Alternatives to HRT

[lurchermummy]

Been on HRT for about 10 months, started it for joint pain/low libido/night sweats plus for long term protection of brain, bones etc. But I can’t get on with it, just can’t get the dose right, feel bloated, sore boobs, and no change to libido or joint pain. GP is sympathetic but says I just need to persist with it. I think it’s been long enough to know it doesn’t suit me. So I’m thinking of stopping.

Those of you who can’t/wont take HRT, any recommendations for what to do or take instead? I already do resistance training and take vitamin D, magnesium, collagen. I also try to eat plenty of protein. Any other tips/advice? Thank you!

That sounds really good - unfortunately im
a bit brassic at the moment

If you want to do Zoe without paying for it just gets a cgm and test the blood sugar impact yourself. Abbott do a 2 week free trial of one. Then just listen to the podcasts and follow the principles, eat the rainbow, 30+ plants a week, lots of fermented food, minimal upf etc and you will be 95% there.

Having said that if you think progesterone is what is needed I would test it out by just using the progesterone part of your prescription. Progesterone only is often used for women in early perimenopause as it drops before oestrogen does.

If you don't want to do this without guidance I have found glycine to have excellent benefits for sleep (increasing quality of deep sleep especially). It us also good for blood sugar regulation and is meant to have a longitivity benefit.

Having said that if you think progesterone is what is needed I would test it out by just using the progesterone part of your prescription. Progesterone only is often used for women in early perimenopause as it drops before oestrogen does.

My opinion is it's the Utrogestan that is causing the negative response.

The reason it's used for some women in peri is to stop erratic bleeding (the mini pill). That's not the same as micronised progesterone- mini pills are a synthetic version.

Hello I felt it necessary to get on some sort of chat room. Anyone had any problems with Sequi patches. Honestly I don't know if the conti 50 is having weird effects on me. Dizziness, moodiness, feeling like I'm spaced out sometimes. I started back on them because of the sweats but I feel like I'm pumping some alien medicine into my body and it just feels so strange. My head hurts. Seeing my GP Wednesday. I need to try something else

There was an offer on - think it’s still going - where the test kits are half price. So £150 plus £10 per month membership for a year. So in total £270.

@JinglingSpringbellsthanks - I am convinced it is the estrogen because when I stop taking it the breast tenderness goes away.

It does this to me too. Every time. Gave me heart palpitations in the end. HRT is not the “magic bullet” for everyone.

Op you can take supplements that increase serotonin. I’m finding L-Tyrosine and Saffron really helpful. Get a good probiotic and sort your gut health too - this will fight inflammation and make you feel much better. Low carbing and the gym has massively helped my aches and pains go away.

Bear in mind that both hormones work together on breasts.
It's possible that estrogen is just accentuating what progesterone is doing.

Unless you try estrogen on its own, you aren't getting the full picture.

It's your choice but as you're so distressed with it all, there's nothing to lose by trying a cyclical regimen, with estrogen alone for 2 weeks.

I'd also suggest that if you have the cash, you see a specialist who knows about menopause/ HRT.

@JinglingSpringbellsthanks but I’m increasingly leaning towards just giving it a rest - which was sort of the point if this thread (although I do appreciate your advice). The approach taken by @ChocolateGanacheseems like a sensible one. Thanks all I’ll let you know how I get on.