Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: CarolG on July 01, 2014, 09:49:43 AM
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I was using Elleste Duet Conti until late last year when I started to spot and then produce large clots of blood every two months or so. My doctor (young woman) told me to stop immediately and live without HRT.
It didn't take long before my life ground to a halt with joint pains; constant pins and needles in my arms, pains in the back of my head and neck followed by debilitating flushes. I argued with my doctor who compared me with her mother and steadfastly refused to prescribe HRT.
Eventually, I had an appointment with a Gynaecologist who ordered an MRI scan and afterwards he put me on the operating table and took a biopsy. After some weeks we met again and he gave me the all clear and a prescription for Livial.
It took 4 or 5 days before any improvement, and that was mainly the relief of head and neck aches, pins and needles and joint pains. However, the hot flushes are still happening but admittedly not as much as before.
I have got several months supply of Elleste and I wondered if anyone has tried alternate days with Elleste and Livial and if it worked for you.
I was taking Elleste for over 20 years without problems. I've been using Livial for 2 months and it seems to have plateaued and looks like I'll have to tolerate the hot flushes.
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Hi and welcome CarolG
Firstly, I really wouldn't muck about with taking different HRT types on different days. Livial and Elleste are very different so this could give real problems.
Were you on Elleste sequi or conti before?
I tried Livial at one stage and found it very good except it gave me teenage type acne.
I ended up having a Mirena coil fitted(for the progesterone part) and used Oestrogel for the oestrogen part. The Mirena is good for keeping the uterus lining thin and Oestrogel is great because you can adjust the amount you use to keep the flushes at bay. Having said this, some women do find that regardless of the amount of oestrogen they use they still get flushes and other meno symptoms. I think we have to be realistic about how much HRT can help and as we move through the post meno stage ideally we should be on the minimum level of hormones to reduce any risks and side effects.
You don't say how old you are? If you have been using HRT for such a long time you must have had an early menopause?
Do read up all the info under the headings to the left of this screen as there are some really useful bits. Perhaps consider some of the non HRT drugs that can help with flushes?
A colleague of mine at work in her 60s was having similar problems to you and has finally found relief with Climesse HRT and the anti depressant Citalopram 10mg - I have to say she's a new women.
You are still in the early stages of taking livial so it may take time to settle - your body has to adjust. There are plenty of other HRTs to try.
DG x
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Hi DG,
thanks for that, especially that about your friend taking Climesse and Citalopram.
I am 67 and recently had total hip replacement and gall bladder removal from which I have now recovered. So now I am quite fit apart from this HRT problem, which is really getting me down.
However, I will continue with Livial after your advice re, mixing HRT, until October when I see the consultant again.
I was on Elleste Duet Conti before and they were great for me. The doctors seem really jittery about people getting cancer, especially at my age, but there is no cancer in my family and my parents lived into their 90's and especially with my biopsy and scans getting the all clear.
Anyway, thanks again and I'll keep you posted as to what happens in future.
Regards,
CarolG.