Can HRT make you feel worse? How to tell if your hormone replacement therapy isn’t working

[@michelleedwards2416]

I can totally relate. Finally GP has changed my tibolone hrt to oestrogen only patches last week. Praying this helps as I’m at the end of my tether now. I’ll be looking out for more videos. Thank you

[@50Sense]

I hope the patches help, Michelle. Make sure you're looking after your lifestyle, too - easier said than done at times, I know! Good luck x

[@michelleedwards2416]

@@50Sense Thank you. I definitely need to make improvements to my lifestyle, to start building my self esteem again 🙏🏻

[@shirleyac12]

Thank you

[@seven471]

A couple things I want to say here and that is it may not be that HRT isn't working for you, it may be that your dosage is wrong. It takes quite a while to tweak it all.. probably I'm gonna say the better part of a year. Secondly even if you do show high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and prediabetes, some of that is because of the lack of hormones. Especially if you had perfect blood work and all of a sudden in menopause you have all of these ailments. Try and still adjust all of your hormones FIRST before you start taking statins and other drugs. But I would support the thyroid idea because there's nothing negative about getting that optimized in addition to hormones.

[@50Sense]

Such an important point that the dosage takes time to get right. It's not an overnight thing. Thanks Seven.

[@alisonjackson5814]

I so agree. I think lots of women start HRT - expect immediate results, and when they don’t get complete relief- give up and say it hasn’t worked for them! Often symptoms reappear after a while. It took me 10months and 4 increases of Lenzetto (to 5) to feel it was right.

[@r8chlletters]

Fully agree what is missing here is the time it takes to determine the correct HRT levels. It can take several appointments and what drives that change is communicating to your doctor whether your issues are nearly or totally resolved. I tell my friends they shouldn’t settle for anything less than 90% or better. HRT is a lifesaver!

[@DsnyLuv]

I had to stop the stradiol patch, I was having heart issues as soon as I stopped I feel so much better from my ❤️

[@CatJourney198]

Do you mind sharing what heart issues? I started having chest pain since starting. However, I also read that chest pains can be a peri symptom?

[@jessicahitchens6926]

You need Progesterone too and good supplements. You were not taking it properly. Oh and fluttering heart or palpitations are symptoms of a hormone deficiency or insufficiency.

[@allisonbisset7318]

Even patch placement can vary in what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I have always been told to place patch on my upper butt cheek, beneath underwear (big girl pants lol) away from seems 👍

[@50Sense]

I tried mine on my bum but it would wrinkle and you get strange looks when you shove your hands down your jeans to try and put it right 😅

[@allisonbisset7318]

@@50Sense 🤣😅😂

[@bradcap3035]

Thank you so much this really helps and I am another high bum cheek patcher with wrinkles 😀

[@annramsey7907]

I just looked up the natural hormone cycle of a pre-menopausal woman and discovered that right after my period my bloating was down and I felt good and that was my estrogen dominant time of the month. Then the later half of each month my progesterone was dominant and I was bloated and grumpy and all kinds of overemotional and that was my pms or progesterone dominant time of the month. I won't touch progesterone any more because I hated pms and most definitely do not want to spend my entire rest of my life in a permanent state of pms.

[@50Sense]

So many people have problems with progesterone. I'm loking back on so much of my menstrual life and wondering how much pain could have been avoided if I'd known about PMDD

[@r8chlletters]

As someone who suffered PMD I can tell you HRT is not going to recreate your PMS. And I can tell you that if your bloat is daily and progressive and you are in your 40s or older you may have a common problem-abdominal tumors. I had several and was ultimately landed with major surgery. If I could go back I would have had radiology done a decade before when it might have been minor surgery. Now I have a giant suture line and it was an awful recovery. Do yourself a favor. Go see your OB and request a scan. It’s always better to know exactly what’s going on and trust me you can’t tell if it’s a tumor without a scan. Best of luck on your journey.

[@reinadelmar11]

Yes, I'd like to hear more about your story. I am only one month into it and so I can't really say. Not sure how long it takes to kick in and for my body to adjust to it.

