Menopause Matters Forum
		General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: K150 on May 11, 2021, 02:53:23 PM
		
			
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				Hi everyone
I haven't had a period for over a year so in menopause now, and I want to start HRT. My main symptoms are tiredness, brain fog, lack of concentration, anxiety, bladder & bowel problems, and a few others, I don't have hot flushes. 
I have a call with the doctor next week and would love some words of wisdom. I already have the Merina coil, so I'm assuming I will only need estrogen? I feel patches would work best for me.
From your experience is there something you wish you had known or asked for at the beginning? I have no idea about brands, availability, etc of HRT, and I always like to be as prepared as I can be before talking with the doctor.
Many thanks for any help you can give me :)
			 
			
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				Hi! some GPs think that unless a woman has hot flushes and no periods, that they aren't in menopause  ::). Hopefully yours is more informed!
Do read our 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads.  It is important to knock vaginal dryness on the head ASAP - appropriate regular treatment can really really help.
Browse round.  Makes notes.  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful.
			 
			
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				Hi K150. It's a great idea to get clued up. A year without periods would usually put you into post-menopause but as you have a mirena coil fitted you can't really tell where you actually are in menopause. 
I think that a patch can be added to the mirena for HRT purposes but haven't ever been on this regime myself and I'm not sure whether this depends on age or not. Have a look at the various hrt treatments listed at the top of the screen. I've always used patches.
Taz x  :welcomemm: