HRT: What to ask for at initial appointment

[Traveltart]

I realise HRT can be trial and error until the dose etc is right. Given that GP appointments are harder to swing than Oasis tickets at face value, it would be nice to get it semi right from the start.

What did you ask your GP for or what combination would you advise to ask them for? Most doctors are not experts in this so I would like to go in there armed with suggestions.

Symptoms: fatigue and brain fog, sluggish metabolism, sore legs and ankles when walking sometimes.

I may have beginnings of some hot flushes at night or it could be bloody warm for this time of year - not sure which it is but I don’t want to go through this.

I am 50 so do not want to be fobbed off with anti-depressants.

Have started skipping periods for the first time (have been regular as clockwork with short cycles).

No known history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Hit me with what combo worked for you. Many thanks! Appointment on Friday morning!

I went to my GP who were a bit useless so I went to menopause care as they did online appointments. They wrote to my GP and said what I needed and then the GP prescribed it. So they can send you back to the GP if you ask or they can privately prescribe.

Yes but as you say it does depend on the type of patch as some (I think!) are 'reservoir' and some are 'matrix' (and some 'leak' if they are cut.) How does it work with the sticky edges if you cut them in half?

I went with patches. We had a bit of a convo as to patches vs. Oestrogen gel and I guess progesterone tablets ( as I don't want mirena). Decided to go with patches and change if needed. Started on Evorel Sequi, with Evorel 50. If it's relevant I'm late 40s, mild symptoms, relatively small body mass ( is the dose weight-dependent? I don't know!).

I've literally only just started - changed to my second patch yesterday. All fine so far!

I've only used matrix (everol) which are fine to cut. The sticky adhesive is all over the patch, not just at the edges so you can cut it any way you like and it will still stick.

My only tip would be to round the corners a bit, like on the full patch as then it's less likely to attach itself to clothes.

My GPs menopause expert told me it was fine to do this as well.