Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: K150 on May 11, 2021, 02:53:23 PM

Title: Advise please
Post by: K150 on May 11, 2021, 02:53:23 PM
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 :)
Title: Re: Advise please
Post by: CLKD on May 11, 2021, 03:25:40 PM
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.
Title: Re: Advise please
Post by: Taz2 on May 11, 2021, 03:36:36 PM
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: