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[Nicky84]

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted some advice on HRT tablets but I know everyone is different. I am in Surgical Menopause at 31 and my gp has prescribed me Elleste duet 1mg. I recently got some advice from a specialist who said I should be on a higher dose-2 mg or Femoston 2/10. Does anyone know the difference between Femoston and Elleste duet?
At the moment whilst I'm on Elleste 1 mg I seem to be ok, the hot flushes have stopped and sleep has improved but more recently I've noticed I have very dry itchy skin, dry mouth, dry scalp and I don't know if I'm being paranoid but I swear my hair is shedding more   

[dazned]

Hi 

I personally would listen to the specialist rather than gp he is after all the specialist !

At your young age you need high estrogen to protect your bones and heart.

[CLKD]

   is the Consultant going to send a letter to your GP suggesting what you need?  If you aren't sure then phoning the Consultant's secretary for advice is OK. 

Is your GP knowledgeable and approachable?  There are menus, top of screen which you might like to browse round as well as having a look-see at the Daisy net-work (for ladies with early meno.).  Ask away!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM Nicky84
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?  You say you are in surgical menopause - I assume you had a hysterectomy? Did you have endometriosis?
You have been given a combined HRt which is normally given to women who still have a womb(uterus) and need to protect the lining with progesterone. Normally following a hysterectomy a women only needs oestrogen but if you had endometriosis then HRT with progesterone is still prescribed because there is build up in other areas that still need to be shed.
I would certainly agree with the specialist about Femoston and a higher dose as well.  Femoston has a kinder progesterone and suits many women very well. 
If you look under : http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php there are the different preparations and it explains that certain progesterones are more testosterone based and this can cause more side effects and could explain the thinning of the hair. Femoston contains a progesterone that is closer to our own hormones.  Also a higher dose of oestrogen might help with the dry skin and other problems that might emerge due to oestrogen deficiency as you are so young.
Unfortunately Elleste is one of the cheapest preparations and GPs tend to go for the cheapest first!!!
Keep us posted - we are here to support you .  DG x

[Nicky84]

Thank you for your quick replies.
I have had both ovaries removed due to huge cysts but still have my womb, therefore I have been given the combined HRT.
I've just come from the GPs and she has agreed to up the dose of Elleste duet to 2mg, so hopefully this may solve some of the dry skin issues and hair thinning?!
I asked whether I should be referred to a menopause clinic but she didn't think it was necessary.
Just feel like I'm not understanding everything properly, this whole thing has come as such a shock.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Nicky84
You poor thing - I bet this is quite a lot to come to terms with. Do read up all the info on this site and visit the Daisynetwork site as well to get really clued up. You will need HRT until you are at least 50 to protect your heart, bones and also to prevent the early onset of vaginal atrophy and bladder problems.
See how you get on with the Elleste 2/10.  I'd also take some Omega oils as this can help the skin. As I mentioned, the progesterone in Elleste is one of the ones that is more testosterone based and can cause more PMT types symptoms and might be having an effect on your hair - if after 3months you aren't feeling good, I'd try Femoston 2/10.
Good luck  DG x

[CLKD]

Your GP sounds supportive!