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Author Topic: HRT--good or bad?  (Read 742396 times)

Joben

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #975 on: February 11, 2019, 04:23:43 PM »

Hello

can you advise how you get to the new members page to introduce yourself please
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Joaniepat

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #976 on: February 11, 2019, 04:30:26 PM »

Go to the main menu of the forum and scroll down to General Discussion and you will see the item New Members.
JP x
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Ninaduff

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #977 on: February 12, 2019, 08:49:03 AM »

Sorry about posting on the wrong page, I've now posted on new members page - thanks for advice
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Hoffgrad

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #978 on: March 25, 2019, 05:44:01 PM »

Hi everyone

It's been a while since I posted on here, and I was never a 'pro' anyway.   So.. apologies if this is on the wrong thread or whatever you call them.   As I say, I'm not that au fait with forums. 

I've been unwell recently... convinced it's hormonal (again).  I'm 58, had a TVH ten years ago and since then, I've been on Estradot and more recently oestrogel.  A year or so ago, after speaking to someone at the Oxford John Radcliffe menopause clinic, I was trialled on T Gel and prior to that, Tibolone.   Obviously we are all different and for me, Tibolone and T gel seemed to benefit in some ways, but what I found intolerable, was an increase in neck pain and insomnia that nothing seemed to be able to help.  Believe me, I was on a tiny amount.

I gave up on the T gel and carried on just using my oestrogel, and it's been over a year since any contact with the menopause clinic.  Recently I've had the most awful crash in energy and generally very unwell.  I've had all kinds of tests done by my GP and yes, thyroid is fine and everything else is 'normal'.   I feel convinced it's hormonal again.  Grrrr.   The specialist nurse at the clinic has left and I am due to have a telephone appointment with a Dr Barber, next week.  She asked me to have my bloods done, so she can see the results prior to our consultation. 

I've just had the blood test results and my oestradiol seems very low again, at 114.  Like all of you ladies on here, who are on HRT, I do my research too.  Obviously only invested in clinical facts.  It would appear that Dr Studd advises that post menopausal women do best if they are up to 800.  That seems very high (to me), but obviously I'm not the expert.  If ever I had tried to increase my oestrogen, by gel or patch, I get so much fluid retention and cellulite.  I'm usually very slim (always been) and so being unable to do up my clothes is unusual.   

Some doctors say that 'too much' oestrogen causes fluid retention, and some say 'not enough' does this.  Argh!!!! It really does drive  you mad, doesn't it? 

I"m also getting achy legs again, and it's mainly at night and when I wake up, that they hurt. 

Just wondered, those ladies who are using oestrogen only, and are post menopausal.... what do you find is your ideal dose?   I know, of course we are all different.   I wondering if i've been using too little for too long.   

Hope this is clear.  I'm usually very articulate, but I've got the old brain fog, badly today.

H xx
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Dancinggirl

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #979 on: March 25, 2019, 06:12:08 PM »

Hoffgrad - In my experience, HRT can only do os much.  Having said that, you are on a low dose and you oestrogen levels do seem very low.  The private gynaecologist I saw 2-3 years ago said he liked ladies to have a level between 400-600.

Sadly, whatever you do, fat seems to gather around the hips and tummy and I think this is just ageing - all very annoying.   

I've been off HRT for nearly 3 years (I'm 63 now, had a premature meno, so had HRT for roughly 25 years) and my legs often ache horribly at night, especially after I've had a bathroom trip to pee.

I personally don't think HRT can fix everything - it's a range of strategies that will help to tackle the horrible aging process.
I doubt think I will ever get a good nights sleep again, so I just have to pace myself - all rather depressing. I do Pilates, teach a community dance class, walk briskly with my dog for at least an hour a day and try to eat sensibly. 
I can really emphasise with you.

Have you had your Vitamin D level checked? DG x
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Hoffgrad

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #980 on: March 25, 2019, 09:33:51 PM »

Hi Dancinggirl

Yes, absolutely every blood test you can imagine.  Honestly... I'm completely replete I it's vitamin/minerals.    I've a background in nutrition and counselling, amongst other things, so I'm fine with all of that kind of thing. 

