11th April-first period in 5 years, extremely heavy and lasted 10 days still felt great!

17th April-patch containing progesterone started, anxiety sky high and mood continued to lower. Advised to stop and have another coil fitted so I could have oestrogen only patches.

26th April-Mirena fitted and oestrogen patches started. Expected to feel great again but didn’t happen.

4th May-period came, extremely heavy lots of pain, feeling so tired and flat.

I know it’s early days but I’m beginning to think the improvement I had at the start of April was actually getting rid of a urine infection that I’d had since December! (Also possibly the Mirena wearing off and my body taking over.) I’m obviously still having monthly periods which I’ve found out since having the coil removed so should I even be on HRT? Part of me wants to just get this coil out, stop patches and see how I am without any artificial hormones!

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 08/05/2024 13:02

shearwater2 · 08/05/2024 12:37

I would like HRT that replicates Femodene as closely as possible and does not allow endometriosis to return as I feel fucking fantastic on it, but can only take it for another year or so. Bit worried that "bio-identical" oestrogen will be counterproductive as my body seems to like ethynlestradiol, which has been discontinued in the UK for menopause treatment.

When I had the copper coil and my own hormones for five years I got endometriosis, so bugger that. Symptom free after several years on desogestrel and two years back on combined pill.

I don't blame the doctor for trying HRT as a lot of feeling shit symptoms are hormone related. I was getting vaginal atrophy on desogestrel, all back to normal now. But there are also others to consider like cortisol, adrenaline, and thyroxine.

I worry about osteoporosis too with low oestrogen - my mum is ok but my dad had it. I wouldn't be taking any chances.

You might want to consider Femoston (tablet HRT) which contains dydrogesterone and is almost as body identical as micronised progesterone but suits some women better.

shearwater2 · 08/05/2024 13:09

JinglingSpringbells · 08/05/2024 13:02

You might want to consider Femoston (tablet HRT) which contains dydrogesterone and is almost as body identical as micronised progesterone but suits some women better.

Show quote history

Many thanks @JinglingSpringbells I was just looking at that. I'll certainly try that one first if possible.

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 08/05/2024 13:10

OMG, I would hate to be without my HRT. My life was a misery before I took it. I mean miserable, I would be a hot messy monstrous monster who would not be able to wholly function as a productive human being.
Some females sail through menopause, but for others like me, it's a saviour and I would fight dirty if anyone tried to get between us, 😂
But that's just me

Original poster
Helenmelon74 · 08/05/2024 13:22

JinglingSpringbells · 08/05/2024 12:36

With respect, women who've not used HRT rarely appreciate the different types, brands, or the way it can be individualised (more so by specialists and more so by private specialists who aren't 'controlled' by NHS rules.)

@Helenmelon74 Any kind of progestogen whether it's a coil or patch or a tablet can cause low mood. As you say, if your low mood coincided with your first Mirena, it's possible it didn't suit you as well as you thought.

It's 'sold' as being more or less side-effect free, but the medical research shows that some of the hormone in it is actually absorbed systemically, and at the same level as a low dose patch.

It's only my opinion but the fact you have been on ADs for many years is relevant. And if that coincided with the Mirena, that's more relevant.

As others have said it really is trial and error.

HRT is the first line treatment for low mood in peri.
However, you're more complicated as your low mood seems to have come at the same time as using a Mirena. You should consider having it removed and seeing how you are.

There are options for women who are intolerant to many progestogens, such as 3-monthly cycles (this is all in NICE by the way) where the use of progestogen is reduced to an absolute minimum of 12 days in 84 days.

So, don't dismiss HRT outright, but give you mood time to settle and see how you feel then. You might also want to consider talking to your GP about the long term use of ADs which don't work for peri-based low mood. (Dr Louise Newson has a lot of info and case studies on this, on her website.)

This is exactly my thoughts at the minute. I'm going to contact the GP this afternoon and say I want it removed and to stop HRT. I have a feeling they'll tell me I need to give it more time but I'm going to firmly insist!

OP posts:
Original poster
Helenmelon74 · 08/05/2024 15:00

UPDATE!
I've spoken to the GP (via online forms 🙄) and she's booked me an appointment to have the coil removed tomorrow and to discontinue the patches and be hormone free for the time being.

OP posts:
CulturalNomad · 08/05/2024 15:40

11th April-first period in 5 years, extremely heavy and lasted 10 days still felt great!

Wouldn't a bleed after 5 years of no periods warrant a scan to check the uterine lining?

Original poster
Helenmelon74 · 08/05/2024 19:11

@CulturalNomad I hadn't had a bleed because I'd had the coil for 5 years.

OP posts:
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