HRT or not?

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I was 50 in March and finally need to come off the combined pill. My GP has prescribed me HRT patches but I’m really not sure whether to try them or see how I go without.

I went on the pill in my early 20s because of PMS symptoms and I’m worried they will return now I’m coming off it. However I really don’t want the patches as plasters and tape give me an itchy, scabby rash and I don’t want to be covered in scabs! I did mention it to the GP but she didn’t seem to think it would be a problem - when I had a tattoo and they used tape on my lower back the rash felt like sandpaper.

Before I start the patches is it worth going back to the GP and asking for something different? One other issue is the only progesterone I can tolerate is norithisterone so that limits me. I’ve just started a new job so I can’t afford to be a hormonal wreck! I just wish I could carry on with the pill, I’d happy sign any disclaimers saying I know the risk!

I don’t know what I want from this, just a moan really!

HRT literally saved my life so it’s always a yes from me. The drop of hormones is brutal.

Maybe true without but keep open minded I’d say!

Doesn't have to be patches, you could request oestrogel.

Have you tried micronised progesterone and estradiol spray?

How do you know that's the only progesterone you can tolerate?

I am allergic to the progesterone in the pill, but not the sort in HRT.

HRT really should be non negotiable and offered to every woman without contra indications.

Definitely. Does there need to be an upper age limit?

I can only go by the different pills I’ve tried over the years but I’ve never been able to tolerate any that contain other progesterones. After the side effects from other pills I’m not prepared to try any of the others unless as a last resort

No I haven’t but I might contact my GP and ask to try it, thank you. Until last night I was happily taking the pill which pretty much solved all my problems!

Thank you for your replies. I’ve decided I’m going to speak to my GP again and see what other options there are as I really don’t like the idea of patches.

As much as anything I think I’m fed up with the thought of not knowing when I’ll get my period going forward. As well as controlling my symptoms I’ve known for years exactly when it would start. If there was something I could take to stop them completely I would!

HRT has been revolutionary for me so I would always recommend it.

Re the patches, it’s absolutely not like a plaster or medical tape. They stay on very well and are easy to remove (with a wee tug).

HRT isn't "the pill" though.

I am, potentially fatally, allergic to the progesterone in the pill, but fine with HRT. It's completely different.

But anyway, whether you should go onto HRT is a very broad question. You can't have the estrogen without the progesterone so if you're adamant you can't have the progesterone then you won't be able to go on it.

There are other options than the patches though. I use the gel, and there's a spray.

You do also need to think about what you're using for contraception. It seems off that your GP gave you HRT patches just because you've had to come off the pill.

I'm also confused as to why you're saying you won't know when your period will come. HRT doesn't change your cycle. Menopause might though.

Do you actually have any menopause symptoms?

If you just want your periods to stop, how about a hormonal coil? It is progesterone but, again, I was fine with it. They didn't actually stop for me, nearly did, but I gather they do for most women. Obviously it provides contraception as well.

Not sure what kind of progesterone is in the mirena coil but that’s probably your best bet coupled with Estrogel x

I tried the patches first and they gave me a rash so the gp changed to the gel much better. I had a coil fitted for the progesterone part

Why not try without, at least at first? Medication should be a last resort, not a first. Lots of women don't need HRT and never take it, but you still have the option to take it if your symptoms merit it.

HRT changed my life too I wish I’d been on it 10 years earlier when I had the symptoms!!

Taking hrt is much more than about just managing symptoms. There is a lot going on inside the body you just can’t see which continuing oestrogen is very beneficial for. Unless contra indications of course.

The GP warned me my cycle won’t settle for a while hence not knowing when my period will come. While I’ve been on the pill I’ve been able to run packs together so I’ve arranged my cycle to suit my lifestyle rather than having periods ruining holidays for example.

The pill masks any menopause symptoms so I’m not sure, I do find I get very hot quickly and I’ve had joint pain though.

I’m worried about the coil for a couple of reasons. I haven’t had children (never wanted them which makes all this more annoying!) and I’ve heard it’s more painful to insert. Also due to the position of my cervix smears are agony and I can only have them done using the colposcopy chair now so I can imagine having the coil fitted would be worse!

Basically I just want something to stop my periods so I don’t have to put up with the PMS, painful periods, nausea, diarrhoea etc. and I’m not sure HRT is the answer at this time. It was fine when I could control it but I’m dreading it now.

HRT isn't the answer to problems with your periods, no.

I'm a bit surprised by your GP saying it would take a while for your cycle to settle on HRT because you usually take it in line with your cycle.

I've not had children and had three coils, and also have a very sensitive cervix, they were agony to insert. But you can ask for anaesthetic, either local or general, or valium. And it is very quick. I survived three.

But it sounds to me like you ought to be referred to a specialist as your GP seems a little gung-ho!

Regarding the cycle, I took my last pill on Thursday so should I have started the HRT yesterday if I was going to? Sorry if that's a stupid question! Maybe I misunderstood what she meant about the cycle settling. I'm a bit all over the place at the moment - I've just started a new job and don't need all this!

The posts on here have pushed me to make a decision. You're right, I do need to look into this further so I've made a private appointment to see a gynae consultant next Saturday. I saw her a few years ago and she was lovely. She specialises in period problems and menopause so although I can't really afford it I think it'll be worth it. I need to prioritise the period problems and take it from there.

I use the spray. You could ask for that instead

The HRT and your pill are not linked. Though I suppose if you're using it to help with your menstrual problems you don't want a gap.

Have you decided what you're using for contraception?

Usually, I think you take the oestrogen all the time and the progesterone for 12 or 14 days of your cycle, two at night.

Are you saying your GP has prescribed the oestrogen without progesterone? I didn't think they could do that?

I'm glad you've got an appointment. To be honest, I went private but then found the NHS better, but that's because the regional specialist is based at my surgery (which I didn't know).

Contraception isn’t an issue, DH had the snip before I met him so that’s one less thing to worry about! I made the mistake of mentioning that to my GP as it seemed that HRT then became my only option.

Sorry, I wasn’t clear. I’ve been prescribed Evorel patches so I have oestrogen and norithisterone progesterone.

I’m planning on using the private appointment as a fact finding mission as it will depend on cost. If she recommends the mirena coil I’ll want her to do it as she’s very understanding about my weird insides! Anything else I’ll probably have to take my chances with the NHS which is fine.