[@dionnewilliams3392]

Thanks for this lovely 😘 I can totally relate x

[@50Sense]

That is so lovely of you! Thank you x😘

[@bradcap3035]

Thank you I'll be watching for more clips 😀

[@50Sense]

That's lovely to hear! Thanks Suzanne x

[@Deltanurse]

thank you for sharing, I am trying to decide which to try

[@50Sense]

Good luck and remember it will take time to settle in to your body x

[@hayleysmith5077]

Thanks so much for Sharing I am premenopausal getting estrodial gel plus anticonceptional still adjusting the dosage I believe in HRT indeed Blessings 🌷🙏🏻💪🏻

[@50Sense]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Hayley. I hope you get your dosage sorted - it can take a time to do it x

[@hayleysmith5077]

@@50Sense lovely from you to answer , Adjusting my dosage with a Good Professional ongoing , Wish you the best blessings

[@sharondrabble9668]

I started Evoril conti patches in March this year and although my flushes have more or less stopped and I sleep pretty well my energy levels have just completely gone and am just constantly exhausted. I also sometimes have headaches when I wake up.. I started a new job in July which i hate and its very stressful which just adds to everything. I went to the GP back in July and she said to stay on the patch a bit longer but if anything things are getting worse... I have another GP appointment on the 8th November and will ask if I can try the HRT pills. To be honest I'm thinking of coming off of it altogether as I'm sure I didn't feel this exhausted before starting HRT.... I.may even go back to HRT supplements as I found them much more beneficial..

[@50Sense]

Hi Sharon. I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling this bad. HRT takes around 3 months to settle in, but it can sometimes take a little longer. Plus you have all the stress with your new job! Nightmare! It may be useful to chat about testosterone as that can help energy levels, although it's not licensed for HRT use in England. Some GPs will prescribe it, though. But I'm glad you're seeing your GP - it's important to get symptoms handled professionally as it could be a variety of reasons and not just menopause. Good luck and let me know how you get on. x

[@r8chlletters]

Testosterone is all about energy and confidence. Also helps prevent weight gain by allowing you to build muscle more effectively. It’s pretty important actually and still utterly forgotten unless you specifically ask for it.

[@judithgoldstraw4952]

Can totally relate to this tried and tried with different ways of taking my hrt and still not working for me. Feel very frustrated

[@50Sense]

It shouldn't be this difficult, should it? #sigh

[@judithgoldstraw4952]

@@50Sense unfortunately it is

[@r8chlletters]

You don’t say whether you had a dose increase or are working with a specialist on your levels but that makes a world of difference. It takes several visits and careful recording to make sure you get what you actually need. Every visit may only be a .5 increase (like it was for me to get to a full 2mg estradiol) despite my mother having used that level as I kept telling my doctor…good luck to you as you sort it out. Totally worth the hard work to get where I am!

[@tammypeddle-gosse9464]

Sorry, but I could not watch because I was getting motion sickness!

[@PowellTracey9]

I've been on hrt patches for over 12 months & it has helped a lot but I get light bleeds quite regularly which make me feel exhausted & very low. They generally last a couple of days. Can just happen when I change a patch or randomly but its quite frustrating to be back dealing with bleeds again 😕

[@janemasini2810]

I'm on the mireena coil and estradot 100mg , I'm still spotting on an off periods then i stop 2 wks starts again, i suffer from sleep anxiety and anxiety!! Still feel awful not sleeping it's been 14 mths had full bloods and biopsy womb all clear even my thyroid fine😮❤

[@r8chlletters]

You are on a rather low dose. Document your issues over time carefully. Take your notes to a specialty so they can sort it out with you. Your reporting is what drives the correct dosing levels. It can take several appointments to sort it out.

[@stephanieferguson5672]

I’m having issues with the headaches on hrt! Did you find that to be a issue that got better over time?

[@50Sense]

I haven't - but I did when I was on the mini-pill years ago. Have a chat with your healthcare provider as they may want to change the dosage. x

[@seven471]

I am too and I'm wondering if it's my estrogen is a little too high dosage

[@50Sense]

@@seven471 It's such a trial and error! Grrr!!!

[@alisonjackson5814]

I had this when I increased my dosage. I went from 4 to 5 Lenzetto sprays. It was too much in 1 go so my specialist nurse suggested splitting the dose. I do 3 in a morning at 2 at bedtime. Worked perfectly! X3 is enough to keep flushes at bay in the day & the x2 tops it up so no night sweats.

[@r8chlletters]

@@alisonjackson5814 estrogen is a stimulant meant to be taken in the morning…progesterone at night as it makes you sleepy. The patch gives a better ongoing dosage of estrodile. Available treatment products vary by country but it’s important that women understand estrogen isn’t ideal at night as it may interfere with sleep which is already a problem for most of us once our innate hormones are faltering. Good luck to you!

