HRT - Care To Share Your Experiences?

[Calliecake]

I’ve been thinking of you @Ally T and hoping all went well for you today.

 

[monarch64]

This is a great thread!

After having “you could set your watch by it” periods my entire life—so much so that when TTC we got pregnant the first try—at 43/44 I began having crazy periods that lasted forever. Saw my gyno, and she recommended an IUD. I got a Mirena at 44 and have never looked back. Within 7 months my periods stopped entirely. I can tell my body is still doing its usual thing based on monthly breast tenderness, a tiny bit of spotting (nearly unnoticeable), and a bit of acne (almost nothing.) This is my first IUD ever, and I wasn’t on birth control at all from 2004 to 2020! It’s been great for me.

Very hopeful that my body will just be like “oh, ok, you were serious. Guess we’re done now.” And that I am finished with meno before my IUD is due to come out/be changed. Everyone cross your fallopian tubes for me, thanks.

 

[Ally T]

I’ve been thinking of you @Ally T and hoping all went well for you today.

Thanks Callie. The scan ended up being internal, so I’d sat there waiting with a full & bursting bladder for no reason whilst they were running late - they told me to go straight to the loo before we started

I was literally lay on the bed for no more than 5 minutes, during which time he also told me he was checking both ovaries. I am concluding from the swiftness of it all that he saw no sign of anything untoward that needed further investigation or measuring, but you just never know, do you. Unfortunately I now have to wait “a week or so” for the report to be sent back to my GP, who will phone me with results when she gets it. Again, no news is good news, as i am fairly certain if anything really sinister shows up, they phone you pretty quickly to arrange further testing.

I am trying to put it out of my mind, but I really wish these people were given authorisation to at least say “it all looks good to me” when they can clearly see nothing of note, just to put people who are in the clear at ease. But sadly they are not, so I shall wait it out & keep everything crossed.

I will come back with the results as soon as I have them.

Thanks again for thinking of me. This community is invaluable

 

[Ally T]

This is a great thread!

After having “you could set your watch by it” periods my entire life—so much so that when TTC we got pregnant the first try—at 43/44 I began having crazy periods that lasted forever. Saw my gyno, and she recommended an IUD. I got a Mirena at 44 and have never looked back. Within 7 months my periods stopped entirely. I can tell my body is still doing its usual thing based on monthly breast tenderness, a tiny bit of spotting (nearly unnoticeable), and a bit of acne (almost nothing.) This is my first IUD ever, and I wasn’t on birth control at all from 2004 to 2020! It’s been great for me.

Very hopeful that my body will just be like “oh, ok, you were serious. Guess we’re done now.” And that I am finished with meno before my IUD is due to come out/be changed. Everyone cross your fallopian tubes for me, thanks.

My older sister had an IUD fitted at 48 for exactly the same reasons as you. She is now 59 & still has it, so also has no idea if she is in meno or not. We suspect she probably is due to a raft of other minor symptoms, but the Mirena has been amazing for her really. I couldn’t get on with it & was in pain & bleeding heavily & consistently for 7 weeks, plus I started to lose handfuls of hair, so they decided to remove it. Weird how she can tolerate it so well & yet my body just said “NOPE!” Hormones are funny old things!

 

[Ally T]

UPDATE.

The GP called this afternoon to say my uterine lining is thick, at 9mm. A healthy lining is between 1-5mm. She has referred me for an internal hysteroscope within the next 7-14 days to see what’s going on. She is still of the belief that my oestrogen / progesterone HRT are not the right balance & told me to not worry, but still…………

Has anybody had one of these before? How painful was it?

In good news my ovaries & everything else are normal, so it’s just my pesky uterus that’s misbehaving. I haven’t had any further abnormal bleeds other than the brief spotting in August & the one unexpected bleed a couple of weeks ago, so hopefully whatever is going on can be rectified swiftly.

 

[Bonfire]

I won’t lie to you Ally, I thought it was painful. Maybe ask if there is something that can help with that? Mine was 17 years ago, maybe things have changed as far as pain management. Good luck!

 

[Ally T]

I won’t lie to you Ally, I thought it was painful. Maybe ask if there is something that can help with that? Mine was 17 years ago, maybe things have changed as far as pain management. Good luck!

Thanks Bonfire. She is prescribing me some cocodamol to take an hour before the procedure & again later that night if needed, so I will be unable to drive myself as I get a bit drowsy with it. But Mr T will take me if he’s here (has a couple of work trips booked over the next 2 weeks) & if he’s not here, my sister is going to take me. I believe it’s incredibly painful, but I shall try my hardest to tolerate it & let them finish.

