Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Karen max on August 06, 2017, 12:16:35 PM
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Hi 1st time posting on my, just looking to see if someone can give me some advice ... I'm 51 post meno for past 3 yrs ,suffering a lot if anixty panic hot flushes list is endless... My GP started me on indvina HRT 6wks ago but day 3 of starting it I felt sick breast started to burn and itch cramps in tummy headache and diareah.spoke to GP on Wednesday she told me to stop the HRT as it didn't seem to be suiting me so last 3 days with no HRT and last night has been worse night ever panic flushes anixty the lot and I'm wondering should I have been taken of the HRT over a period of time or because I was only on it for 6 wks is that why GP told me just to stop taking it.....when will this meno ever stop ???
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There's lots of others you can try. Your dr should have tried you on something else
There's one patch I had a horrendous time on so quickly came off it and now the gel is working well
Look at the options here at the top and go back and ask for what you decide. It really is trial and error but it doesn't meant you won't find something that suits x
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Thanks for your reply, I asked GP if she could try me on a different HRT but she said she would rather wait and let the indivani HRT get out of my system .. just dread going back to having these awful anixty /panic low moods.. I was on kilovance HRT last yr for 8wks but again GP took me of them as they were causing a bleed every 2wks, the roller coaster of meno just seems to be never ending for me , think I've had every symptom of meno there is... mayb I'm just one of them people who can't take HRT ..I have bought the wellsprings cream too but that didn't help either... thought after 3 yrs if no period these awful symptoms would be getting better instead if worse :'( :'(
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I've never had a break bar the time elleste patch gave me an almighty migraine but that was just a few days break and I've been on hrt 19 years. I literally switch from one to the other x
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I phone doctor in morning to make appointment which will normally be a few wks waiting to see a doc,my GP don't seem to be clued up on HRT to be honest so I guess it will be a case of me begging for a different HRT.... many thanks for your replies ....
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Drs at our surgery aren't clued up either so I find doing my research and naming products I want to try gives them the chance to say yes straight away or for them to look it up to see that it's available
Failing that, if you buy from an online clinic, after completing their questions you give them the go ahead to inform your gp that they are prescribing, yes it does cost (@£30) but is a great way of getting a prescription on your NHS repeats
I rarely see a gp, most of my consults are over the phone on their new callback service
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I'm really clueless to HRT myself as this just hit me like a shovel around this time last yr my anti depressants where changed as the doc kept telling me it was stress and anixty that was causing my symptoms it's only from I started attending mental health clinic that they have said they think it's menopause related... how do I find the different names of HRT and does it tell you which ones help curtain symptoms?? I'm still taking my ant depressant also take propranolol,I have been reading through the post here but I'm really unsure how to find my way around as regards names of HRT,s and their benefits etc... many thank ...Kaz x
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I think if you go to the top of the page and hit HOME it might lead to the different hrt's. To be honest any one I've tried is from reading people's stories. I first thought that when someone was doing really well I'd try their regime but we're all so different that what suits one lady won't necessarily suit another. Patches are definitely easier as you only change twice a week but I've been using oestrogen gel for about 6 weeks and seem the most settled on it. I'd not liked the idea of having to apply gel every single day but I honestly can't complain
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MY JOURNEY - 52 and have finally found 'balance' having been in a bad place since January 2017 after GP gave me combined synthetic HRT for flushing, headaches & restless legs. This stopped the flushing but led to more symptoms; rapid weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, memory loss and feelings of anxiety and dark depression. Lasted 4 months and had to ditch them. GP & Bupa Consultant that I saw said I needed to take anti-depressants with the HRT !! I refused and started researching bio identical HRT. I got a full set of blood tests using Blue Horizon and it showed that I was low in progesterone & oestrogen. Its taken me a couple of months to get the right products (having had a bad experience with an online company 'Menopause Woman' who use an American doctor to push hormones with no back up or interaction) but a visit to John Studd Menopause Clinic has changed my life, I feel nothing short of amazing and I have no symptoms whatsoever. I really never thought it was possible to feel this good again. Every woman should be made aware of BHRT and given this option of treatment.
