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[Emm225]

Hi all, sorry a bit long winded but at wits end and have been trying for two weeks to get hold of a doctor's appointment with no joy.

I am on HRT... estrodot 50 with utrogestone 100.  The doc increased my oestrogen the other month from 35mg to 50 mg to  " see if that helps with the bleed shows you keep getting".  I have had all the tests and scans and lining is thin (or it was when they did them 3 months or more ago when I was on the old dose of estrodot) but still I kept getting spotting every few weeks.  I was on 25 mg estrodot when I started, FEb 2020, and it's been increased twice, roughly after 16 months or so. because of symptoms

I did read that the mirena coil could help with this but my doctor said "I've NEVER heard of anyone having a mirena fitted  mid/post meno!" (I will add here I had the mirena for nigh on 20 years..not the same one (!) and never ever had any problems until I had the last one...when I got occasional spotting.  Doc took it out as was near the end of its life as he wondered if it caused spotting.

 I then crashed totally although doc says there was NO way it was helping with meno symptoms...and no perhaps not so much the mental flatness but boy oh boy when it was out I went into full on meno...anxiety worse than before, catastophying, sweats, sleepless nights...was horrible.  Lasted a month or two, went to docs, prescribed anti dep, which I didnt take, went and saw another doc and went onto HRT although was v worried cos of the media hype over cancer but quality of life over quantity and lots of research and picking apart statistics and studies convinced me it was the right thing to do...this was before Davina  or anyone in the public eye really publicised HRT. I have to say honestly it improved my life massively although took a while to adjust to the utrogesten.

So...lately I have been getting a lot of stomach pains low down, bloating ( I kept thinking I was constipated but even when I am SURE I am not, I get them) and I wonder if it's since I started on the higher dose of estrodot? I was up in the night with them again last night and it's not nice.  Incidentally also have lower back pain (could be sleeping position tho?) and pain down the back of my right leg...so much so I can't sit for ages ..went to a show last night and I was praying for it to finish!  I don't feel v happy about life at the moment tbh .....it#s horrid at times isn't it. I am 57 btw, fit and normal weight and haven't had periods for 20 odd years (mirena!)

[Raztac10]

I’ve come on here to look for info on same thing! Increased estrodot patch from 50 to 75 about 2 months ago. First month tiny bit of spotting second month slight increase and now bad period type pains. Also have mirena coil for progesterone which has worked really well for me over last 2 1/2 years once it had settled down, it took quite a while.

 Had drs apt last week about the spotting. He asked about the HRT but as I’m also having problem with bloating and fairly regular constipation seems to be focusing on that. Done stool test, bloods tomorrow then reviewing with him next week. If all else clear I’ll be asking more about HRT and whether he thinks it will settle or if I should change. Don’t really want to as I’ve tried combo patches, gel and spray in search for magic combo! I don’t feel 100% but 75% ish. Thought period pains were a thing of the past!

[Emm225]

Oh my goodness...that is me exactly...and I have been constipated too.  I have always been a bit inclined that way but since increasing my oestrogen my stomach and bowel seem to have gone haywire.  Yesterday was a good day..no bloating..but as I stand here now I can virtually feel my stomach bloating ever bigger (and firmer!)  as I type.

I haven't managed to get through to our doctors...it's a nightmare to get an appointment.

[Raztac10]

Hope you’re feeling a bit better.

My stool test came back all clear thank goodness so will see what Dr says next week re HRT.

A private meno specialist I spoke to last year said lack of oestrogen can tend to make you more constipated. It’s awful isn’t it!

Have u tried using the NHS app/online access to book at apt? If your surgery has this option it’s the most straightforward way I find.

[Emm225]

Glad to hear your tests are all clear. 

I managed to see a doctor yesterday (well I think she was a doctor....I see a different person every time, no continuity of care...she could have been a high level nurse or a doctor)  I walked in and she asked what she could do for me.  I explained and tbh she focused only on the bowel problems....which is probably the best thing to do but she wouldn't consider the impact of HRT oestrogen/progesterone levels on my bowel at all...despite me having researched it and taking in evidence.  But I guess they need to rule out things such as cancer first.  I have blood tests tomorrow and have to do a stool test. 

I did cut my new patch yesterday morning, so I was on a lower level of oestrogen to see what happened, and lo and behold my bowel seemed to work again this morning.  BUT I don't feel good in myself , had a massive anxiety attack yesterday afternoon whilst out walking and even my husband noticed that I was subdued, a bit withdrawn and not myself when we were out in the evening with friends.  Which is how I felt when I was lacking in oestrogen...low, withdrawn and anxious.. not much quality of life at all. 
So I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place....

[Emm225]

...and unfortunately our surgery doesn't do on line appointments any more.  It's a joke...I got a notification for a well woman health check the other day ..first one (I 'm 56) but there are no appointments available right to the end of the available calendar which goes to  mid Jan 2023.  Mind you I'm not bothered re the well woman as I think all they do is take BP and perhaps weight and bloods etc which I don't need.

[Raztac10]

How are you now? I’ve had a vaginal scan which was all fine but been referred for a hysteroscopy as still spotting. Also been prescribed extra progesterone- Provera on top of mirena to see if that helps although not taken any yet. Constipation comes and goes!