 

[SparklieBug]

UPDATE.

The GP called this afternoon to say my uterine lining is thick, at 9mm. A healthy lining is between 1-5mm. She has referred me for an internal hysteroscope within the next 7-14 days to see what’s going on. She is still of the belief that my oestrogen / progesterone HRT are not the right balance & told me to not worry, but still…………

Has anybody had one of these before? How painful was it?

In good news my ovaries & everything else are normal, so it’s just my pesky uterus that’s misbehaving. I haven’t had any further abnormal bleeds other than the brief spotting in August & the one unexpected bleed a couple of weeks ago, so hopefully whatever is going on can be rectified swiftly.

A few years ago I went on bio-identical hormones briefly...Felt a huge difference within a week of starting the estrogen. Libido returned with a vengeance. Then within another short period of time, weight gain, intensely sensitive parts of the body (couldn't face into the shower!), and within two months had not just spotting but menstruation!

My doctors (one, the HRT specialist, and my regular GP) were worried what might be causing it. They put me through all manner of tests known to womankind.

Turns out that I had thickening of the uterine lining (from hormones), and my HRT doc asked me to stop everything. I did so, and honestly, by the time a specialist could see me, the symptoms had stopped.

The docs still wanted me to have a hysteroscopy, and while it was unpleasant, it wasn't horribly painful. I may have a high pain tolerance? I've had very few health issues (for which I'm grateful), so I'm not sure what's truly painful. If that makes sense.

The doc and office staff didn't advise me of after-effects. I had some more bleeding which was a bit alarming, but I thought it was likely due to the procedure. Turned out I was correct.

My specialist was a tad on the patronizing side, for which I gave him a verbal check as to his manner. He seemed rather surprised that I spoke to him about his manner. Heh. As a young woman I probably would have stayed quiet. Now, not at all.... Cause and effect. Consequences. Responsibility.

Wishing you all the best with your procedure, and peace of mind!

 

[Ally T]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s reassuring to hear that that this is more common than my brain is allowing it to be & I am happy you were ok.

And also fair play for putting that Dr in his place! I think they can become immune to recognising each woman as a new individual going through a difficult time, as they see the same thing day in, day out.

I also have a high pain threshold, so here’s hoping I can grit my teeth & get through it quickly.

 

[SparklieBug]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s reassuring to hear that that this is more common than my brain is allowing it to be & I am happy you were ok.

And also fair play for putting that Dr in his place! I think they can become immune to recognising each woman as a new individual going through a difficult time, as they see the same thing day in, day out.

I also have a high pain threshold, so here’s hoping I can grit my teeth & get through it quickly.

The attending nurse (female) was patting my hand like I was a puppy, and murmuring what she thought were comforting words/sounds—telling me I was very brave, etc. I almost giggled out loud. It was very kind of her, though, and it did distract me.

 

[missy]

UPDATE.

The GP called this afternoon to say my uterine lining is thick, at 9mm. A healthy lining is between 1-5mm. She has referred me for an internal hysteroscope within the next 7-14 days to see what’s going on. She is still of the belief that my oestrogen / progesterone HRT are not the right balance & told me to not worry, but still…………

Has anybody had one of these before? How painful was it?

In good news my ovaries & everything else are normal, so it’s just my pesky uterus that’s misbehaving. I haven’t had any further abnormal bleeds other than the brief spotting in August & the one unexpected bleed a couple of weeks ago, so hopefully whatever is going on can be rectified swiftly.

My gyn gave me meds to take an hour before the procedure (vaginal misoprostol and valium and also both of them orally as well) and during the hysteroscopy it felt just a bit uncomfortable. Nothing major at all. One or two minutes of discomfort and the biopsies (she took three) were painless. She also applied local anesthesia so make sure you get something before the procedure and you will be fine. Good luck @Ally T

The reason your lining is thick is most likely due to low p to e. I don't remember how you are taking p but orally is poorly absorbed by most due to liver first pass. I recommend using the p gelcaps as a suppository to increase absorption and balance your e and p. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me. Hang in there...keeping good thoughts for you

 

[Ally T]

My gyn gave me meds to take an hour before the procedure (vaginal misoprostol and valium and also both of them orally as well) and during the hysteroscopy it felt just a bit uncomfortable. Nothing major at all. One or two minutes of discomfort and the biopsies (she took three) were painless. She also applied local anesthesia so make sure you get something before the procedure and you will be fine. Good luck @Ally T

The reason your lining is thick is most likely due to low p to e. I don't remember how you are taking p but orally is poorly absorbed by most due to liver first pass. I recommend using the p gelcaps as a suppository to increase absorption and balance your e and p. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me. Hang in there...keeping good thoughts for you

Thank for chiming in, beautiful. My Dr is also of the mind that my P too low & yes, I take Utrogestan (bio identical) orally for 14 days of a 28 day cycle. But my friends take the same P of the same dose but daily all year round. It’s so confusing!