[@lisapruitt9301]

when i get sick my HRT stops working which is horrible, when I finally get well. it starts to work again

[@tracytwigger4346]

Hi I've just found your videos my menopause journey has been hell I've been on menopause for 10 yrs first 7 i didnt take anything but last 4 years tried many different sorts but still no joy the last ones ive been on is evoril conti and anxiety goes through the roof that i csrnt explain so its about after 6 weeks i take it off i do think i am progesterone intolerance but i carnt get coil in dr tried 3 times so i dont really know where to go from here with regards to progesterone have u any ideas much appreciated thank you

[@elizabethellis6987]

I had to go under general anaesthetic to get the coil fitted as I have a severely introverted cervix. May be worth asking. Also, have you tried utrogestan with an oestrogen gel? I could tolerate that better than combined oestrogen and progesterone.

[@tracytwigger4346]

@@elizabethellis6987 thankyou , i have tried the utrogestan internally, but that was no good , I have never tried the gel, i dont really like tablets (bit funny that way ) its a mine field isnt it, i have even been private at Newsons, but they didnt seem much better they just kept telling me to up my patch, which made me feel worse, and i bled for nearly 3 years , and not once did anyone mention progesterone intolerance, (i used to have bad pmt ) i think everyone is different, but the way menopause messes with your mind, i think is the most scary, Thankyou again x

[@paintingclasses4317]

We can't get estrogel in New Zealand and the patches are giving me a delayed rash even though my doc thinks it's something else!? Pharmac don't get for NZ only Australia and my doctor can't write a prescription for it in Australia. Even though my sister lives in Australia can't get it and she's 9 years younger so getting perimenapause. I have hot flushes ever 30 minutes and night sweats and 20 day bleeding

[@50Sense]

There are other forms of medication you can take to help the hot flushes, such as some antidepressants. Also, an anti-histamine may help your rash. But please, talk it over with your healthcare provider too. This might help: www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/bay-of-plenty-doctor-linda-dear-heads-petition-calling-for-more-estrogen-options-in-menopause-treatment/PX2PXTARO5EWZBNAJ4J4NJR6PU/

[@r8chlletters]

This rash can and does happen if the patch gets overheated (even on a warm car seat). My specialist switched me to oral estradiol and it works great. Sorry NZ has limited options but I know there are pharmacies in Canada that do mail delivery with a doctors script. Might have to pay out of pocket but honestly I would pay a ransom to avoid suffering without HRT. Good luck to you!

[@rosedaoud7365]

Biffy, but what about if you've started to get sick on estrogen and sick without. for example with me I started to get headaches and nose bleeding even on the lowest dose of estradot patches and when I stopped, I get all the symptoms back. any experiences with that one!!???

[@50Sense]

I have to say, I have never heard of that until now. I used to suffer nosebleeds as a child so I know how distressing they can be 😢 What does your healthcare provider say?

[@rosedaoud7365]

Some say that I'm too high on estrogen which I agreed, because each time I change the patch I get the headaches within ours and then only when I blow my nose it bleeds a bit. I can't have vaginal bleed because I've had a hysterectomy .

[@50Sense]

It's a difficult one, isn't it? It could be your body readjusting or too much oestrogen or perhaps not even enough. That's the thing with hormones, they're so under-researched and a lot is trial and error. There are good lifestyle ways to help with symptoms, but again they take a while to get going. You have my sympathy as I know how frustrating it can be x

[@rosedaoud7365]

@@50Sense all good Biffy thanks for sharing and replying 😊

[@alisonjackson5814]

Perhaps you’d benefit from a different product? Lenzetto spray is smaller doses…. So you could start on 1, and adjust after that’s settled. Adding another. Etc. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@insideoutbeauty3170]

started 2 weeks ago.... it's been up and down, first slept like a baby , but was drowsy all day.... stopped the prometrium in capsule and went for the cream in progesterone. It is on and off. My estrogen is Estrogel . Im trying to find the sweet spot. My major symptom is anxiety

[@50Sense]

Huge hug - I know the anxiety only too well x

[@daphnee-souffledor]

could you say with progesterone cream do you use ? thank you

[@janmartell9792]

HRT cream does not work for me, but capsules do.

[@sunithadeoraj6455]

Hi I can relate. How do you know what's best for u. Each individual is different... My hormones go wacky. Feel not worthy.

