Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 09:34:47 AM

Title: Estrogen only ?
Post by: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 09:34:47 AM

Hello, I started HRT last October but took an intolerance to (I think) the progesterone which left me worse than i was before.  I stopped it in February of this year but still feel the effects of low estrogen, can you take vaginal estrogen only even if you still have a womb?
Any advice welcome?

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: Joaniepat on July 27, 2020, 11:23:42 AM

Quote from: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 09:34:47 AM

Hello, I started HRT last October but took an intolerance to (I think) the progesterone which left me worse than i was before.  I stopped it in February of this year but still feel the effects of low estrogen, can you take vaginal estrogen only even if you still have a womb?
Any advice welcome?

If you are only using local oestrogen products there is no need for endometrial protection. The amount of oestrogen in these is miniscule compared to systemic.
JP x

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 11:58:42 AM

Thanks for your reply, so I guess it only treats localised symptoms and wouldn't do anything for anxiety symptoms ?

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: CLKD on July 27, 2020, 12:08:03 PM

Hi!   I use 'ovestin' for vaginal atrophy: do read our threads about this and bladder issues .  My anxiety is treated with appropriate medication as is my depression.  Hormone upheaval can cause anxiety and depression, mood swings etc.; mayB ask for appropriate medication from your GP to ease symptoms so that you can make informed decisions.

Is the anxiety continual or happens in a rush?  The waking hormone, cortisol, can be awful in the early morning, it floored me until medication kicked in. 

There are methods of using oestrogen for a long period with a short burst of progesterone to clean the womb.  I expect someone who is on this regime will be along with advice.

Browse round ;-).  :welcomemm:

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: sheila99 on July 27, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

There are different types of progesterone. It would be worth trying a different type as you may find you are OK with something diffetent. What we're you on before?

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: Joaniepat on July 27, 2020, 01:09:51 PM

Quote from: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 11:58:42 AM

Thanks for your reply, so I guess it only treats localised symptoms and wouldn't do anything for anxiety symptoms ?

That is correct, it is only for VA and would be no good for other symptoms of low oestrogen.
JP x

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: WendyON on July 27, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

Quote from: sheila99 on July 27, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

There are different types of progesterone. It would be worth trying a different type as you may find you are OK with something diffetent. What we're you on before?

It was Elleste Duet, I was okay at the start thought was great but 3 months in to it I started to develop severe PMT before a bleed like worse than when I was actually having regular periods, never felt the likes of the anxiety and low mood, so came off.   I was given Femosten but to be honest was too scared to restart as couldn't bear feeling like that again.

Title: Re: Estrogen only ?
Post by: CLKD on July 27, 2020, 01:26:24 PM

I can understand that fear!  Patches can be easier overall.  Progesterone upsets a lot of ladies  :'(