Please share your HRT protocol and what symptoms have been worse before and after etc

[Cornishbelle]

I'll start

I'm 46 and on oestrogel 1.5 pumps
Micronised progesterone 1 a day every day
I still have regular periods though these have lightened due to the progesterone I imagine

I had terrible joint pain insomnia brain fog

Joint pain definitely better and other two things improved a little

My libido is still through the floor and I have vag dryness and itching

I get terrible bloating in the lead up to me period

Wondering to ask for a change in protocol eg prog not every day and to enquire about more oestrogen or ask about testosterone or topical oestrogen? My GP was quite reluctant for me to go on hrt so not sure if this will fly

Its been a bloody nightmare. My GP put me on oestrogen hrt and Ive been on that for 20 years and it worked brilliantly for me. The next GP took me off it this year without any tapering off and immediately plunged me back into the worst of the menopause.
I tried it for three months but I couldnt manage without and started making mistakes at work a d not sleeping because of the hot flushes all night.
I got an appointment with a locum who said ok Ill put you back on oestrogen because youve had a hysterectomy.
I havent had a bloody hysterectomy! I am intact. He then said I should never have been put on that because it can cause cancer of the lining of the uterus and prescribed oestrogen and progesterone instead. Last time I took progesterone I was in a proper state.
Why the hell is hysterectomy in my notes when Ive never had one????

Confused.

Were you only on estrogen for 20 years?

Some female ones yes. Males sadly they listen but are not great.

I have 5 pumps of oestrogen, testosterone pouch spread over 5 days, progesterone suppositories 2 weeks on/off and vaginal oestrogen too.

I was experiencing mood swings, night sweats, frozen shoulder, anxiety, brain fog, libido had tanked, painful joints, incontinence especially around my period.

still get a bit of anxiety but all other symptoms either gone completely or so so much better than they were.

still having periods. More is the pity!!

Following with interest.

I started on a similar regime 2 weeks ago - one pump Lenzetto, 100mg daily progesterone. I am progesterone sensitive and have never got on with hormonal contraceptives so was nervous about starting it. I hadn’t had a period for nearly three months so GP (menopause specialist clinic) suggested trying daily but said it may cause erratic bleeding and we would reassess at 3 months and move onto the 12 day progesterone regime if necessary.

I have just had a period but can’t be certain whether it’s due to the progesterone or whether I would have had it anyway but it was much lighter than my usual heavy periods. Quite bad period pain though.

It took a few days to adjust to the medication but was better than I expected. I don’t feel like I sleep as well on the Progesterone - like I’ve had a late coffee. I also felt prickly and itchy throughout the night and a bit drugged this morning so I’m wondering if its going to become less tolerable as it builds up in my system.

I’m wondering if upping my Lenzetto could help balance out the Progesterone. If anyone has any thoughts on that?

Just to add, I didn’t have major symptoms before starting - no hot flushes, slept ok, minimal brain fog. Libido was main problem, plus other low level issues - joints etc.
I’m late 40s

Yes.

Have you been referred for a ultrasound of your womb?
If not, you must be.

I don't want to be alarmist but you do need checking out after 20 years of estrogen only.
Have you ever had any bleeding in the years after menopause?

It's completely unacceptable that you have had this prescribing error.

Your periods are withdrawal bleeds and will carry on as long as you use sequential HRT.

5 pumps is a lot- has your GP suggested you increase the progesterone?

Are you using suppositories or pessaries?

@JinglingSpringbells- I take 200mg suppositories. I have a progesterone intolerance.

Interesting.
Are they totally different to the 200mgs pessaries or do you just use those?

@JinglingSpringbells- they are called Cyclogest.

Ah, okay. I think they are similar to 200mgs Utrogestan vaginal capsules (which I think can be used as a suppository too) but a bit bigger.