Struggling to balance HRT and pelvic pain after hysterectomy

[SweatyyBettyy]

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out for some advice and a bit of support. I’m 51, and I had a full hysterectomy (including both ovaries) two years ago. I’ve had a five-year history of pelvic pain with bowel and bladder issues. While I don’t have endometriosis, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis and fibroids. Recently, I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and hypermobility this year. I left my job 18 months ago.
I’ve really struggled to get my HRT right because of my chronic pelvic pain. I can only tolerate a small amount of estrogen. For a while, I was on two pumps of gel, but just before Christmas, my GP switched me to a 50 mcg patch. My pelvic pain skyrocketed, so we dropped it to 25 mcg. After that, I felt awful—dry eyes, dry mouth and vagina. The gp has prescribed vagifem. I have been referred to Opthamology as my dry eyes are severe.
I had a blood test, and my estrogen was 88 pmol, so three months ago, we went back to the gel. But I just had another blood test, and it’s now 119 pmol. I still feel dreadful—my joints ache, muscles are so painful, and my recent ferritin was just 15.
I’m at a loss—every time we increase estrogen, the pelvic pain gets worse. I know it’s a complex picture, but I’d really appreciate any thoughts or experiences from anyone who’s been through something similar. I can't cope without it either as I have panic attacks. Thank you xx

I had similar problems. I have oestrogen implants now. Luckily the pelvic pain has settled but they said if it came back that they’d put me back on progesterone even though i haven’t taken it since the hysterectomy.

Are you under menopause clinic or just being treated by your GP? Ask for a referral.

I'm sorry you're suffering so much.

I don't understand how the pelvic pain and HRT are connected.
Do you? Have you been referred to a neurologist or someone who can explore why you have this pain? Is it caused by the fibromyalgia? Is it something that physiotherapy could help?
Adeno and fibroids would not usually cause pain- just perhaps heavier periods.

I do know that specialist women's physios can deal with pelvic pain if the muscles are tight and if muscles and joints are tight.

Is this something you've explored at all?

Are you on iron tablets for the ferritin? Take them every other day with vitamin c

dry eyes - sea buckthorn oil supplements are excellent and clinical evidence for them along with Hycosan drops (intense version)

Thanks so much for your replies. My mum has been poorly, so I am looking after her and haven't been online.
I don't know what the link is but the hrt definitely causes pain.
Apparently progesterone isn't great, as it loosens my already loose ligaments.
I did see a pelvic physio privately. The exercises she gave me flared my arthritis in my knees so she said it was best to stop.
Thank you I've just started iron with vitamin c.
I will look into the buckthorn supplement 😊

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