HRT - what should I start with

[savemysleep]

Hello,

Mid 40s and after another sleepless night unable to sleep, feeling like the inside of my face is burning & palpitations I think I need to try HRT as I am struggling to function.
My GP isn’t great whenever I have mentioned it before but she is quite good when I state directly what I would like eg particular blood tests etc.

What is the best thing to start with? How long do people find until they feel better? In my teens I had an awful time on the pill so I am a bit worried I may feel like crap. If you do find you feel worse initially does it improve if you persevere?

With the face burning, is it when you drink alcohol?
Personally I had a Mirena coil first, to stop the heavy bleeding which made me anaemic. Then later I added in the gel as I like to be in control of the dose.

@PersephoneParlormaid I gave up alcohol a few years ago as it was impacting my sleep. Was never a big drinker.

My periods are heavier but shorter, have been anaemic in the past but not sure now.

Does the gel allow you to control then vs the patch?

My paplatations went when I took the iron. It’s funny as they are a symptom of peri and anaemia, so you can’t always assume what’s causing it.
Are you taking magnesium glycinate for sleep?
Yes the gel is controllable as you can increase or decrease pumps.

Gel is much more controllable.

I'd ask for a ferritin test, while you're there. And make sure you get the actual numbers, not just 'it's fine'. The reference range is far too low.

I will try Spatone again as it’s been a few months & have my iron checked before

I take magnesium but only 1 tablet not 2, haven’t found it made much difference to sleep.

What was your ferritin level?

I’ve upped my magnesium to two now and take Ashwaghanda as well and it helps. I’m picking up
my first prescription today of patches. That’s what the gp told me to try for three months

Try two magnesium along with a good sleep routine.

Thanks all