Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

Mobile version of the Forum Click here

media

Author Topic: Pill versus HRT - any facts please  (Read 1551 times)

CrispyChick

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1681
Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« on: February 21, 2020, 05:09:19 PM »

So, I'm 43. Had a horrific 2 years. Been for all manner of tests, finally started to feel better after 3 months on combined pill.

I wish that was the end of my story. I need to admit to myself that the regular migraines and daily headaches are most likely the cause of this pill. Gutted is an understatement. It is the only time I have managed to be nice, on an even keel, dizzy free and with appetite. It sucks that it is probably the cause of these migraines.

So, I know it is said that the pill has a lot higher hormone dose than HRT. I'm on the 30mg oestrogen dose. I started on 20mg but it seemed to make me worse. As a comparison, how much does HRT give you? I assume there will be differences, but I just wabt to compare average to the COC before making a decision to ditch what has helped my other symptoms.

I tried a 4 day brwak from this pill and it was horrific, which I guess demonstrates how low my oestrogen is without it. But my issue is, is the constant 30mg just too high for me now. Thanks x
Logged

Nattles

  • First Flush
  • *
  • Posts: 6
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2020, 10:43:24 PM »

Probably, transdermal HRT has lower doses of hormones. I'm currently using transdermal patches to TREAT migraines and I've looked at the pros and cons for both. I think there are less side effects supposedly with patches....also, someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but HRT supplements your hormones and contraceptive pill over rides them. I tried to go back on the pill to treat my migraines but it just gave me more headaches after the first couple of weeks, different types of headaches. Its such a trial and error thing isn't it? You just want to feel well and normal. I had a friend, who for years, got migraines, it was definitely the combined pill that gave them to her. She had other symptoms she wanted hormones for like joint aches and pains etc. Now she has come up with a form of HRT that suits her better. I'm sure you will get the result that suits you, it's just such a drag having to keep going back and altering doses etc. But, it can be done. Now I just have to take my own advice ha ha ha.
Logged

CrispyChick

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1681
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2020, 01:48:58 PM »

Thank you for the reply. It is indeed very frustrating. I think I've finally found the reason for all my symptoms and find a solution..... Only to be hit with new symptoms 😪.

I am due for my first visit at the meno clinic in a month. Hopefully they can shed some light on this. In the meantime, if these headaches don't subside I might need to go back to the lower dose estrogen pill 20/150 and hope for the best...... Scary!!!!
Logged

Penelope

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 261
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2020, 07:39:08 PM »

Hi Crispy Chick When discussing HRT with my doctor he said the pill is twice the strength of HRT and here in New Zealand it is fully funded so he offered me the pill but I declined and took the HRT instead.
But if there is ever short supply of HRT the pill is probably quite a good option?

Have you had you thyroid panel done freeT4 Free T3 are most important and also vitamin D because thyroid disorders mimic and overlap menopause and PMS symptoms a lot.🌹
Logged

CrispyChick

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1681
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2020, 08:54:04 PM »

Thank you Penelope. That's a good example then. If the pill is twice the strength. I might well drop from the 30mg to 20mg oestrogen and see...

I've had all the tests going.... And more. 🤣. My vit D was low, but been supplementing for 12 months now. I'm in Scotland. We are all low and should supplement apparently.  ;D
Logged

dahliagirl

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1518
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2020, 09:22:22 PM »

I had some meno symptoms for about 3 years on the pill, and not always on the week off.  I had night sweats on it for years.  There is a lot of progestogen in it which probably raises your basal temperature.

The oestrogen used is not the same as hrt (unless you have zoely or qlaira).  It is mainly for stopping you from producing FSH so preventing ovulation.
Logged

Penelope

  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 261
Re: Pill versus HRT - any facts please
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2020, 07:01:17 PM »

Logged