Hrt

[Greenlady48]

Hi

Hopefully everyone is coping well with the lockdown. I just wanted to ask if anyone else has had a bad reaction when starting HRT.

I started using the patches a few months back and after about 3 weeks the endo pain worsened so bad I was back on the full works....codine menafenic acid. The lot.

And although the hot flushes went away and the mood swings and all the other menopausal symptoms were less. I knew it could encourage the estrogen to grow. The increase in pain I just couldn’t bear. So I’ve stopped them. Did anyone else have any problems with this. I’m so unsure what to do.

Thanks again xx

[ChelitaH]

Hi, I am sorry you had a bad experience with HRT which can unfortunately flare up endometriosis. There are different types (oestrogen only or combined) (sequential/ cyclical or continuous) . As endo sufferer with or without womb and your last period over 1 year ago you would be on continuous combined, Speak to your GP about giving you a lower dose HRT - if using a patch that would be a lower oestrogen patch plus a progestogen tablet (or Mirena coil) as all the combined patches are of the same strength. If your period was under a year sequential HRT would be prescribed which is more likely to flare up endo. A Mirena coil often is a good compromise for this, If your GP is stuck- you could be referred to your local Menopause clinic, either hosted by your gynaecology or sexual & reproductive health department. Most departments offer telephone consultations these days. Good luck! (PS: I am a menopause specialist doc)

[Greenlady48 in reply to ChelitaH]

Hi there

Thankyou so much your reply. Ive decided to stop the HRT at the moment as the gp is so difficult to reach. At the time I started them because I hadn’t had a period for nearly 7 months and felt amazing for about 3 months. Then my periods came back and it all went downhill. I went for the patches as I can’t take tablets. I will have to wait for my periods to finish to start again. Ive seen many gyne nhs doctors and they always say the same thing. It will improve once menopause is over and take pain relief. Thankyou again so much for your advice. Hope you are keeping well

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