Fingers crossed the procedure is swift & I can stomach it!

 

[missy]

Thank for chiming in, beautiful. My Dr is also of the mind that my P too low & yes, I take Utrogestan (bio identical) orally for 14 days of a 28 day cycle. But my friends take the same P of the same dose but daily all year round. It’s so confusing!

Fingers crossed the procedure is swift & I can stomach it!

My fingers are crossed for you Ally!

And there is no one right way for all regarding bhrt. Utrogestan is really well absorbed used as a suppository fyi. Something to consider.

I insert prometrium (similar to utrogestan but in peanut oil) rectally and that is how I finally stopped my breakthrough bleeding of 18 months.

That was over two years ago now and my p levels are robust and balanced with estradiol. The thing with oral delivery is liver first pass reduces the efffective dose of p you’re absorbing. Suppository delivery bypasses the liver on first pass

Good luck Ally. Big hugs for an easy procedure and successful outcome

 

[Snowdrop13]

I’m personally quite sceptical about a lot of info put out about menopause and have declined to take HRT myself. I firmly believe that many of the symptoms are due to aging and life stress. Anyway, Dr Newson seems to be under a bit of scrutiny now.

Louise Newson: TV menopause doctor concerns probed by watchdog

Doctors and patients question the prescribing of high HRT doses by Dr Louise Newson and her clinics.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Ally T]

I’m personally quite sceptical about a lot of info put out about menopause and have declined to take HRT myself. I firmly believe that many of the symptoms are due to aging and life stress. Anyway, Dr Newson seems to be under a bit of scrutiny now.

Louise Newson: TV menopause doctor concerns probed by watchdog

Doctors and patients question the prescribing of high HRT doses by Dr Louise Newson and her clinics.

www.bbc.co.uk

I saw this article on BBC Breakfast today. I’ll be watching the full programme tonight with interest. Given how often Newson is on TV with her pearls of wisdom & HRT advice, it’s quite alarming.

Thanks for chiming in. Would you be willing to share how you have managed your symptoms holistically? I am very interested to hear what helps naturally.

I am still awaiting my hysteroscope appointment to come through, but I am tempted to just stop HRT. My symptoms were very physical before, rather than emotional, so I am debating about looking into alternate ways of dealing with those if I stop. I shall continue to take it until I see the Gynae, but the GP did warn me they’ll try & foist a coil on me at that appointment. I did not get on with that AT ALL in the past, which she knows, so there’s no way I’m having another. Synthetic progesterone is absolutely not for me.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Did you manage to watch the programme? I wasn’t able to but it sounded from comments elsewhere that there were concerns about some of the prescribing at the clinics. There are so many “experts” on menopause these days and I’m not convinced there’s actual evidence behind some of what they say.

I’ve been very lucky with symptoms, really, having only had a few hot flushes and some very minor uro/gynae things (which also might be explained partly by my two vaginal births!). I don’t do anything special- balanced diet, eat everything including dairy and plenty of protein (important to maintain muscle mass). I take Vit D during the winter. I do exercise against gravity, which is best to help your muscles keep your bones healthy, so walking and weights at the gym for me. That’s it. I hope to age normally and don’t wish to live forever.

I’d stick to the advice of your GP and gynae. They at least will have read all the research papers (not just the ones advocating for certain treatments) and will be prescribing within standard guidance. Good luck with your investigations, let us know how it goes. And I’m sure it will all be ok.

 

[Ally T]

UPDATE NUMBER TWO.

This morning I had a hysteroscope. The GP had given me co-codamol to take an hour before & whilst it was painful at times, it far from the butchering I had been expecting!

My uterine lining was normal (I’d had the biggest bleed of my life over the course of last week once I had removed the oestrogen patch & continued the progesterone course) so that seemed to sort that bit out.

