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Do I need HRT?

5 replies

Mich1986 · 18/10/2025 17:15

I had a hysterectomy 6 months ago, kept ovaries. I’m 38 and have endometriosis. I am getting some symptoms, mainly hair thinning, low mood, rage, dryness, loss of libido, can’t lose any weight, exhausted.
Because I kept ovaries I was still getting cycles and for the first 4 months I would have breast tenderness around when my periods would have been, the last 2 months this has stopped, so am I possibly peri or going through menopause now? Should I try some HRT/progesterone?
i did a private blood test recently and my oestrogen level was 272 and progesterone was only 0.16.

OP posts:
HarrisonsHair · 18/10/2025 17:49

I'm about 6 months ahead of you with the hysterectomy and a bit older. I've had a very similar experience to you with the breast tenderness disappearing and some different symptoms. I started hrt a few months back, estrogen gel, 2 pumps, and it made me feel so much better within a few days.
Did they get rid of all the endometriosis though? because that might be a factor with taking estrogen.

Mich1986 · 18/10/2025 18:05

HarrisonsHair · 18/10/2025 17:49

I'm about 6 months ahead of you with the hysterectomy and a bit older. I've had a very similar experience to you with the breast tenderness disappearing and some different symptoms. I started hrt a few months back, estrogen gel, 2 pumps, and it made me feel so much better within a few days.
Did they get rid of all the endometriosis though? because that might be a factor with taking estrogen.

I believe all the endo was removed. The gynaecologist said when I start HRT I need to take progesterone along with it to slow the endo regrowth down. Have you had any side effects with being on the HRT?

OP posts:
HarrisonsHair · 18/10/2025 18:13

No side effects at all, it's been great. Obviously I can't say how progesterone will effect you, I never got on with Progesterone only contraception, it made me permanently angry. I guess HRT is lower does so might not be the same.
All my endometriosis was removed as well, they didn't recommend for me to take progesterone, not sure why.

Mich1986 · 18/10/2025 19:34

HarrisonsHair · 18/10/2025 18:13

No side effects at all, it's been great. Obviously I can't say how progesterone will effect you, I never got on with Progesterone only contraception, it made me permanently angry. I guess HRT is lower does so might not be the same.
All my endometriosis was removed as well, they didn't recommend for me to take progesterone, not sure why.

Yes I was never that keen on progesterone only pill when I had periods. But it says in my follow up notes from gynae that when I get HRT I need to combine it with progesterone because of the endo. Maybe I should get an appointment with the GP to discuss.

OP posts:
HarrisonsHair · 18/10/2025 20:37

Mich1986 · 18/10/2025 19:34

Yes I was never that keen on progesterone only pill when I had periods. But it says in my follow up notes from gynae that when I get HRT I need to combine it with progesterone because of the endo. Maybe I should get an appointment with the GP to discuss.

Yes probably good idea, hope you get one which is positive about HRT!

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