HRT postmenopause anyone?: Morning Peeps 🙂 It's a... - NRAS

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HRT postmenopause anyone?

Moomin8 profile image
53 Replies

Morning Peeps 🙂

It's a beautiful, sunny day out there today! 😎 It always makes me feel so much happier when the sun's out 🌞

I wanted to ask you lovely lot about about HRT...

I am postmenopausal (approximately 6 years since my last period) and doing OK in many ways, at the moment - so felt it was time to address a more 'normal' condition (one which ordinary folk suffer from) in my life. I really struggle with a number of menopausal conditions, and have done for some time now - my main ones being: continuously feeling exhausted and lack of sleep. The trouble is, a lot of them are also associated with RA - and so haven't been treated separately.

I had a telephone appointment with my GP last night and she has prescribed me Evorel Conti patches. To be honest, I didn't think it would be that simple!

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

She did say that I should let my rheumatologist know when I see her at the end of this month and check that she's OK with it too. Plus I am submit a blood pressure reading. I had to give her my weight as well - I am to keep working hard at losing weight too.

I was wondering if any of you had/have/are contemplating HRT and would mind sharing your experiences? Where do I put this patchy thing? I inject Tocilizumab in my tummy and MTX in my thigh 🤔Plus I swim and go to gym - it says not to put it under elasticated areas? 🤷🏻‍♀️Maybe my forehead? 🤣I was kidding about my forehead, obviously 🙄 🤭

Also, while I was chatting with my GP, she mentioned my email which I had sent about putting a code on my medical records which would allow me to be able to access all things Covid related - vaccinations and treatments. She said that she was unable to completely follow the steps because my Tocilizumab isn't on my records with them, even though they have shared care! They do have a letter from my rheumatologist about it being approved etc, but as it comes from an outside pharmacy, it doesn't go on my records as being on prescription 🤔Consequently, she said that she couldn't do what was needed. But, what she has done - she said - is to write 'immunosuppressed' against my records and all her other patients who have chemotherapy, transplants etc... She said that she's had a lot of patients who said that they haven't had the correct vaccinations and treatments at the correct time for Covid and has had a lot of the same requests - like mine. I sort of felt that she has now done what she feels should trigger treatments and vaccinations if/when needed...🤷🏻‍♀️Let's wait and see.

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Moomin8
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53 Replies

Hi Moomin

Have you had a hormone test? Just throwing hrt at you that’s not solving your particular hormone problem will jut mean a trial and error of treatment. I wish I could take hrt but had to come off them because of family history of cancer. I’m going to ask to be referred to a menopause clinic. Yes they exist only found out myself the other day through my own investigations.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

No, not had a hormone test, but I've heard that they can be a bit hit-and-miss 🤔

Marionfromhappydays profile image
Marionfromhappydays in reply to Moomin8

I was told Hormone testing was only useful for under 45s (which I am not) 🤷‍♀️

I have to contact my GP about going on HRT as I'm suffering quite alot with symptoms. I'm not joking when I say at times I could fight a bear, I mentioned recently to my rheumatologist about starting HRT and she wasn't really that interested so I presume it doesn't interfere with my medication (on benepali).

I am overweight which I am trying to address and also have slightly raised BP so will have to get this sorted.

Will be following the replies as I haven't a clue about how HRT is administered etc

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Marionfromhappydays

I wasn’t overweight but I was on BP meds when I went on HRT……in fact my BP settled down whilst on it……as did the vertigo I’d developed.But 30+ years later…..it does still seem “try it & see” is the way to go.

in reply to Moomin8

I had my hormones checked, and all it said was that I was a middle-aged woman 🙄. Not particularly useful!! I have no idea if I’ve had a menopause or not (53). My periods stopped as soon as I started taking Mx (41). I’ve had one since then (47) for a month..yay!) when my dose was last increased (to 25mg). I think any symptoms were probably subsumed by my RA/Fibro… the fact thatI have no idea shows how great menopause education is!!

PS. Look at my Leaky Ladies post if you fancy a giggle/ education x

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

Just watch that YouTube clip - hilarious!!! 🤣🤣

oldtimer2 profile image
oldtimer2 in reply to

Hormone tests are really only useful for people still having periods even if they are intermittent. If you have stopped having periods all they do is confirm the state of post-menopause. HRT can be life changing for that proportion of people who are struggling with it. I remember how much it helped me to continue with a busy demanding work and home life. And my d-i-l is so much better on it too, but my daughter hasn't needed it, she coping OK without.

allanah profile image
allanah

Very complicated isn't it!! I was so lucky and had no menopausal symptoms!

