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[GranH2]

Hi all, new here looking for advice if possible. I started on HRT Ellestre Duet over 10 years ago and everything was great, no symptoms, regular 'periods' but last Aug I was going for abdominal surgery and got a message from my GP to stop the HRT immediately due to the risk of blood clots, after surgery I tried to get away without HRT but the symptoms were so horrific (insomnia, very low mood, brain fog, flushes) I begged the doctor to prescribe it again, since I hadn't bled for almost a year, she first tried the gel and progesterone tablets which had little effect on the flushes and low mood but I was able to sleep once again. At my 3 month follow up I asked to go back on Ellestre as they'd worked so well last time, because I hadn't bled for a year she prescribed Ellestre Conti, it's worked perfectly except I've bled  continuously day and night for 3 months, there's been 3 occasions were it stopped but it was only for a couple of days each time, I'm so sore from wearing pads all the time as it is so changeable, heavy one day light the next it was so random. So now it's the 3 month review again and I've been told to stop the HRT immediately and see if the bleeding stops and if not I'm to make an appointment in 2 weeks, well the bleeding is extremely painful and heavy, both my stomach and back are aching today and I'm leaking through the tampon onto the pad. I know it's going to be a long 2 weeks before I speak to the GP again.... Is this normal, has anyone got through anything similar, what was the outcome. I really want to stay on this HRT as its perfect apart from the non stop bleeding of course. Thanks for reading, sorry it was a long one

[CLKD]

Oh I so wish that GPs wouldn't tell women to 'stop': what happens if surgery is postponed for example?  Why would there be a risk of clots, that is really up to the anaesthetist to advise upon.  Could U not return to what had worked previously?

U shouldn't have to wait to speak to a GP - mayB send an e-mail via the surgery triage system if they have one, asking to C a Nurse practitioner who often have. more time anyway. 

[GranH2]

I was so wrapped up in upcoming surgery and freaked out at the thought of a blood clot I didn't even question the GP, I just did it... Because I hadn't bled since stopping the Ellestre Duet the GP said I needed the conti but actually maybe you're right I hadn't even thought about asking for the Duet again, I was just relieved I wouldn't have a monthly bleed I guess but after this last 3 months I think I'd just prefer a bleed once a month, thanks for suggesting that it's definitely something I will push for.. I'm not sure why they've said I need to wait 2 weeks before getting in touch again this time, maybe they're hoping it'll have stopped and sorted itself out, Monday will have been a week since I stopped the Conti so perhaps the bleeding will settle I'm just a bit fed up at this point

[bombsh3ll]

I'm sorry but you don't just have to follow their orders, they really seem very out of their depth and inexperienced in managing menopause treatment.

Nobody should be made to go cold turkey before surgery - you should have been offered transdermal estradiol instead which confers no clot risk.

I would simply contact them Monday morning and explain that going untreated for no clinical reason is causing an unacceptable degree of harm and suffering, and that bleeding on HRT does not necessitate discontinuation of treatment as per the BMS guidelines.

If there is any concern about the bleeding they should refer you for a scan, but treatment can be continued while you wait.

If you want to go back to a sequi regime, assuming you are below 55 you could say that your periods have never really stopped and you feel that the continuous regime isn't suitable in this regard.

This may involve a white lie but if it gets your needs met and is clinically appropriate, the ends justify the means.

If they really are that far outside of their scope of practice treating you, it would be worth asking for a referral to the local NHS menopause clinic.

[Taz2]

Bleeding during g the first six months of a conti hrt is listed as one of the common side effects and I don't understand why this doesn't seem to be considered before being referred for tests and made to stop the regime immediately.

I had constant bleeding for the first six months of a conti hrt (aged 56) so then returned to sequi and stayed on that until my hysterectomy (uterine prolapse) when I was 61 and no longer used progesterone . There are others on here who have also reverted to sequi. My GP was happy for me to do this.

Taz x