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[willow]

I am new to this and my first time.  I have been prescribed Femoston conti and though have suffered with nearly all the symptoms of the menopause for a number of years now have not wanted to go the HRT route as my mother had breast cancer.  Perhaps I should try this?  Can anyone tell me of any side effects they had and if it worked for them and how long before it takes effect? Thanks

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome willow
I haven't tried this one but I know a few ladies who are on it and they are happy with it.  The progesterone in this HRT is often well tolerated so hopefully few side effects.  You may get some spotting or breakthrough bleeding for the first few weeks or months and your breasts may be tender for a while.
I found that HRT started to help within the first couple of weeks.  The first thing I noticed was that I was sleeping better.

I'm sure others will be along with support and advice. 
If you find this HRT doesn't suit you the option of an Oestrogen patch or Oestrogel with Utrogestan as progesterone could be a good way to go.  Dr Currie describes Utrogestan as 'Breast Friendly'.
If I was you I would live for today, see how it goes with Femiston, if you feel good then continue for as long as you feel you need it - after all you will have annual monitoring and breast screening. Good luck  DG x

[Londongirl]

Hi Willow

I also am on Femoston Conti.

Now I will be honest with you and say that whilst it has helped with my menopause symptoms, the only downside of it is that it has given me monthly bleeds and I have been period free prior to this for 3 years.

It has also unfortunately given me PMT symptoms such as mood swings and depression. 

However, I have to say it has been great in reducing my meno symptoms such as the hot flushes and night sweats and constant waking at night to go to the loo. 

I don't want to put you off and personally I am still persisting with the Femoston Conti although I have now asked my gp to refer me to a menopause clinic as they are not that well informed on HRT at my surgery and I suggested gel and other HRT but the doctors dont seem well informed! 

I tried other HRT preparations but so far Femoston Conti is the one that I do feel best on aside from these bleeds and depression. 

I am however going to give it six months now as I haven't done this before on Femoston Conti as I hope perhaps once I have gone six months then these side effects will subside, I will let you know. 

Also, it's not to say that you would experience the same side effects that I am so I would still recommend you go ahead with it. 

I think with many of us on HRT it's the luck of the draw, some work for some and some work for others, it's hard to say what will effect us and what will work for us. 

Good luck and feel free to message me if you want any more advice on this. 
Anna

[Hurdity]

Hi willow
  from me too.

How long has it been since your last period? Conti HRT is usually prescribed for women who are post-menopausal ie 12 months since last period.

I hope it suits you and you start to feel the benefits soon.

Which symptoms of menopause are the ones that bother you particularly?

Hurdity x

[brenda]

I am new to this and my first time.  I have been prescribed Femoston conti and though have suffered with nearly all the symptoms of the menopause for a number of years now have not wanted to go the HRT route as my mother had breast cancer.  Perhaps I should try this?  Can anyone tell me of any side effects they had and if it worked for them and how long before it takes effect? Thanks

Hi, I've been on Femoston Conti for many years (18?)and have had no problems whatsoever - either with menopause symptoms or any side effects.  I'm 66 now.  I came off it about a year ago when I moved abroad but have just started again because I couldn't find anything really effective against increasing vaginal dryness (Vagifem didn't help).  I'm taking one Femoston Conti every other day now and already feeling the positive effects.  I didn't realise how well, energetic and young I felt until I stopped it and experienced the lack of estrogen!  It's not available here so I have to buy it online, but I intend to keep on taking it.  If you have breast cancer in your family, just make sure you're regularly checked.   As Hurdity says, Femoston Conti should not cause bleeds as it is meant for post menopause.  There is another version of Femoston for peri-menopause that does give monthly bleeds.  Good luck with it!
Brenda

[Taz2]

Welcome from me too Willow. Some women do get bleeding problems on a conti HRT but this should improve within six months. It can take a while sometimes to get the right HRT for you but each one should really be tried for three months to see whether it suits you or not.

Brenda - thank you for such a positive post. 

Taz x

[jayneaddo]

I have been on this for 5 years now and it's been great. No problems but did have bleeding in first 6 months and some spotting occasionally.

