Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[jaydee]

Hello Ladies,

I'm 61 years of age and been on HRT since i was 43, never had any problems.  Up until 1 year ago, I was taking Femoston 2/10 and felt fine on it. My GP did though, when I reached the age of 60, advise that I go on to a reduced strength of Femoston 1/10 (I've beeen on this for around 18months now).  As I was so thankful that he hadn't taken me off it altogether, I agreed to it.  However, since starting this reduced strength, I have absolutely no energy whatsoever.   I've asked if I can go back on the higher dosage - only to be told he doesn't think it's advisable.

I just wondered if any of you 'mature' ladies out there are still taking a medium dose of HRT or if we have to be satisfied with a lower dosage.
Many thanks
Jaydee

[Hurdity]

Hi jaydee

I am on a medium dose patch (50 mcg) and at your age transdermal HRT (patch or gel) is preferable. If it wasn't for the fact you had already reduced your dose I would say don't tinker with something that works, but perhpas now is the time to change to a patch?

The problem is that the progestogen in the combi patches is less well tolerated especially the Evorel. Many of us use oestrogen patches with separate progesterone (Utrogestan) but that might take some getting used to as you need higher doses than the synthetic ones which can give rise to more side effects. Unfortunately dydrogesterone (the one in Femoston) is not available in UK as separate progestogen.

I presume from your post that you are still having a bleed and have opted not to go on continuous combined HRT? Also are you OK on the prog part ie the second lot of tabs? That being the case you might be OK with a patch and utrogestan and the doc should be willing to prescribe this since a 50 mcg patch is the standard post-meno dose.

The oestrogens are all listed here (scroll down for patches):
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php

and the progestogens here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php

The combi patches are here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

Althouigh you are post-meno I have listed the combi ones that maintain a cycle as I think you are still having one. Many women get on with Femseven but the patches stick less well as they are only changed once a week. Estradot (oestrogen only) patches are tiny.

I am 62 and have used Estradot 50 mcg and utrogestan for nearly 5 years and been on HRT for 9 years.

Hope this helps

Hurdity  x

[jaydee]

Thankyou for your reply, Hurdity.
 I do find your advice really helpful in that you manage to make all this menopause stuff appear very simple and straightforward - something we all need when we're in the midst of things and can't think straight.  If necessary, would you mind if I PM you?
Many thanks
Jaydee