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridge

I’m too old now! The family history of breast cancer put me off asking for it when I was suffering a bit at 50. I took a product called Remifemin, not available in U.K., which a friend brought me from her regular business trips to USA. I think it’s available in Europe too. I found that helped with the most annoying symptoms.But I think the hormone changes at menopause may well have kicked off the immune related problems that arrived soon after. I chose to retire at 60 as I was so tired trying to cope with my demanding and stressful job. Looking back I think the RA was beginning then.

So i think I would want to be sure any problems you’ve been having are hormone related rather than RA. Perhaps ask for some appropriate tests?

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Lolabridge

Thanks, I'll have a chat with my rheumatologist too.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Hi MApologies in advance …..I was on HRT prior to menopause & remained on it for years…..thankfully I had none of the menopausal symptoms I read about. I know that must me very irritating to those who do suffer through & after menopause.I stayed on it when I was diagnosed with RA in my late 50’s & my rheumy was OK with that. As new types came out I was moved on to the most suitable for me.

HRT patches were in their infancy back then…I took pills…but if I were you’d I’d put it on the thigh you don’t inject. ……ask your rheumy nurse.

I know people who have remained on HRT well in to their 70’s……TBH I think at that age it’s probably not essential….but if they & their doctors are happy why not?

There has been so much research into the treatment since my experience, I think all the side effect scare stories that linger on can mostly be discounted these days…..but like most drugs the only way to know if it will help you is to try it ……..unfortunately HRT isn’t for everyone….but there are quite a few to try now…...I hope one of them does help you.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to AgedCrone

🙂 I was really interested to read your journey - thanks for sharing.

Shresworld profile image
Shresworld

I've been on estradiol for 15 years and definitely won't be going off it anytime soon and maybe never .

in reply to Shresworld

I was on this for 10 years on a very low dose then was told when symptoms got worse I couldn’t have it anymore. My blood test showed my hormones were all over the place. Given clonidine to help with flushing gives minimal help but that’s it just told nothing they can do . There is just no support from GPs. I have said on top of 3 autoimmune diseases and fibro this is pushing me over the edge . All I get are shoulder shrugs.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

That's so frustrating! Could you be referred to a Menopause Clinic?

in reply to Moomin8

My next step

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8

Well, I've plastered my first patch to my backside!! 🤭I inject alternate sides on my thighs and tummy....so there wasn't much choice! Let's hope all goes well 🤞

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Moomin8

You could try the top of your arm…..I do that in the winter with pain patches…but it’s no good in the summer.I always write date/day on them…as I never remember otherwise!

Hope yours do the trick for you!

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

Hope it works for you.I was on HRT for over 10 years when I was peri-menopausal and it was a life saver. I came off it 2 years ago at 60 and all the really horrible symptoms I had haven't reappeared. I do have hot flushes but they're manageable. I'd rather not have them but having read on here that people find that RA and RA medications can cause them too I haven't investigated the possibility of restarting HRT - never say never though!

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Boxerlady

Definitely - never say never!

Madmusiclover profile image
Madmusiclover

Been on tablet HRT for 16 years. Couldn’t be without it. I’ve tried. Been on JAK for about 3/4 years. My menopause symptoms (when I’ve had to come off for ops etc) feel different to my RA. So say fatigue is different. I also feel depressed off HRT. Quite apart from hot flushes every 20 minutes. Worth a try. You can always stop!

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Madmusiclover

Thanks, I'm looking forward to some positive changes 🤞

Downtime profile image
Downtime

I had HRT patches for years from when I was in the perimenopause. I went on to Evorel Conti when I needed just oestrogen. It was really good, I did develop RA later but didn’t stop it. It helped enormously and I’m sure it lessened the symptoms and made me feel much better mentally. There were no side effects at all. I lost weight and my hair improved . Sadly can’t take it now but I would still be on it if I could.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Downtime

Thanks, sounds very positive 😀May I ask when and why you stopped? I'm reading a lot of negative reviews about Evorel-Conti online, generally, but this maybe because positive comments aren't made as often - that's what I'm hoping 😬

Downtime profile image
Downtime in reply to Moomin8

Hi Moomin, it was nothing to do with the HRT itself but another health matter. My doctor who is great, and a man, doesn’t really think HRT should be used for too long so that was one reason! Mind you I had been on it for 20 years! I spoke recently to a female gynaecology consultant who said that these days she encourages women to take HRT as she said it greatly improves quality of life and helps women to remain active and healthy for longer.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Downtime

Thank you, I have heard that women can stay on it longer - but there is so little known about it....I mean current knowledge.

jbzm profile image
jbzm

My GP has been trying to get me to use HRT since my early 40's when repeated bloods plus pattern of periods etc made it clear the peri-menopause had appeared. I finally gave in last July at 54+. Night sweats were beyond tolerable by then plus lots of bits and pieces that could be RA but could be menopause as everything seems to overlap (actual menopause was about 4 years ago now).

