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[Spadger]

Hi all,
After suffering hot flushes/night sweats & the usual awful stuff which some of you are familiar with since my periods stopped 3.5 years ago, I went to the docs in July & was prescribed Clonidine. Took it for a few weeks but although flushes eased a bit, the side effects were unpleasant so I went back to the docs in desperation. I've always said I'd never take HRT but it was getting to the point that I was losing the will to go on - I'm sure some of you will relate to that!
Anyway after quite a long chat I decided to give HRT a go, in the short term hopefully, & was prescribed Prempak-c; within days the flushes & night sweats had ceased, I actually slept for a good 6 hours solid for the first time in 4 years or so.
All seemed to be going well until this weekend - 3 days into my second pack of tablets (i.e. 3 days back on oestrogen only phase) I've had a very heavy period - which shocked me as I'm 3.5 years post-meno. I feel like I've swapped one set of awful issues for another and can't believe my doctor would assume that I would want to have periods again now! Has he given me the wrong type of HRT?  I feel bloated, miserable and have spent this warm sunny weekend in tears making my poor husband worry about "what I might do..." bless him.
What the hell should I do? Is this something that will only last a short time while my body adjusts? Any advice welcome 
Spadger x

[CLKD]

So what 'might' you do?

Go to your GP this week as medication can be given for heavy bleeding.  Let us know!

[dazned]

If you are 3.5 years without a period then you are post meno and can take a conti hrt ie no bleed ,unfortunately the Dr has just given you the cheapest one and as I understand it it is one that gives you a bleed. If I were you I would go back and ask for a conti one ,Femoston conti is one that alot get on with and its a kinder progesterone. Hope you get sorted soon and feel better.

[Taz2]

I agree with dazned - you have been given the wrong type of HRT if you haven't had a period for three and a half years. If you have gone longer than a year without a period you are post meno and can safely use a conti HRT. There are a few of us who have been prescribed the wrong type.

Taz x 

[Spadger]

Thanks ladies for the support - I went to the docs this morning, couldn't see my GP, but thought any port in a storm & all that.  Shan't be going to see this one again - I explained the situation and how low I feel - he practically told me to pull myself together & get things in perspective...He has also referred me to the hospital as he said I needed to see a 'hospital doctor for a proper investigation' and to determine if it actually is the HRT causing the bleed or something more sinister.  To say that I'm anxious is an understatement, it takes me all my courage to go for a cervical smear test so this is terrifying for me. 
I wish I had just put up with the awful flushes etc, I seem to have just made things a whole lot worse for myself. 
Not sure if it's just circumstances or another side effect of HRT but I have felt close to suicidal for the last few days - can't remember feeling this low without a 'reason' (i.e. bereavement) before. 
Spadger

[Angel45]

I have no experience with hrt but wanted send you a hug

[dazned]

It almost is certainly the Prempak that has caused your bleed after 3 years of no bleeding,you have given your body the estrogen then the progesterone which once stopped causes the bleed. However it is wise to get it checked if only because then you should be able to see a gynecologist who should be able to get you on the correct way forward for you. Try not to worry unduly,easy to say I know.

[CLKD]

Do you have a history of mental health problems?  If you are suicidal then you need to see a Mental Health Team.  You could ring 'Mind' Charity for advice and support.  This may not be hormone related so prompt advice will help!

Seems your GP's aren't listening ……. do you have a Practice Nurse?

Your GP is following the correct procedure to check for any problems: if a lady hasn't bled for 12/18 months then has a 'show' other problems need to be checked for.  Who will go with you to see the Consultant?

[Spadger]

Thanks for your replies ladies, Angel45 the hug helped and I appreciate it.  Dazned I feel 100% positive that it is the HRT which has caused the bleed, and I'm so shocked I have to go to the hospital - he did not even suggest changing onto a combined continuous HRT but told me to just stop taking the Prempak-C. 
CLKD, no I have no history of mental health problems apart from a brief spell on antidepressants when my first husband left me 3 weeks after I'd given birth!  My lovely (long-suffering) second husband will go with me to the hospital, and would probably drag me there if necessary. 
I just want to be me again, I know I'm in here somewhere...
love Spadger x

[Spadger]

by the way - I've also got a reeeaaaally bloated tum - it looks like I swallowed a football (I'm 7st 12lb) I normally have a reasonably flattish tum, what is all that about?

[CLKD]

Could be any reason  - water retention, muscle laxity - it does need investigation though!

What does your husband feel about your suicidal thoughts?

[Spadger]

you may be right CLKD, water retention, looks like water-balloon-retention   
Hubby is worried sick about my negativity and lack of optimism, but trying to make me see the positives and make me look forward - I can't see the wood for the trees at the mo - he's organising a weekend away for us.

[rantywoman]

So sorry to hear you're suffering so much and I agree with the other ladies, you need to ask for a combi hrt. A patch such as Femseven Conti is easy to use, only needs changing once a week and contains  the well tolerated levonorgestrel. The only drawback is it only comes in a medium dose but you could always cut it in half.
Your doctor may well have never heard of it but he could look it up. Also, you may find your pharmacy has never heard of it ( like mine hadn't) but he ordered it in for me.

Let us all know how you go on and if it's any help, I too had a bleed when I first started hrt. I was sent for a transvaginal scan and all was ok. I'd worked myself up into a real anxious mess beforehand but I was glad I had it done as it gave me peace of mind .

[Spadger]

Thank you for the info Ranty I really appreciate it.  I'm wondering what will be in store for me at the hospital, and what is a transvaginal scan?  I had an ultrasound and an internal-type-ultrasound for fibroids a few years ago - is that it?
love Spadger x

[rantywoman]

I had an ultrasound followed by the transvaginal. Don't worry, it's not scary or painful. The same nurse did both and all the TV scan entails is a smooth probe ( well lubricated) inserted into the vagina so the thickness of your womb lining (  endometrium)  can be measured.
Mine turned out to be 6mm so, as it was above  the accepted 5mm I had a womb biopsy.
I know we are all different but all I can say is I didn't find any of it too uncomfortable and have had a scan once a year since. Like with a lot of things, it's the fear of the unknown that's the worst part. *hugs*