Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Padine on March 19, 2021, 04:09:29 PM
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Please forgive me - I seem to be always asking for help!
10 years ago, at 51, my friendly GP (I'd known him for years, taught his children and worked alongside his wife) prescribed a "mild HRT" he called it, for my hot flushes and dreadful mood swings. That was about 2010-12 and there was some scare as to how safe HRT was, I had to have a change of GP who advised against HRT. 5 years of torture (for me and Mr P) then we moved 300 miles away. I went to see a new GP (lady) and we discussed HRT. I can't remember what she put me on (evoril?) but it was for post-meno women so a pill every day and no bleed. 3 years ago I asked her if I could change to Tibolone to help my very low sex drive, she said yes, I got a new prescription and that was that.
I still have night sweats, terrible mood swings and have never weighed as much as I do now. Should I go to an MP clinic to tweak hormones to improve things? Lady GP mentioned it but I was happy to have tablets and see how they did. I haven't a clue about patches, pumps, ointment and no amount of reading makes things any clearer. I know HRT is maybe not a wonder drug but I feel it's up to myself to improve night sweats etc....
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As you have flushes you still have insufficient oestrogen. Transdermal is safer than oral so perhaps ask for a patch or gel. Some women find their libido returns with sufficient oestrogen, others need to add testosterone. If you need testosterone you have to see a specialist (bureaucracy problem because no product licensed for women in the UK) but your gp should be able to prescribe suitable hrt.
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Thanks Sheila99, when is the average time for hot flushes to go? I’m 61 now so been at this menopause lark 9 years now!
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No idea but we're all different so I don't think average helps. If I remember correctly I think someone's mentioned a friend who still has them at 85. Hopefully she is unusual but there's no way of knowing what will happen to you. It's possible you're fatigue might improve with sufficient oestrogen too (though of course there are so many other possible causes).