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Author Topic: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks  (Read 1948 times)

Tara_100

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Hi

I'm new here  :)

I don't know how or if my doctor can help me.

I'm on year 4 of perimenopausal symptoms - and I don't think I can take anymore hot flushes. They are worse than ever, and more frequent.

My doctor put me on vaginal Ovestin which did nothing to help. I was on it for approx 8 months and then stopped as I was getting repeated BV.

I'm going to ask about HRT but my Mum had thrombosis through pregnancy, and I don't know if that means I'm not able to take it.

I've been on amitriptyline for depression and I believe that's supposed to help with flushes but I'm the same off it.

I have approx 10-20 flushes a day and it's affecting me leaving the house at times because my whole face is beetroot red - no normal areas and I look sunburnt when I do all I can to stay out of the sun.

Any suggestions please for discussing with my doctor please? I'm desperate for help.

Thanks in advance :-)
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Dotty

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2018, 05:52:29 PM »

Hi Femoston is a good one to start with as the progesterone is kind. You will need a sequential hrt if you are still having periods.
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Taz2

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2018, 05:59:47 PM »

Hi Tara_100. Welcome to our wonderful place of good advice, friendship and support.

I don't think your mum having thrombosis during pregnancy will make a difference to you being prescribed HRT. If your doc was concerned then a patch or gel HRT is thought to be better if there is a risk of blood clots. There is also a simple clotting factor blood test which can be done so don't be fobbed off.

Hot sweats/flushes are what drive a lot of women (me included) to start HRT. They are not just episodes of feeling hot are they? Mine used to make me feel dreadful - sick and panicky and then depressed and weepy once the flush faded. I have always used patch HRT and my flushes stopped within twenty-four hours of applying the first one. Pill HRT's can take a little longer to take effect as they have to be metabolised by the liver and so take longer to get into the system. Were you prescribed Vagifem for vaginal dryness?

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Taz x  :welcomemm:
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Tinkerbell

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2018, 06:00:08 PM »

My mother had a DVT after she had given birth to me, menopause specialist said that transdermal HRT was safe and recommended if a family history of blood clots.
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Tara_100

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2018, 06:16:24 PM »

Thank you everyone!

I didn't know there was a test to check for blood clotting - I shall ask about that.

Regarding the above...
I don't have periods anymore; though I did have one 2 months ago, but prior to that I hadn't had one for approx 18 months.

Oh and these are definitely hot flushes. I get 2-3 seconds warning as it begins, and after the couple of seconds, I'm burning up, and look like I've dipped my face in a chip pan 🤣
The flushes last about 10 mins at their extreme, but it takes me a good half an hour to go back to normal temperature.
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CLKD

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2018, 08:29:54 PM »

Sounds 'normal' from where I'm sitting  ::)

Take a list of queries with you and jot down the answers.  Each lady is individual regardless of family history.  You don't have to decide whether to take anything initially, but finding out what might ease symptoms is the starting point.

Browse round.  Make notes.

If you have been diagnosed with BV this needs treating!   We have threads about that as well as vaginal atrophy here.  Let us know how you get on.
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Conolly

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Re: At docs tmrw & don't know what help I need, & may have HRT risks
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2018, 08:41:25 PM »

Thank you everyone!

I didn't know there was a test to check for blood clotting - I shall ask about that.

Regarding the above...
I don't have periods anymore; though I did have one 2 months ago, but prior to that I hadn't had one for approx 18 months.

Oh and these are definitely hot flushes. I get 2-3 seconds warning as it begins, and after the couple of seconds, I'm burning up, and look like I've dipped my face in a chip pan 🤣
The flushes last about 10 mins at their extreme, but it takes me a good half an hour to go back to normal temperature.



Hello Tara_100,

If you had a bleeding after 18 months, you should get this checked, unless your regular periods weren't so regular... Any bleeding after 12 months without regular periods should be checked.
I had a DVT and I'm still deciding if I want to take HRT, but docs say the transdermal route is safer (I wouldn't say 'safe').
Conolly X
« Last Edit: July 02, 2018, 08:43:09 PM by Conolly »
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