I was just interested to know who else had found they need more transdermal oestrogen (only), the longer they were in it. 

I've taken to keeping a spreadsheet (yep!), so I can keep a track of blood test results.   Three years ago, my estrogen was as low as 98!  I'd been using only 25mcg Estradot patches for 6 years.   I was fine on that level, after my hysterectomy, but my needs had increased.  No wonder I was so unwell.  I'd been diagnosed with CFS/ME after I collapsed.  I used to do a lot of exercise and I'd returned from a bike race.  I normally would have been fine, but if I look back now, my GP had me tested for everything, including seeing a neurologist.... but there was never talk about hormone levels.   Not in GP in the practice had any clue about menopausal problems.  I hadn't been assessed since I left my amazing practice in Bristol, some years prior to moving.   They had a wellwoman clinic there. 

It's very frustrating when you live in a rural community and there's no support if you're over 50.   It was only by chance that I discovered the John Radcliffe menopause clinic.  It wasn't suggested to me by my surgery, and I had to jump hoops to get to see someone there a year and a half ago. 

There was an amazing doctor called Annie Evans, in Bristol.  I met her years ago before she became involved as a menopause specialist.  Sadly, she's retired now. 

I'm rambling ladies.... apologies.  Insomnia causes foggy brain. 

It's just nice to hear others experiences.
Xx

I understand the biology, and what we ‘should' need, but as we all know, we are all different.  That's why I'm careful not to ask for advice on forums.   

Just wanting to gain others experiences.
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angie196543

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #981 on: May 08, 2019, 08:50:26 AM »

There's so much conflicting information these days about HRT. Tell us what you think--is it good or bad? My feeling is that for most people it's good when used appropriately and reviewed but here you can have your say!

This is my first day cold turkey, ive been on HRT since February and had terrible acid reflux ever since, the everol patches were semi ok but kept coming off then I changed to sandrina gel.  Ive been on this 2 half week and having awful heartburn and indigestion so ive decided nomore, The menopause is a natural process that we all go through so im going to treat whatever symptom comes along naturally.  Wish me luck...…. no symptoms yet but im only - 2 hours lol.  would love to hear from anyone going through the same so we can compare and share.
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AngieJL

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #982 on: May 21, 2019, 06:21:44 PM »

Hi Everyone.
Im new on here and reaching out for help before I flip  :-\
I was diagnosed menopausal just over a year ago.
I have tried various natural remedies including the lady magnet, that all worked for a short time which really isn't helpful.
I have had a hysterectomy, but still have my ovaries so my GP suggested HRT Zumenon 2mg as my night sweats are unbelievable.
I have been on this for 8 days now and the sweats are not only hindering my quality of sleep, almost zero, and now they have started during the day too. About a dozen during the day!
I feel like a complete zombie and disappointed that the sweats have increased instead of decreased.
How long should they take to settle this down? Is it normal for symptoms to get worse before getting better?
Im really struggling with this  so any advice is welcome ladies  ::)
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Dancinggirl

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #983 on: May 21, 2019, 06:31:38 PM »

Hi and welcome to mm

It can take 2-3 weeks for flushes to reduce but I am surprised that you are not seeing some imprint by now. You might do better with transdermal oestrogen and this can be via gel (Oestrogel applied daily) or patches ( Estrodot are the most popular as they stick better).
Have you had your thyroid checked? Thyroid function can become a problem at this time in our lives and can give similar symptoms as the menopause.
Look under TREATMENTS in the oestrogen section to see your options. DG x
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Sammiejane

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #984 on: May 22, 2019, 03:35:03 PM »

