Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: helenP on August 13, 2015, 07:44:59 PM

Title: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: helenP on August 13, 2015, 07:44:59 PM
Hi, my GP has advised me that HRT is not given to perimenopausal women still experiencing periods and that they would now wait until the woman's periods have stopped completely. She advised that I could be put on the pill instead. The GP I'd seen before her had suggested trying HRT, so I'm confused. Any advice? I've been experiencing more frequent, longer lasting and heavier periods; bad headaches; irritability particularly before my period etc. etc.
Thanks.
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: robotwars on August 13, 2015, 08:42:13 PM
I'm in peri and my GP suggested HRT..... if you look on the treatments above it lists all the HRT treatments for when you are in peri....... why would your GP say that!!!! ummmmmm.......... ???
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: Briony on August 13, 2015, 09:27:24 PM
There are loads of us on here in peri menopause who have had HRT. I'd change to a doctor who's more on the ball (best thing I ever did!). A few of us have found we need something more controlling and turned to the pill, but in general, HRT (sequential) seems to be the first option for most. There is also a bio identical pill called Qlaira which is a low dose contraceptive but the estrogen is more like HRT estrogen. Good luck - do stand your ground xxx
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: LW44 on August 13, 2015, 09:58:29 PM
i am peri my gp firstly offered anti d's  then hrt.. when i saw consultant privately he didnt suggest anti d but recommended hrt.. which i have started.. so i would push for it definately
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: Dancinggirl on August 13, 2015, 09:59:24 PM
helenP - welcome to MM
HRT is usually the most appropriate treatment in the peri stage as the hormones are different from the Pill.  There is a new contraceptive pill - I think it's called Quairi or something like that but it's very expensive, which many women are trying now in the peri stage because it has better hormones.  I would go back and see the GP you saw before and maybe ask to be referred to a gynae or meno clinic for specialist advice.
What symptoms are you experiencing?  DG x
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: SadLynda on August 14, 2015, 12:00:33 PM
I have been told once I do my blood test (yes I know ::)) and see the nurse, the next step is the 'well woman's clinic'.  I was very happy to hear this as one of the GP's at my surgery is why I dont see a GP anymore - if there had not been a clinic I would have been changing practice, again.

Also suspect to be Peri, and hoping for help of some sort, battling through with alternatives at the moment.
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: GypsyRoseLee on August 14, 2015, 04:05:51 PM
I think HRT working successfully for you during peri menopause depends on your symptoms? I think HRT is effective against hot flushes etc, but maybe is too hit and Miss for peri anxiety and low mood?

I was on HRT for over 4 months but the extreme mood swings and anxiety kept on coming and going regardless. HRT works to 'top up' low hormones, especially oestrogen. If you still have quite a bit of your own hormones but they're wildly fluctuating then I don't think HRT can  control them enough.
Title: Re: HRT and perimenopause
Post by: helenP on August 16, 2015, 08:19:15 PM
Thanks, everyone. I think I need to go back to the first GP who suggested HRT for perimenopause. Symptoms at present: more frequent, long lasting, more painful and heavier periods; bad headaches; mood swings etc. etc.