Hi all! I'm a new member, but I've been lurking here since starting HRT last November. I have to say, this is the NICEST group of women I've come into contact with online. I was a member of the menopause Reddit board but was run off when I didn't cave to some bullying. Having said that...
I'm 52, still in peri. Married (23 years), no kids, I run and strength train, don't drink anymore, eat pretty well. I've had three periods in the last two years, most recent was in April. Started HRT last November and went through the gauntlet of estradiol delivery methods and doses and have settled on the .075 2x/weekly patch. I've started using the Mira Analyzer about 18 months ago to track my hormone levels. It's expensive, but I get to be my own lab rat and I have quantitative data I can use to see how I'm doing with the HRT.
I'm highly, highly, HIGHLY progesterone intolerant but my miracle of a menopause provider (she's with Midi, for US users) has been really helpful in working with that. Oral progesterone is a big NO and my last P cycle (about six weeks ago) I tried 200mg vaginally and made it to day 10 before I had to quit due to dark mood and bloating and a generalized feeling of crap. Took nine days for my withdrawal bleed which was unbelievably heavy for three days and then stopped. My Mira results show that there are, in fact, higher progesterone levels in my blood even though I'm using it vaginally.
Decided to downgrade to 100mg to see what happened this cycle and crazy thing...I am experiencing ZERO negative side effects other than the usual HR increase, BBT temp increase, slight gum inflammation. No bad mood, no bloating, no GI issues. I'm shocked. I'm currently on day 11 and after tonight, will take my break and see what happens. I'm starting vaginal estrogen as well, as soon as I'm done with the progesterone. My next provider appointment is in a couple of weeks.
I've actually been in a better mood the last couple of weeks on the progesterone, but I am wondering if that's more the effect of the testosterone. I started testosterone sixteen days ago. My blood levels were zero, both total and free T. 1mg/day compounded cream. Had it prescribed for low libido, energy, and my provider said it can also be beneficial for bone mass (I have osteopenia). My energy levels have definitely perked up and like I said, I think it's helping with the progesterone tolerance? Maybe? Other than that, not much change. It's early, though.
HRT has been a lifesaver for me so far. The vast, vast, VAST majority of my symptoms are gone. No more insomnia, no more crankiness, I take things "in stride" more now than I think I ever have in my life. It feels good. I feel "normal". I know this is just the start of the journey, but it's an optimistic start.
