Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Kathleen on May 10, 2013, 04:46:31 PM

Title: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Kathleen on May 10, 2013, 04:46:31 PM
Hello ladies. I've made a decision that feels big to me but one I think you can help me with. After much thought I've decided to begin taking HRT (Climesse) today, probably before I go to bed. I know that a lot of you ladies are already taking HRT and are used to the regime so any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
I've tried to go it alone but the constant anxiety and jittering has taken it's toll, I feel so defeated by it all. I'm hoping that Climesse helps as I really need a break from feeling so awful all the time. 
Thank you for reading and best wishes to you all.
K.
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Liz on May 10, 2013, 06:12:43 PM
Hi Kathleen.  I'm new to HRT, just been using FemSeven patches for 9 days.  I have to say I have been seeing a lot of improvements, but today I actually realised I felt like myself again.  Anxiety has gone right down, sweating has reduced and joints are easing.  I'm 45 and going through Peri.  I put an introduction in the New Members section.

I would give it a go, I spent many months trying not to start HRT, but have decided that I am going to give it a 3 month trial.  If it continues to improve things at this rate, I'll be happy!

Good luck!
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: honeybun on May 10, 2013, 06:16:35 PM
What have you got to loose.

Just remember if it does not suit you can stop......but if it works you will be so much better.

Keep posting and let us know how it goes.


Honeyb
X
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Meggie on May 10, 2013, 06:51:21 PM
Hi Kathleen

I struggled without HRT for almost 10 years before throwing in the towel almost 5 years ago and giving in.  I am now 61 years young and now have to consider coming off it for a while.  Personally, it has made such a difference to me.  The hot flushes were horrendous - at the worst 26 in a 24 hour period but now they average out at 5 a day - oh so much better.  I sleep throughout the night too which is absolutely fantastic. 

Give it a go and be patient.

Meggie

Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Limpy on May 10, 2013, 08:18:58 PM
Kathleen

I was NEVER going to use HRT. However things just got too bad.
Went on Evoril Conti  patches, felt much better, pretty much immediately.
Give it a go, you can always stop if it doesn't agree with you.
You are in control.
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Joyce on May 10, 2013, 09:37:00 PM
I'm thankful for HRT! Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Kathleen on May 11, 2013, 09:15:45 AM
A big thank you to all you ladies who replied. I took my first dose of Climesse last night and I'll see how it goes (no dramatic improvement so far, lol).
I'll keep you posted with any developments, especially as it may help others.
Once again thanks for being there.
K. 
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Liz on May 11, 2013, 01:28:55 PM
Good luck Kathleen!  I'm on day 10 of my Femseven patch and feeling much better.  Onwards and upwards, I hope, for both of us.
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Shula on May 12, 2013, 10:14:06 AM
It was the unbearable anxiety that made me decide to give HRT a go, and I haven't regretted that decision for a moment. Best of luck with it!
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Kathleen on May 12, 2013, 12:15:56 PM
Thank you ladies for your words of encouragement. I think I've made the right decision as last night was horrendous, so jittery I didn't sleep a wink. I even started to worry that I was going mad!
Hopefully the HRT will kick in soon and I'll know what it's like to feel normal.
Many thanks.
K.
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: kerrieann on May 26, 2013, 09:19:12 AM
i know exactly how you feel kathleen this sounds ridiculous but i had patches from my doc over a year ago and still havent got going on them iam too scared because i smoke and cant give up just now as my anxiety levels are through the roof i havent had a period for 6 years and thought things would improve but my aches and pains and anxiety seems to be getting worse so good on you for giving it a try hope it works great for you  :)
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Debbie D on May 27, 2013, 11:29:08 PM
Kathleen

I was NEVER going to use HRT. However things just got too bad.
Went on Evoril Conti  patches, felt much better, pretty much immediately.
Give it a go, you can always stop if it doesn't agree with you.
You are in control.

Being a veggie / vegan and animal rights supporter I worry about where HRT comes from and wonder if there is an alternative available that anyone knows about?
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Taz2 on May 27, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Any of the HRT's which are prefixed by "prem" come from pregnant mares urine but the rest are synthetic as far as I know.

Taz x
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Hurdity on May 30, 2013, 03:21:05 PM
...and just to add that many of the synthetic, bio-identical ones (available on the NHS) are synthesised from plant extracts originally eg yams and soy.

Hurdity x
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: kerrieann on June 02, 2013, 09:59:29 PM
was just browsing through and wonder how kathleen is doing i think she must be a month into her hrt now ane iam still to afraid to start mine because i smoke but at the minute my anxiety is terrible as well as the awful hip and arm pain  :(
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Hurdity on June 02, 2013, 10:06:38 PM
Sorry to hear you are still feeling rough kerrieann.
It would be good to swap the smoking for the HRT and you may find that deals with your anxiety! In other words you are still smoking because you are anxious but replacing oestrogen may alleviate or lessen your anxiety!

Hurdity x
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: kerrieann on June 02, 2013, 10:25:40 PM
mmm different train of thought hurdity  feeling really rough been for x rays on my pelvis and shoulder this week as my doc thinks it could be arthritis and the anxiety and low feeling are really getting me  down but iam soo worried about smoking and taking hrt that iam going round in circles and the more i stress the more i smoke  :( i know my  doc said get settled on hrt and then start cutting down on the smoking and i keep telling myself that nothing terrible will happen to me if i take  the hrt for a few weeks till i feel stronger i really gotta sort this
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: Suzi Q on June 03, 2013, 03:04:29 AM
What have you got to loose.

Just remember if it does not suit you can stop......but if it works you will be so much better.

Keep posting and let us know how it goes.


Honeyb
X

I agree This stufff was invented to help us give it a go if you dont like it easy just stop xxxxxxxxxx
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: bramble on June 03, 2013, 07:29:32 PM
Kerriann,
I took HRT and smoked - no probs. Your doctor is right - take the HRT, hopefully start to feel better then cut down the cigarettes.

Bramble
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: CLKD on June 03, 2013, 08:09:28 PM
Kerrieann - you don't have a good time right now so why not give the HRT a whirl?  As for stopping smoking, that's your choice - there is help out there but if you are in a circle of shall I/won't try with both  ::)  ......... what is the worst that can happen?

Have a word with the person at your Surgery who helps people stop smoking?  Get a regime going.  It's like dieting, if we deny ourselves stuff then our brains crave it.  Tell me - do you get up in the night for a ciggie?
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: kerrieann on June 03, 2013, 10:13:19 PM
clkd  no i dont get up in the night for a ciggie and iam trying to cut down i think iam just so anxious about everything that the anxiety is makimg everything so much worse ive even tried to just walk though the pain in my hip sort of mind over matter as it where but i feel like iam ceasing up after walking around the supermarket for 15 mins keep reading posts on here and some say hrt helped with the pain and some not so i guess the only way is to try it i cant carry on this way iam so damned miserable and i dont mean to be  :(
Title: Re: big decision, need advice.
Post by: kerrieann on June 03, 2013, 10:16:04 PM
bramble  you say you took hrt and smoked which did you give up ??

kathleen  ive just realised that i have butted in on your thread sorry