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Author Topic: Indigestion with HRT  (Read 10403 times)

lolahobson

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Indigestion with HRT
« on: April 20, 2018, 10:17:25 AM »

Hello

Can anyone give me some advice please.  I have started on HRT Femoston 1/10, i am half way through my second packet (month 2) and i have very bad indigestion and heartburn.  I was fine for the first month on these tablets until recently over the last 2 weeks having been suffering terribly with this pain, including tightness in my chest and when i eat it feels like i can feel the food going down all the way round to my back, its a very odd feeling.  I have been on Omoprezole for years 10mgs 1 daily, i have upped my dose of this to 2 a day to see if it helps but not so well. 

Is this common to have such bad indigestion with these tablets and at such an early stage and do these symptoms wear off the longer i use the HRT.  I am due to see my doctor for a review in 2 weeks but wanted to know if anybody on these tablets have had the same problem?

Thanks very much. 

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Sweetscarlett

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Re: Indigestion with HRT
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2018, 02:21:27 PM »

I'm on both and have suffered from reflux acid since hitting menopause. Personally I don't think that HRT tablets is the problem , for me anyway.

I had a really bad case of indigestion  a few weeks ago, I had a house full of builders and my kitchen was a mess and hey presto I was in agony. That led me to suspect it was  stress related, to a great extent. Also if I eat a lot of creamy things like cheesecake I get bad indigestion again.

Regards
Ssx ❤️❤️
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lolahobson

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Re: Indigestion with HRT
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2018, 02:57:09 PM »

OK thanks for that, i will speak with my GP on my return review in a couple of weeks anyway to see what she says.   ;
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Dancinggirl

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Re: Indigestion with HRT
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2018, 03:12:28 PM »

Personally I think PPIs like Omeprazole can actually make things worse - particular if used long term.  They are meant to be used for only an few weeks at a time as they effect absorption of food so can result in osteoporosis and other problems.   Weaning yourself of them can also be difficult as they suppress the stomach acid and when you stop PPIs this results in a rebound action of extra acid fro a time till the body adjusts!
Acid reflux and heartburn are tricky - I have simply changed what I eat and how I eat to prevent indigestion and heartburn -   SO. -  I eat small meals (half portions) more often through the day, with less fat and indigestible foods e.g. onion and milk and I try to eat slowly. 

HRT can ‘sometimes' cause gall stones when first started HRT  - look this up and discuss with your GP - and this could be the pain you are experiencing (is the pain up towards your right shoulder?)  - you need to cut down on fatty foods - the PPIs may be effecting your body's ability to break down fatty foods???

Foods to avoid: Foods that are fried, like french fries and potato chips.
High-fat meats, such as bacon, bologna, sausage, ground beef, and ribs.
High-fat dairy products, such as cheese, ice cream, cream, whole milk, and sour cream.
Pizza.
Foods made with lard or butter.
Creamy soups or sauces.
Meat gravies.
Chocolate.I also take digestive enzymes that aid digestion and have Gaviscon tablets after my evening meal.

If you take HRT on an empty stomach then I would expect some heartburn but, if taken with food, HRT could actually help the digestive system - however we are all different so HRT will effect us differently.  Your symptoms may subside but I really wouldn't increase your PPIs - just change you diet.
DG x
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Nellie Noo

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Re: Indigestion with HRT
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2018, 05:59:01 AM »

Am not sure about this particular hrt.. but with the combination i was on .....it was always the progesterone part that gave me the worst acid reflux !! Before trying hrt, I always suffered with reflux 2 weeks before a period .. so even my own progesterone caused it ...and now i know for a fact that i am great on the oestrogen part of hrt  but as soon as i start the progesterone, the reflux attack start 😩
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Dancinggirl

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Re: Indigestion with HRT
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2018, 11:15:34 AM »

It does seem to be common to develop heartburn, reflux and general digestive problems when meno hits.  I assume this is all to do with the lower hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, effecting everything. Nausea, sickness and digestive problems often emerge with pregnancy - so there is no doubt that hormonal changes do effect our digestive system and HRT could well, particularly when starting out, produce a gut reaction.  Diet and lifestyle improvements can only do so much to compensate for the lack of these vital hormones as oestrogen supports muscles and skin, helps the body deal with cholesterol better etc. and I personally think there needs to be more research into the often dramatic effect that the loss of hormones have on the body. 
This is not to say we all need HRT as many women do not suffer badly or simply don't tolerate HRT well -  HRT treatment is still far from perfect. I am sure it is combination of our genes, the environment, how much stress we have and lifestyle as to whether we ‘ride the storm' that is the menopause well or not.
DG x
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