HRT & Endo

[HettySpaghetti]

Hello lovely ladies, I'm new to this forum so forgive me if I'm asking something that has already been talked about. I'm nearly 50 and 5 years ago I was finally diagnosed with endo after being told for 35 years it was IBS. I had a laparoscopy and had a lot removed. I was pretty bad for the 6 months following the op but I am good now. My issue is the menopause has hit me hard. Flushes, severe exhaustion, migraines, brain fog and general overall feeling crappy. My gyne said the menopause would be my friend but it doesn't feel like it! My GP has suggested HRT but my gyne said not to take it as it could "bring it back". I've been on the POP pill since my op and I was wondering what other experiences are. I've read that HRT can cause the endo to be malignant and other scary stories. Sounds like a rock and a hard place. TIA

[AnekaH Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi HettySpaghetti

Sorry to hear that it's taken you so long to get diagnosed with endo, we can imagine it has been quite a frustrating journey for you.

Although we can't offer any medical advice, we are always here to listen. So if you feel like you'd like to speak to one of our support team, you can always call our helpline: endometriosis-uk.org/helpline or you can send us a message on Web Chat

Wishing you all the best.

Aneka x

[My_adventures]

Hey

I totally understand what you are saying! I had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy 5 weeks ago and have had so much conflicting advice about HRT it's so stressful isn't it.

The menopause is awful isn't it. The headaches for me are the worst. They knocked me off my feet.

My consultant said only take oestrogen but on research i found that taking both should prevent it coming back. I don't know how correct this is, but I weighed it up for myself and taking both seemed right for me right now. So I am now on both and starting to feel slightly better.

I hope you can get sorted and start to feel better xx

[Pinkmice]

Hi Endo takes so much time to be diagnosed,So HRT be careful your consultant

may -say some treatments stop the bleeding- I was advised to take that type

- worked most of the time. My age is slightly older,my journey still continues with

Menopausal issues - an diet plan to solve some problems-find that cry a lot.

Just one of many- one step at a time,gentle exercise,walking to places. Its

frustrating but its part of living with endo.

Have good days, waiting to see what else my journey has in store.

Take heart that - in the future things do get better.

[MyStar86]

You will need oestrogen for your bones. I had everything removed and I’m 35 with osteoporosis, I have suffered multiple fractures first my hip and more recently all of my ribs on both sides except the top 3 and that was way worse than any endo pain I’ve suffered. I had multiple ops to remove endo from bowel etc then total hysterectomy with ovaries tubes and cervix removed this year. They stuck me on high oestrogen but I had too many side effects so I’m taking the femodette my old combined pill for the progesterone and half a 75 oestrogen patch but it is a mine field I’ve been up and down all over the place with the hormones it’s horrible as I had pmdd before the op so this is a scary rollercoaster however I will still take oestrogen for my bones. Hope you find the right mix but I would suggest trying a combination as I’ve been through lots of different due to the shortages which hasn’t helped having to change hrt all the time so I can’t balance it but trying my best. Keep strong but don’t let the symptoms take over as it’s harder to get out of when they do I’ve learnt that the hard way myself xx

[BloomingMarvellous]

Every woman has different responses and needs with the menopause whether you have endo/ Adenomyosis or not. Broad spectrum rules aren’t terribly helpful here as is the fear of HRT. There are info resources out there with specific focus on HRT and Endometriosis that you might find useful such as the Blog website for Dr Louise Newsom the menopause specialist. It’s called Balance. There is a section on Endometriosis there.