 Hi I'm new on here but wanted to share my experience and hope for some welcome advice.
I had adenoymeosis which is same as edemetriosis but contained in the womb and chronic pelvic pain underwent a total hysterectomy in 2014 and ovaries removal too as they couldn't guarantee the pain would go without taking ovaries out. Biggest mistake of my life if I'd of known then what I have researched now I would of insisted my ovaries were kept regardless. After the operation and for a further 4 years I guess I was lucky as never experienced any effects of menopause other then a couple of hot flashes I till summer of 2018 everything changed and developed dampness in my knickers I thought prolapse but after investigations no prolapse and a year later still experiencing dampness but doesn't smell of urine and I don't feel urine coming out this is my first point I'd like advice ?
Secondly is hairloss due to the above happening I thought maybe I should go on HrT I had tried it at the very start elleste solo 1mg but had bad side effects and worse hot flashes so stopped and went natural for 4 yrs but due to dampness I thought I'd try again the same patch as before I was on it for 7 weeks and couldn't take no more same side effects as before so my GP told me to stop it , a week later I had my appointment with gynecologist ref dampness and suspected vaginal athropy so prescribed Vagifem however 7 weeks after stopping the HRT patch and starting Vagifem I lost half my hair volume where as the last 4 years had hair loss but normal amount I would say as my hair grew really quick and really thick so I thought initially it was the Vagifem and swapped that to ovestin which seem to calm the hair loss down a bit I guess. This all happened sept oct nov of 2018 on 25th December I started Estrogel 1 pump initially for 2 weeks then increased to 2 pumps - still loosing hair and would say even thinner and has lost it all behind my ears the hair line receded and nape of neck and back of the head from half way down it has gone really thin and I am sure it is the estrogen gel because I never had hair loss prior to messing about with HRT it is also red in the scalp in placed itchy and irritable I have been to dermatologist and he thinks telegen effluim but it is getting worse and worse I thought estrogen had a protective role on the hair but I don't know if the hair loss is happening because the estrogen is unopposed so therefore estrogen dominance as I don't take progesterone with having no uterus although they did say I could try Utrogestan 100mg every night if I wanted but it gives me stomach cramps which I could bear if it would help hair loss but then everyone says progesterone cause the hair loss but I believe estrogens do to especially after hysterectomy and ovary removal as your hormones are all at the same level when u have ovaries removed there is no fluctuation of hormones as in natural menopause they are all low so I'm wondering could estrogen be causing my hair loss but I'm scared now to stop it as it may make hairloss worse it is having a massive effect on my wellbeing as I don't know what's caused it has anyone else experienced hair loss on estrogen only HRT ? I was 35 when ovaries removed am now 40 still very young to be going through this and for you ladies out there please get 2nd opinions and 3rd before removing ovaries as this has destroyed my life. Sam x 
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Eyre

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #985 on: May 22, 2019, 09:25:17 PM »

I was put off taking HRT by my GP, who said that I didn't need it unless my day to day life was affected! I was given a website to look at and left to it! I was also under the impression HRT wasn't good but now I 4 years later aged 50 I am wondering if it might be worth trying it?????
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Dancinggirl

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #986 on: May 25, 2019, 03:31:58 PM »

Sammiejane - I am appalled that you were not advised to persist with the oestrogen after your operation - the doctors were very negligent. There is always an adjustment phase with any hormone treatment and if you had been given either Oestrogel or oestrogen patches you may have done better from the outset. The wetness you experience could well be to do with urogenital atrophy and it would be wise to continue with local oestrogen as well as some systemic oestrogen(gel or patch) alongside. I am baffled as to why you are experiencing the hair loss but I suspect it is nothing to do with the oestrogen - lack of oestrogen can certainly effect hair negatively but there are many reasons for hair loss e.g. stress, anxiety, thyroid function, auto immune problems etc - these are all things that could cause this problem.

