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[Forgetful]

Hi Hotmomma

There are two continuous combined patches that I know of (reason being these are the only ones I can have as I had endo, found this out at the meno clinic though I am not on any at the moment as was put off by kliovance experience) they are:

Evorel conti  (Change after 4 days)
and Femseven conti  (change once a week)

Evorel conti has norethisterone as the progestogen and Femseven has levonorgestrel.
I was told that as I didn't like the way the progestogen in kliovance made me feel it might be worth trying levonorgestrel.

 I have to have a liver scan next week and a further blood test to see if my liver function has returned to normal before I can think about whether to try patches.

Anyway hope this  info helps you


Forgetful x

[JulesD]

Hi everyone,
I have just joined this site, and would like some advice from anyone!!
Have just been to docs this morning as cant stand the symptoms any longer. I havn't slept properly for weeks due to the most horrendous night sweats. I also just do not ever feel completely 'normal'. He has sent me away with the usual paper info and has booked me in for FSH test next week and in the meantime i have to decide whether or not i want HRT. Its so difficult to way up the pros and cons. Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks
Jules

[Forgetful]

Hi Jules

  The only thing I can suggest is do as much research as possible and then if you want to give HRT a go give it a try.  I took Kliovance which is estrogen and progestogen, but to be honest found I felt better without it than with it, but it did affect my liver function adversely so that didn't help, and I had to stop it.  I am still thinking about whether or not to try a patch but to be honest have been put off it quite a bit due to the kliovance experience. Because I had endo I can only use an HRT with progestogen in it continously and as it is usually the progestogen that causes most side effects this is the problem for me.

However lots of other ladies do fine on HRT.

Good luck

Forgetful x

[grumpy2008]

HRT is a complete no-no for me because I'm at high risk of breast cancer. Having spent my life avoiding cigarettes, drinking only very moderately, watching my diet etc etc I don't want the risk or worry of taking a hormonal replacement that could potentially increase my risk factor even further. Thankfully the hot flushes don't seem to have hit me fully yet, so when / if they do I might change my mind!!!

[Taz2]

That must be such a worry for you. Have you ever been offered mastectomies if you are at such a high risk? I just wondered as someone I knew finally took the plunge (!) at 46 to have hers removed and didn't look back - she said that she felt like a huge cloud had been lifted from over her head and for the first time since she was 25 she could actually live properly. The reconstruction was fantastic. Sorry if this is a bit blunt but I just wondered 

Love Taz x

[grumpy2008]

Hi Taz,

I don't mind you asking in the slightest. No, I haven't been offered mastectomies - I'm not sure i would want to go that route myself, but I can see why others might. My own risk is 40% which, as i told the doctor when he was 'breaking' the news to me, means I have more chance of NOT developing cancer!    So I prefer to stay positive, stay vigilant, and stay away from hormones/HRT 

[Taz2]

That's the way to be Grumpy!! 60% risk at not getting it then - sounds the right way round to me!!! 

[grumpy2008]

Thanks Taz. I really appreciate your interest and support 

[healthconcious08]

I don't really think the question is whether HRT is good or bad, I would say it is up to the individual.  You have to weigh up the options; on the one hand there is evidence that HRT in the long term may lead to breast cancer and other serious ailments, however, some studies have also shown that taking HRT reduces the chance of getting cancer of the colon or rectum and reduces the chance of developing osteoporosis.

Its all about how each individual feels and it is important that they make an informed decision - if you want to know more about HRT and althernative treatment for symptoms of the menopause go and see your GP.  It is unadvisable to take medication, including many natural alternatives such as black cohosh and isoflavones, without advise so if you are opting out of HRT and won't go and see a doctor you could always visit a site such as www.supplementscompared.com which rates menopause products according to their quality and value for money - you could end up squandering your money on products that have little or no positive effect on your health otherwise.

[ladyjane]

I found this information  - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/06/010620073721.htm

Its made me feel better about continuing with my very low dose patch (0.25) at the age of 61. When I went to see the cardiologist about palpitation ( they were  panic attacks to a traumatic op and have stopped now) I told him that I took my patch off and put it on according to what I read in the Daily Mail!! and he said that I should continue with patch and that it was a good thing, and thats coming from a cardiologist so I shall continue with it knowing its beneficial effects on my body.
Sandy x

[Ellie May]

Hello,  I have just started HRT for the first time, my GP has given me Elleste Duet Tablets, 2mg Estradiol and 1mg Norethisterone.  I have been on them for almost a week now, but have been feeling very nauseous and have even had period pains, despite not having had a period for over 9 months now.  My poor hubby has been very supportive, but I am sooo hoping that this will settle and I will feel more normal.  Has anyone else taken this HRT and if so, did it help eventually?  Many thanks - Ellie May

[Libby Babe]

Hi Ellie May
I have been on the same HRT as you since August last year.  The only problem I had in the first 3 months or so was that I had some bleeding on and off  but it settled down by about November and I have not had a bleed since then (although my periods had already stopped before I started taking it).  It has helped me with my hot flushes, I sleep better and generally feel better than I did.  I still have 'off' days but I am sure the HRT is making a difference.  I hope you settle soon with it but it can take a while for your body to get used to it.  Best wishes,
Libby
x

[ladyjane]

Here is a link to reading about HRT, I think its the best information that I have read about menopause and Natural Hormone replacement, I keep going back to it and reading the articles as they are such a good read.
Sandy x

http://www.antiaging.com/cyberhealth/index.html

[miagran]

Hi Heather,
HRT  is the best thing since sliced bread when you're on it, but when doc takes you off it after recommended time all symptoms plus a whole lot more come back with a vengeance, after two years since HRT I've still got the sweats, flushes,with extras such as joint pains and just a general lack of energy and motivation! So I would only say yes now to HRT if I could stay on it for the rest of my days (even with all the risks it carries!!!)

[Miss Feelingood]

I am a newbie here and love to come and dip into the site to reassure myself that there are lots of other women out there that have suffered the same symptoms.  Each have found their own way of coping whether taking HRT or not.
I fall into the camp that HRT is the best thing since sliced bread.  I took it for six years as I was perimenopausal.  Then when I was 50 the big scare arrived and I decided on the advice of my doctor to come off it.
The symptoms came back with a vengeance and I struggled on for two years without HRT.  But then, I changed my doctor and was gobsmacked when she said I could take HRT again but this time the no-bleed variety (as I had not bled for 2 years since stopping my previous HRT).  Her reasoning was that if I felt my quality of life was poor I could way up the pros and cons and decide what I wanted to do.
I must admit I was a little apprehensive at first because of the risks but decided that my quality of life was non-existent with continual fatigue, aching joints, hot flushes etc. Needless to say, I have been taking Kliofem for 4 weeks now and do not regret returning to HRT.  My joints have stopped aching, my lethargy has reduced considerably and I feel sexy again.
Only you can decide what it best for you.  But for me HRT continues to be the best thing since sliced bread albeit the risks.
Life's journey is all about choices good or bad.
Miss Feelingood (but starting to feel a whole lot better now I am back on HRT)