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[AuntyBiz]

Hi All,

Over two months ago I found out that Climagest (which was the HRT I was taking) was no longer available in 1mg tablets and only 2 mg tablets.  My GP (when having a meds review) suggested cutting them in half, which I did.  However I wasn't particularly happy with this as a solution so another GP changed my HRT to Elleste Duet 1mg tablets which apparently contain the same hormones.  Since I have started on these tabs I haven't had a period and it's now coming up to 8 weeks.  The tablets look to be cyclical (bit like the pill, one colour for x amount of weeks and then they change) which is when I would expect a bleed.

Prior to switching tablets I did have a period but then had some spotting not long afterwards. Not quite sure what's going on here, can anyone advise?

And the weight seems to be piling on too         

At the moment  just feel like stopping taking the tabs and just see what happens.        

Look forward to hearing your replies xxxxx

ps I'm not pregnant   

[CLKD]

Did the HRT help symptoms?  Sometimes if tablets are cut in half we don't get the same active ingredient delivered successfully [despite what the manufacturers suggest]!  It might be that there is more covering as well as fillers involved.

How much weight did you put on?

I'm sure that someone with HRT knowledge will be along, or do a 'search'?

[AuntyBiz]

Thanks @CKLD the HRT did alleviate the symptoms which was mainly cracking mood swings and irregular periods (and my mood swings co-incided with my periods) which were happening every couple of weeks.  I don't get hot flushes as such (I'm on Venlafaxine for depression) which apparently helps with them, and I've always been mega hot anyway (temperature wise I mean).

I just want my body back in a routine, I've put on about 5lbs           

[CLKD]

Did the weight pile on suddenly and has it stabilised at all?

It's the Trial and Error than can be so tiring!

[AuntyBiz]

@CKLD it's deffo crept up since I've been on the new HRT.  I feel like a big fat slug.   

[CLKD]

U look OK from where I'm sitting 

[AuntyBiz]

@CKLD , ha thank you, that must be because of the tent I'm wearing   

[CLKD]

Kafhtans cover a multitude of 'sins' 

[Hurdity]

Hi AuntyBiz

There actually is a difference between Climagest and Elleste - Climagest contains estradiol valerate and Elleste contains estradiol. The estradiol valerate has to be metabolised to estradiol in the body, so perhaps this could account for the differences. Re not having a period - if you are peri-menopausal then anything can happen as your own hormones rise and fall. As long as you keep taking the right tablets this should not be a problem - it just means you are not building up sufficient lining to bleed and maybe you are getting further towards menopause or your underlying cycle is being very erratic?

re the weight gain - you shouldn't really notice a difference between the two tablets in this regard - but depends on how long you took a half tablet for? Both Climagest 1 mg and 2 mg contain the same amount of progestogen so halving the Climagest 2 mg would have given you half the progestogen than you are now getting. You could be reacting to this (increase up to 1 mg norethisterone again), or it could just be coincidence.

I think some ADs tend to exacerbate weight gain, and also as mentioned on another thread - metabolism slows at menopause so whatever else you do you should eat less and exercise more just to stay the same weight!

Hurdity x