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Author Topic: HRT on my mind…  (Read 2745 times)

Songbird

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HRT on my mind…
« on: February 10, 2022, 07:08:29 PM »

Hi dear ladies,

I am 57 and 5 years “post menopause” and am, only now, considering a form of HRT.  I thought I could cope with the symptoms without taking HRT but I’m starting to think I’ve been mistaken  :-\
I’m coming around to the idea that, just maybe, my quality of life could be improved by taking HRT. I’m just a bit clueless!
I’ve tried to convince myself that it’s only anxiety and VA that I suffer from but, in truth, I suffer from mood swings (I used to be so tolerant  :'( ), brain fog, hair thinning, itchy skin and mild flushing….
I’ve gone down the road of taking sertraline for anxiety and estradiol pessaries for the VA.  Both, I feel, are working but what about my other symptoms? The thought of HRT tackling all of these symptoms is appealing to me but I’m noticing on this forum that getting the dose/method right seems to be problematic.
Assuming my blood pressure was ok, do any of you ladies have any thoughts on initial dose/type of HRT.
Thanks so much for your thoughts…
 :love:
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Postmeno3

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2022, 07:32:27 PM »

Hi. I feel I can only really give from my own experience and, although everyone may not agree, I feel that because we are postmenopausal and therefore far less likely to fluctuate, bloods are the fastest route to at least getting the dose nearer to right. Then, if absorption proves to be an issue even at what is thought to be the right dosage, the delivery method can be considered. After nearly a year of "trial and error", bloods being taken regularly has resolved more in the last three months than all the previous nine. So, I hear you about things sounding "problematic", but I personally feel that dithering about is not only time-consuming, but psychologically harder. I can't recommend dosage or delivery method. We are all so unique, but having an idea of levels has surely to be a strong indicator, especially postmenopausally, of where to start? Also, you will most likely not be offered testosterone which many of us need until at least three months. Hope this helps you a little! 😊
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jillydoll

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2022, 07:45:00 PM »

Hi.

I’m 57 and 7 years postmeno.
I’m on tablet form hrt. I take 2mg per day.
Anything less is a nightmare. Low mood, anxiety, tears, ect….
You need to start low, and see how you feel, increasing if you need to.

Good luck. Hope this helps. Although like Postmeno3 has mentioned, we’re all different.

Xx
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Songbird

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2022, 07:49:42 PM »

Hi Postmeno3
Thanks so much for your response.  This makes perfect sense to me actually.  My GP is phoning me next week to see how things are with me so I will certainly mention the “bloods” situation.  To be honest, I have never had my “levels” checked.  I’ve just muddled through up till now  :o
Much appreciated  ;)
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Songbird

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2022, 07:52:57 PM »

Jillydoll,
Thanks to you too.  I’m definitely going to speak to my GP next week about all of this. It feels so good to share, I have to say  :love:
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sheila99

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2022, 10:10:28 PM »

For many people hrt alone doesn't control VA so it would be best to keep the VA treatment.
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Dane34

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2022, 11:43:08 PM »

Ipostmeno3

I might be a bit thick here but !

Menopause by gp when I asked to check my blood levels used to say
Your in it, so what the point of having them tested

Your postmenopause  and you have your checked ?
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Songbird

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2022, 08:47:18 AM »

Hi Sheila 99
Yep. I’m definitely keeping the estradiol pessaries and moisturiser going as it definitely works for me  :)

Hi Dane34
I haven’t actually ever had my blood checked for oestrogen. I feel that Postmeno3 makes a good point that being post menopausal for several years is likely to give blood results that don’t fluctuate much now so would, hopefully, get a good indication re level and type of HRT.

Thanks so much again.  ;) :great:
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CLKD

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2022, 09:17:57 AM »

Keep on with the vaginal atrophy treatment!   Do read the 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads on the Forum.

Some find that keeping a mood/symptom/food diary of use.  Let us know how you get on.
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Songbird

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Re: HRT on my mind…
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2022, 09:26:44 AM »

Hi CLKD

I definitely will keep the VA treatment going.  Will check out the forum threads you mentioned too.

Thanks again  ;)
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