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Great to hear you are feeling much better... I think the main problem is most doctors just hand out HRT with out blood test etc, I live in Ireland and the meno clinics are few and far between and waiting list for them can be up to 2 years... I have been reading up in different forms of HRT but really I'm clueless to what type would really help me,I can't cope with the hot flushes ,night sweats leg cramps etc , it's the low mood and anixty that is driving me crazy .. I am waiting to go for surgery to have full hysterectomy so maybe after my op they will get me onto the HRT that suits me.... (here's hoping) ......
Thanks for your reply......
kaz x
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Hi kaz - this is the link to the different HRT preparations https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php It's found at the top of the page in the green menu under Treatments and then HRT Preparations. It is common for Kliovance to cause the type of bleeding you mention for the first six months or so of treatment. I had continuous bleeding on that one though so, after six months, I gave up.
Welcome to MM by the way. As Annie says there are lots of other HRT treatments you can try so don't give up. Are you having ovaries removed as well as uterus and is the operation close now because you are advised to stop HRT before any major op anyway.
Taz x :)
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Hi Taz
Yes I'm having all removed just waiting on date for the op but waiting list here is long so I haven't a clue when when il get the op, think I'm best trying to battle along with out the HRT as I now I will need to stop it before op anyway...just wish I could find a cure to this awful anixty and low mood, I was speaking to my GP yesterday he said just to go back to trying some of the herbal stuff and see if they work.... as I said I can cope with most of the other awful symptoms that comes with meno I'm just finding the anixty really awful last load if months..... oh the joys of ageing 😡😤
Kaz xx
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Good luck with your hysterectomy. I had mine three years ago. Remember to take care of yourself afterwards. Is the hysterectomy for relief of menopausal symptoms? I just wondered why you are having your ovaries removed as many surgeons like to retain them nowadays.
Taz x
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I've had a prolapse last 10 yrs which now just has gotten worse bowel,bladder and uterus had a ring fitted last yr which lasted 5days then came out again so hospital seem to think it's been the weight of prolapse which has effected ovaries which have moved outa place also ovarian cancer runs in my family so they think best just to remove the lot.... thank you for your kind regards for op ,just wish I had it over and done with then maybe they would be able to get me onto an HRT that suited
kaz xx
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Hi Kaz
I really do sympathise, your symptoms sound similar to what I experienced mine. Wellspring is Progesterone and according to the specialist I saw, my symptoms were typical of lack of Estrogen. also my body just totally rejected synthetic HRT, it made me even worse.
I apply2 pumps of http://www.estrogel.com/ (and also the little blob of testogel ::) but as Annie says we are all different and react differently. I have yet to have my week on progesterone and from reading on here it is tough as it cancels out the amazing effects of the Estrogen - not looking forward that..... I am new to MM in terms of posting anything, I previously just used to read all of the threads to make me feel better in so much as I was not alone in the way I was feeling. I still cant quite believe that I feel this good - its taken a lot of time and lots of tears, not to mention it being expensive - its something that should be available to us all. Some GP's do give blood test, mine wouldn't .... mind you she said BHRT was a lot of nonsense and she is eating her words now :-) Don't give up, some good reading ... http://www.studd.co.uk/bioidentical_hormones.php http://www.studd.co.uk/depression.php x
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sorry Karen - only just read you message re your medical history :-( You really are having a tough time - stay positive x
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I think my body just don't like HRT as over the last 5yrs I've have been on 3 different types 1st was when I was pri meno and also did not agree with me , I really would give the gel estrone a go if I thought it would help as I said I've used wellsprings and that didn't help at all... is there a site you can buy the gel from ??
Many thanks....
kaz xx
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Kaz, I have read on here that some GPs will prescribe it. Bioidentical is very different from synthetic. Maybe you will have a good forward thinking GP ! x
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I will say to my GP about it when I get appointment but I guess it will depend if it costs more than they seem to op for the cheapest .... what a awful thing this menopause is and I'm really amazed at how long it last thought being post meno for almost 4yrs I would be starting to feel even a little better :-* :(
Thanks again
Kaz xx
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Hi Karen max
:welcomemm:
Sorry to hear about all your problems.
