Hrt

[Leek]

Hi again I'm 9weeks post op from full hysterectomy due to large cyst. I've recovered really well but I am really struggling with really low moods is this the hrt? My hrt has been increased to 50 estraderm mx to see if this helps. I should be returning to work soon but with hot sweats and restless nights I can't face it. Any ideas

[Butterfly65]

Hi Leek ,

Did you have your ovaries removed too ?  If so you are in surgical menopause. I had my ovaries removed four years ago and left the uterus . I was 47 at the time and was told I would have to start on HRT immediately and continue with them until at least the age of 52. However I was increasingly unwell on HRT so my gp tried me on another, again I had  many bad side effects , after trying another two brands  I'd  finally had enough and haven't taken them since.  I'm not suggesting you do the same because it has been a very tough ride. I have gained weight, was a size 10/|12 pre op now a size14/ 16 and have had many awful symptoms including aches &  pains, edema, fatigue, hot flushes and anxiety and have been unable to work. I'm now currently just taking 'menopace' from boots chemist and a vaginal cream from my doctor called 'ovestin' for vaginal dryness and have been recommended to use 'serenity' Progesterone  cream from wellsprings, it's a topical cream and has good reviews on the wellsprings website, and excludes many of the side effects of hrt. I've only just learned of it and have ordered a pot today, I'm really hoping it works for me as well as it has for others. I wish I had known about it sooner. There's  not enough information given to women on alterative treatments and my gP seems clueless. If I were you I'd try and stay on Hrt for at least 3 months before you decide whether or not it's right for you and just like the contaceptive pill there are many brands of hrt out there, sometimes it's just a case of finding the right one to suit you.

I also had to cut out caffeine and alcohol  because they definitely made my hot flushes worse, I now drink decaf tea & limit to one decaf coffee per day and make sure you drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres a day if you can manage it. I have a fan by my bed and keep a cold drink by my bedside table. You can also buy special pillows to help with hot flushes, Google pillows for hot flushes. If you decide to come off hrt  you must take something to protect your bones from osteoporosis. 

 Magnesium salts in the bath before bedtime can help you relax , you can also buy a magnesium spray to rub on skin before bed . Also try to avoid hot spicy foods. Our bodies are instantly depleted of progesterone & oestrogen and it is bound to have a dramatic effect on our well being  and mental and physical state, read as much as you can on different ways to cope. Hope this helps a little &  good luck . 

[Leek in reply to Butterfly65]

Hi there yes I'm in surgical menopause as all has been removed. I will continue for a while longer many thanks for all your advice some of it I didn't know it's really helped.

[Catspelle]

I was on the 50 after TAH/BSO in Dec now on 75 which is much better I'm going to try the 100 next. It takes a good while to get it right all the best x

[Leek in reply to Catspelle]

I've increased to 50 micro milligrams  of estradot now and feeling a little better I agree it takes a while to get it all right.