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[Deeb]

Hi - I had a lap hysterectomy a year ago (November) with everything gone, ovaries, cervix etc etc. at age 51

Recovery was brilliant and quick, but the hot flushes were a nightmare, so eventually (in February) was prescribed with HRT Evorel 50.  This sorted me out for a while, however I have noticed the mood swings have got worse, and the aching joints weren't getting any better, and the absolute exhaustion a killer, so I went off to see my GP again yesterday and she has now upped my dose of Evorel 75.

How long will it take to see if this increased dose has any effect, and will I ever get my sex drive back (its been non existent since the hysterectomy) - I could well end up divorced at this rate, as my poor husband has his head chewed off every time he opens his mouth. Trying to hold down a full time job isn't ideal either due to the brain fog on certain days.....

Anybody else had similar experiences.

[Hurdity]

Hi Deeb

Sorry to hear you are still suffering. I think it can sometimes be difficult to find the right dosage when everything has been removed (uterus and ovaries) - from what I have read. Give it a few weeks and see how you feel. If it doesn't get any better then in your position blood tests can help decide whether or not you are absorbing from the patch although their use is limited as estradiol levels vary so much. If you do have a blood tests then make sure it is in the middle of the patch change time eg 1.5 days or so after application? Some women find they absorb better from gel so that's another option if patches don't work. Some women also eventually are using much higher patch doses than this (those without ovaries). There are women using 100 and 200 mcg patches.

The other thing is you may also benefit from testosterone - which can be prescribed off licence particularly to women in your position who have been put into surgical menopause. Here is some information on the website:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/aftermeno.php (scroll down for info on T replacement). Also here: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/testosterone.php

There are many other members in your position and hopefully they will see your post and respond!

Hurdity x