Were you prescribed the anti-depressants and propanolol for menopausal symptoms ie after your periods went wonky and you started to get symptoms, and in the absence of any previous history of depression? If so your doc was quite wrong and should have given you HRT and kept trying different preparations until you found one to suit you as ADs are not the first line of treatment - even for menopausal low mood.
In the meantime yes you can get estrogel or sandrena on NHS as well as oestrogen patches. Personally I prefer these ( patches) - Estradot are good because they are very small - and changed twice weekly. Gel is applied once a day - matter of preference really. You would need a progestogen and ideally even though postmenopausal it's better to start it cyclically so that you can get used to oestrogen only and how you feel on this regime. The usual one is Utrogestan (micronised progesterone). You will need to be firm with your doctor if you want to try these products - they are all available on NHS.
You do not need to mention "BHRT" but if your doc tries to refuse to prescribe what you ask for, you would need to say you want to use hormones that are identical to those your body makes ie they are "bio-identical". BHRT is the term that is generally used for private compounding pharmacies - which prescribe"Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy" but is not generally recommended as such.
I hope this does not sound confusing?
Sadly if you are still experiencing symptoms after 4 years since menopause, you may be one who continues to get flushes for many years - some women do - in which case the sooner the better to start HRT. The good news also is that after your op you only have to take oestrogen as it is often the progesterone which causes the problems but having ovaries out too is a bit more drastic and sometimes takes a little longer to find the right dose.
It might be worth trying to find something sooner than later if the waiting list is long - so that you can experiment and at least find some relief in the meantime?
Hurdity x
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MY JOURNEY - 52 and have finally found 'balance' having been in a bad place since January 2017 after GP gave me combined synthetic HRT for flushing, headaches & restless legs. This stopped the flushing but led to more symptoms; rapid weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, memory loss and feelings of anxiety and dark depression. Lasted 4 months and had to ditch them. GP & Bupa Consultant that I saw said I needed to take anti-depressants with the HRT !! I refused and started researching bio identical HRT. I got a full set of blood tests using Blue Horizon and it showed that I was low in progesterone & oestrogen. Its taken me a couple of months to get the right products (having had a bad experience with an online company 'Menopause Woman' who use an American doctor to push hormones with no back up or interaction) but a visit to John Studd Menopause Clinic has changed my life, I feel nothing short of amazing and I have no symptoms whatsoever. I really never thought it was possible to feel this good again. Every woman should be made aware of BHRT and given this option of treatment.
Hi JintyHilton
:welcomemm:
Glad to hear you are feeling good on your HRT regime :) Maybe post your story on a new thread so that more members can welcome you to the forum?
Hurdity x
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Thanks hurdity - I'm still trying to get the hang of this ! My first ever forum lol :o
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Hi hurdity,
No I have been on anti depression tabs form I took post nantal depression after the birth of my daughter so I have suffered depression for some time but the anixty just came along last year which is why I was started on the propanol.. My GP isn't great when it comes to HRT even going back to when I was pre meno he just kept telling me 'deffo not menopause " as your still having period .... as I said I was clueless regarding anything to do with menopause so I went along with him ,until this anixty hit me like a hammer over the head last yr even then it was myself who asked to be put on to some type of HRT he reply was "you can try it if you want " ... out health service has just gone from bad to worse here and as I say I'm in Ireland and meno clinics few so if my GP can't help me out only other thing I can do is go down the private route which I'm sure will cost a small foutune x
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Sorry to hear you suffered from PND. It is now thought that this has a hormonal cause and can be treated successfully with oestrogen - Jintyhilton gave you some links to Studd's website - where this is explored - but specifically here ( and on the tabs on rhs of webpage) http://www.studd.co.uk/postnataldepression.php . Oh dear re your GP!