There was a really small fibriod in the muscle which isn’t worth writing home about, plus a tiny polyp. She took 3 biopsies (ouch!!) & was optimistic is was completely fine, though said she is only as good as her eyes She did say she’d seen plenty of nasties over the years & this looked fine to her, but we need to be on the safe side.

I am booked in again in 4 weeks (Nov 5th) to have the polyp removed. She’s 100% certain it’s been caused by oestrogen dominance from my HRT doses being prescribed incorrectly. I’ve opted for the hysteroscope again, taking co-codamol before & also having gas & air, as a general anaesthetic is a day in hospital & not without it’s own risks. It should take no more than 10 minutes to remove & cauterise. On the small chance the biopsy does show something sinister, it would be treated in exactly the same way with no further treatment, due to it’s very small size & isolation. The Dr’s words were “I’m not worried at all, and nor should you be.”

Afterwards the Nurse got me a cup of tea & I had a chat with the Gynae. We’ve decided for now to stay away from HRT, as I am clearly sensitive to any slight imbalance. Last week I made the decision to clear my kitchen (mostly to the Food Bank) & replace everything with organic foods only. I also decided to stop drinking alcohol on a Friday & Saturday evenings whilst at home watching TV - I will only drink going forwards at an event or occasion. This, she felt, was a really positive step as she’s an advocate of eating as well as you can afford & limiting booze during this transition in life. I exercise 5 days a week (another tick) plus I need a good calcium supplement to go with what I already take, lots of fresh air & a reduction in stress. I had a session last week with a therapist about my anxiety levels & it was amazing, so I will keep that up.

So ladies, check your HRT dosing, report any unusual symptoms, spotting or bleeds to your GP & be your own advocate. I am grateful that my GP got me into the system so quickly even though it’s most likely nothing that would cause harm.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences & I hope this thread can still be helpful to others

 

[Ally T]

WILL THIS EVER END???!!!

So in the midst of all this uterine drama (still haven’t had the biopsy results through, but not worried as uterus healthy & outcome the same regardless) I was invited for my first routine mammogram screening now that I’m 50. Talk about timing!

I went for that last Wednesday evening & yesterday I received a recall for early Monday morning. Not gonna lie, anxiety is higher than it’s ever been………….

I examine my breasts monthly & always have, hence the mammogram I had done in 2021 due to an indentation I’d developed, which turned out to be nothing. I checked them again after receiving the letter yesterday & also whilst lying in bed this morning, so I could press fully down to the bones below & get a different angle. Nothing. Not a lump, bump, painful patch - nothing.

I am trying to rationalise that if they HAVE spotted something abnormal, it must be tiny. And early intervention is key. It could also be a bad picture they need to repeat, or the small indentation from last time they want to re-look at?

HELP!!

I am almost 4 weeks HRT free, alcohol free & chemicals in my food free. I still feel myself, haven’t as yet had any return of peri symptoms or any further bleeding & get out more than before with the dog into the fields to help keep me calm.

Please tell me I am not going mad & everything will be ok?!

 

[Bonfire]

It’s very common to get a call back Ally, try not to panic. They need to see an area a little better or an image wasn’t clear. I am curious about the indentation you mentioned. How was it cleared? Mammogram doesn’t catch all breast cancers, lobular for example is very hard to detect because it doesn’t form a lump. Not trying to scare you, just educate you.
Your breast density is important to know too. Try not to worry, I know that’s easier said than done but it doesn’t help anything.
Walking your dog in the fields is a great de-stresser! Hang in there, hugs!

 

[Ally T]

It’s very common to get a call back Ally, try not to panic. They need to see an area a little better or an image wasn’t clear. I am curious about the indentation you mentioned. How was it cleared? Mammogram doesn’t catch all breast cancers, lobular for example is very hard to detect because it doesn’t form a lump. Not trying to scare you, just educate you.
Your breast density is important to know too. Try not to worry, I know that’s easier said than done but it doesn’t help anything.
Walking your dog in the fields is a great de-stresser! Hang in there, hugs!

Thanks for the reassurance. It’s very much appreciated.

The indent is more like a small thin vertical line on the outer edge, that stays slightly inwards when I lift my arm. It was an aged ligament or something technical, so that when I raise my arm it just doesn’t quite stretch with the rest of the skin. They did an ultrasound at that time & told me it was absolutely nothing & I went on my way.

 

[Calliecake]

Ally, I can feel your anxiety in your post and am sending you hugs. Your ultrasound looked good so please try not to panic (much easier said than done). More than likely they are trying to get a better image of an area that wasn't as clear as they would like. Please know I understand how you are feeling right now. I’m sorry you are having to deal with this.

