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[Katty]

I am on Elleste Duet Conti 2mg/1mg for a year. 6 months ago I had a flare up of a previous reflux problem I had 10 years ago. I was on PPI's for 18 months back then but managed to come off and manage the situation in the last 10 years. Now it has resurfaced with a vengence. Until I did a bit of research I never associated it with the HRT but it seems there may be a link. Going back on PPI's every day is not a great idea if it can be avoided. On the other hand coming off HRT doesn't appeal either. I was wondering if reducing the dose on my HRT would have an impact. As a trial today I decided to take my HRT every other day. Obviously it will take a few days to see if it changes anything. I was wondering if this is OK to do or if it will just result in hormone spikes. Would taking HRT every other day thereby lowering the levels of hormones  overall produce a similar effect to changing my HRT to a lower dose every day? I ask because I have 3 months HRT tablets and it seems a waste to get re prescribed. Thanks

[Sarai]

I'm still learning about hrt but I don't feel that would be right as I'm sure there is a balance in taking it daily.
If you are sure it's the hrt which is very possible perhaps ask for a patch as this avoids any pills being ingested.

[Katty]

Yes I am still confused about why HRT would cause this. Maybe it's linked to one of the hormones I am not sure. It isn't listed in the side effects as far as I can see. I know taking HRT every other day is often done when women come off it but that's just me experimenting. If I found it made a difference then I would know to ask the GP for the lower dose next time around. I could always buy a pill cutter I suppose but not sure those tiny tablets could take it.

[Katty]

From what I can gather it's the influx of oestrogen from the HRT that leads to the relaxing of the LES (Lower esophageal  sphincter) that lead to reflux. Similar to pregnancy. Well that's what I have read but there are always alternate views. Interesting though that so many women at this time suffer reflux problems

[Cazikins]

Hi Katty,

I have been trying to cut down my HRT for about 18 months now so started off with 1 tablet every other day. I felt ok doing it & don't remember any big problems with it.

Last summer I cut my little pills in half & now have 1 every other day. I do feel more tired & have some aches & pains so I do know this is the lowest I dare go without falling into a great big hole.

I am 60 & on Femoston conti ultra low dose, so I can't go any lower & I am fairly comfortable with the way things are, however as I am now working part time again (yay) & if I feel I need a helping hand I have the option of upping back up to 1 every other day.

Not sure if any of this helps or not but just thought I would share my experience.

Cazikins

[Katty]

Yes thanks that is helpful. The tablets I am on are in the high dose category so I wondered whether the levels had  built up too high

[Hurdity]

Hi Katty

Anyone who has any form of stomach or gut problems would be advised to take transdermal HRT (patches, or gel + separate progesterone).

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/route.php

 Indications for non-tablet route.

    Individual preference.
    Poor symptom control with tablet HRT.
    Side effects such as nausea with tablet.
    Bowel disorder which may affect absorption of tablet therapy.
    History of migraine (when steadier hormone levels which may be achieved with a patch may be beneficial).
    Lactose sensitivity (all tablet preparations of HRT contain lactose).
    History of gallstones.
    Current use of medications such as anti-epileptic medication which may interfere with the break-down of tablet HRT.
    Variable blood pressure.
    High triglyceride levels.
    Risk factors including Body Mass Index greater than 30, family history or past history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, after full discussion and specialist advice when necessary.

Personally, unless you are actually trying to come off HRT or reduce your dose like Cazikins, I wouldn't take a tablet every other day especially with one of the higher dose types. I would think about switching to a patch. Have a look at the different types under Treatments/HRT preparations and do ask if you need any advice as to which type - if you dsecide to go down this route?

Hurdity x

[Kathleen]

Hello Katty.

I am on Tibolone tablets at the moment and have wondered about moving to every other day when I'm ready.  I understand some ladies have experimented with this but it is a different kind of HRT and a low dose preparation so perhaps that makes a difference.

I think you are right to be cautious about PPI's. An elderly neighbour of mine collapsed recently because his salt levels had become dangerously low and was told it was due to taking the drug for ten years without a break. He was successfully treated in hospital  and advised not to use them again. I think he relies on otc preparations now.

Wishing you well.

K.

[Nellie Noo]

For me its the progesterone that causes the reflux ... 2 weeks before i am due on I really suffer . Am finding now that im on hrt ( again ! ) that the reflux is better when i take the oestrogen only patches and then far worse on the combined patches x 

[knorman]

Morning Katty

I started taking the same HRT as you and after 3 weeks could really feel the benefits. 3.5 weeks in, I developed a burning tongue and lips and very dry mouth. Never experienced this previously with any other medication. Dr advised it was ok to 'drip feed' the tablets.  I tried this, but it hasn't helped, so we have been trying different combinations.  Through trial and error, it seems to be the oestrogen that is causing the problem. My next combination to try is Oestrogel/Bio-identical progesterone.  Therefore yes, in my case (and we are all different) it was ok to drip feed the tablets, but also, it may be that like me, you may need a different combination.  My Dr also tried the 1mg Elleste Solo with separate progesterone, but that caused the same problem, but that option may be available to you. I know how upsetting and bewildering this will be for you as something we know we need is likely causing us a problem, but hopefully we will both find a solution.  I have spent so much on natural therapies and now the HRT, which with not being able to work at the moment in itself causes financial anxiety on top!  However, I am not giving up yet and if we do find that magical combination, it will be money well spent. Keep us posted and good luck.

[knorman]

Meno brain (me, not you!) only just realised I have posted before...however, this does give an update on next part of the HRT  Meno Maze!

[Katty]

I got a pill cutter today and successfully halved the next weeks worth of HRT. I will give it a try.

[Katty]

An update. I am 5 days in on half a dose and the difference is unbelievable. Flushes and night sweats have returned. I have back aches and joint aches. My knees feel terrible and early waking. Going to compare going back to full dose. Gawd I'm a HRT addict 

[knorman]

Morning Katy

I've been awake most of the night as the night heats have returned with a vengeance.  I still have an issue with the symptoms I developed with the HRT and other innocuous things are now setting it off, maybe where I still have some HRT left in my system. Back with Dr today to see if there is anything underlying this reaction.  Very disappointed as was going to start the Estrogel last night, but didn't want to add anything else into the mix! Is it worth talking to your Dr about the transdermal Estrogel? We obviously both need our HRT fix!