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[Liz]

but what if I'm using HRT and I don't "need" to, if you see what I mean?  I think I'm peri, periods gotten closer together, was feeling very sweaty, joint aches, etc.  What would be the effect if I've started HRT before I really needed to??

Apologies for the silly question - think I'm having a "wobble" about it.

[Dancinggirl]

Not a silly question at all.  I certainly asked this in my peri stage, especially as I was in my mid 30s and really didn't understand what was going on.
Through the peri stage your hormones will fluctuate so your symptoms will fluctuate as well.  If you take a low dose of HRT through the peri stage it will simply balance things a bit more and if your own hormones kick in at various stages it won't be a problem.  As your own oestrogen levels drop you may need to increase the HRT dose but that varies from women to women.
In the early stages of peri, many women report that they get episodes of flushes etc. and then these subside when they go through a good time of regular periods. You are displaying classic peri meno symptoms so a  bit of HRT would definitely be worth a try. It's about quality of life - when flushes, aches etc are causing a problem then HRT is the answer.   
Dg x

[Liz]

Thank you, DancingGirl!  That's made me feel a whole letter better and your explanation that it balances things out is very helpful. 

I'm on Estradot 50 atm, I'm seeing my GP this afternoon, but was thinking of trying a lower dose, or wouldn't you think that was a good idea??

Just feeling very tired today due to the Utrogestan, but at least that's only for 12 days per month.

[CLKD]

No question on this Forum is 'strange'  ………. let us know how you get on with your GP.

[Liz]

Yes, will let you know what she says this afternoon.  I was just wondering whether to try the lower dose patch....

[CLKD]

Depends on how long you've been using the HRT.  The body doesn't lose oestrogen suddenly so it may be that you need to stay on this dose for a few months then re-consider and up or down hike?

[Liz]

I've only just re-started it two weeks ago, but wondering if (as I'm peri) that I could use the lower dose of 37.5 instead of 50.

[Dancinggirl]

I doubt the slightly lower dose would make any difference.  If you have been feeling good on the 50mg then stick with it.  It's the progesterone part that can cause some issues.
We all feel anxious when starting HRT - there have been so many scares and we have to contend with the disapproving, ill informed, part of society who will make judgements based on hearsay or their own prejudices.
Try to get on with life and just keep a diary to monitor how things are going.  After 3 months you will have a better idea of the benefits and side effects.  Remember you will be helping your long term health.  DG x

[Liz]

I'm going to ask the GP again about the Oestrogel.  The patches keep curling and one came off again the other day.

[Hurdity]

Hi Liz

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with Estradot - might be something you are doing/not doing - they usually stick really well once applied. Where do you stick them? Do you do the warm palm/finger thing until they've stuck? Also remember to have a feel regularly and press down eg when in loo just to make sure.

Hurdity x

[Liz]

I've tried everything, Hurdity.  I always press down for a couple of minutes, wait until skin is dry, no moisturizers, etc but the edges always curl up.  I do walk a lot, though - around 2 hours per day with my dog, so maybe my clothes just rub against them too much.

Anyway, back from the Docs and she's prescribed me Oestrogel to try for a month to see how I get on with that.     She even consulted Menopause Matters for info. on the Oestrogel as she doesn't prescribe it that often, but she highly approves of this website and had great things to say about it.  I think I'm lucky to have her as my GP as I asked her the question about how long she would be happy for me to have the HRT.  She said as long as it suits me and if necessary she would prescribe it until 60 and beyond, all hypothetical questions I know, but I'm glad she has that view, anyway, especially after hearing how some ladies have unsupportive GPs.

[Dancinggirl]

I used Oestrogel for many years - I found it fab.  You can start with just one pump per day and then increase if need be.  I never used more that 2 pumps per day even in post meno.
I applied it to inner thighs - just make sure you put it on clean dry skin and let it dry for about 10 mins before getting dressed.  Don't bathe or swim for 2 hours afterwards.
How great to have such a clued up GP - I'm very jealous.   Dg x

[Liz]

Thanks both of you and thank you, Dg, for your encouragement.  My Doc prescribed 2 pumps, but I think I may actually try 1 pump to start with as I'm peri, I can always go to 2 pumps if needs be.

I'm looking forward to trying the gel, I'm finding the patches a bit of a faff, my clothes keep rubbing them off.  I've got 3 weeks' worth patches left, so should probably use these up first, shouldn't I?  Bit of a waste not to, I suppose.

I am lucky with this GP - she's very supportive and I love the fact that she's aware of this forum.

[Liz]

Dg - do you mind if I ask you a question about the gel?  The leaflet says to put it on arms, but you said you put it on your thighs.  I prefer the sound of that - did you find it worked for you better that way?

As I'm peri, do you think I should try 1 pump first, instead of the 2?  Would this be OK with the level of Utrogestan I'm on (200mg on days 15-26 of my cycle).

Sorry for the interrogation!

[Hurdity]

Hi Liz
re the Utrogestan - if you only used 1 pump you may not need that level of progesterone although if you are peri-menopausal and are having cycles where you don't ovulate then the extra could come in useful in preventing heavy bleeding and uterine build up.

Although I haven't used gel - it is always better to start low and build up although you might find it takes a while for your body to adjust to the different method of obtaining oestrogen. I would hang onto the patches if they are bothering you and coming unstuck - they may come in handy later on.

Great news about your GP!

Hurdity x