Hurdity x
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Thank you Hurdity there is some great reading in the links . I phoned docs today but can't get appointment until mid September so I will just have to carry on feeling so awful until then... reading about the oestrogen sound exactly what ud need , do you know if you can buy this gel from a site ? And if so would I have to use another hornmoan along with it that can be got in gel form?... just at the minute my head is all over the place I'm reading things and they seem to be going in one ear and out the other ... if that makes sense ;) :-*
Many thanks ..... Kaz xx
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Not everyone doesn't get on with progesterone, I love it! I have to take it daily due to endometriosis but for me it makes a huge difference. I also use oestrogel and testogel. It gives me a good nights sleep, no anxiety and gets rid of fluid retention. I was wondering if the stopping and started of progesterone is what's difficult? The first 2 weeks I was on it was tough but then I felt great!
X
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Hi Otes73
I really don't know what I need as I said I had a look through all the info and still can't get my head round it, guess I'm just looking a magic pill that will take this awful anixty away.... I really thought the longer menopause you were the easier it became but seems to be working the other way for me ,yrs of pre meno then periods stopped then after 3 it has hit me again like a hammer ...
Kaz xx
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Karen - you should not have to wait until September for an appointment about this! Ask for an earlier one if you can - OK it's not urgent on the day, but it is more than routine ie not OK for a few weeks wait! How rotten for you if you really can't get one after pushing for one....Not sure how it works in Ireland ( are you in Eire?)
It's not a good idea to try to self medicate by buying stuff online even if you could get hold of it and yes if you use gel you need a progestogen to protect your womb as I pointed out in my last post. You must only do this under medical supervision.
Hurdity x
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Yes I'm in Southern Ireland waiting list to see GP is always long unless it's really emergency then they tell you to go to nearest A&E and to go privately costs a small fortune as I waited so long when I took prolapse I went privately.. i will keep phoning each morning to get if I can get cancellation with my docs if not I've no choice only to wait to midd September. I don't even need to see him face to face a simple 10minute conversation over the fone would sort this out as I saw him 8wks ago so he knows exactly what is going on regarding menopause and he was able to tell me over the fone last wk to stop the indivani HRT last wk when I asked him if he could swap them to a different HRT his reply was .."no just let that one clear out of your system " yet I know of people who has their HRT changed to a different one the next day... it all just really confuses and really makes me angry 😡
Kaz xx
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Hi Karen Max, I live in Ireland too and although it didn't suit me I was put on a gel called divigel, so maybe you can mention name to doc if you ever get to see him. my gp has a walk in service every morning for an hour, maybe shop around , you don't have to stay with same doc. I have to go now getting bloods done in hospital but hopefully you will get sorted sooner rather than later.
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I was told this once that to wait a month between hrts. I never did though. I'm oestrogen only but I literally change the next day
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Hi Yammy1
We used to have an open surgery few yrs back every Tuesday morning but that stopped.. I have thought bout changing to different doctor but just have never got round to it but if this keeps up think il be looking a new doc sooner rather than later... Think most docs here are the same as I've friends family etc with other docs no their waiting time is something like mine....
Kaz x
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I felt the same when taking indivina tummy was always bloated,breast were so sore and itching,headaches from hell also upset tummy , stuck it 7 wks and had to throw the towel in... enough of feeling ill will anixty with all the extras..... Hope you get help from speaking to the doc :-*
Kaz xx
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Well appointment with doc this afternoon so I have a list of my meno symptoms also a list of the side effects I had while using the 3 different types of HRT over the years,was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on which HRT I would be best asking doc to try me with.... worse symptoms I'm having at minute is hot flushes,anixty low mood just lack of interest in daily life..... can I ask for bio HRT?? As I'm thinking maybe these would give me less side effects... my gp don't seem clued up regarding menopause.....
Many thanks
Kaz xx
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Looking bit of advice yet again, had appointment with doc, when I asked about the bio HRT she just said "never heard of anyone being giving it on nhs so I would need to go privately to seek information regarding it.. long story short... she has now give me Angeliq low does she said there has been great results with this HRT for people like myself who find it difficult finding the right HRT..well7days and I'm feeling crap, mood is awful boobs really sore and itchy and acid has returned in tummy..I know 7days is so short of time but can anyone who is taking this HRT tell me if the symptoms do leave... ps the period like cramps in tummy is dreadful after being period free for 3yrs I'm dreading a bleed returning....
Any info would be greatful...