Can you plan some fun things to do to help you focus on other things until Monday? If your anxiety is really high please ask your doctor if he/she can prescribe something to take if you need it. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and will be checking back here in case you need support.

 

[Ally T]

Ally, I can feel your anxiety in your post and am sending you hugs. Your ultrasound looked good so please try not to panic (much easier said than done). More than likely they are trying to get a better image of an area that wasn't as clear as they would like. Please know I understand how you are feeling right now. I’m sorry you are having to deal with this.

Can you plan some fun things to do to help you focus on other things until Monday? If your anxiety is really high please ask your doctor if he/she can prescribe something to take if you need it. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and will be checking back here in case you need support.

Thank you, darling. Appreciate your kindness & ongoing thoughts.

I promised my mother I would stay away from Dr Google, which I have done & will continue to do, but I did briefly ask why you mostly get recalled. It said 4 in 100 woman get recalled (as stated in the hospital letter) & that 3 out of those 4 are clear. Mostly it’s a blurred image or an image that doesn’t contain the whole breast area. I’m taking some comfort in this. And swallowing Calms tablets like sweeties!

We are currently on half term holidays from school & are off away on Friday with all of my family (18 people & 3 dogs) to the farmhouse on Anglesey in Wales. We go together every October half term & it’s fabulous. Wet & windy beaches, hunting for shells, eating too much, soggy dogs, rock pools, laughing until your face hurts & drinking too much alcohol (will be my first in 4 weeks & I plan to take it easy & slow). We stay for a week, but my little clan are now heading back on Sunday night due to hospital on Monday. Mr T is coming with me & so the girls (who are unaware of the nature, just that I need another HRT check) decided to head back with us rather than stay down there with family.

Tomorrow my youngest is out for the day so my oldest & I have a lunch date. I’ve been enjoying getting out with the dog more into the fields, trying to appreciate & focus & keep my brain busy. Have washed ALL towels from ALL the bathrooms, changed ALL the beds, pottered outside collecting leaves into the composter……. None of which keeps my brain busy, but it helps keep my body busy & pass the time.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Enjoy your family trip, @Ally T! I think it’s highly likely the x-ray had an issue and they need clearer views. Best wishes to you x

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

HUGS! I'm of the mind it is an anomaly with the way the image was taken--the tests are reliable but not impervious to error. Have a great weekend! Let us know how it unfolds.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Ally T]

GOOD NEWS! After a second mammogram this morning with a more sensitive machine, followed by an ultrasound, I was given the all clear.

Not going to lie, hands down the most terrifying experience I have ever had. I’ve aged a year in the space of 6 days. I walked into the mammogram room & staring back at me was a picture of my left boob with a white spidery mass an inch below the surface & a big yellow circle around it. I burst into tears & had to be comforted before we even started!

Long story short, when I had the first mammogram last week there was some bunching in the tissue on the side to side scan when pressure was applied. It was extremely painful & it caused this folding inside. The mammogram this morning was completely clear, but the surgeon followed up with an ultrasound to just cross the T’s. I was on the bed for no more than 60 seconds before I was told it was all healthy tissue & I could leave.

I have been beyond anxious about this, as you know, on top of the polyp removal next week. Complete emotional overload. I genuinely think I actually have PTSD. I am still on edge & feeling jittery 4 hours later. There will definitely be a glass of champagne in my evening tonight.

Thanks for everyone’s good wishes & positive thoughts. I’ve had a bumpy few weeks, but I am focusing on the future & getting my brain & body slowly back to full strength.

I realise how lucky I am to be updating this. I know that many of our dear PS friends have been through or are going through BC. I also know that the woman I left behind at the breast clinic this morning was not looking at good news. I wanted to hug her, but we all need our space to process these things.

Sending lots of gentle & healing hugs to anybody out there that this has touched a nerve with & wishing each & every one of you the best.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Good news!! Happy for you--but sorry for the stress. I've lived this experience more times than I care.... I hope you had a good weekend despite the dread.....

cheers--Sharon

 

[Calliecake]

Oh @Ally T, This isn’t just good news. This is FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! I’m so happy for you. I know how frightening this is and how much anxiety going thru this causes. I’m so grateful all is well with you. Have a wonderful night with your husband and children. Please enjoy that glass of champagne!

 

[Bonfire]

That’s great news Ally!!! I’m so happy you got the all clear! Time for some well deserved pampering.