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[sed]

Hi - I am new to HRT and I fear I have become obsessive in trying to figure out how it works, how long it takes - breaking down each symptom brick by brick! My main horrible symptom has been anxiety and the worse for me of those symptoms is breathlessness.  So upsetting and scary.  I can go two or three days and then it’s back.

I started HRT 1 week exactly now on Femonston.  Dr has prescribed also Lansoprazole to try and ease my stomach upset (possible Gastric reflux) that the dr says could be contributing to the breathlessness.  After my continued obsessive research I have also discovered that low iron/anemia could be the problem.  I feel as though if I go back to my GP again he may get annoyed and ignore me...I would like to think that once the HRT is in my system all these deficiencies will fall back into place and all these symptoms will disappear but it’s a lot of symptoms for one pill to fix? 

The question is...should I just sit it out and wait until 3 months or bug my GP for yet another full blood count?  The breathlessness is freaking me out and making my anxiety issues worse 

[sheila99]

I would wait. Anxiety is one of the symptoms that takes longer to go, mine took 3 months though you should see some improvement before then. One week is no time at all. How long is it since your last blood test? Presumably he has ruled out a physical cause?

[sed]

Thanks for the response - two x-rays and an ECG about a month ago all okay.

My last blood test was for hormones about two weeks ago.

Just scared of it I suppose and leaving me anxious 

[CLKD]

I'm bloated today. Even though my bowels have been OK until today ......... but I had chocolate yesterday  .  Not much but seems enough to upset my stomach.  Bugga .........

I feel breathless too.  4 me it was certainly hormonal.

[Kathleen]

Hello sed.

If you are concerned that low iron is making you breathless you can always self medicate for a while and see if it improves. I was recommended Spatone liquid iron sachets by a specialist as they are  safe and effective.  They are sold over the counter in Boots and though not cheap they last a long time. The specialist said that one sachet every other day was the best way to increase your iron levels.

Hope this helps and take care.

K.

[Hurdity]

Hi sed

If you have stomach problems then transdermal rather than oral HRT is recommended. See here:

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/route.php

" Indications for non-tablet route of Estrogen.

    Individual preference.
    Poor symptom control with tablet HRT.
    Side effects such as nausea with tablet.
    Bowel disorder which may affect absorption of tablet therapy.
    History of migraine (when steadier hormone levels which may be achieved with a patch may be beneficial).
    Lactose sensitivity (all tablet preparations of HRT contain lactose).
    History of gallstones.
    Current use of medications such as anti-epileptic medication which may interfere with the break-down of tablet HRT.
    Variable blood pressure.
    High triglyceride levels.
    Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis including Body Mass Index greater than 30, family history or past history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, after full discussion and specialist advice when necessary. Because risk of deep vein thrombosis increase with age, non-tablet route should also be considered when HRT is continued over the age of 60"


Something to consider maybe if problems persist?

Hurdity x