HRT: tell me your experiences, please!

[Elibean]

I'm going to talk to gp about possibility of taking it for couple of years only - and know she's going to offer me various sorts.

I did try the non-cyclical, never-bleeding type once - and hated it, felt like dreadful pms! Any thoughts on t'other?

I haven't tried it,although my gynae says it is there on offer if I need it. We have discussed various types.

IMO the patch is the best as it by-passes the liver. You could have oestrogen-only patches, and a Mirena coil to get the progesterone you need- at a lower dose than with pills, if it is the progesterone that gives you PMT. Mind you, I see my gynae privately- so you might not get the offer of the Mirena coil on the NHS- don't know.

Have you tried all lifestyle issues as well? I am early 50s and still having periods. I had a very brief gap of no periods for 4 months, then they have come back off and on. I have had some very very mild meno symptoms- such as mild flushes. My gynae thinks lifestyle might be helpful- especially no tea or coffee, and plenty of exercise.

Hope this helps- sorry it doesn't answer your questions directly.

p.s.- are you still having periods? I think I have read that the no-bleed type of HRT is only really suitable for women who are one year post-menopause and not having periods. That might be why it didn't suit you.

Thanks pp

I was still having periods, so maybe thats why it felt so awful. I'm not now, though. I spoke to my sister (who had an early meno at 40 and has been on HRT for ten years, now tailing off) and she said the patches were fine...I'm just worried about a) remembering to change them on the right day and b) them falling off in the swimming pool/shower/bath.

I think they are supposed to be waterproof- and if not you just stick 'em back on!

I use oestrogen only patches and think they rock. I had catastrophic ovarian failure so although not had a year without periods they won't be coming back.

Patches are really easy to manage.

I went through an early-menopause that was masked by my use of the contraceptive pill. When I came off the pill to try and conceive I was quickly diagnosed as early-meno and put on Cycle-Progynova. I have found HRT to be absolutely brilliant - I had been suffering all sorts of aches and pains etc but they have all gone.

That must have been hugely shocking, to say the least, stangirl

Thanks all - have now got my patches (Evarel 50) and am five days into it

Do think my back is less achy already, is that possible?! I know its not a high dose...