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[Meadowblue]

Really looking for advice please.  Menopausal since age 51.  Really struggled for over 9 years with flushing, insomnia, acid reflux and loss of libido.  Doctor didn't recommend HRT as it was at the time when doctors were actually taking people of it due to the scare stories.  Thought I could manage without and am only on Vagifem for atrophy which has been a lifesaver.  Unfortunately the past few months all these symptoms are back with a vengeance.  My doctor is happy to have a chat and possibly give me a try on HRT and I would like to do this  but I'm worried.  Can anyone give advice on what HRT I should be using.  I have an intact womb so presumably that makes a difference.  Also with the reflux tablets are not recommended.  In my teens/20's I struggled with hormonal acne so really wouldn't want anything to cause that again!  Your help would be very much appreciated before I see the doctor.  Thank you.

[Songbird]

Hi Meadowblue
I wonder if starting on, eg, evorel 25 transdermal patch along with relevant progesterone tablet, either orally (which helps my insomnia) or vaginally would be a good starting point for you 🤔.
I started on the 25 dose and, after 3 months, upped it to 50. That suits me.
You really have to see what works for you but this could be an option for you.
I’m sure other ladies will be along soon… 

[CLKD]

Keeping a mood/food/symptom diary can be useful.

What worries you the most about Hreplacement therapy?  Quality of Life is important.  Let us know what you decide, if your GP is knowledgeable that's the place to start.

[Suziemc]

I've a similar 'story', last period 11 yrs ago when I was 49. Minor, manageable hot flushes, total loss of libido so I went to Dr after a couple of years and was told I could have HRT but to read up on the risks first. At the time I decided that risks outweighed benefits so just went for Vagifem to help with VA.

Skip forward 9 years and I'd had enough of the sleepless nights that had crept in, the palpitations and extremely dry skin not to mention the still absent libido, plus a lot more positive coverage on the benefits of HRT so I went back to my GP last year and was given Oestrogel and Utrogestan.  These helped immediately with the interrupted sleep, hot flushes and palpitations.  I started on 2 pumps of gel but symptoms crept back so I upped to 3, I like that the gel is easy to change dose if needed. Sadly libido is still missing, I ask for testosterone each visit but GP can't/won't prescribe, I'm hoping that'll change sometime soon.

So, my message, as a now 60 year old (how'd that happen 😳) and a relative newbie on HRT, is give it a go.

[CLKD]

A GP won't prescribe testosterone without a Specialists advice.  What makes you think, Suziemc., that you need it?

Quality of Life - after all that bus might be along B4 any nasties appear as a result of HRT!

[Suziemc]

A GP won't prescribe testosterone without a Specialists advice.  What makes you think, Suziemc., that you need it?

Quality of Life - after all that bus might be along B4 any nasties appear as a result of HRT!

I want to try testosterone as it often helps with low libido, as mine is non existent it's got to be worth a try. Ive had my testerone level tested and it's at the low end of the scale.  Some GPs will prescribe testosterone, it generally depends on their experience and whether they are willing to prescribe off-licence.

[CLKD]

Low libedo is difficult!  Let us know what your GP suggests?

[Meadowblue]

Thank you everyone.  Plenty to think about .  My appointment is on the 24th May so will let you know how it goes.

[Meadowblue]

So very happy with my gp visit yesterday.  She fully discussed risks re benefits of hrt and took note of all my symptoms and then agreed it was worth prescribing hrt for 3 months with a review at 1 month.  Prescribed OESTROGEL pump and utrogestan tablet.  Then the problem came in that chemist didn’t have a month’s supply of utrogestan .  Hopefully will get some soon and will then start.  She only said 1 pump of OESTROGEL which didnt seem a lot but I’ll give it a go.

[sheila99]

A GP won't prescribe testosterone without a Specialists advice.  What makes you think, Suziemc., that you need it?

Quality of Life - after all that bus might be along B4 any nasties appear as a result of HRT!

I want to try testosterone as it often helps with low libido, as mine is non existent it's got to be worth a try. Ive had my testerone level tested and it's at the low end of the scale.  Some GPs will prescribe testosterone, it generally depends on their experience and whether they are willing to prescribe off-licence.

Testosterone sorted out my completely absent libido. You can ask for a referral to an NHS menopause clinic to get it but it's usually a long wait. The alternative is to see someone privately and see if your gp will prescribe based on their recommendations (just make sure it isn't androfemme as you won't get that on the nhs).

[suzysunday]

Hi meadowblue. Glad you made progress with the gp. Can I ask if you had to have any kind of tests like blood pressure or blood test before you were prescribed hurt? Keep us posted with progress as I'd like to try myself. Hope you benefit from it.