Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Burchers on April 23, 2018, 03:08:11 PM
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I've been on Femseven Conti patches for 6 months. I've booked in with my gp I think it's not suiting me. My joints and bones hurt, I've put on so much weight, I feel so exhausted, I keep getting random areas on my leg that swell.If I don't do my Estriol cream daily my anxiety levels increase.
I'm not feeling great. I'm also taking mirtazapine which doesn't help with weight gain. My weight is all on my stomach I look like I'm pregnant.
Feeling fed up. I've put on 3 stone since last year.
I started with menopause symptoms after I had the procedure to stop heavy periods in June 2026, I've not had a period since then.
I was thinking of asking the gp for the HRT you rub into your skin.I need to avoid tablets as I have Colitis .
Hating my 40s
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Burchers - I can't remember if you have been offered a Mirena or not? This is essentially transdermal and less is absorbed systemically as it delivers the progesterone more locally so can bring fewer side effects and also less chance of problematic bleeding. Using any progesterone orally continuously can bring more side effects and I think this is probably your problem. If you had the Mirena then you could simply use Oestrogel or oestrogen patches alongside.
Perhaps review your need to have the AD as well - this is probably the cause of the weight gain. DG x
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Burchers, you say you had a procedure to stop heavy periods, was it an ablation? If so, you can do a 3 monthly cycle if you are post menopause meaning you don't need to take progesterone every day which is probably your biggest problem and causing most of the side effects.
Also, I would definitely switch to Oestrogel, it's nicer to use, more dose flexible and it works better than patches for most people.
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Yes I had an ablation and not had a period since 2016.Never offered Mirena as I am also sterilised since the birth of my son in 2003.
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Burchers, if you have had an ablation then I would opt for a long 3 month cycle if I were you. You can take oestrogen only HRT and then take progesterone for 12 days every 3 months and if there is anything there to shed, it will although I doubt there would be very much if you have had an ablation.
Definitely worth a try.
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So sorry only just seen your comments. Please could you explain what a 3 month cycle is?
I'm so confused by all this menopause stuff
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So sorry only just seen your comments. Please could you explain what a 3 month cycle is?
I'm so confused by all this menopause stuff
Me too Burchers! The only term I get is HRT. The rest of it, like 3 month cycles, is baffling to me. I am such a novice in this department. Talk to me about psychology, education and farming as I am your woman. Just not menopause 😉
I have tried 4 types/forms of HRT. The one I am on now isn't working that well as I still have some symptoms. Along with boobs that feel like they are on fire, I too have gained weight. It's a catch 22. If you nail the HRT thing please let me know as I need all the advice I can get at the moment. Good luck!
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Of course I will. I'm just confused why I'm feeling the way I am.
So if I crack it will let you know
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Good morning ladies the terminology can be a bit intimidating to new ladies so I get why your struggling. a cycle is a monthly period date so say you would usually have a period on the 01st of each month it would be calculated using that date so Mary's telling you using your date when you would normally have that period for three months take oestrogen only then at the end of the three months take your progesterone for 12 days to shed the build up of womb lining which will effectively give you a period every 3 months and twelve days,is that as clear as mud lol hope not I hope I've broken it down a wee bit more.the other term you'll hear a lot is V.A vaginal atrophy,it's where your undercarriage is raw and sore and causes problems when you try having sex etc so you would usually be given either vagifem pessaries or an estriol cream to use alongside your hrt pills/patches/ gels you should really be on this to help prevent future problems as lack of oestrogen dries you from the inside out it's horrible,you'll probably suffer from dry skin dry itchy ears dry eyes dry sinus which causes the headaches etc so try and nip this in the bud early ,it's a lifelong treatment which if you stop comes back with a vengeance.
I hope this helps you a wee bit ladies good luck xx
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Daisydot - really good explanations of everything. Isn't it awful that we are not educated properly about how our bodies work - especially regarding what happens when the meno hits. I had a premature meno and simply followed the treatment the doctors gave me but not fully understanding what was really going on. I sought help from a wide variety of specialist gynaecologists over my 25 years of hrt and none suggested local oestrogen for the discomfort I was getting with my urogeital area. It was a practise nurse at my rural practise( where I now live) who immediately said I needed local oestrogen and put me on VAgifem. This site has taught me so much and I try to share my experience and support others because I have had such a long and varied experience of meno treatment.
