HRT query: Can anyone give an idea of what... - Women's Health

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HRT query

amberbrown profile image
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Can anyone give an idea of what could be causing the following please? Taking estrogen patches - had a total hysterectomy - became even more ill with all sorts of symptoms that pointed to low estrogen. Patches are the solution, terrific, help in many ways, feel better than have for many years. But I get a yoyoing where for a few days I have a lot of energy, good sleep, good mood, perfect, and then an irritating cough, a big breathless, trouble sleeping and less energy, this goes back and forth. Its the same if I use soya tablets instead of patches. Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated thank you. I am still far better off than I was before but obviously want to identify this and put a stop to it.

And please, with all due respect, no replies such as speak to your doctor.

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amberbrown
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4 Replies

The mood swings could be because the patch gets less effective throughout the time it's worn. It all depends on your age too.(I'm 77) I happily took HRT for over 30 years until I had to stop cold turkey last year because of a minute breast tumour-which hasn't spread thank goodness, but now I'm on anti oestrogen for 5 yrs! In the three years before that I used the oestrogen gel on my legs, and had a Mirena coil fitted, and I was fine on that. If you don't want to involve the GP see if there is a gyne clinic you could use instead. Good luck!

amberbrown profile image
amberbrown in reply to

Hi needlewoman thanks for that info, hope you feel better. I am 65 and it is definite I need estrogen, did for many years but did not realise and worse since hysterectomy. I spoke to a doctor at my surgery a few days ago who told me to stop taking the patches and use gel, she did not know me from adam and ignored it was for serious side effects not just dryness down there, where a cream might be adequate. I am in the UK where you either speak to a GP through the NHS or you go private and get the same person but pay a lot for it. As far as I know those are your two choices, and either way you can have a long wait. I've been referred to the gynocologist I saw at the hospital who did my hysterectomy but I have very little faith in her as before I had the hysterectomy she assured me that I would be fine after, no estrogen problems, as "your ovaries stop producing estrogen when you are 42". Yet there I was at 65 suddenly having a lot less of it due to a total hysterectomy.She then signed me off telling me I had endeometris but the endeometris department had decided I did not need to see them again. I phoned and asked how come they are signing me off so quick, and that I know I have at least one growth which should be taken into consideration and after waiting a while and various back and forths they changed their mind and said I must see them because of the endeometris they found months and months ago which they had known about and not told me.

Thankfully I get some peace of mind and support from my lovely hubby I use a great free prayer forum too which is a God send, am not religious but it works for me accuratepsychicreadingsonli...

in reply to amberbrown

Gosh, poor you! There must be another gyne person you can see- if the endo can be treated it should be! Try and see another GP in the practice-you ought to have progesterone alongside the oestrogen, as they work together. Make a nuisance of yourself-I am in the UK too. I once reported a specialist I was seeing because she turned up when she wants and kept patients waiting for long periods of time . I said we are castigated if we are late-it works both ways! Dig your heels in or change surgeries-a bit drastic but it might come to that!

amberbrown profile image
amberbrown in reply to

Hi, tried all that, this is the only gyno type doctor there, and usually you have to speak to a young nurse instead, the doctor only works one day a week and you need a good reason to ask for her instead of the nurse. I said to her about progesterone and she insists it is not needed if you have had your womb out - I've heard this from them many times. I've thought of all of the suggestions youve made thanks, changing surgery is a bad idea but had thought of it. And my husband is at a different surgery which is much worse. But he is well so doesnt worry about it. Anyway will be getting an appointment to go to the hospital gyno but that means seeing the consultant I saw before who insists when your womb is out you do not need it either. And you cannot have a problem with lack of ovaries because they stop when you are 42!

My husband is a rock. Anyway Ive had experiences before with doctors making mistakes so it becomes normal. I use a FREE prayer forum which is a help, it lifts the spirits and means others can comfort you and vice versa.. accuratepsychicreadingsonli...

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