[@50Sense]

It's trial and error, I'm afraid, Sunitha. I would say to go for patches or the gel and utrogestan as they have least risks and most women are happy with them. Good luck! x

[@janemasini356]

I'm going on the utrogestran and oestrogen gel , same that your uses, I got the mireena coil for 16 mths and estadot patch100mg, ivd been bleeding and spotting and periods , I had ultrasound scan and they found out that it lower inthd uterus can't find thd strings ,so I'm going under sedation to remove it! But I'm nog sure to replace it , as I'm very uncertain if it happens again? I'm not sure if utrogestran will work for heavy periods? I do suffer from anxiety and sleep anxiety, so they advised utrogestran!❤

[@50Sense]

Let me know how it goes. If you're taking utrogestan every night, you should be good x

[@janemasini356]

@50Sense hi thank you, I've got my prescription for utrogestran and estragel , I'm using the estragel ,doing fine on that, I haven't started utrogestran, I'm a bit scared, to start it as I read that it can make you sick and groggy and bleed more? I'm awaiting to get the coil removed, I haven't decided to reinsert one , as I'm doubtful in what has happened to the coil at present , the menopause clinic said to me to take the utrogestran 1 at night for 2weeks then 2 weeks off ,she also told me it should help me sleep , help me with my sleep anxiety. Thank you for your response

[@r8chlletters]

Seems like you are taking a few things but progesterone helps with sleep and testosterone with anxiety…I take both and find they help me tremendously. Remember it’s a triad (E/P/T) most doctors don’t even consider testosterone but it is critical for confidence, anxiety and muscle building (and losing fat). Good luck with your procedure.

[@janemasini356]

@r8chlletters Thank you ever so much for your advice, I'm still not tried the utrogestran yet! I've heard bad things about it, so I'm in limbo with that, I'm also still awaiting for my coil to be removed , I'm not sure if I'm replacing it , I probably have to because of the bleeds. The Dr want me to go on the utrogestran for my sleep and anxiety 🙃, they never mentioned testosterone, which I heard goid for brain fog which I suffer also from and no sex drive, need to sort out my sleep and anxiety 1st. Thanks again.

[@r8chlletters]

@@janemasini356 doctors in the US won’t prescribe testosterone unless you state clearly that you suffer from sexual dysfunction (no orgasm)…so if you want to try it be prepared to say what is required to “jump the hoops”. Sadly the many other elements that make it valuable for health and quality of life are not recognized.

[@dawnbranch9169]

Had to change from evoril continue patch was on 50mg was good to start with symptoms definitely better, after 5 months symptoms started to return so put up to 100mg evoril patch.. then had heavy bleeding, now off patches and been put on gel 1. Pump twice a day and progesterone 200mg every day .. I’m post menopause.. Only been on pump 1 week .. feel totally exhausted, when can I go up on the pump ? Heads all over the place

[@50Sense]

It can take a while for the oestrogen to start kicking in and up to 3 months for it to fully work. GIve it another few weeks and see how you start feeling. Are you taking the progesterone at night, too? That can make you very drowsy. Magnesium can help energy levels too, but check with your pharmacist before taking supplements x

[@r8chlletters]

Oral estradiol if the topical methods don’t work for you. Many women who can’t tolerate the topicals (like me) use this. Works great! 2mgE/200mgP/.75gmT

[@carolinebutcher4705]

Would appreciate some advice been using gel two pumps and 1 progesterone tablet at night was told I can increase to 4 pumps but still have trouble sleeping can you suggest anything I can change thanks

[@50Sense]

You can, but check with your GP or your menopause specialist first. I'm on 3 pumps now. Also keep a diary of what you eat, drink etc to see if there's anything that triggers your insomnia and try meditation or some mindfulness before bed. I found that helped a lot. One thing I really found helped was baby bubble bath with lavender in it!!!!!!

[@seven471]

You need more estradiol

[@alisonjackson5814]

I wouldn’t jump from 2 to 4. I’d add a 3rd.. let that settle in for a month and then add a 4th if you need to. You may want to do the 3rd at bedtime, to spread the dose, it may help the sleep thing. Also, I have the free ‘sleep cycle’ app… I only ever play the same ‘story’- my brain is so switched to it, I’m asleep really fast. Headphones help too.

[@50Sense]

@Alison Jackson Doing the 3rd at night is a really good idea - also because 3 takes ages to rub in!!!

