Do you need a blood test before being prescribed HRT patches?

[Demme]

Do you need a blood test before being prescribed HRT patches? I'm 43, take medication for hypothyroidism for almost 20 years. Spoke to a nurse a couple of months ago. She said it sounds like I'm perimenopausal and prescribed me evorel sequi 50.

[Freesoul66]

Not necessarily… I was put on hrt bc I complained about all the classic symptoms, hot flashes, not sleeping well at all, anxiety , depression, mood swings. Awful!! Feeling better now - I’m 55. Was put on hrt about 9 months ago… good luck! Talk to a doc. One that specializes in women’s health.. 👍🏻💕

[Demme in reply to Freesoul66]

Thank you for your reply. I'd say I have symptoms apart from hot flashes 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Freesoul66]

Thanks, Freesoul66. I am having insomnia at the moment. I was wondering whether you also had insomnia before starting HRT. Did HRT help with your insomnia?

[Freesoul66 in reply to Hidden]

It absolutely did! I was unable to sleep tnru the night before… now sleep like a baby again 😊

[Hidden in reply to Freesoul66]

Thanks very much, Freesoul. If you don't mind me asking, have you got both estrogen and progesterone patches for the HRT treatment?

[Freesoul66 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it’s a pill and here in the US it’s called PREMPRO. 0.6. Contains both. Good luck. It helped me tremendously 💕💕👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to Freesoul66]

Thanks for the helpful information! Glad it has worked so well for you! X

[Hidden in reply to Freesoul66]

Do you take oral HRT or the patch? I have been taking the patch for almost 4 weeks now with no relief and I was wondering if the oral would absorb better. How long did it take for you to get relief from your hot flashes? This is my biggest problem along with insomnia but the hotness thing is what's killing me...

[DylanTheRabbit]

My GP prescribed based on symptoms, my desire to try it and I guess, hrt not being very risky for me. It has certainly helped.

[Demme in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

That makes sense. I was recently told by a relative who was adamant I should've had a blood test done first. My nurse went off my symptoms and to be honest I was willing to give anything a go lol

[DylanTheRabbit in reply to Demme]

From what I remember reading about hrt, everyone's hormone levels are different, fluctuate and our bodies respond differently. That's why blood tests aren't very helpful. Sorry I can't remember exactly where I read that to give you a link.

[DylanTheRabbit in reply to Demme]

I found that link, this website has loads of info

menopausedoctor.co.uk/menop...

[Demme in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

That's great. Thank you👍

[Meno56]

I'm 56 and have been post menopausal for 4 years and taking HRT for 3. I'm also Hypothyroid (22yrs) and in the last year have had to adjust my HRT as had some bleeding. Moved from oral HRT to Mirena coil and Eostrogen gel and feeling much better and no bleeding. I have also had blood tests throughout and I would suggest you do too, as I have read that thyroxine requirement is likely to increase during menopause as it has a metabolic effect on Eostrogen production. I'm checking again and will likely request an increase in my Levothyroxine prescription to help joint pains.