Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Minnie1 on June 28, 2020, 10:23:57 AM

Title: Started Femoston, couldn't tolerate
Post by: Minnie1 on June 28, 2020, 10:23:57 AM
I took 2 doses of Femoston 2)10, it made me so I'll, I had to stop taking it. I experienced: extreme fatigue - slept all day, bloating, sore breasts, brain fog, thirst, anxiety. Feel much better after 24 hours from last dose.
First time on HRT, haven't had a period for 18 months.
I'm guessing the dose was too high???
Any body else ever experienced this?
Title: Re: Started Femoston, couldn't tolerate
Post by: CLKD on June 28, 2020, 04:09:21 PM
Hi!  :welcomemm:

Maybe put the product name into the search box on the Forum to see what pops up?  Make notes.

Do you keep a mood/food/symptom diary to chart progress, some find this useful.

Nothing is worth taking if it makes you feel worse!
Title: Re: Started Femoston, couldn't tolerate
Post by: Wrensong on June 28, 2020, 05:39:09 PM
Hi Minnie  :welcomemm:

It does seem possible the 2/10 was a shock to the system if you are 18 months since last period, but it seems unfortunate to have an extreme reaction so soon after starting - it usually takes a while for hormone levels to build. 

We are usually advised to try any new form of HRT for 3 months, though if you felt that bad on it I can understand your not wanting to persevere.  Femoston also comes in lower doses: 1/10 (sequential), 1/0.5 (continuous) & an ultra low 0.5/2.5 (also continuous). 
As far as I can tell from the BMS website the entire Femoston range should currently be available.

If you are 18 months since last period & there is no reason for you to avoid taking progesterone daily, you could try a continuous regimen, the advantage being that you should not get the withdrawal bleeds that are expected on sequential HRT. 
 
So, you could either persevere with the 2/10 to see if you feel any better in time, ask your prescriber to give you a script for a lower dose or try a different type of HRT altogether.  There are quite a few to choose from & you may find a different method, such as oestrogen patch or gel with separate progesterone suits you better.  There are also combined patches i.e. containing both oestrogen & a progestogen.

Maybe have a think about what you'd like to do?  It should be possible to find a type that suits you, but it may take some trial and error - that's fairly common, I don't think many of us are lucky enough to find the best fit first time around.

See what the other ladies say, keep posting & let us know what you decide to do.
Title: Re: Started Femoston, couldn't tolerate
Post by: jillydoll on July 03, 2020, 07:06:06 PM
Hi
Yes, I think it was too much too soon.
What a shock that must've been.
I'm thinking maybe start off on the 0.5mg and work up.
We're all different, and we all need different amounts of hrt, plus, it's trial and error.
I can't take my Femoston at 2mg everyday, so I drop down to one and half a couple times per week. It keeps me sane, it's not perfect, but it suits me like this.
Don't give up if you feel you need it. Start low, work up.
Wrensong has given you good advice there, but please let us know how your getting on and what you've decided to do.

Good luck. Xx
Title: Re: Started Femoston, couldn't tolerate
Post by: Wrensong on July 07, 2020, 09:09:11 AM
Hi again Minnie1.  Hope you are OK.  Just wanted to say if you're still undecided, I realised I'd forgotten to list another in the Femoston range so I've added to my earlier post above.
Wx