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Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 78 out now. (Winter issue, September 2024)

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Author Topic: Starting HRT  (Read 363 times)

DC

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Starting HRT
« on: January 21, 2025, 04:24:08 PM »

Hi Everyone

I've just been prescribed HRT for perimenopause and I'm totally confused about starting the tablets & patches.

It's day 15 for me tomorrow so do I start the proestrogen tablets tomorrow &  oestrogen patch on day 1 of my period or do I start both tomorrow???

I'm keen to get started to help my symptoms & don't want to wait any longer than I need to.

Thank you for your help.

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bombsh3ll

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Re: Starting HRT
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2025, 05:37:18 PM »

Start the estrogen immediately, and the progesterone two weeks before you expect your period (assuming you have been prescribed 14 days of progesterone).

If you are thinking this might be problematic given cycles can be irregular during perimenopause, you are right - cyclical HRT was designed by men, and originally intended for women who were postmenopausal.

Cyclical can work well for those who have a regular cycle and who don't mind bleeding.

However this is often quite hit and miss, and some prefer to just use the 1st-14th of every calendar month for simplicity.

It doesn't have to be done perfectly, all that really matters is that you take the prescribed dose for the right number of days each cycle for endometrial protection.

Also know that if you find all the chaos and bleeding a nuisance, you can ask your prescriber about bleed free options.
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DC

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Re: Starting HRT
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2025, 11:36:39 AM »

Thank you for your response @bombsh3ll
So if today is 2wks before my period am I OK to start both the tablets & patches at the same time?
The packets are so confusing & my lack of concentration doesn't help.
The night sweats and insomnia are getting the better of me so keen to start the HRT ASAP to see of it helps
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CLKD

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  • changes can be scary, even when we want them
Re: Starting HRT
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2025, 11:55:53 AM »

 :welcomemm:  some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress.
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