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[Burchers]

I've been on Femseven Conti patches for 6 months. I've booked in with my gp I think it's not suiting me. My joints and bones hurt, I've put on so much weight, I feel so exhausted, I keep getting random areas on my leg that swell.If I don't do my Estriol cream daily my anxiety levels increase.
I'm not feeling great. I'm also taking mirtazapine which doesn't help with weight gain. My weight is all on my stomach I look like I'm pregnant.
Feeling fed up. I've put on 3 stone since last year.
I started with menopause symptoms after I had the procedure to stop heavy periods in June 2026, I've not had a period since then.
I was thinking of asking the gp for the HRT you rub into your skin.I need to avoid tablets as I have Colitis .
Hating my 40s

[Dancinggirl]

Burchers - I can't remember if you have been offered a Mirena or not?  This is essentially transdermal and less is absorbed systemically as it delivers the progesterone more locally so can bring fewer side effects and also less chance of problematic bleeding. Using any progesterone orally continuously can bring more side effects and I think this is probably your problem. If you had the Mirena then you could simply use Oestrogel or oestrogen patches alongside.
Perhaps review your need to have the AD as well - this is probably the cause of the weight gain. DG x

[Mary G]

Burchers, you say you had a procedure to stop heavy periods, was it an ablation?  If so, you can do a 3 monthly cycle if you are post menopause meaning you don't need to take progesterone every day which is probably your biggest problem and causing most of the side effects.

Also, I would definitely switch to Oestrogel, it's nicer to use, more dose flexible and it works better than patches for most people.

[Burchers]

Yes I had an ablation and not had a period since 2016.Never offered Mirena as I am also sterilised since the birth of my son in 2003.

[Mary G]

Burchers, if you have had an ablation then I would opt for a long 3 month cycle if I were you.  You can take oestrogen only HRT and then take progesterone for 12 days every 3 months and if there is anything there to shed, it will although I doubt there would be very much if you have had an ablation. 

Definitely worth a try. 

[Burchers]

So sorry only just seen your comments. Please could you explain what a 3 month cycle is?

I'm so confused by all this menopause stuff

[mrs_bella]

So sorry only just seen your comments. Please could you explain what a 3 month cycle is?

I'm so confused by all this menopause stuff

Me too Burchers! The only term I get is HRT. The rest of it, like 3 month cycles, is baffling to me. I am such a novice in this department. Talk to me about psychology, education and farming as I am your woman. Just not menopause 😉
I have tried 4 types/forms of HRT. The one I am on now isn't working that well as I still have some symptoms. Along with boobs that feel like they are on fire, I too have gained weight. It's a catch 22. If you nail the HRT thing please let me know as I need all the advice I can get at the moment. Good luck!

[Burchers]

Of course I will. I'm just confused why I'm feeling the way I am.
So if I crack it will let you know

[Daisydot]

Good morning ladies the terminology can be a bit intimidating to new ladies so I get why your struggling. a cycle is a monthly period date so say you would usually have a period on the 01st of each month it would be calculated using that date so Mary's telling you using your date when you would normally have that period for three months take oestrogen only then at the end of the three months take your progesterone for 12 days to shed the build up of womb lining which will effectively give you a period every 3 months and twelve days,is that as clear as mud lol hope not I hope I've broken it down a wee bit more.the other term you'll hear a lot is V.A vaginal atrophy,it's where your undercarriage is raw and sore and causes problems when you try having sex etc so you would usually be given either vagifem pessaries or an estriol cream to use alongside your hrt pills/patches/ gels you should really be on this to help prevent future problems as lack of oestrogen dries you from the inside out it's horrible,you'll probably suffer from dry skin dry itchy ears dry eyes dry sinus which causes the headaches etc so try and nip this in the bud early ,it's a lifelong treatment which if you stop comes back with a vengeance.
I hope this helps you a wee bit ladies good luck xx

[Dancinggirl]

Daisydot - really good explanations of everything. Isn't it awful that we are not educated properly about how our bodies work - especially regarding what happens when the meno hits. I had a premature meno and simply followed the treatment the doctors gave me but not fully understanding what was really going on.  I sought help from a wide variety of specialist gynaecologists over my 25 years of hrt and none suggested local oestrogen for the discomfort I was getting with my urogeital area. It was a practise nurse at my rural practise( where I now live) who immediately said I needed local oestrogen and put me on VAgifem. This site has taught me so much and I try to share my experience and support others because I have had such a long and varied experience of meno treatment.
Your common sense approach is proving a great asset to this forum - thank you. DG x

[Daisydot]

DG what a lovely warm thing to say but I have to say that if it wasn't for you and the other ladies here who share their knowledge and life experience I wouldn't have half the understanding that I do now and I'll be forever grateful to you all for that.If we can help without being critical or patronising it's a wonderful thing to do because we've all been there haven't we and bless you for doing what you do xx

[mrs_bella]

Of course I will. I'm just confused why I'm feeling the way I am.
So if I crack it will let you know

Me too again! I couldn't figure out what was going on with me until my GP said to try HRT tablets. It has all fallen into place now. My losing the plot due to lack of sleep, panic attacks, hot flushes etc have all pointed to menopause. It's actually a refief knowing this is the cause. I really thought for a moment that the only place for me was a psych ward.

[mrs_bella]

DG what a lovely warm thing to say but I have to say that if it wasn't for you and the other ladies here who share their knowledge and life experience I wouldn't have half the understanding that I do now and I'll be forever grateful to you all for that.If we can help without being critical or patronising it's a wonderful thing to do because we've all been there haven't we and bless you for doing what you do xx

I second that Daisydot! Thank you DG. And to you also Daisydot 😊

[Burchers]

Thankyou all for helping.
So would I need to change patch from the FemSeven Conti? I've not had a period since 2016 after I had the ablation done.
I also want to avoid tablets as I suffer with colitis and have a very sensitive stomach.

I'm desperate to find the right combination. I have no libido whatsoever.

[Daisydot]

Hi burchers as dancing girl and MaryG have suggested go and see your gp again and ask to change to oestrogel it's simply a gel you rub on your thigh daily so it bypasses the gut and liver so no be of the usual problems and the Mirena and hopefully this will be a better option for you good luck x