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[VintageJune72]

Hi there,

I am new to the site.  Had a total hysterectomy in 2016.

I am looking at getting an appointment with someone regarding this as GPs put up my HRT from Eldest 1mg to 2mg as immediately after hyst in Jan 2016, I started having no control of bladder and felt symptoms, loss of libido etc. I saw a gynae and they advised there was only a problem with my pelvis, which i hadn't had the night before the op!

Anyway, libido is still lat an all time low. I have all the usual symptoms, loss of energy, skin rubbish, weight gain, feel awful about myself etc.

My question is.... i read that it is cheaper to get your GP's to do full bloods and have those ready before a meeting with a bio specialist but, do I need to stop taking my Ellesete prior to the bloods being done and if so, for approximately how long. I would hate for them to interfere with any results i am tasking along.

TIA

[Dancinggirl]

H and welcome to mm

Why did you have the full hysterectomy?
Are you on Elleste combined hrt or are you in oestrogen only pills.
If you are on a prescribedHRT like Elleste then you are already on bio identical oestrogen. If you are on Elleste 2/10 then this includes a strong progesterone that may not suit you and there are alternatives available on the NHS.
Bladder problems are common when there is oestrogen deficiency but i believe that after a hysterectomy the bladder can sometimes prolapse a bit and this could cause problems. I would definitely ask to be examined to see if there are problems.

The oestrogen in nearly all HRTs given by the NHS is bio identical so you don't need to see a specialist or pay to get this.  If you are thinking of paying to see an alternative therapist who prescribes compounded hormones, then please don't, as the hormonal preparations that they give out are not tested so could be unsafe.
You could have blood tests done by your GP to see if your body is absorbing the oestrogen effectively - oestrogen patches or gel can often absorb better.
I would go back to your GP and ask to be referred to a urologist for advice about your bladder and also ask if you could try an alternative hrt type - perhaps Estradot patches and maybe a higher dose e.g. 75mcg? If you had endometriosis then you may need progesterone as well so this is why I asked why you have the hysterectomy - there are barious progesterones available to try.
Ask to be referred to a menopause clinic if the GP isn't helpful.
Weight gain is common when menopause hits - you have been plunged into menopause overnight so this is a shock for the body. I'm afraid you have to permenantly eat less, cut out as much sugar as possible and get enough exercise.

The other thing you need is local oestrogen which is inserted into the vagina and this may well improve your bladder problems. Vagifem is the most popular and easiest to use. Use vaginal moisturisers daily to make you intimate area more comfortable and use lubrication (I like Durex Perfect Glide) to make sex easier and more pleasurable.
Look under TREATMENTS on this site to see your options for HRT prescriptions. You can buy moisturisers and lubricants online.
You should not have to pay to get the help you need - this site can help you to get clued up so you can get the GP to help you.
DG x