56 and something needs to change

[Justwantabitofmeback]

I am 56, last period was 2 years ago. In the last 4-ish years so much has changed, I don't recognise myself anymore and I just want a bit of me back!

The weight has piled on, but this year I have lost 4.5st (still more to go) and I am feeling a bit better because of this. Insomnia and night time hot flashes are back with a vengeance (although I haven't had anymore night sweating for a couple of years, I am just waking boiling hot), not sure if it coming back is also related to weightloss. I constantly tired from broken sleep as I need to get up to cool down.

Other symptoms include REALLY not caring about much and avoiding any conflict which is a problem at work. I am also starting to avoid socialising which is making the world a bit smaller.

Something needs to improve, I have at least 6-7 years of working still and I can't keep going like this. I want more now.

I have a telephone appointment with the Dr on 30th December (impossible to get an appointment sooner) to discuss but want to be prepared to be able to advocate for myself at the appointment.

I am also worried about hair loss from HRT, my hair has never been full but has been thinning at lot over the last 4 years to the point it is embarrassing now.

Am I right in thinking NHS will/should offer oestrogen and progestogen to me as I still have a uterus or will it be oestrogen only and will I be allowed to choose if I want oral, patches or gel?

What happens if they agree I should try it? Do they do blood tests first to confirm hormone levels then regularly to check after?

Thanks for any guidance, especially from anyone who started at a similar age/stage.

Got the (very quick 3 minute as she seemed desperate to get off the phone!) call back from the Dr and they are sending through a prescription which I will probably pick up from Chemist on Friday

Evorel 50 patches (twice weekly)
Utrogestan 100mg (continuous)
Ovestin cream (she said twice weekly but didn't seem too sure)
Review in 3 months

So looks like I'll be starting my HRT this weekend! I really hope this helps!

A big thanks to everyone who has shared advice and experiences on here already and on the forum in general as it has been hugely helpful. 💗

I have seen some hints on here and in videos about warming the patch in your hands before applying/then holding down with warm hand for a minute to make sure it sticks well.

Any other hints or tips/things you wish you had known/done when you first started?

Picked up prescription from chemist today so all ready to start Utrogestan/Ovestin tonight and will put on my first patch after shower tomorrow morning! 👍

I obviously didn't do my research well enough as I didn't realise Ovestin cream wasn't an external topical cream 🙈 so the twice a week (after the initial 2-3 weeks of daily) makes much more sense now!

Just day 5 so early days of starting -

Sleep has already changed. I am no longer waking almost hourly with hot flashes, but instead waking once a night with full on night sweats/soaking wet pjs again (I haven't had them for a few years, just hot flashes not sweating)

At night have some cramping similar to what it used to feel like period is due.

So I am sleeping mostly between 11pm-ish and 4:30-5am-ish which is much better than before. But the dreams! I don't usually dream, but they have been very vivid the last two nights. Last night ds(21) was around 5 yo again and kept appearing in different places in my bedroom looking a bit menacing.

Still very early days, lets hope sleep continues to improve and dreams reduce (or become nicer)!

Thought you might find it helpful to have some feedback on this.

The main point is that Utrogestan (progesterone) does raise body temp (not just as part of HRT but in women with fertile cycles.)

That could explain the sweats at night.

I get hotter night when using it on a cycle and also have weird dreams.

I know you're only 56 and 4 years post meno. It's very possible to use HRT on a cycle at any age (friend of mine is doing it at 71!) to avoid the side effects of daily Utrogestan.

I'm still using it on a cycle after 15 years (this is with medical agreement from a consultant.) The downside is you will have a withdrawal bleed each month and some women can't bear that.

It may settle down for you in time, but if not, don't discount trying it on a cycle and then you will only have 12 days out of 30 where you get hotter and have vivid dreams!

@JinglingSpringbells Thanks for the info. Good to know there are options if they remain and/or become unmanageable. I don't fancy having periods again (who would!), but guess it will come down to picking the least worst option!

I will give it a least a few weeks to see if they settle.

Day 13 and thought I'd drop a little update in. Slept through last night! I can't remember the last time I did that! 😃 I didn't even wake to go for a nighttime pee! No more funny dreams or night sweats since around day 8. Lets hope this is the start of a pattern!🤞

No noticeable change in mood, concentration or joints, but early days and they will take longer, although getting a nights sleep helps!

Evorol patches were life changing for me, huge fan.
Also magnesium for the insomnia, took a couple of months but works wonderfully

Question for any Evorel users? / @Didshejustsaythatoutloud

Is it expected that the edges of the patch are coming away towards the end of 3-4 days wear. This one is slightly worse than previous ones.

I warm patch on hands before opening and make sure area is clean and dry. Any other hints to stick better?

Yes, I would say so. Where are you putting them?

I wonder if Mounjaro has anything to do with these feelings. There are reports saying it can lead to low mood/depression. It might be worth coming off that for a while and letting go your body re-set naturally before trying HRT?

So far I have been putting them on the front of my thigh.

I don't think it is related to MJ, the feelings/mood have been there for the last few years, the physical symptoms have raised their head again since losing weight over the last 6 months and lack of sleep hasn't helped. This may be related to oestrogen levels dropping further due to fat loss which stores estrone and contributes to oestrogen levels. MJ is too important for my overall health to stop at this time.

If anything losing weight has prompted me to look at my health more and HRT when previously I wouldn't have wanted to (now feel Drs wont dismiss my issues due to weight).

Sorry me again! Day 21 of HRT.

Quick recap

Evorel 50 patches (twice weekly)
Utrogestan 100mg (continuous)
Ovestin cream (2-3 weeks daily then twice weekly)

The change to my sleep this week has been good. Limited wakings due to hot flashes or even to pee! Managed to sleep through from 11:30pm to 6am a couple of days! New problem is now being able to fall asleep - but working on that.

56 yo, 2 years since last period...................until today 🩸! Had some mild period like cramps a couple of days ago. Medium flow/bright red.

I understand from posts on here (thanks again or I wouldn't have been expecting it!) it is normal to have some bleeding in the first 6 months when starting HRT.

Three questions if anyone can help -

What does "some bleeding" looking like during those 6 months? Monthly full blown periods or occasional?

Second, do I need to contact my Dr on Monday to adjust anything or just keep notes and see how things progress over the next few weeks, and if no other concerns just mention in my 3 month review. I was prescribed HRT in a couple of 5min phone calls with no advice so not sure what I should be telling them.

Last,(I feel like a numpty asking), do I just skip Ovestin cream while still bleeding or still insert when next dose due and some will absorb?

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php

First paragraph here describes what happens.

No need to make an appt yet to discuss this but mention at your review.
There is nothing to adjust- it's very early days and adjusting anything will just re-set it all at a different level so you'd be back to square one.

There's no right/wrong with blood loss. I assume everyone is different.

You can use Ovestin as and when - it doesn't have to be in the evening, if you can't.

Thanks again as always @JinglingSpringbells for the advice and link. 💐