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[Hezzi]

Hello ladies. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations and posting just to hear your opinions. Im postmenopausal. I've been on Evoril Conti 75 since about May last year and originally Provera, though I had a bit of bleeding with this combo (int and ext ultrasound showed all fine) and gp switched progesterone to Utrogestan. I've been on this since mid August and have had intermittent sore breasts, which is now nearly gone but now have light cramps as if I'm due a period. There was one occasion that i could call a "dry" period with all the sensations but no bleed. Also had a occasional fatigue too.
I know it might still settle down (I'm starting the 5th month on this combo) but just wondering if anyone else experienced this length of time for hrt to settle, if Utrogestan has affected some in this way and if I'm unrealistic to expect no side effects at all.
I'm just a little fed up - it's been a year of side effects and I'm wondering if hrt is worth the bother.. 

[CLKD]

Which symptom did you hope to ease with HRT? 

I still get light cramps and my last bleed was in 2002.  I think 'Oh not after all this time' but nowt happens  . 

Is the fatigue cyclical?   How badly does this affect you?  MayB start VitD capsules 2 C if you feel any better?

Let us know how you get on.

[DottyD68]

Hi Hezzi,

I am 3.5 years into HRT and still waiting for it to settle. Some ladies seem to hit the right spot pretty quickly while others, like myself, can't get the right balance. For me it's been a case of trying to find a sweet spot of which symptoms I can eliminate vs those I can tolerate.

Maybe try a different doseage to see if that is any better. Or come off it to see what your body is actually doing on it's own.

In my experience high expectations are set with HRT and it isn't always as straightforward as that. Good luck X

[Hezzi]

Hi! Many thanks to both of you for replying.

CLKD: i started the hrt journey due to poor sleep patterns and the night sweats/day sweats. Both resolved almost within a few weeks of starting hrt. The current fatigue issue comes and goes but doesn't impact greatly but I will try the Vit D, there's not much sunshine in Scotland at the moment!  Maybe the cramps are the latest phase of "settling down"??

DottyD68: wow, that's a long time! How do you cope with all the ups and downs, changing side effects and different medications? You must have great patience/tolerance! Wish I was like that. I have wondered if I should come off completely to see what happens as we've tried a different dosage. Have you tried or thought about this yourself? Maybe my body is not good at tolerating hrt?

[DottyD68]

Hi Hezzi,

Yes I have tried twice to come off. Felt ok for a month or so each time but different symptoms returned on both occasions so went back on.  I am gearing up to coming off again and currently on a very low dose but experiencing episodes of anxiety/panic. I'm not sure if it too much oestrogen (which has caused this in the past for me when my own hormones fluctuate) or because I've got some external stressors going or both. As I have said before, it is like a bad game of higher or lower. Sore boobs were a sign of too much oestrogen for me - as soon as I reduced my dose that went. Have you tried Evening Primrose? The breast clinic recommended that for me.

[CLKD]

DottyD68 - would U consider taking a dedicated anti-anxiety medication 2 C whether it helps.  Anxiety is my largest problem over all else 

[DottyD68]

CLKD,

I am reaching that point. I feel I have exhausted all other possible remedies so I am willing to give it a try. Got a GP appointment in a week or so to discuss (assuming I don't exceed my alloted 10 mins with my rambling on  )

[CLKD]

I exceed - I never feel rushed and the GP/Nujrse always ask if I have anything else to discuss.

[Hezzi]

Hi DottyD68
Thanks for the suggestion of Evening Primrose - I'll look into. Anxiety has also been an feature if my meno - last year moreso - and I had a short course of cbt which helped and understand my triggers and keep vigilant about early warnings to prevent a full on anxiety. At times, when seeing my gp, I hoped that they would suggest anti-anx medication but they didn't. I think my anx was low level but to me, it seemed all- encompassing! I'm trying Vit D as suggested by CLKD as it also can trigger anxiety if levels are low and might combat the fatigue.
Hope all goes well at the GP. x