Did anyone else feel awful on HRT at first?

[cocopop100]

I’m on day four of HRT (estrogen and progesterone creams) and am feeling completely HORRIFIC. I feel totally exhausted like I’m drugged, swinging between cold and shivery and then hot, nauseous, dry mouth and thirsty. I’m meant to be going into the office tomorrow but not sure I can manage.

I’ve been reading that HRT can cause side effects at first which can subside but I’m not sure if this is quite extreme? Did anyone else experience similar and then feel better? I’m not sure whether to stick with it or assume it doesn’t agree with me and stop.

I’d be really grateful if anyone has any experiences as feeling a bit confused and desperate

I felt awful for the first 3 weeks, well enough to go to work but pretty rough. After that things improved massively. I have no idea what's "normal" though!

Hope things pick up soon.

I can never get past a week of the oestrogen in any form.
I get jittery, headaches, aches and pains, lightheaded. After a week I’m clenching my jaw so badly with anxiety I have to stop.

Progesterone cream is not licensed as HRT in the UK and is only sold by private clinics, (compared to consultants working privately, who prescribe regulated HRT) so it's not endorsed or approved.

How are you being prescribed it?

I had the poops for the first week, then three weeks of nausea and giddiness, now I have sore boobs. It will be three months next week, not sure if the sore boobs are here to stay or if they'll get less sore.

Do you really mean you're using progesterone cream?
What sort is it - what type and dose?
What type and dose of estrogen is it?

Thanks - yes it’s prescribed by a private doctor. 50mg of progesterone as a cream

Ah that’s not fun but from what I’ve read they sound like common side effects. Hope the boobs get less sore soon

ooft horrible :-( Yeah it seems like everyone’s response is so personal and some people just don’t get on with it

Thank you - well done for sticking it out! Sounds like it worked out for you in the end

You've been give COMPOUNDED HRT which is very different to REGULATED HRT.

This is why it's not approved or licensed in the UK.
thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bioidentical-hrt/

BMS consensus statement
Bioidentical HRT
Key messages

• cBHRT products are not recommended by the BMS they are not evidence based for effectiveness and safety and because rBHRT options are available

• There is insufficient evidence to justify multiple serum and saliva hormone tests often claimed to precisely individualise cBHRT

• Claims for the benefits of cBHRT have been largely extrapolated from studies of conventional rBHRT

• rBHRT studies have demonstrated some advantages over other types of HRT, particularly those with androgenic progestogens

Further data from larger studies on major cardiovascular and breast endpoints are required to confirm the potential benefits of rBHRT

The management of women with menopause related problems should be underpinned by the principles and guidelines of the British Menopause Society and wherever possible, regulated products should be prescribed.

Summary of key terminologies

• cBHRT: Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Precise duplicates of human hormones which are produced by specialist pharmacies and do not follow the same MHRA regulatory pathway as conventional rBHRT

• rBHRT: Regulated Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Precise duplicates of human hormones developed in a conventional way by the pharmaceutical industry and authorised by the regulators such as the MHRA in the UK.

If you don't want to see your GP for HRT, you can make an appt with a private consultant or private GP who will prescribe licensed HRT. It's likely to be far less expensive as well compared to what you've been sold now.

Oh gosh I didn’t realise that at all. I just took the private doctor’s advice and she seemed really credible. I thought it would be better as it’s more tailored as the standard stuff from NHS. Anyway I’ve stopped it now so will consider next steps. Thank you for flagging this

I lasted a week on oestrogen only HRT. I was shaky, weepy and my boobs felt like day 5 post baby.
That was six months ago and I've not dared try it again, I've been meaning to try 1/3 of the dose.

I am very fit and eat well though. Lots of cardio, full fat dairy and running for my heart and bones. I am probably past menopause so maybe it'll be OK.

You can still use a private consultant - usually a gynaecologist - who will prescribe regulated products and they have some flexibility to change the dose or regime, outside of NHS guidelines - but always within safety boundaries.

So in that sense it's more tailored.

As it says in that info from the British Menopause Society, salvia tests or blood tests are not accurate or necessary.

The author of that medical information (on the link) is Prof Nick Panay who is one of the top 3 or so menopause consultants in the UK.

The progesterone cream cannot always be converted into an active hormone when applied through the skin as a cream, so it may simply not work.

Avoid any dr who says they offer 'compounded HRT.'

Bloody hell OP. Lesson for us all here!

FWIW HRT has been a lifesaver for me - but I don’t see a private quack!