Many thanks
Kaz xx
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Hi Karen max - most HRT's are bio-identical nowadays. The only ones that aren't are the ones with the prefix of "pre" such as Premarin or Premique which are manufactured from conjugated hormones derived from pregnant mares urine. If you have been three years period-free then you need a conti HRT which will not give you a bleed. Some women do experience breakthrough bleeding on this regime for the first six months though which is perfectly normal. Angeliq shouldn't give you a bleed although you may experience some bleeding at the beginning of treatment although this could happen with any conti HRT until you are settled on it.
Taz x
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Hi Taz
I'm hopeing it's just the HRT starting to kick my ovaries into working again as it's been so long from my periods stopped..I was on a no bleed HRT last yr and had to stop it because I was bleeding none stop with it,I'm just having awful time trying to find the 'right" HRT which suits me though my gp seems certain this angeliq will be good for me so maybe with in a few wks I will be feeling even a little like my old self again, I remember going back years ago and I had a lot of problems settling with birth control pill also.... this awful menopause seems never ending as I did suffer a lot with peri meno too...
Many thanks
Kaz x
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I bled continuously on a conti HRT too so I went back onto a sequi one (as others on here have done) so that I at least knew when my bleed would happen.
HRT doesn't kick-start your ovaries into working again I'm afraid but it does stop your body trying to kick-start them itself which seems to be the reason for hot flushes/sweats.
Let us know how you get on with Angeliq. There may be other members on this one - have you used the search button to find any threads which might mention it?
Taz x
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I've found this thread about Angeliq - there are others https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,36994.msg593498.html#msg593498
Taz xx
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Hi Taz,
I asked gp about starting on conti HRT and she just say NO didn't give me a reason... I'm feeling awful today with anixty hot flushes,tummy cramps,sore itching boobs, took my Angeliq this morning and now I'm wishing I'd of not bothered... My old gp who is now retired told me during peri meno that "some folk do great on HRT and some folk just can't take it at all" I think I must be on of them who can't take it as thieves awful side effects just don't feel normal..... To be honest I'm just ready to toss the towel in now and say enough is enough.... ps oh forgot to mention the ringing in my ears :-\ :-\
Kaz xx
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HRT doesn't suit everyone,it didn't suit me latterly unfortunately. :-\
Hopefully you can find something to help you soon.
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Hi
I will give a another while and see if there is any improvement with the side effects (fingers crossed) and if not I will just have to give up on HRT..... such a mind blowing time in life so confusing trying to work out what right and what's wrong for us .... just seems never ending!!!!!
Kaz xx
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i agree KAREN MAX it is mind blowing and it shouldnt be this difficult for us :-( the article in todays telegraph was a comfort
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11938763/Ignore-health-scares-HRT-is-safe-say-scientists.html
as it confirms that we must not be suffering in silence. More awareness is needed. GP's on the whole are not clued up - certainly thats my expereince and that of my friends. I cant seem to get my weight down and i do not over eat and i exercise regularly, so i'm going back to the mirena and combining this with the Estrogel to see if that makes a difference. The mirena worked for me previously and I have experienced my first bleed on my estrogen/vaginal ultrogestan/testogel combination and its not good. unfortunately very painful and heavy, which is why i had a coil for many years. i spoke to my Edinburgh gyny today and hes going to fit it for me next Tuesday and do a little biopsy whilst he is at it. He suggests, coil and estrogel and of course the testo if i still want to. I'm trying to stay focused on the positives - i am no longer in a scary place with terrible symptoms and i can function.... xxx
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Hi Jintyhilton
Hope all goes well for you ... coil seems to be suited to a lot if people but I can't go down that route as I've double prolapse and waiting for hysterectomy, my gp,s are really cluess to menopause they just look at their computer write you a script and send you on your way, I was given Angeliq last week that my 5th attempt with different HRTs but yestday I felt so bad with side effects I've given up on it ,can't take it no more feeling awful with menopause symptoms then side effects of HRT ... in fact the HRT was bringing the flushes on more often... il try herbalist tomorrow for advice... I'm 3yrs post meno and it's getting worse for me....really think every gp,s surgery should have at least 1 of their docs or nurses clued up to help us more!!!!
Kaz xx