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[Louise Jay]

Hello Everyone,
                      I have been on HRT Elleste Duet for 6 months now due to symptoms of perimenopause. It has helped with memory problems and mood swings. I have been very pleased with the change. I still get some symptoms but milder and just for a few days. However the one side effect I have noticed is increased hair thinning at the front of my head. I had some hair loss before starting the tablets and hoped HRT may help with this but I am sure it is getting worse. Following some research it appears that this may be due to the Norethisterone in the tablets I take. I have messaged my GP today and asked to change HRT to one without Norethisterone. If this does not help then I guess I will have to accept this is just part of getting older. I am regularly checking my hairline and have become quite anxious about it but I know this is not helping. If it is the Norethisterone does anyone know if the hair will grow back? I am fifty years old. Many Thanks for any replies.

[Teresa]

Hi,
if it the norethisterone, you could always change to an equivalent patch (evorel or estradot)and utrogestan pill for the progesterone perhaps? the oestrogen in the patches is estradiol and is ‘body identical’ so may suit you better? 
I started on Elleste duet and it caused me bloating so I switched. I haven’t experienced hair thinning due to HRT but it can be a symptom of the menopause and of course stress….I do feel for you, as I know that I’ve experienced hair loss in the past and it was due to stress. Whatever is happening, it will grow back once you get the right balance I’m sure. Try not to worry, though I know it is easier said than done.
I’m sure someone will be able to help you further.

Teresa
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[Mars62]

Yes I lost quite a bit of hair on Elleste duet conti. Mainly at the front and sides. The norethisterone in it didn’t agree with me at all. I changed to Femeston and that helped it grow back a bit, it’ll never be as thick as it was but it’s not falling out as much. Some women are just prone to hair loss unfortunately and not much can be done about it and hair tends to thin naturally with age too. I wouldn’t take any HRT with norethisterone in it again. I’ve also noticed my hair sheds more in the autumn and stops in the spring…very odd but I’ve given up worrying about it now,I’ve been loosing hair on and off for years now and it has never got so bad that I’d have to consider a wig!

[Teresa]

Hi Louise,

I experienced thinning at the sides…and I’m thinning a bit now, due to my anxiety, which I’m trying to alleviate by finding the right balance of hormone….it is so hard isn’t it?

Now you have messaged your GP, hopefully he will change to a different oestrogen p/prog as soon as possible, if you know it’s what you are taking that is doing it? Will your GP know what to do? I know it sounds a bit daft, but mine wouldn’t know. I tell them what I want to take  it does sound like you could try a patch and progesterone pill perhaps, for  a couple of months and see how you get on? The patches stick really well and you can forget about them.

I hope they come back to you quickly.

Teresa
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[Meeka]

Might be worth using regaine to give the hair a kick start . I’ve used it and it encourages regrowth . Also good protein and oils in your diet , eggs are supposed to be good for hair according to trichologists .

[Louise Jay]

Thanks for your kind replies. xx My GP has prescribed Femoston which I will start taking when my current pack runs out in a couple weeks. Whilst I have noticed some slow hair loss over the last few years I am sure it has got a lot worse over the last six months since taking Elleste Duet. Will have to wait and see but fingers crossed.