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[Crow Lady]

So it's almost 5 months since I started HRT. I know it's trial and error but I thought by now there'd be a decent improvement. Started Utrogestan tablets and estraderm patches, then after 3 months a dosage increase on the patches, then a month ago testosterone gel. Felt no different until the patches increased and I felt crap for a few weeks. The only difference is I'm not as anxious as I was. Still exhausted 24/7. Still not sleeping. Brain fog. I need to phone the doc to order more patches and I'm thinking what's the point ? I'm 51 and I'm like a little old woman!
Any suggestions gratefully received!

[Gnatty]

Which testosterone do you take? This can take a few weeks to kick in so you may still not be feeling the full benefit yet. Also what patch dose are you on? There might be room for an increase there.

[CLKD]

Also have you had thyroid function and VitD blood tests recently as both can cause tiredness. 

[Crow Lady]

The patches were 50 then changed to 75. The testogel is 40.5mg sachets, each one is meant to last 8 days. The doc said my levels of testosterone were undetectable. Other blood tests are normal.

[Gnatty]

Well it is still early days for testosterone to get full benefit. The oestrogen you have room to go up to 100mg. It sounds like you are on the right track as your anxiety is improving so that's a good sign!

[Crow Lady]

Just spoke to the doc, he wants me to keep on the meds I'm on now and in about a month have blood tests to check my levels again, and thyroid etc. He mentioned I might have to increase the estraderm patches to 100.
I know everyone is different and it's trial and error to get the meds right, but I've read lots of stuff about people benefitting almost instantly, like sleeping properly and having loads more energy. I was really hoping it would be quick for me.

[CLKD]

It's The Change so each of us gets into peri-menopause differently 

[discogirl]

Hi Crow Lady,

I'm post meno and started on HRT about a month ago.

The not sleeping bit is truly awful, I just wondered are you on any medication that could be interfering with your sleep.

Sometimes the anxiety can affect sleeping patterns so it's good that your anxiety is improving.

xxxx

[Crow Lady]

I've been on antidepressants for about 18 years, sertraline. And high blood pressure meds, losartan, for about 6 months. Its years and years since I slept properly.

[discogirl]

i could be totally wrong but i sometimes wonder about ADs having an affect on sleep quality.

i do hope you get sorted.

keep in touch xxx