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[rebel2]

I have been taking oestrogen only HRT for about 4 years now, only a low dose.  I had a hysterectomy 18 years ago due to severe endometriosis but kept my ovaries.  After the op I was told my bowel and bladder had been badly stuck to my womb and they would be sore for a while.

I have asked three or four GPs over the last 4 years whether HRT is therefore a problem, but they were clueless.  Now I have been to a new GP who says, yes, I should never have been on oestrogen only as it can reignite any endo patches... Apparently I should be on combined HRT.  But due to bad anxiety she suggested I deal with that first by taking St Johns Wort and coming back to see her in two months. 

To be honest, the St Johns Wort doesn't seem to be making any difference after two weeks.  I feel reasonably happy but get anxious about recurring bladder discomfort and trapped wind under left ribs and round to back.  I feel sure it is anxiety driven as it either goes or I don't notice it when I am distracted.   Also I have had it twice before and both times, whilst it didn't stay anywhere near as long, it did go. 

Am now trying to book next doctor's appointment as unless it is an emergency the wait time is 5 weeks.  But the phone has been engaged ALL DAY!! 

So - am unsure now about carrying on with HRT, don't want to start combined as feel I should just pack it all in and try and get over the menopause naturally.  I only ever had hot flushes anyway, nothing else except the serious anxiety and its related catastrophizing over every simple health issue.   But I really wish I could have faith in a GP.  This new one is nice and listened for ages, but the St Johns Wort hasn't worked!!

Just need sympathy really!   

[Daisydot]

Hi Rebel2 I think there us some info I've read on here about endo if you do a search on here you'll prob find it but my story's pretty much the same as yours womb adhered to bladder etc and it's never been mentioned and I've been on and off oestrogen only.I find huge benefits on the oestrogel vagifem and estriol cream also I'm now on vitamin d3 and calcium supplements due to lack of and oesteopenia in hips and spine.some of the more knowledgeable ladies will come along and advise you better than I can so just hang in there.xx

[weathergirl]

I have had endometriosis since my early 20's (early 50's now).  When I first started HRT I had a flare.  I have had 2 surgeries over the decades for the endo but have not had a hysterectomy. 

Endometriosis is sneaky in that even when it appears to have been 'cleaned out', it can indeed still exist in small areas.   I started out on a 75mcg patch and within a few weeks all my endo symptoms returned.  I bumped down to a 50 patch and that still created some symptoms.  I've since reduced to a lower patch and have no issues. 

It is very individual.  What might flare one woman's endometriosis, may not bother another's.  Mine was low stage and doesn't sound as severe as yours at all.  You really need to see what happens and how your body reacts to it if you choose to continue with it. My GYN at the time who had a great deal of experience with endo, did warn me that it can make endo flare even when it has been dormant for years.  He said it is really a very individual experience and left it up to me to decide how I wanted to proceed.   If you feel okay and are not having endo symptoms, maybe worth sticking with it. Good luck!

[rebel2]

Thanks for your replies.   I am going to go back to GP asap [which actually involves a whole day trying to get through on the phone to get an appointment in five weeks!].

This women's stuff is really tricky!

[Hurdity]

Yes I think it depends on how many deposits are left in your body (outsdie the womb) as these are what can be stimulated by oestrogen only part of HRT. There is information on this website: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/atoz.php#GlossE

ALso I don't think St John's Wort should be taken with oestrogen as one limits the effect of the other and I think they compete for the same receptors if I remember correctly?

Good luck with the GP and getting an appointment!

Hurdity x