Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Dotty on November 26, 2017, 10:39:39 AM

Title: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Dotty on November 26, 2017, 10:39:39 AM

Did you find in your first 6 weeks of hrt that your symptoms fluctuated....seemed to get better and then got a lot worse again?

I was hoping to have seen more improvements than I have done.

Thanks

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Dancinggirl on November 26, 2017, 10:49:13 AM

Dotty - I think you are trying to improve your general health??? What symptoms are fluctuating?

I'm afraid, HRT can only do so much - your underlying health will improve with good diet, exercise and relaxation techniques - the HRT will get the flushes and joint aches under control but for you it may take some months to allow the HRT to work it's magic. If flushes are fluctuating, then you may need to have a blood test to see whether your oestrogen levels are OK on this HRT - perhaps doses need tweaking? OR perhaps there are other factors at work e.g. thyroid function? 3-6 months is the normal time scale

Have you asked the GP for some CBT to help with everything?  DG x

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Dotty on November 26, 2017, 10:58:55 AM

Hi DG

My health was fine until I hit this menopause brick wall. I am trying to improve the menopsuse symptoms....hot flushes, insomnia, nausea , exhaustion. Thyroid function is fine, as are all other blood tests. X

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Hurdity on November 26, 2017, 10:47:28 PM

How quickly and how effectively HRT controls your symptoms will depend partly on what HRT you are taking and where in menopause you are. Most women get quicker relief from transedermal HRT, but if you are in early peri-menopause then your own hormones will come into play as well so results may be less consistent. As Dancinggirl says lifestyle measures also play a huge part in our health and well-being as we approach menopause and beyond.

Hope you will soon see more of the improvements you seek for more of the time - that is what we all hope for - to feel overall beter when taking HRT than when not.

Hurdity x

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Dotty on November 27, 2017, 07:48:30 AM

Hi Hurdity

My last period was 3 years ago so I presume my levels are very low and it's going to take time 😕

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Hurdity on November 27, 2017, 05:30:33 PM

Yes it may take a while but if you are on conti HRT then if no improvement after 3 months then either try transdermal (patches) or a sequential HRT (if side effects from conti progestogens) but you would then have a withdrawal bleed.

Hope you feel better really soon :)

Hurdity x

Title: Re: First few weeks of hrt
Post by: Dotty on November 27, 2017, 05:41:36 PM

Thanks Hurdity