Hrt patches

[Jefner]

I am 57, post menopause about 4-5yrs. I have different issues including anxiety and depression which I have had for most of my life but existing conditions can also worsen it. I consulted with a Meno specialist who put me on evorel conti. Have been on whole patch over a yr now but never upped again as advised due to dealing with my other issues cus I wouldn't know what was and wasn't working if I changed too many things at once.

My last bloods saw an increase in estrogen but was informed levels not high enough to determine whether suitable or not but I never increased.

Was thinking of coming off it for now. Do I have to wean off it slowly ie. Cutting by quarter patch after so many weeks.

Looking for experience and advice please

[sweetsusie]

I'm 70, Jefner, and finally found a doctor who would prescribe HRT for me. I've never felt better in my life, after being so fatigued, depressedion, hot flashes, night sweats for YEARS. I would never go off of it...they'll have to take it from my "cold, dead hands!" HAHA! Anyway, if I were you I would up the dose a bit and see what happens. It might lift your mood...sounds like you're not getting enough hormones. As Izzy in "Fried Green Tomatoes" said: "You need to get you some hormones, girl!" Good luck.

[Jefner in reply to sweetsusie]

problem is that I have other issues ie. Hashimoto's, under active thyroid, gut issues, mold issues and they can cause the same symptoms. How long would it take before I saw a difference if I upped it?

[sweetsusie in reply to Jefner]

I have hypothyroid, had chronic diarrhea until my doctor put me on a drug called "Welchol." Expensive, though, so he switched me to Colestipol. Miracle drugs for diarrhea...stopped it in it's tracks, after I suffered for years and years with chronic diarrhea. Anyway, when I first started taking the HRT it took about a month for me to notice any difference, so I'm assuming that it might take a couple of weeks before you would notice?

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

If this is not too late to comment 😉 Definitely ask your GPs advice about weaning yourself off HRT. Things may well be different now re patches but, years ago, I came off cold turkey and it was like hitting a brick wall 🤦‍♀️ And, it’s particularly important to heed medical advice when you have other health issues going on. The last thing you need are potential side effects from ‘tinkering’ 🙂xB