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HRT isn't working 😕

35 replies

EnormousGinplease · 26/08/2026 19:31

Has anyone tried a company that will test your blood for hormone levels and then recommend a more tailored approach to HRT than the standard NHS approach. I am post menopause but feel like HRT stopped working a long time ago. The insomnia is crippling !! Thanks 😊

OP posts:
JacknDiane · 28/08/2026 21:14

I cant remember my last period...

EnormousGinplease · 28/08/2026 21:35

Sloshingalong · 28/08/2026 14:19

OP, did you feel like it ever worked for you?

In the very begining yes it worked after a few false starts... I finally had a mirena coil fitted with a transdermal gel and top up tablets. I have a fairly large fibroid which didn't like the mirena coil and after several bleeds I had it removed and a scan. There was some thickening of the uterus lining and after a fairly unpleasant procedure to take some cells I waited through last Christmas for the results to be told that they hadn't managed to get a proper sample !! I could try again or monitor symptoms. I opted for a wait and see approach. Only 1 tiny bleed since December (fingers crossed) but quite frankly I feel like im getting monthly PMT. my hot flush was so extreme yesterday I had to say no to my grandaughter for a cuddle . I felt like I would combust !! Im going to contact the Newsom clinic next week and thank you all for replying.

OP posts:
EnormousGinplease · 28/08/2026 21:41

Picoloangel · 28/08/2026 09:05

@Autumnallaround I think it’s all part of the misogynistic “suck it up it’s part of being a woman” mentality that pervades the NHS. It’s infuriating and short sighted because women end up leaving the workplace because their symptoms are so awful. I still work at a high level and want to continue but there’s an assumption that all women over 55 are spending their days watching Countdown and nursing a cuppa when the truth is that we have youngish kids, elderly parents and careers. I’m busier than I’ve ever been!

I knew of a nurse who was only offered anti depressants and ended up leaving her job. No mention of HRT for her.

OP posts:
EnormousGinplease · 28/08/2026 21:45

JacknDiane · 28/08/2026 17:06

@EnormousGinplease, I read they aren't keen on hrt over 60?? Or is that rubbish? Im interested myself.

I need to change my dose clearly but they will have to prise it from my clenched fingers if the GP starts any of that nonsense.😂

OP posts:
Picoloangel · 28/08/2026 22:05

The issue isn’t HRT over 60 it’s oral HRT over 60. Naturally I also found this out by accident and not from my GP who happily co to use to prescribe it. This is why I went to Newson Clinics. Plus any residual testosterone that you might have had floating around your system is sort of eaten up by oral HRT too. Synthetic progesterone is also useless for insomnia. I have learnt all of this from my private Dr zero help or assistance from my GP

Picoloangel · 28/08/2026 22:11

To clarify oral testosterone is ok but oral oestrogen becomes a bit more risky over 60.

It costs a few hundred pounds to see a GP via Newson Clinics but I really think it’s worth it. Most GPs are useless and even if they aren’t, there too busy to discuss options properly.

Koulibiak · 28/08/2026 22:31

@OP,I would recommend spending a bit of money if you can afford it, and seeing a private consultant. I have been on HRT for years, my HRT was not working and I then needed a hysterectomy, so my HRT had to change afterwards (no progesterone after hysterectomy). My consultant ordered blood tests which showed that my oestrogen levels on current HRT were way too low. I’m now on an increased dose, and even though I’m in full menopause (due to the hysterectomy) I’m sleeping better, feeling generally good, no night sweats.

Testosterone isn’t always the answer - I’ve been tested twice and have plenty of it. But tweaking estradiol and progesterone may resolve your issues, if you find the right doctor.

Also, different people will absorb oestrogen differently. I like the patch, others prefer the gel. It’s trial and error. My consultant was scathing about oral oestrogen though, said it shouldn’t have been prescribed in the first place.

In relation to sleep, the NHS will prescribe Daridorexant and Amytriptiline (sp.?) to help with sleep in menopause. I’ve found using them together helps tremendously, after a decade of crippling insomnia. Amytriptiline does give weird dreams though - not nightmares, but intense. My sleep isn’t perfect, but it’s better than it’s been in a long time.

Vanillaicelatte · 28/08/2026 22:41

Wrong thread

Picoloangel · 29/08/2026 09:00

Aaagh! Not oral testosterone oral progesterone that should say. Testosterone is usually a gel.
I don’t say testosterone is “always the answer” but it depends on your age. The hormone levels of a younger woman in early menopause will be different to an older woman in natural menopause. My private GP explained that some forms of HRT effectively mop up any remaining natural testosterone and make the levels worse or even non existent. I do feel a difference in taking testosterone / I can’t quite explain it but I definitely feel slightly more focused. Early days but I think my sleep is a bit better too.

TickedOffAndALittleFedUp · 29/08/2026 11:07

I must be lucky with my GP. I tell them what i want to try and tweak the dose until it works for me and they've been happy to prescribe. It's changed a few times over the years but it's never been an issue. In your shoes my first call would be to change the oestrogen to rid it's an absorption problem, I had to change from patches to gel to spray, then up the dosage if necessary.

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