After a hysterectomy, even if the ovaries are left they often stop functioning quite quickly so I wouldn't necessarily blame the lack of ovaries on your problems but I would be questioning the treatment you were given regarding hormone replacement following your operation.  Being oestrogen deficient so young can have many negative long term effects - I would definitely get your bone density checked - HRT is supplementing what teh body would produce naturally and until you reach the natural age fo menopause you shod be on oestrogen unless you have health issues that prevent this.  I had a premature menopause and was post menopause by my early 40s and used HRT for about 25 years.  Now 63 I've been off HRT for 3 years now but still use Vagifem to help reduce my urogenital problems. Since stopping HRT I developed far more health issues - oestrogen is vital part of the female body so you really, really need some good advice about the way forward.

Your hair loss needs to be investigated so ask for a referral to a specialist to be tested for the various causes.

Eyre - definitely try some HRT - even at this late stage it could do some good.   Start with a low dose and gradually build. Your body may react a bit at first but the benefits could well outweigh any side effects. 

Good luck to you both. DG xxxxxx
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Sammiejane

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #987 on: May 28, 2019, 01:09:27 AM »

Dancing girl- many thanks for advice

Re the hair loss I had none for 4 years in fact since having ovaries removed my hair was mega thick and grew really quick maybe this was slight increase in testosterone not sure , my problems started when I tried hrt patch and it didn't suit so stopped 7 weeks later then about a week after this was taking Vagifem vaginally for athrophy , and then 6/7 weeks later my hair all fell out I've lost half the volume and it's receded behind my ears temples and sides and nap of neck,
I'm currently taking Ovestin cream now and have been for 5 months atrophy has now gone according to gyni however dampness still ongoing and also my urethra feels lower and pressure behind clitoris and wee opening my mons pubis now stick out and has dropped ?
I take oestrogel 2 pumps now been on 5 months but am suffering bad again headaches flu symptoms aniexty depression weight gain bloating constipation u name it I'm getting it and hair seems to be getting thinner and thinner , I'm wondering whether to try progesterone too to offset some of Estrogens effects , did you have hair loss in the time you took hrt ? What hrt were u on ?
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Dancinggirl

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #988 on: May 28, 2019, 07:52:07 AM »

Hi Sammiejane

I really think there must be something else going on that is causing the hair loss.
Your bladder and bowel problems could be to do with a prolapse due to the hysterectomy, not the removal of you ovaries. Progesterone could cause some hair loss and I believe testosterone can result in hair some hair o loss but hair growth on the body where you don't want it.
I suspect stress following the parathion could have triggered the hair loss issues.
Weight gain is common with menopause whether on HRT or not. It is vital to have a good diet and plenty of appropriate exercise when menopause hits.
You haven't said whether your thyroid function has been checked? You may have an under active thyroid and this could explain a lot.
Oestrogen usually reduces all the symptoms you are getting - you might benefit from a bit of testosterone but I think you need to lol at your diet, get out in some brisk walks, perhaps do some Pilates or Yoga and to do Mindfulness to see if that helps.
Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist regarding your hair to get some professional advice - it could be alopecia( I know this is the wrong spelling ) which could have been triggered by a form of PDST from your operation. You haven't told us why you had your hysterectomy- there must have been quite a serious reason to have this ? DG x
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Troomp

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Re: HRT--good or bad?
« Reply #989 on: May 31, 2019, 08:36:27 AM »

Hello,

A bit of advice on the pros and cons of changing from sequential to conti HRT please.
I am 51 and have been on sequential 1 mg oestrogen for almost 2 years. (Femoston) Was peri before with longest irregular cycle 3 months. I've been undecided whether I need to go up with dose due to hot flushes, emotional rubbish, some insomnia (but not as bad as it was pre HRT!). I do get PMT near the end of progesterone phase.

Obvious pro is no bleed, but I place that low importance compared to other symptoms and health risks.
Other pro, I've read is less risk of endometrial cancer compared to sequential.

Are there cons? I don't know if I'm now post-menopausal as I haven't had FSH tested. Would it be bad to take it if I'm naturally still perimenopausal?

I'm asking cos GP has changed the prescription without seeing me, discussing options, pros and cons, but I don't want to make a fuss as I know they are all busy, and thought, should I just try it!

Many thanks if anyone can advise  :)

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