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[Tiredandforgetful]

Morning all.

I've now been on elleste duet 1mg for a month and I was hoping I would have started to get more energy back by now. Is it normal for it to take this long? I know they say it can take 3 months to feel the full effects but whilst others have reported an increase in energy after only a week I can't feel much of a difference. Some days are ok and others I'm just completely wiped out. Im worried my tiredness and lack of energy might be caused by something else. Please help allay my fears 😢

[shoppingqueen]

Hello there
I've tried a few different things and on the better ones have felt the difference within a month- my doctor said to give three months but usually it's about as good as it gets by end of the first month. However, reading on here, lots of members have found it takes three months for the body to settle. Everyone says three months to see full benefit and it's good advice. I'm guessing it takes time to build up in system and tablets take a bit longer than transdermal I believe.
Even on my best preparation- now discontinued☹️- I had blip days of sometimes a week, especially if feeling unwell. Then things would settle back down. My mantra at these times would be 'it will pass' and it did.
 Is this the first you've used? And is fatigue your main symptom? I'd be interested to know where you are up to. I'm guessing you can always move up to a 2mg dose after trialling for three months.
SQ xx

[Tiredandforgetful]

Hi SQ,

Yes this is my first time so I don't have anything to compare it to. I'd say fatigue is definitely my main symptom, I don't have the mood swings but I do have the loss of memory and concentration also. The other symptoms are to a lesser degree, the night sweats aren't as bad as they used to be nor is the itchy skin.
I was wondering whether to ask to try the patches if the tablets don't start kicking in a bit more. On a positive note I was worried that I'd get crazy PMT when on the progesterone tablets but they were no different to just the estrogen ones. Thank you for your help ☺️

[dahliagirl]

Keep a diary of symptoms.  It is easy to forget what happened when  and it will help you to see any patterns.

You may need to change progestogen or go up to 2mg of oestrogen or the route of deliver, when you have your 3 month check and it will help to have things written down.  It is best to change one thing at a time where that is possible.

[Tiredandforgetful]

Ok thanks dahliagirl, that's a good tip, I'll start doing that. I'm ready for this to be over so I can get back to walking and cycling rather than breaking out in cold sweats every time my partner suggests it!!

[CLKD]

I had cold sweats when I took Tamoxifen, from the back of my neck down behind my shoulders to my waist - within 24 hours of swallowing the first tablet.  I thought I had 'flu 

Whilst we want things to improve immediately the body doesn't suddenly get where it is so it can take time for uptake benefits to be felt ;-).  If side-effects are within reason, maybe continue for 3-4 months?

[Tiredandforgetful]

Thanks CLKD, it's not so much side effects as no effects. I will try to be more patient and see how I go.

[dahliagirl]

I was told that if it makes the symptoms better, then they come back, then you need to try a higher dose.

[Hurdity]

Three months is the time given for side effects to settle, but emotional symptoms maybe longer. However you should feel the physical benefits very quickly - with patches it is usually within days. If you are still suffering from flushes and sweats and not taking an anti-depressant (which can control these therefore masking the effect of HRT) - then definitely you need a higher dose as dahliagirl says.

Your fatigue could have other causes - thyroid function for one - was this tested before starting HRT? If you are putting on weight and feeling cold (cold sweats too) then this could point to thyroid. Also iron and vitamin deficiencies - depends on how good your diet is and whether you have any gut problems that could affect absorption of vital nutrients from your diet?

Hurdity x

[Tiredandforgetful]

My doctor gave me a raft of blood tests prior to me being diagnosed as peri. I was low on iron so I take those and vit D supplements now. I think the blood tests also checked thyroid but I can't remember now. I have put on a bit of weight and I did have very hot sweats followed by being cold but probably more to do with throwing the duvet off? I also have lump in my armpit but the doctor had a feel of that too and didn't think it was of concern. I'm going to ask him to have another look when I go back.