She prescribed Oestrogel (and is very very insistent that it is dispensed as that) which you rub on your inner thighs or outer upper arms. I put it on my thighs after my shower. It wouldn't interfere with you injecting if you were to switch to that, and a body-identical progesterone capsule called Utrogestan made from the Yam!.

I kept holding off from HRT, not least due to various med sensitivities and high bp, thinking I was being sensible. She pointed out that the newer versions of HRT can actually help bp, plus joints, protect from osteoporosis (I knew that but it hadn't sunk in, family history is dire though . . . ), list is endless. Night sweats are a thing of the past and mood is probably less variable too.

Davina McCall looked at the whole topic for channel 4 in " Sex, Myths and the Menopause", worth a watch if you have the chance. It's still available to stream.

I hope HRT works for you. Now I'm on it, I wonder why I didn't take the plunge all those years ago.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to jbzm

Thank you for your reply 🙂I'm so pleased that it's working out for you 😀 I did read about the body identical progesterone - interesting! The trouble is that there are so many variations of HRT, where on earth do they start! There definitely needs to be more education and input to GPs on this topic. I will try and give Davina a look 👀

Darbydoo profile image
Darbydoo

Hi , I have just started HRT patches - same ones as you last week . I’m on benepali and sulfasalazine for my RA . Post menopause about 5 years - I’m 52 an overweight. My blood pressure fine but I need to try get my weight down. It’s early days so I’m struggling with crushing fatigue and sleep is very erratic . Boobs were sore for a couple of days but I’m holding on to get that Dorothy entering Oz feeling so need to stick with it . I can’t find much info relating to biologics and HRT but I imagine my body is going through a period of adjustment thinking what the heck is going on . I’ve been eating really badly and feel bloated so I’m thinking keep on track with eating in a way that nourishes and that can only help . I’d be keen to hear your progress as it’s a bit like fumbling in the dark a bit

Thanks

H

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Darbydoo

I like the 'fumbling in the dark' analogy - not much of that going in my life atm! 🤣🤣

Darbydoo profile image
Darbydoo in reply to Moomin8

I hear ya

Note my diagnosis is Stills Disease which for me manifests as RA. I have been drug free since my mid 20s except pain relief. I started Everol conti patches about a year after my last period and have used them without any problems for about 7 years now. All menopause symptoms controlled and I do feel it also helps my joints.I’m average weight and low blood pressure. I’ve spoken to many many ladies older than me (60) who have taken various forms of HRT for years, well into their 70s and swear by it, I certainly will stay on it as long as it suits me.

I swim twice a week which can dislodge the patch sometimes so I have worked the patch change days out to be after swimming just in case one comes off and if that happens I simply replace it anyway. It’s a very forgiving medication routine to use. I always stick them on the side of my bottom cheek so just under swimming costume. If you swim a lot or go the beach use sticky plaster over the top as sand and sea water will make it come off.

Finally I add that my Mum had a partial mastectomy after a small lump was found. She had been on HRT but doctors could not say if that was the cause. Mum says the benefits of HRT were worth any risks as far as she was concerned and I agree. In fact every woman I’ve spoken to agrees on this but of course we are all different. I’m sure you’ll feel the benefits of HRT 💃

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

That's great news - thank you! I do swim quite regularly and did wonder about it staying on - I dread it floating off in the pool, jacuzzi, steam room and/or sauna!! 🤭🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂

in reply to Moomin8

Lol yes I know! It won’t float off, you’d feel it loosen first plus as it’s transparent no one will notice😉I assume the active ingredient is absorbed into the body quite quickly so if one does come off too early you’d still have the benefit? You may find the glue leaves sticky lines after removing but a bit of moisturiser gets rid of it.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

Special - 😂 thanks

JenniferW profile image
JenniferW

Hi Moomin

I started HRT about a year ago. It very much helped with the menopause. No they don't use blood tests in the UK unless you are very young to start the menopause because your hormone levels vary so much over the day and month.

It interfered with my thyroid levels and I had to adjust my dose a bit, but then the menopause had already affected my thyroid levels the other way, so really it was a correction.

The patch goes on your thighs and you use one patch for half a week and then remove it and put one on the other leg.

