Swollen fingers after starting HRT: is this a common side effect?

[Memoriesbeingmade]

Hi. I have been taking HRT for the last two months. 2 pumps of ostrogen gel and one progesterone tablet each day. Since taking this, I have noticed my fingers are gradually becoming swollen. It got so bad today that I had to force my engagement and eternity rings off but I couldn't get my wedding ring over my knuckle, and I ended up at the fire station where two lovely firefighters managed to get it off with some effort. Are swollen fingers a side effect of taking HRT? Is it a short term thing? I now cannot wear my wedding, engagement or eternity rings.

Yes, it can. I’d see your GP. The first form of HRT I tried, when I started the progesterone stage my legs swelled up ridiculously. GP swapped me to a different form and it never happened again.

Mind you, it was the combined patch that I struggled with an oral progesterone suits me better.

Too high a dose of oestrogen can influence fluid retention. I know two pumps isn’t a high dose but might be more than you need at this stage - some women do feel ok with just one pump so you might try dropping down to one and see if your symptoms are still managed while the fluid retention improves.

What age are you? One progesterone tablet daily is usually for continuous HRT and that’s the regime for post menopausal use or after a length of time on sequential. Sequential use is the gel every day and then two progesterone tablets for only 12 days each month.

See your GP.
This is possibly nothing and just related to some fluid retention but it sounds a little on the edge of what is normal.

As PP says you might want to reduce your estrogen.

It seems as if most GPs just tell women to use 2 pumps when in fact it's far better to start low and work upwards. (Consultants tend to suggest that.)

Not everyone needs 2 pumps- it's the 'average' and many women are fine on 1 pump.

It was the hospital consultant that put me on HRT. I am peri menopausal apparently. Early 40s. She is due to see me again in the middle of July for more blood tests.

I will try and get an appointment with the GP if I can to save waiting for the hospital appointment. Thank you.

Luckily, the firefighters were able to get my ring off without cutting it, using elastic and a lot of force.

Is there not a secretary of hers you can contact with a question?

If you had to see a consultant it suggests there are other issues going on or your GP wasn't able to prescribe.

I haven't been given a contact for the secretary. I was referred by the GP because I hadn't had a period for 10 months. Before that, i only had 3 periods in the previous year. I have only had one short period since being put on HRT, so in 2 years, I have only had 4 periods. The consultant gave me 3 months HRT, took some bloods and told me i will get an appointment at the end of the 3 months for a new blood test and a follow up appointment with her.

So are you very young?

Normally ,not having had a period for 10 months wouldn't be an issue unless you were under 40 when it's classed as premature menopause (and a GP can still deal with that usually, with blood tests and then HRT.)
Or if you have some other issues that could mean PCOS.

See your GP.

(You should have had a letter after your appt with the consultant, setting out a diagnosis, and there may be a contact number there- but talk to your GP.)

Started having issues in late 30s with missed periods every so often. No other issues. GP sent me for a ultrasound scan but everything came back normal. Then got referred to Consultant in the Gynaecology department. Have not had a letter with any diagnosis. Only able to access blood test results on the hospital app. Consultant just mentioned Perimenouse and gave me the prescription for 2 pumps of Oestogen and 1 tablet of progesterone to be taken each evening.I will call the GP tomorrow morning to try and get an appointment.

You should have a copy of the letter the consultant has sent your GP, with their findings/ diagosis. If it's not been sent to you, ask the GP.

How old are you now?

In perimenopause the dose of HRT is estrogen daily and 200mgs Utrogestan for 12 /14 days a month.

The dose you've been given is for post menopause, if periods have stopped completely, so if you've not had a period for 10 months it looks as if the dr is prescribing on that basis- so something to query.

Best see your GP and talk it all through.

No letter received. Aged 42.