Replacement HRT

[Sorcha1973]

What do the ladies recommend as a substitute for taking HRT I had to stop because of the medication. But the green fog of rage has appeared again. That’s the reason I started it. It was awful and it takes me days to calm down over stuff that normally wouldn’t bother me then I’m in tears. I hope someone can sympathise with me and give me safe recommendations. Thank you everyone. Xxx

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Sorcha

I am sorry you having a cold turkey experience now you have stopped your HRT.

We had a discussion about this a while ago as it can cause so much distress to some women in your situation.

There is some debate about using HRT following a heart attack.

The main issue can be the worry about the way the blood clots if you are on HRT.

Some women use herbal remedies however these can also interact with heart medication. So you need to discuss these with a doctor before you start taking anything.

Another alternative is the Mirena coil which releases a very low dose of Progesterone and is a recommended treatment for the menopause.

Cardiologists are experts on hearts and there is an acknowledgement in the Cardiology world that there is a an unconscious biological bias regarding women patients.

We are not just men with women's hormones.

Have you asked to be seen by a Menopause specialist ?

thebms.org.uk/

thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopa...

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

[Pollypuss in reply to Milkfairy]

I was taken off hrt because I had migraines. The company I worked for provided free medical insurance which meant I could have acupuncture from a real professional free. It really worked. My energy came back and well being. Whilst on hrt I felt like a turkey being fattened for Christmas! I had my mild heart attack 35 years later because it was hereditary.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Pollypuss]

Acupuncture can be so helpful I agree.

I used it to help ease my terrible morning sickness in all 3 of my pregnancies.

My acupuncturist has refused to treat me now I am on anti-platelet treatment because of the small risk of bleeding.

I am aware that independent practitioners providing services such as acupuncture , osteopathy etc cannot carry out face to face consultations at the moment

[Pollypuss in reply to Milkfairy]

I can only add that the menopause side effects do ease. I took up tennis and the stress just disappeared and black feelings really went. Can you play a sport? It’s really worth it

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Pollypuss]

Pollypuss I don't have an issue with the menopause thank goodness.

I was answering Sorcha's query about alternative stratergies to manage her symptoms.

[Pollypuss in reply to Milkfairy]

Sorry mix up

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Pollypuss]

No problem it's easily done in a long thread😊

[Sorcha1973 in reply to Pollypuss]

Not at the moment as I’m only 8 weeks post HA and stents. Xx

[Sorcha1973]

It just difficult to discuss this with a pharmacist or doctor at this present time. Thank for your reply

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Sorcha1973]

Your GP should still be available for a telephone consultation?

Here's the other thread about the menopause

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

I hope you feel more at ease soon. It sounds as though there is unfortunately no easy solution at the moment

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Maise2014

Have you got any research evidence to show that natural sources of oestrogen are potentially no less harmful for heart patients as HRT?

[Maisie2014]

Hi Milkfairy. It’s many years ago when I read up on it. I can’t quote any articles now, sorry.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks.

I know there has been alot of conflicting research about HRT and heart disease over the years which doesn't help.

The experts keep changing their minds!

[VelvetSky]

Hi, I’ve taken HRT for over 25yrs. I had a HA Jan 2019, discussed it with consultant and GP, I am well aware of the problems but on balance I have decided to continue to take it. I’ve had no problems, apart from a supply problem from the chemist, which now seems to be resolved.

HRT seems to bring out strong opinions in the medical profession, I’m

not at all sure it’s always based on medical facts.

I see now with the virus they think women with high oestrogen levels are less likely to catch the virus.

Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to VelvetSky]

Good points well made.

'HRT seems to bring out strong opinions in the medical profession, I’m not at all sure it’s always based on medical facts.'

I feel that this is an issue about the quality of life and women need to be able to be given unbiased advice.

Shared decision making is important along with the ability to say whether you are comfortable with the increased risks of taking a medication if it improves the overall quality of your life.

[VelvetSky in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi Milkfairy, just heard a very interesting item on Radio 4 Woman's Hour today the 22nd May, about HRT and the Corona virus. They feel high Oestogen has protective qualities. You can get it on iplayer I expect.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to VelvetSky]

Thank you!

I'll have a listen in their podcast

[Sorcha1973]

I’ve seen a product from Holland and Barrett called Meno Herb I’ll look into this. I tried to upload a picture but you can’t. I’m not bothered about the other symptoms I can cope with them. It’s the rage that comes. I can’t control it and i don’t sleep etc. It’s so out of character and I hate that. I end up in tears as it just takes over. Thank you xx

[Sorcha1973 in reply to Sorcha1973]

Also I’ve been told Red clover.

[Maisie2014]

Be careful Sorcha that you don’t mistake the rage from having a heart attack for menopausal symptoms. It took me more than 12 months to get over the rage and constant anger. My whole family noticed the difference and were too scared to say anything at the time. I’m lucky I had so much support.

[Sorcha1973 in reply to Maisie2014]

I had 2 heart attacks 8 weeks ago. I know what that felt like😉I was on HRT because I was getting this anger at things that didn’t concern me or effect my life. When I was leaving hospital after my stents they told me hrt was unsuitable for me and to look into alternatives. Other than the rage I could cope with everything else. I’ll ring my pharmacist as they have my medication on there computer. They can see what’s suitable.x x

[jacxx]

Hi sorcha, if you are on heart medication please check about the red clover,I'm sure it interferes.

I had a ha 2016 , I started using HRT patches 'estradiol 75mg, these are synthetic.

I'm taking 8 different heart tablets a day. Heart specialist said it was my choice and I was told the risks.

Seems to me that if your suffering like that (I became suicidal) patches maybe the way forward.

Jxx

[Sorcha1973 in reply to jacxx]

As I’m only 46 I wouldn’t take the risk. Xx

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Sorcha

I would still check about how Red Clover and other herbal remedies could react with your heart drugs and your heart disease

Unlike medicines herbal remedies have not gone through the same rigorous safety checks.

Maisie2014 makes a very good point too about how all of us respond emotionally to our heart events.

You may not feel at the moment that you can control your emotions but there are techniques such as Mindfulness meditation and CBT Cognitive behavioral therapy that may help .

We can learn to control how we respond to our feelings

Perhaps discuss this with your GP or Carduac rehab team.

My GP has just started consultations online.

There are loads of online courses too they you might like to try.

insighttimer.com/

There is no wrong or right way just maybe a combination of different strategies that work for you.

[Hidden]

Are you opposed to considering an antidepressant for a few years? Be cautious with over the counter supplements as you never know what all is in them for sure.

[Sorcha1973 in reply to Hidden]

I really wouldn’t want them. I wondering about CBD oil but that’s controversial also. 🤔🙄

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Haha Sorcha

Yup CBD oil is controversial too😊

Again it can contain lots of impurities and react with your heart drugs. There a few safety trials on its use.

I live with a difficult to treat type of angina so looked at CBD oil in depth. My conclusion was that it could react with my numerous heart medications and make my vasospasms worse.

My GP and Cardiologist said no.

As with everything it is weighing up the risks of a particular treatment with how it effects the quality of your life.

Only you can make this judgement.

I hope you can find a way to solve the issue that suits you best soon.

[scotsrish]

I went through menopause cold turkey and it was not easy. Red meat was a huge trigger for the side effects so eat as much vegetarian as possible. Everyone that i knew that quit hormone replacement therapy such as premarin seriously went through hell and horrible withdraw so if that is the case hang in there and try herbs such as black cohosh, camomile, passion flower and bachs flower remedy.

[Sorcha1973]

It’s a minefield folks. But thank you everyone. Xxx