I have just seen the nurse about biologic injections a few weeks ago (they were swapping me from clickjet pens to syringes) and she said to inject at least five centimetres from the hormone patch.

I highly recommend the website menopause matters for all menopause issues.

Go for it, I feel so much better on HRT

Best Wishes

Jennifer

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to JenniferW

Thanks for your top tips!

Tired-fed-up profile image
Tired-fed-up

Hi. I started patches before Christmas - they were amazing - helped my mood, brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats - but I started having periods again 😭 I had been 2 years period free. Last month the bleeding happened recurrently over several weeks so my GP has stopped the Evorel and referred me to gynae. If everything comes back clear then she will put me on the HRT where you have a withdrawal bleed. I’m gutted that I’m potentially going to have periods again but it was worth it to finally have a clear head and improved mood again - the difference was astounding really. I wish I’d taken it during peri menopause. I’m 50, very overweight, have high blood pressure and RA. All these issues started during peri menopause.

PS I put the patch on my thigh and injected in a different spot- there’s not a shortage of space 😂

in reply to Tired-fed-up

🤣thank you for your funny comment but laughing is not good for my pelvic floor or the kitchen floor 😂

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

😂😂

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8

😅I already inject on both thighs and either side of my belly button...so bottom it will have to be. I hope I don't get periods again!!!

in reply to Moomin8

PS: I never had another period either

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to

Phew!

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady in reply to Moomin8

It is common to have some bleeding when you start conti HRT (for post-meno and designed to be non-bleed) but if it lasts for more than 3 months it should be investigated.As mentioned above, Menopause Matters is a great website for information 😉

Leics profile image
Leics

I’ve been on Evorel 50 since the age of 38 (I’m now 58). I had a hysterectomy at 36 as I was having treatment for bowel cancer and whilst they had me open they figured it would save me and them two ops lol. Massive bonus for me as far as I’m concerned. They left my ovaries in and there was no cancer involved in their decision. I’ve always been told to put the patch below the waist so I stick it on my bum cheek. I’ve never had one come off whilst swimming or showering so you’d be unlucky for that to happen. There’s no way I would ever consider stopping HRT it really helps my RA stiffness because I’ve ran out of it and know the difference very quickly. I’m only on oestrogen because of hysterectomy. My mum in law had polio and her doctor tried on numerous occasions to tell her she didn’t need it but OMG was she in a bad way when she came off it and she’s 81. It’s a personal choice and of course breast cancer in the family and risks of blood clots in the legs need to be considered but I wouldn’t let them tell me to come off it without a massive punch up haha. I hope it helps you and you get on well with it. I’ve found that tablets made me clinically depressed but patches don’t have side effects.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8

Wow! Thanks 🙂

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8

Update - I went swimming this morning and thought my HRT patch was coming off as I came out of the shower at the gym! 😲 Consequently, I rushed to Tescos to buy some waterproof plasters/tape! However, by the time I got home all was well, and the pesky thing had re-adhered itself! 😂

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady in reply to Moomin8

One thing to remember is that the hormones are in the adhesive so if it doesn't stay on by itself for a relatively long period of time, you won't be absorbing as much 😉 My problem ( with a different brand) was that they stuck too well and I had a bit of a skin reaction so I swapped to tablets.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Boxerlady

Oh 😏thanks

2bichons profile image
2bichons

Hi Moomin8I am in my 60's. had my last period at 50 and had such bad hot flashes (and living in a place that can easily get to 113 in the summer was unbearable) so my gyno put me on estradiol and progesterone. thru the years I have tried to wean off, but hot flashes come back with a vengeance and sleep becomes nonexistent so I go back on them and life becomes so much better. I do realize that estrogen has been linked to breast cancer so I keep with my annual mammograms and enjoy the absence of hot flashes and being able to sleep at night. It's all such a gamble

🤷‍♀️

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

Just wondering how you're getting on with the HRT? I spoke to a GP last week about the possibility of starting it again and she's consulting a gynae because I'm 62 and she was a trainee GP. She was sympathetic though and could obviously understand my position. I'm having a blood test tomorrow to check that my thyroid isn't the issue.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply to Boxerlady

Hi, Thanks for asking 🙂All is goong well for me. I have no more hot flushes, I have a bit more energy and no more dryness. BTW - I am a similat age 😉Good luck! 🤞

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady in reply to Moomin8

That's encouraging - thank you.

After a failed smear test earlier in the year, I was prescribed vaginal gel which sorted out the dryness but the fatigue, hot flushes and broken sleep are getting to me a bit so I think that I'd like to try HRT again if only to find out if hormones are the cause rather than RA. Watch this space!

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