Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 11:23:16 AM

Title: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 11:23:16 AM
Hi all 🥰

Can someone help me please? I know you ladies out there have been so helpful in the past 🥰

I have been on Sandrena gel, 1mg and utrogestan, 200mg for 12 days of my cycle for about 6 weeks now.  I really do feel about 60% better, but feel I could be more improved.  Don't get me wrong, im grateful for any improvement!

I still feel tired and have some racing heart symptoms... would it be worth asking for an increase in the gel? Or wait a while longer? I still think there is room for improvement xxxx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Gnatty on April 21, 2022, 12:07:42 PM
Well you have two choices really, either wait a little longer say a few more weeks or decide to increase now. Your dose is only a medium amount so there is scope for increasing if needs be. Also a bit further down the line you may wish to consider adding in testosterone if you find you are still lacking in energy. But best to get your oestrogen levels optimised first.
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 12:11:29 PM
Thank you Gnatty!

I do feel better and I do work night shifts as well as juggling everything else,  so that maybe a cause 😁 my partner is very good though.

Would I have to get testosterone from a meno specialist? Xx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Gnatty on April 21, 2022, 12:58:08 PM
It depends on how forward thinking your GP is! Nice guidelines do state that testosterone should be considered if a woman still has low libido after starting HRT. So if you want your GP to prescribe it you have to say you want it for that reason rather than wanting more energy etc etc
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 02:35:40 PM
Thank you Gnatty 🥰

I think I'll wait it out on the same dose until I speak to the Doc, which will be in a few weeks... do you think there is scope to improve further on the same dose? Xxx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Gnatty on April 21, 2022, 02:41:04 PM
I only know that a lot of docs say to give it three months. Which is a long time to wait if you are feeling really rough, but it sounds like that's not you?
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Floradora on April 21, 2022, 03:14:12 PM
Hi Unicorn. If I were you I’d wait a little longer to assess the full benefits of your new regime before changing. Particularly since you have seen early improvements with no unpleasant side effects.  6 weeks isn’t long really and the benefits do tend to build overtime. X
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 04:11:53 PM
Hi Gnatty and Floradora

I have improved, and certainly don't feel that bad, thank goodness.  It seems I felt better about week 3 to 5 than now, my normal self but I think you are right, it takes a while to settle maybe? Xx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: sheila99 on April 21, 2022, 04:20:00 PM
It can take 3 months to get the full effect so I would leave it for that long before considering a change. My anxiety and insomnia took the full 3 months to go. A racing heart can be a symptom of too much oestrogen so for me that would be another reason to give it more time.
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 21, 2022, 04:24:37 PM
Thank you Sheila 🥰

I think I'll wait the full 3 months before increasing, thank you so much all for your fab advice again 😊 xxx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 22, 2022, 08:52:38 AM
Hi all 🥰

Bit worried this morning as I have some anxiety too with pounding heart, though not as bad as it has been..... hoping it'll get better xxx
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: ATB on April 22, 2022, 01:48:59 PM
Yes mornings can be particularly bad for a lot of women. Have you tried getting up and doing some kind of activity… a quick walk, jumping jacks, yoga…. It can help to shake off that feeling. Movement of some kind.
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: Unicorn on April 22, 2022, 05:12:56 PM
Thank ATB, I think I'll try that.... and cut down on my morning coffee intake.... thanks again hun 😍😍
Title: Re: Shall I up my dose of HRT?
Post by: ATB on April 22, 2022, 07:16:13 PM
You’re welcome!