Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: TraceyDenise on February 28, 2022, 04:03:35 PM
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Hi all, I've recently been diagnosed with being perimenopausal, and have been been prescribed Elleste Duet 2mg HRT tablets. I've been taking it almost 4 weeks now but am really struggling with the side effects. I feel really bloated all the time, have had bouts of constipation, have bouts of brain fog and have put on several pounds in weight and I generally feel under the weather. Is this normal ?, will these symptoms pass at some point ?. Any advise or info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance
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Could you ask for patches rather than tablets?
:welcomemm: some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress. I hate that bloated feeling, too many pumpkin seeds at breakfast cause it, which I've taken 3 months to realise >:( ::)
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Hi Traceydenise
:welcomemm: from me too.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself in terms of menopause - how old you are, what your periods and cycles and bleeds were doing in the months leading up to starting HRT?
When you say diagnosed with peri-menopause - if you are over 45 and still have a womb, not on POP etc then this is diagnosed on the basis of your cycle length changing, combined with symptoms.
Re side effects - how we advise you will depend to some extent on your answers to the Qs but as a general priniciple it is usually advised to give HRT 3 months before deciding to alter dose or type - to give side effects a chance to settle. If these persist you could try a different type eg Femoston which is better-tolerated by some women.
Hurdity x
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Hi Hurdity, I am 52 and I don't experience periods any more as I have taking Desogestrel 75mg contraceptive tablets for a couple of years now.
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Ah I see. Then one reason for your ongoing symptoms could well be far too much progestogen - which can give rise to unpleasant side effects. You just don't need that much.
Have you thought of having a Mirena coil instead? Or the contraceptive pill that contains estradiol too like QLAIRA or ZOELY? Also I have heard of women being prescribe double desogestrel to use as part of HRT so you could add oestrogen only alongside - but this would be very much off licence and under proper medical supervision to ensure the endometrium was protected?
Hurdity x
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Hi Hurdity, you've been really helpful, I will speak to my doctor this week about changing medication :) :)