Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 06:47:13 PM

Title: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 06:47:13 PM

ive been on HRT  for 16 days.

my post meno symptoms are insomnia and terrible anxiety.

the insomnia/anxiety seem to be improving albeit slowly.

my doctor does not seem to think i will need my levels checking again in 3 mths time. so am i right in thinking that in 3 mths time when im due to get some more HRT that its just a case of seeing how i feel and increase my estrogen based on that. as i do believe the 25mcg of estraderm is no where near enough and i will need to increase the dosage.

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: Flossieteacake on September 09, 2022, 07:02:51 PM

That is how I have always increased my dose. I personally think it can be more helpful to go on symptoms then blood tests.

I am so pleased the insomnia and anxiety are slowly improving. Both are awful things to have.

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: Marchlove on September 09, 2022, 07:35:39 PM

Hi discogirl

It sounds that you’re going in the right direction, albeit slower than you would like.

From personal experience I’ve found that low and slow is best. Took it too fast on a few occasions and ended up worse.

But then I had a change of mind about it all and thought, maybe us post meno ladies don’t need such high doses! 
My reasoning was this, many post meno ladies do well without any hrt and with very low levels of sex hormones.
 So I now believe that is what we should try and achieve, a low to medium level, dependent on tolerability.

M x

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 07:45:06 PM

thanks flossieteacake for such good advice.

and marchlove such wisdom. it is tempting to increase dosage but your so right.

only thing is these patches really dont seem to stick so well so i may have to change to gel although i do like the patches

xxxx

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: Flossieteacake on September 09, 2022, 07:48:22 PM

Quote from: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 07:45:06 PM

thanks flossieteacake for such good advice.

and marchlove such wisdom. it is tempting to increase dosage but your so right.

only thing is these patches really dont seem to stick so well so i may have to change to gel although i do like the patches

xxxx

You are welcome. Have you tried putting a Tegaderm dressing over the patch? I am unable to get patches to stick unless I use Tegaderm.

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 08:12:01 PM

yes thats my plan

xxxx

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 08:46:39 PM

can i ask flossieteacake ive stuck a surgical type dressing on top of the patch
is this ok i mean its ok to stick something on top of it xxx

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: Flossieteacake on September 10, 2022, 08:40:57 AM

Quote from: discogirl on September 09, 2022, 08:46:39 PM

can i ask flossieteacake ive stuck a surgical type dressing on top of the patch
is this ok i mean its ok to stick something on top of it xxx

From what I have read only Tegaderm dressings seem suitable as they are breathable. I am not sure if other types are okay.

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 10, 2022, 09:10:51 AM

that makes sense.

ive just put a normal dressing over it.

thanks for that

xxx

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: sheila99 on September 10, 2022, 09:25:49 AM

My anxiety and insomnia took 3 months to go. It's very early days yet and I would expect further improvement.

Title: Re: help with HRT
Post by: discogirl on September 10, 2022, 01:41:49 PM

Hi Sheila99,

Thanks so much for your encouragement and advice.

I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks so much
xxx