Your common sense approach is proving a great asset to this forum - thank you. DG x
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DG what a lovely warm thing to say but I have to say that if it wasn't for you and the other ladies here who share their knowledge and life experience I wouldn't have half the understanding that I do now and I'll be forever grateful to you all for that.If we can help without being critical or patronising it's a wonderful thing to do because we've all been there haven't we and bless you for doing what you do xx
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Of course I will. I'm just confused why I'm feeling the way I am.
So if I crack it will let you know
Me too again! I couldn't figure out what was going on with me until my GP said to try HRT tablets. It has all fallen into place now. My losing the plot due to lack of sleep, panic attacks, hot flushes etc have all pointed to menopause. It's actually a refief knowing this is the cause. I really thought for a moment that the only place for me was a psych ward.
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DG what a lovely warm thing to say but I have to say that if it wasn't for you and the other ladies here who share their knowledge and life experience I wouldn't have half the understanding that I do now and I'll be forever grateful to you all for that.If we can help without being critical or patronising it's a wonderful thing to do because we've all been there haven't we and bless you for doing what you do xx
I second that Daisydot! Thank you DG. And to you also Daisydot 😊
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Thankyou all for helping.
So would I need to change patch from the FemSeven Conti? I've not had a period since 2016 after I had the ablation done.
I also want to avoid tablets as I suffer with colitis and have a very sensitive stomach.
I'm desperate to find the right combination. I have no libido whatsoever.
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Hi burchers as dancing girl and MaryG have suggested go and see your gp again and ask to change to oestrogel it's simply a gel you rub on your thigh daily so it bypasses the gut and liver so no be of the usual problems and the Mirena and hopefully this will be a better option for you good luck x
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Sorry for late reply. I have got an appointment to see my gp next Thursday. She had also suggested I try the coil and the Oestrogel.
May as well give it a go
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Good luck butchers in three months or so you'll be back here telling us how great you feel,well done you have to just keep trying and plodding away you'll get there.
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I'm hoping to feel better. Might not get it fitted until the end of June as my gp is the only one who does it at my surgery
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Just persevere till then and make sure you get the best treatment for you xx
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Really hoping it works
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I think the secret with this is don't look for side effects or flaws,unless it's something really obvious,give it a fair chance to do its stuff it definately takes a couple of months for your levels to increase and your body to adjust so go in with the mindset,â€this is gonna work for meâ€,if you go in negative it'll take you longer to accept any benefits also write down ALL your symptoms you have just now then use that as a tick sheet as you go along on your new regime,it'll surprise you how quickly you'll tick off the symptoms you no longer have .good luck xx
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Hi, Burchers. Two things - Mirtazipine is linked to considerable weight gain, as well as affecting the libido. I think it's worth having a review of your AD as well, as you may not receive the benefits you might expect from your HRT if the Mirt. is having these side effects (especially if your dose is over 15mg). xxxx
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Hi Tempest I'm on 15mg dose of the Mirtazapine. My anxiety levels have increased over the last couple of weeks.
I'm convinced the Mitazapine doesn't suit me but it makes me eat and sleep( which I was unable to do before taking it).
My gp said we have to tackle one thing at a time.
My daughter in the middle of GCSES , she has adrenal issues and can become ill very quickly.Im worried incase she gets ill and misses an exam.
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Burchers reading your opening post I thought I was reading about myself :o
I too am on mirtazapine (30mg) went up 2 dress sizes and look like some one has put a bike pump up my bum and inflated! I look more pregnant now than I did with my real pregnancies !!
I also think the mirt only helps with my sleep and appetite but I'm scared to stop it as it was prescribed by a psychiatrist after a major depressive episode as they now call a breakdown. My gp said I could change it to something else but I'm scared to even try ....
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Well here's the update. I saw my doctor who after reading through my notes again and questioning me for Mirena Coil . I'm unable to have it due to my ablation I had in 2016 my doctor is concerned that there could be a risk to tearing my uterus when fitting it.
So she has given me Oestrogen pump with progesterone tablets. I don't know The makes as my pharmacy has to order it in.
We talked about the Mitazapine but she wants to try and get me the best HRT treatment sorted first.
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Update
Started Estrogel 2 pumps in s morning and Ustrogen 100mg every night.
Not feeling the best after a week feeling nauseous, anxiety levels raised.Waking up feeling like electric current running through my body.
Feeling so fed up just don't know what to do anymore