Jayne

[willow]

Hi

Sorry not to have replied to you all before but thank you for all your help.  I have not had a period for 8 years or so and because my mother had breast cancer later in life have not felt I should have hrt but I seem to have all the symptoms and have for 8 years or so now after I came off the pill. the lack of sleep, hot flushes, dryness, mood swings and irritability I just feel I am not who I was and Dr suggested I try these first.  I am usually a bright bubbly person but the tiniest things just defeats me and I often feel really low.  So if any of you feel the same to help me not to feel alone with this or any ideas I am listening as want to feel 'me' again. Oh and it doesn't help either having a relationship with my partner which is a real concern to me. On the other hand my GP suggested trying sertraline tabs instead of HRT for a while, has anyone gone that route instead of HRT and what do they think. If this didn't work melatonin tabs for sleep? Thanks to you all for listening.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi willow
You are clearly going through a tough time, feeling overwhelmed and trying desperately to find solutions.
You are being very proactive in addressing your physical symptoms which is very good but you mention other things e.g. issues with your partner, poor sleep etc.
I think being tired and overwhelmed means you often find it very difficult to be objective. I have felt terribly overwhelmed and absolutely exhausted at times and it results in real depression and this is possibly why the doctor is suggesting other drugs for you.  My problem with just fixing things with drugs is that unless you address the areas of your life that could be causing some of your physical symptoms this is not necessarily the best way forward.
Recently I have been given a bit of breathing space from a lot of my stress factors, (slightly better financial circumstances has enabled me to pull back from work load) and it's enabled me to get some proper rest and reevaluate my life(I'm 57 by the way and very post meno). I have had several friends of my age experience strokes and cancer recently and this site has made me realise one of the most important things is 'to be kind to yourself'.  We women are so used to being the nurturing ones, many of us are still working and caring for older relations and life is running away from us at a time when we need to pull back a little because, frankly, we shouldn't  be in the fast lane anymore. Embracing this next stage of our lives and adjusting things positively - be a little more selfish.   Sorry I'm being very philosophical.   
You mention concern about your relationship with a partner  - I'm sure this is probably very complex but can you get help from anyone over this.  I had some therapy about 20 yrs ago which involved some cognitive behavioural therapy to help me deal with a very difficult relationship with my mother and it has really helped me to cope with her. 
Keep posting  - we understand and want to support.  DG xxx 

[willow]

Hi Dancing Girl

Thanks for that.  Yes I am the same age and a self employed carer for the elderly most with dementia and other terminal illnesses and only me to help out so I think with my health problems and this , you are right it has all got a bit too much and somehow need a break but not easy being self employed and people relying on you totally!!  Will have to try somehow.  With my partner he is older than me by a fair margin and just divorced and had a person to look after him 24/7 and I cannot do this and is vey needy but loves me a lot but I am to overwhelmed to give much back at present and he does not understand at all.  We have known each other for many years though.  Life a little fraught but some days are better than others.  Nice to be able to chat to someone though. Thanks. Take care yourself

[Dancinggirl]

You are clearly a lovely person with integrity and compassion.  Take care of your self.
DG x

[Londongirl]

Oh Willow, I read your post and thought, my gosh, it sounds like me! 

I am also caring for an elderly relative, (sometimes two!) plus being self employed, single parent and in a relationship where.......... just not sure yet as I feel very much alone at times, going through financial difficulties etc etc.......

Now as you all know on here, I suffer from low moods/depression and last year the GP put me on sertraline 50mg.............. now I will be honest with you and tell you that yes it did help me with the depression but to the point where I almost became unemotional (make sense?) and I don't think I even had the ability to cry anymore! 

The worst side effect for me also was the tiredness from sertraline, the fatigue I felt.  I normally do try to exercise andc found it really hard to do that and felt almost sluggish too. 

So eventually I came off the anti depressant and have tried various forms of HRT. 

I know exactly what you mean when you say the slightest thing can defeat you.  I also used to be bubbly (and still can sometimes) but most recently I just feel low and down and overcome with everything.  I would love for just once for someone to take away all my worries/fears/debts and say to me don't worry, I will take over............... but it never happens and never will (besides being in a relationship)............. so this year I am going to try to tackle everything best I can and thank you all for your constant support. 

So Willow, I came off the anti depressants in the end myself..  I was feeling too detached from it all and whilst it did stop me feeling down, it kind of stopped me doing things too. 

However, it is entirely up to you.  They did help me sleep but personally I feel that when we are going through all this stuff in life not to mention menopause, to take a pill isn't the answer. 

Also, I would still rather stick to the HRT route as opposed to anti depressants to be honest myself but the decision is yours. 

As for Femoston Conti, I have been on the normal dose and most recently the ultra low dose, the first dose gave me bleeds and PMT however I slept well at night!  Went on the lower dose and nights were disturbed so now on second day of Indivina

Please feel free to message me if you wish as we seem to be going through some similar stuff! 

Hang on in there.  I have good days and bad days and this place gets me through the bad days.

Love
Anna

[sweettooth]

Hi Willow, sorry to hear you have had a rough meno time.

The fact that you may not be able to take HRT is difficult especially if you have a job and have everyday tasks that have to be done (not sure if you do) but menopause can really affect everyday living and a lot of women need some kind of help to get through it.  Perhaps other therapies such as CBT, counselling etc and/or Antidepressants.  We are all different and i know women who cant take hrt but have found ADs a godsend.

Take care x