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[Sal1970]

Hi there, first time to post although I have been reading for a while.  Finally took the plunge and started HRT on 9th March.  In retrospect it might have been better not to start at the beginning of a pandemic (not to mention the difficulty getting the patches!).  I was prescribed Evorel Sequi - which was out of stock everywhere but a very helpful pharmacist gave me Evorel 50 and Evorel Conti which he said was the same.  Anyway - started feeling better pretty much straight away.  However the first couple of days on the Conti I noticed a large lump in my left breast that wasn't there before and my breasts were really tender.  I put off going to the doctor - mainly due to Covid - but have been this morning - she has referred me to the breast clinic which is fine.  I have had cysts before although she said this wasn't entirely smooth - on the other hand she also said that if it appeared that quickly then it sounded like a cyst. What worries me (aside from the obvious) - is that she seemed to know nothing about HRT.  She wasn't my usual GP - and what I really want to know is - is it ok to be taking the Evorel with a history of breast cysts? 

Thank you for reading all that!!!!

[CLKD]

Well no surprise there then!  Not many GPs seem to have HRT knowledge.

As for the lump ....... my Mum got them after eating shellfish! 

Your GP is going the correct route.  It could be HRT triggered or a coincidence.

Welcome!

[sheila99]

I agree it's more likely to be a cyst as it's come so quickly, I had one like that too, convinced it was bc of course... I don't believe hrt is contraindicated for cysts but I was advised to stop until it had been checked out. I've had 3 cysts, 2 before hrt, 1 while taking it.

[jaypo]

I agree, it's most likely a cyst,does it move about when you press on it? I used to get very lumpy breasts when I was having periods and so so tender.Drs aren't experts on these things so she is right to refer you,always best to be safe,let us know how you get on

[Sal1970]

I agree it's more likely to be a cyst as it's come so quickly, I had one like that too, convinced it was bc of course... I don't believe hrt is contraindicated for cysts but I was advised to stop until it had been checked out. I've had 3 cysts, 2 before hrt, 1 while taking it.

Thank you!  I find that quite encouraging - pretty much my precise history.  I really do think it came on pretty much overnight - but obviously still freaking out.  Very lucky to get an appointment at the breast clinic on Wednesday.

I know that GPs aren't renowned for their menopause / HRT knowledge but I really was shocked at *how* hopeless she was, given that she's a woman in her 50s.  Really made me appreciate the GP I usually see. 

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on?

[dahliagirl]

I have found that the 'wrong' bra causes no end of problems with my breasts.  Lumpiness, irritation and itching. I have ended up at he breast clinic but they could find nothing.

I never had this problem before - sometimes they didn't fit very well and were annoying but that was it (and they ended up in the charity bra bank - they have one at our local breast clinic, worth looking)

So far I have solved this by trying to find the most natural shaped ones, going up several cup sizes and avoiding the ones with firm side support.  Definite balconette styles are also out as the ones that take the weight in the middle of the cup are better.

I am down to a fantasie Rebecca, in various colours and styles based on it that appear from time to time.  I have a drawer full to go to charity at the moment. 

Hope you get on well on Wednesday.

[Sal1970]

Thanks folks. Yep, just a cyst which has now been drained. The consultant said no reason to change the HRT and confirmed that if I have had cysts before they may well continue to appear.

Phew.

[jaypo]

Great news Sal,weight off your mind 

[dahliagirl]

Good to hear.

[Lanzalover]

That's great news.

Lanzalover x

[jaypo]

I was in such a state about my first time cysts,as we all would be but my OH paid for me to go private and the specialist said,no need to drain cysts as they can just fill up again but the  two that I had were big and I did get them drained,the nurse did it under ultrasound and I could see them disappearing on the monitor

[CLKD]

Apparently 85% of women in the UK are wearing the wrong size of bra!!!  because we don't take account of changing body size and hormone input on breasts as well as being measured incorrectly.  We need to take account of the area across the back too and measure under, over the nipples and across the chest/breast area.  I was measured in 3 different bra shops a few years ago and had 3 different sizes offered.

I haven't worn 1 for years ...........

[dahliagirl]

I have gone down a back size (and hence up a cup size to compensate), then up about another 2/3 cup sizes. (32D to 30FF).  There is a lot of difference between manufacturers so I stick to the one which has proved best (still mourning the loss of Warner which was taken over by Ultimo and vanished).  I can't afford to keep trying new manufacturers.

This is mainly because there is more fatty tissue than there was    but I think that is also a feature of meno - breast tissue being replaced with more fatty tissue.

It seems to be the additional support around the sides, or shapes that push in from the sides that are the problem.  I suppose that is where there is a lot of 'drainage' taking place.  Sadly, it is also the shape of most bras for the petite & reasonably buxom.

[jaypo]

I only buy from boux Avenue,they measured me and the bras fit perfectly