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[Pixielilac]

In my other post I said about being taken off the Elleste Duet Conti for 2 weeks  I had been on since April, as I bled for 4 weeks after no periods for 2 and a half years, and the flushes were back with a vengeance. So next week I see my doc for a different HRT.
 I have only been off it for a week and the last 3 days I have had hardly any sweats, I don’t feel as anxious, I feel almost ‘normal’ again like before I started the menopause. My daughter said I am not jittery anymore and that I’m not snappy and I am my old self, I’ve ‘levelled out’ as she puts it. (she is 23 by the way)
This is odd after only a week off the HRT surely?
Does anyone know if maybe I am coming out the other side of the damn menopause? During the years I pleaded with my doc for HRT he kept saying ‘you have arthritis so can’t have HRT, ‘try to ride it out, you will soon come to the end of it’ but in the end did prescribe me it in April, as he said I will be on HRT for the long term as my symptoms aren’t getting better.
Anyone else stopped taking HRT and felt ok so quickly?
Could I be at the end of the menopause ?

[Dancinggirl]

Firstly, you were given an HRT with one of the strongest progesterones that can give the worst side effects.

Secondly, you started with conic HRT which meant you were using progesterone all the time which is also not teh best idea when first starting HRT.

Thirdly, bleeding on any conti HRT in the first few weeks up to six months is quite normal, even if really post menopause.

Fourthly, this HRT probably didn't suit you in the first place so naturally you are feeling better now you have stopped. I have stopped HRt on a number of occasions and initially feel OK but then things go downhill after a couple of weeks. HRT is about finding an HRT gives the most benefits( makes you feel good) with the least side effects.

There is no ‘coming out the other side' as such with the menopause.  Symptoms may subside but the effects of oestrogen deficiency goes on doing the damage to bones, skin, joints, urogenital area etc.  - for some this damage is less pronounced and the deterioration is slower - lifestyle can help maintain things better but personally I think it is down to genes.

Perhaps ask for a gentler HRT approach.  Why not try oestrogen patches (Estrodot 50mcg) or Oestrogel and use this all the time and then either Utrogestan or Provera for just 12 days each month. This would be a sequential regime and involves a monthly bleed but you may find it is worth putting up with the the bleed to feel better generally. Oestrogen tends to be the ‘feel good' hormone but progesterone if often more challenging.

If you look under TREATMENTS in Oestrogen and Progesterone sections you will see the details about this regime and I would print this info off to show the GP, as I doubt he/she will know about this. If your GP won't prescribe this regime then perhaps try Femoston 1/10 sequential as this has a kinder progesterone and may suit you better.

If you are in you 40s or 50s then some HRT now may well help your long term health (and could help you arthritis) so it may be worth persisting to see if you can find an HRT that works - I also think you should probably ask for more specialist advice as you GP is really not up to speed. DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi Pixielilac

Glad you are feeling better. The problem could well have been due to the progestogen in the HRT. With continuous combined HRT types you are taking both oestrogen and progesterone all the time. The progestgoens ( especially the synthetic ones like norethisterone in the Elleste you were taking) can cause susceptible women to have continuous pms type symptoms and could account for your jitteriness.

You are through menopause because you were without a period for 2 and a half years before starting HRT. Symptoms are a different matter though - then can last for may years or only a few and you don't know which will be the case for you!

You might like to try a cyclical HRT ( which gives a withdrawal bleed every 4 weeks) before going back to a continuous combined one - and then you can see if the progestogen component suits you. Femoston is a good one if you prefer tablets - and it comes in two strengths 1/10 and 2/10. If after 3 months this suits you then you could tentatively go for continuous combined although there is no higher strength  (2 mg) version in continuous combined preparations).

Otheriwse there are patches eg Evorel sequ (same progestogen as in Elleste), Femseven sequi or separate oestrogen and progesterone. Look at the Treatments tab and HRT preparations where they are all listed.

How old are you?

Hope this helps and let us know the outcome

Hurdity x

PS SNAP Dancingirl - we must have been writing our posts at the same time - at least we are in agreement as usual!

[Pixielilac]

Thankyou for your replies. I am 54 and my doc has mentioned patches, I am seeing the doc Friday so will probably post again when I have seen him.