[@rebeccapetford7824]

I'm on patches and tablet and the last 4 weeks it feels like they've stopped working I feel awful the sweating is worse than ever .I can't go out because I'm drenched. Have no idea what yo do

[@50Sense]

Go back and ask your GP. It may be that you need a stronger oestrogen patch. Please go back and talk about it x

[@r8chlletters]

You’re supposed to keep seeing your specialist several times to solve your dosing levels. Changes are based solely on your self reporting. Dosing increase are incremental ai be prepared to solve this in about a year with multiple follow ups. Good luck 👍

[@lauolivia29]

Where is the tracker? I could not find it :(

[@50Sense]

Ah, the link hasn't shown up as clickable. It's at www.pausitivity.co.uk and if you go to support pack you can get it there. Thanks for pointing it out x

[@paintingclasses4317]

Please is there anywhere I can get the gel as I have a rash all over my body. I'm in a terrible state.

[@50Sense]

See your GP or healthcare provider - hormones are powerful and should be taken under medical supervision x

[@r8chlletters]

So if you got a rash from the patch this can happen and it happened to me actually. This is when the hormones “dump” too much because they are heated (in a shower or hot tub or a hot car seat). This can give you a full load dose all at once. Take a photo of your rash and go see your specialist about alternate treatment options. In my case I switched to oral estradiol and I’m very happy!

[@Brîndușa_D]

@r8chletters Woman, you are trolling every singlecomment here.HRT is not for evryone even it is trendy to take these.Sincerely, you are cringey af...

[@catherinekelly3987]

How can I find out what you have done. I have been on it for a year and nothing is working

[@50Sense]

It can be a long and frustrating journey, I know. Here's all that happened to me! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2jMlKOlndKLbZo&lc=Ugzc508i_NSRsLvlqUh4AaABAg

[@r8chlletters]

If you haven’t seen an HRT specialist that can make all the difference!

[@LesIsMoreTube]

50

[@wem-c9f]

I am post menopausal and on 50 mcg and then 100mcg… I never experienced any bleeding or breast tenderness at all so I don’t think my dose is too high. I am also on 100mg Prometrium daily. I am about 1.5 months of HRT now. I get sudden dizziness and it has happened a few times so far. What could it be? I really hope HRT will help my fatigue and low mood.

[@50Sense]

It takes up to 3 months for HRT to settle in, but please call your healthcre provider if you're still feeling dizzy x

[@r8chlletters]

If you are taking the prometrium during the day that is most likely your problem. Take it before bed always. Your dosage is low for both so if you hangs any lagging symptoms go see your specialist again to review it. Took me 4 visits to hammer it out. Oh-and testosterone. That’s what gives you energy and confidence back. Also helps with weight gain and muscle building. Good luck!

[@helensouthland544]

50plus

[@Emjay_____71]

no difference to my heart palpitations 👎🏻 mind you its only been 1 month so I'll carry on

[@50Sense]

Keep an eye on if there is anything triggering the palpitations too!

[@rosedaoud7365]

I do want to share my experience and ask questions, but this walking and talking business is annoying!!! I had to stop the video....my heart was racing + no need for fast tone music

[@50Sense]

Oh I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it, Rose. They're not all like that. x

[@LisaMarie-rh5yn]

Omg right!? 😅 You’re lovely “50 sense” but the walk, talk, & video! 😬

[@beeznhoney4323]

@@50Sense everything isnt for everyone. I just found your channel and very much ENJOYED the walking and conversation, but..I also love to exercise. Good info. Keep going🚶🏼‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️

[@50Sense]

@@beeznhoney4323 I'm glad you liked it, Beez! I've had some personal issues recently, but a new video is on the way!

[@beeznhoney4323]

@@50Sense sending🌻🌻🌻🌻🙏

[@sallyedwards7162]

Typical Britain, fastest wrong way around everything, been watching alot of HRT clinics abroad that start with incredibly good blood tests taking everything into consideration, they work out a unique balance for what YOUR system needs, not guess work

[@50Sense]

Forth Hormone Mapping in the UK is also doing great work with blood tests. It's an interesting subject.

[@sallyedwards7162]

@@50Sense thank you i'll investigate

[@50Sense]

Keeping a track of your symptoms is a good way to start. Also, a diary of what you eat or do can help to show if there is anything that triggers symptoms too.

[@50Sense]

@Miami Sadly, a lot of it is trial and error :(

[@28fabrice]

For such a serious topic I am baffled by the idea of making this video whilst walking the streets. It's just so distracting 😔

[@mandynogradi2614]

50

[@kgunderson9003]

50plus

[@50Sense]

😀

[@helensouthland544]

50plus