Hi everyone.
I started HRT about 3 months ago (50mcg patch and 2 utrogestan tablets for 12 days a month). I am 45 and still have regular periods. I know that blood tests are not useful in perimenopause, however my most recent blood test showed an increase of only 10, from 160 before starting HRT to 170 now (both blood tests were taken on the same day of my cycle). I am concerned obviously because of bone density etc and know that these levels are still low. Surely I should have seen more of an increase in the 3 months, or is an increase of 10 what I should expect. It all feels so much like trial and error and a complete mystery half the time, which leads me on to my next problem...
I posted before about my headaches, however these have got worse sadly and I have realised that they are migraines. OTC meds don't touch it, aspirin did for a while but no longer. My GP put me on fluoxetine which worked for a few weeks until it didn't and they came back worse than ever. They make me sick, and the only relief is lying in a dark room. It is increasingly debilitating and is affecting my life in so many ways.
I had a consultation with a dr at the national migraine centre who suggested amitriptyline, and sumitriptan but unfortunately these haven't touched the migraines either. Now I wake up with a permanent migraine that just doesn't go away. I've been on annual leave this week but am dreading going back to work. I've stopped taking absolutely everything now as it feels like I am completely overloading my body, until I figure out what is going on. It feels madness to treat the migraines when I am sure they are caused by my fluctuating hormones.
The only respite I have had is when I was away in the summer, and took norethisterone (I believe a type of progesterone) to delay my period (before I started the HRT). One of the other options the headache specialist suggested was the mini pill, specifically desogestrol. Has anyone had any success with this for their headaches or peri symptoms?
I have an appointment next month at the migraine clinic who prescribed my HRT, but am trying to arm myself with as much knowledge as I can. I'd appreciate any advice or links or suggestions!
Thank you in advance.
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Topic: Oestrogen levels and doses - bit of a brain dump! (Read 50 times)