Best HRT options after total hysterectomy

[bighug]

Hi, hope you’re all having a good day 🤗

After having a total hysterectomy and ovaries removed, I’ve been on Tibalone for a few years now, it seemed to be working, I wasn’t having too many menopause symptoms, but for the last 6 months it has got so bad, I have no energy, low mood, really bad brain fog (which is now affecting my work) pelvic pain, lower back pain and aching muscles.

I know tibalone is a synthetic HRT and is used when you’ve had endometriosis.

Has anyone else had this problem and can recommend anything to help or even an HRT without taking any oestrogen!

I’ve tried the herbal route, heat pads, yoga, meditation.

Any advice would be much appreciated 🙏🏻

Big hug 🤗

[MyStar86]

Hi, I just wondered how old you are as that will effect what hrt you need. The best oestrogen hrt seems to be the gel/spray/patches. I couldn’t get hold of the gel and didn’t get on with the patches but the Lenzetto spray works well for me as the oestrogen component. I had a total hysterectomy everything removed in April due to endo I’m 35 and react to all progesterone so I’m having to take my contraceptive pill Femodette as well as 3 sprays however this is recommended as it carries higher risks but I don’t have any other options. The natural bio identical progesterone is Utrogestan which most ladies get on with or they make combined patches.

I am sure you will get lots of replies or try posting in the menopause forum I found that very helpful too. Just keep up the oestrogen as I have osteoporosis and suffered many fractures so take care and persevere with the hrt as it’s worth it to protect your bones too.

Good luck xx

[bighug in reply to MyStar86]

Hi, thank you for replying, I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you, and I hope it helps prevent you from getting any more fractures.

I’m now 49, and got osteoporosis on my lumber spine, which probably got worse after having my hysterectomy. I’m just worried about the oestrogen having had bad endometriosis.

I definitely need to speak to my GP, as I can’t carry on like this.

Thanks again for you advice, I hope things stay good and keep well.

Big hug x

[MyStar86 in reply to bighug]

I am also on the Zoledronic acid infusions for my osteoporosis as I’ve had it since 2015. Broke my hip and more recently all of my ribs on both sides from falling out of a hospital bed!!

They can do a blood test to see how much oestrogen you are absorbing once you have had the hysterectomy as it will be a clear picture for them. Some people get on better with the 2mg tablets such as Ellest solo if you are only having oestrogen but the do and Ellest conti I think as well but I found the topical hrt much better but only the sprays as I didn’t get on with the patches but again some women swear by the patches so it a very individual and more trial and error to start with. I was on just 2 sprays post hysterectomy and was ok but after 2 weeks I wasn’t sleeping and had crawling skin with anxiety so upper to 3 sprays and still wasn’t sleeping that’s why I added the femodette as I wasn’t happy taking no progesterone and progesterone is also the component that helps you sleep.

However this is a massive topic so I know many optherw will have different views to me but we do have to be careful with the osteoporosis massive hugs xx do you take anything for the osteoporosis? I have my dexa today to see if the density has improved after nearly a year on the infusion…..I have bad osteoporosis in spin and hips so today will be telling xx

[MyStar86 in reply to MyStar86]

That was meant to say this is NOT recommended re me taking my Femodette sorry I missed the not out by mistake xx

[bighug in reply to MyStar86]

Oh you poor thing, breaking all your ribs, that must be so painful on top of everything else you’re going through. I have had physio on my lumber spine, so I keep on with the excises, plus painkillers, I’ve tried many over the years, the one that seems to help the most is Gabapentin, and I top it up with paracetamol if it’s a particular bad day.

I’ll speak to me GP and see if I can have a blood test to see my oestrogen levels, anything’s worth a try right now, thanks.

Take care xx

[MyStar86 in reply to bighug]

Well my infusion is working as my spine has gone from -2.7 to -2.3 my hips are still the same at -3.3 but it was the spine I was worried about so I’m happy about that.

I can’t tolerate any pain meds except paracetamol so it’s very difficult managing multiple conditions.

Anyway I’m glad you are going to get the blood test done as that will help know and then they can advise appropriately and get the right oestrogen that you need. It will be trial and error especially with the shortages that’s been my issues but hopefully the first one will help you 🙏🏻. I wish iou all the best and keep us posted how you get on xx good luck

[bighug in reply to MyStar86]

I hope you feel better soon too, take care, keep in touch. And thank you 🙏🏻 for you advice xx