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[TraceyDenise]

Hi all, I've recently been diagnosed with being perimenopausal, and have been been prescribed Elleste Duet 2mg HRT tablets. I've been taking it almost 4 weeks now but am really struggling with the side effects. I feel really bloated all the time, have had bouts of constipation, have bouts of brain fog and have put on several pounds in weight and I generally feel under the weather. Is this normal ?, will these symptoms pass at some point ?. Any advise or info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance

[CLKD]

Could you ask for patches rather than tablets?

  some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress.  I hate that bloated feeling, too many pumpkin seeds at breakfast cause it, which I've taken 3 months to realise   

[Hurdity]

Hi Traceydenise

  from me too.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself in terms of menopause - how old you are, what your periods and cycles and bleeds were doing in the months leading up to starting HRT?

When you say diagnosed with peri-menopause - if you are over 45 and still have a womb, not on POP etc then this is diagnosed on the basis of your cycle length changing, combined with symptoms.

Re side effects - how we advise you will depend to some extent on your answers to the Qs but as a general priniciple it is usually advised to give HRT 3 months before deciding to alter dose or type - to give side effects a chance to settle. If these persist you could try a different type eg Femoston which is better-tolerated by some women.

Hurdity x

[TraceyDenise]

Hi Hurdity, I am 52 and I don't experience periods any more as I have taking Desogestrel 75mg contraceptive tablets for a couple of years now.

[Hurdity]

Ah I see. Then one reason for your ongoing symptoms could well be far too much progestogen - which can give rise to unpleasant side effects. You just don't need that much.

Have you thought of having a Mirena coil instead? Or the contraceptive pill that contains estradiol too like QLAIRA or ZOELY? Also I have heard of women being prescribe double desogestrel to use as part of HRT so you could add oestrogen only alongside - but this would be very much off licence and under proper medical supervision to ensure the endometrium was protected?

Hurdity x

[TraceyDenise]

Hi Hurdity, you've been really helpful,  I will speak to my doctor this week about changing medication