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[Liz]

Hi - I've been having a nasty few days on the Phase 2 (Oest+Prog) phase of these patches.  Feels like PMT (period has just started this morning after 25 days on the patches).  Was hot in the night again and feel very bloated.  Do you think this is just my natural cycle still in play, rather than the effect of the patches?  Like I said, this is my first month on the patches.  I tried Prempak-C last year and didn't get on with those.

I'm sure it's probably too early to make a judgement, but part of me says to stop the patches and see what I'm like without them.  I felt good on the oestrogen phase, but I usually feel OK during the first half of the month anyway, (without HRT).  I was hoping to rid myself of the PMT, but maybe this isn't going to happen whilst I'm still having periods. 

Bit of background info - I'm 45, was blood-tested 18 months ago and GP said I was "on the change".  Periods went from being regular to around 18-24 days and much lighter.  Started having sweats, but to be honest, these haven't gone completely.

Not sure whether to persist or try without.  The patches have been a bit of a nightmare to stick anyway.

Thanks for listening.

[Liz]

Thanks for your reply.

To top it all, I now have the most awful heavy period with major cramping.  I've never suffered with this before, so I'm having my doubts about the HRT, tbh.  My periods have always been quite light and I've never really had period pains. I'm due to start another cycle of the HRT patches tomorrow, but I'm not sure whether to or not.  Perhaps I don't need the hormones after all.

[Liz]

Thanks for your reply, Stellajane.  I am due to put a Phase 1 Oestrogen patch on tomorrow, but took the Phase II patch off earlier as it was coming off anyway.  I'm wondering whether to stick the Oestrogen patch on this evening, or leave it til tomorrow morning.  I think I've just got completely confused.  I had a blood test 18 months ago, but apparently this was unreliable.  I have a lot of perimenopause symptoms, but am worried that I'm using these patches when I don't really need to.

[Liz]

I think I should put on an Oestrogen patch for now.  I've made an appointment with a GP for Friday but think I should use the patch until then.  Thoughts anyone?? Thank you.

[Hurdity]

Hi Liz

Yes why not carry on with the oestrogen only patch until you discuss with doc.

If you want to have extra oestrogen ( which as stellajane you need to protect your bones at your age if you are going through peri-menopause) then you have to have a progestogen in order to protect the womb lining from getting too thick. Then of course, you have to put up with pmt as you did during your natural cycle.

You may have had more cramps and heavier period because of the hormones you are still producing as part of your own cycle. Eventually though your own oestrogen will decline with only occasional fluctuations, and the withdrawal bleed will be smaller and more predictable. It is difficult to get right while peri because of your own hormone surges!

I would stick with it if you can and if you feel better on balance but see what the doc says too?

Hurdity  x

[Liz]

Thanks Hurdity - much appreciated.  Can I just ask one question, which is confusing me..... If "most" women are peri around 45-50, why don't the Docs recommend all women take HRT to protect their bones?  Many of my friends must be peri as well, but they don't take HRT, so how are their bones protected?

Sorry if that's confusing.....

[Hurdity]

Interestingly in the British Menopause Society consensus statement on HRT they say this:

Long term effects of HRT
Osteoporosis
......
HRT is the first line therapeutic intervention for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women with POI and menopausal women below 60 years, particularly those with menopausal symptoms......

The answer is - education, education, education.... most GPs are just that - General Practitioners - and do not have the time to read up the latest in current thinking in all fields - so many are stuck in a time-warp re HRT and the scares following the flawed studies given such widespread publicity 10 years ago. If there is no meno specialist at your practice and they won't refer you on to a menopause clinic then the answer is to educate yourself (using the info on this site especially) and basically tell them what you want!

Hurdity x

[Liz]

An update..... I took the Phase 2 patch off on Tuesday and didn't replace it with the Phase 1 patch that was due.  I'm having second thoughts - I've felt really rotten these past 2 days and I think it's the lack of oestrogen.  Going to put a new patch on after my shower and see my GP in 2 weeks to see what she thinks and a prescription for some more.   Thought about trying the Evorel Sequi to see if they stick better, but I think the progesterone is different in that.

Hope I'm doing the right thing - carrying on with the HRT patches, I mean.  I've felt less motivation and generally "down" these past 2 days without the patch on.  I only tried them for a month, so I don't think I 've given them long enough.