Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: ANNO on November 13, 2015, 10:43:39 AM

Title: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: ANNO on November 13, 2015, 10:43:39 AM

Hiya, I've been taking Prempac-C 0.625 for about 5 years with good results. I reluctantly started taking it for severe hot flushes/adrenal rushes and resulting lack of sleep. The last few months, however, the hot flushes are back and increasing in frequency and severity. I'm back to feeling knackered most of the time, no brain, forgetting everything and it's starting to get me down. Is it possible that HRT stops "working"?

Title: Re: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: Dancinggirl on November 13, 2015, 11:21:59 AM

Hi and welcome to MM ANNO
You are on a low dose of HRt and you may now be deeper into menopause and your own oestrogen levels have bottomed out so the HRT you are on may not be enough. You could possibly need a slightly higher dose?
Do browse around to get clued up and get back to us with questions.  DG x

Title: Re: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: dazned on November 13, 2015, 11:51:36 AM

My first hrt stopped working after about five years,guess as the body changes so does what is required.

Title: Re: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: ANNO on November 13, 2015, 12:04:08 PM

Thanks Dancinggirl and Dazned, I suspected as much. As it will probably take a couple of weeks before I can get an appointment with my GP, do you think I could just start taking double doses of the Prempac 0.625 (just the oestrogen part)? I'm getting kinda desperate!

Title: Re: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: Mary G on November 13, 2015, 12:37:07 PM

ANNO, you could consider upping the dose of the oestrogen part of your medication until you see the doctor but ultimately, I would suggest you ask if you can switch to the oestrogen gel.  I found the gel to be far more effective (none of the oral HRT medication worked for me) and you can adjust the dose far more easily if you need to. 

It sounds as though your current level of oestrogen is too low hence the returning symptoms. 

Title: Re: Why does it feel like my HRT has stopped working?
Post by: Dancinggirl on November 13, 2015, 06:15:51 PM

ANNO - I wouldn't do anything until you have seen your doctor.  It's not just about doubling a dose - it could be a good idea to review what you taking.  If you are well into your 50s then a more natural bio identical HRT might be preferable and could work better for you anyway.
As Mary has suggested, Oestrogel is a good option as you can adjust the dose to your requirements and then have a separate progesterone to produce the withdrawal bleed to protect your womb lining. Do look under TREATMENTS above to get really clued up about what is available.  DG x