HRT options help

Hi everyone

I've spent an hour looking through the posts to see if I can find some advice, but to no avail.

Can anyone please give me some HRT advice. I'm currently on Estradol 50 microgram patches twice weekly and they seem to be working fine with some symptoms (I don't get any hot flashes, sweats), however the last few days I've been feeling really miserable and am taking it out on my partner. I'm still off work (beginning of week 3 of recovery), so boredom could be a factor as I'm on my own at home all day with just the tv for company. I'm also finding it really difficult to get to sleep.

I've been reading about different types of HRT and am thinking about trying to the 6-monthly implant. Have any of you tried this and would you recommend it. The only downside I've read about is that it can leave you with little lumps in your abdomen.

Thanking you in advance for any assistance you can give me. xx

Hello!

You're really early in your recovery and it's normal to experience symptoms. This is true of women who kept their ovaries as well as those who didn't, and it happens with or without hormones, too.

After surgery it takes time for our bodies to deplete the hormones our ovaries made. As those levels deplete and as we adapt to our hormone therapy, it's not uncommon to experience menopause symptoms. While the natural reaction is to want to make it better immediately by increasing, decreasing or changing our hormone therapy completely, it just doesn't work that way. It's best to be patient and give the hormone therapy time to work and for things to settle down as you get further into recovery. Keep a journal of your symptoms to share with the doctor. That will help determine what, if any, changes need to be made.

There are a lot of hormone therapy choices which is a good thing because what works really well for some isn't right for others. As early as you are in the process, I honestly don't think the implanted hormones would be best right now. There are members who have experience with them. Common complaints are the cost of it and the cost of the testing of hormone levels. Many find that their insurance does not cover this form of hormone therapy. Another concern relates to finding hormone balance. Since hormone balancing is not an exact science, it still takes trial and error to hit on the optimum dose. If you end up with too much, you're stuck with it until it wears off whereas if you're using another form of hormone therapy, you can easily have the dose adjusted.

Here's a link to a comprehensive list of hormone therapy options: Menopause Hormone Replacement Options.

Let us know what you decide to do, okay?

Hi April Dawn

Thank you so much for your reply. I also had a chat with my consultant last week and he advised against the implant as well because they work less and less each month.

It's my second day back at work today and am struggling sitting at my desk for any length of time, I end up in a lot of pain and discomfort and don't know what to do with myself, so I end up standing for half an hour or so until it eases again. I'm also struggling with my emotions, especially with regards to not being able to have children. Sorry, I'm going on now.

Thanks again for your help. I've decided to stick with the patches.

xx

I'm glad you were able to discuss your options with your consultant. I hope that your symptoms will ease off soon.

Would it be possible to work part time until you feel better? Some women find it's easier to gradually work up to a full day but I know that's not always possible.

There's a special message board on this site where you can get support from women who can relate to the emotional impact this surgery can have when bearing children is no longer an option. It's called Aching Hearts and you're welcome to post a new thread there so members can help with that aspect of your recovery.

Best wishes!