I just turned 49 and have been experiencing pretty bad symptoms for the last couple years — frequent hot flashes and extreme difficulty staying asleep, being the most bothersome. I’ve tried supplements and CBT, with very limited improvements. I’m now considering HRT, and am aware of the general pros/cons, but would love to hear some personal experiences. Who has tried HRT, how successful was it?
- Allie, Sacramento
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Narelle6 years ago
I used HRT for 7 years with good success. My main problem was a very flat mood which was interfering with my life. The HRT really helped. When I weaned off about a year ago the hot flashes came back strongly for a month or 3 but then have settled down to almost nothing.
Allie6 years ago
Hi Narelle, thanks for sharing, great to hear you had success. When your hot flashes came back after going off HRT, how did you manage? Did anything else help?
Bee6 years ago
I was using bio-identical HRT for 5 years. It helped immensely but wasn’t told of the side effects: weight gain and fibroids. But I’d still recommend it if you don’t have family history of breast cancer as it kept me sane for a few years. I have come of it now and am managing my symptoms through regular exercise, yoga, meditation and eating healthy. Although there are days when I still feel utterly exhausted and feel very low mentally. But I have to keep on reminding myself that the feeling will pass.
Allie6 years ago
Thank you for the info on side effects! I am low risk therefore considering it, but it helps so much to know what to watch out for.
Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expert6 years ago
Hi Allie, this is a really valuable question for anyone in menopause. HRT can be so confusing because we have such mixed messages about whether or not it is safe to use. Most health experts agree on a couple of things: HRT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. A potential downside is that estrogen therapy can increase your risk for blood clots (just like oral contraceptives), and there is an increased risk for breast cancer in women who continuously take a combination of estrogen/progesterone for 5 years or longer. The average age of reaching menopause is 51, so given your age and symptoms, you may be getting close to hitting menopause. If you did want to try HRT, you may not have to be on it too long. Just remember that every woman is unique, and your receptivity to HRT may be different from your friend’s. Definitely consult your doctor to see if you would benefit from HRT, making sure to let them know you have tried supplements and CBT without improvement and that your symptoms have become more severe in recent years. Good luck and keep us posted about what you decide!
Ljnicholls6 years ago
The accuracy of this reply is questionable. You are not at risk of blood clots unless you take a tablet form. Even then it is a very minor risk. Also, you are not restricted to taking estrogen for 5 years. Many women use it for the rest of their lives. The risk of breast cancer is also minor. Women who are obese are more at risk of breast cancer than a women who takes combined HRT
Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expertreplying to Ljnicholls6 years ago
Thanks for sharing your insight! There's a lot of variation in how women and medical providers interpret the research. Indeed, research does indicate that a woman’s risk for blood clots while taking HRT is low and it is even lower when transdermal applications are used. Similarly, breast cancer rates are also low but can vary based on a woman’s medical history and age. As with any medication there may be side effects and it's important to be informed of potential complications. Also, some women are at greater risk for blood clots and breast cancer with HRT use compared to others. So making the decision to use HRT really requires an individualized approach that everyone should discuss with their doctors. For Allie and anyone trying to make the decision to use HRT, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has helpful in-depth resources that you may be interested in reading: 1) Summary of expert assessment 2) Deciding about HRT
Alliereplying to Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expert6 years ago
I appreciate all this information! Lots of things I know now to discuss with my doc. Also helps a LOT to hear other women's personal experiences. The discussion here has answered so many questions I had.
Lisareplying to Julia (RN, BSN) - Caria Expert6 years ago
Thank you for your information. If you are going to print that some women are at greater risk of blood clots and breast cancer I do feel you should be more explicit. Otherwise you could put women off using HRT. there is plenty of evidence out there that there is a relatively smaller risk of blood clots and breast cancer which you will find on menopausedoctor.co.uk or britishmenopausesociety.co.uk It is important be be very factual - we need to bust the myths and misconceptions of HRT use and printing vague information isn’t very helpful to women who may know very little about HRT. The poor research printed in the media led to women and professionals being misinformed and wrongly scared about prescribing and using HRT.
Anonymousreplying to Ljnicholls6 years ago
Women drink a glass of wine every night are also at as much risk from breast cancer as they are taking HRT. Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits vs the risk and benefits include quality of life too - mood swings, hot flushes, vaginal dryness are all everyday problems that I’d rather not suffer with even at 55,60,65,70 if I can help it. Plus added to the increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia without oestrogen.
Anonymous4 years ago
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/video-series-2019 (scroll to bottom of the page hrt info) There’s a video with info on North America Menopause Society’s position on HRT. This info is “newer” for US citizens. UK has more detailed studies as to what the risks really are and the outcome of those risks. Those can be found on balance-menopause.com Talk to your doctor but read up before hand to ask questions. I realize US info it’s not at detailed. I feel I’ve learned more from UK info.
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi Allie. HRT has given me my life back, no doubt. My symptoms were horrendous and controlling our life - mood swings, panic attacks, nausea, headache, vertigo, digestive issues, hot flashes etc to the point I could barely work, drive or socialise. Combined HRT patches really calmed down all my symptoms. I’m six months since my full hysterectomy and only on estrogen now. I still have mild symptoms and tracking these now but I definitely couldn’t live without my HRT.
Karina6 years ago
Sorry my name is Karina, my first time posting.. I’m 44yrs now but menopause started at 36yrs, I was misdiagnosed for 4 years, then fertility treatment that was useless and I’ve been using HRT for 3 years.
Michelle6 years ago
I went through menopause at 42 and was on HRT for 20 years. I very slowly weaned myself off HRT a few years ago. With new research showing that there are more benefits to taking HRT to our overall health than not, quite frankly I would love to go back on it. For one thing in this climate it’s will boost your immune system. With the amount of symptoms your experiencing I’d definitely speak to your doctor about going in HRT.
Allie6 years ago
Thanks Michelle, I'm definitely planning to talk to my doc!
Sara6 years ago
Definitely couldn’t survive without my HRT; have been on it for 5 years now, and it’s restored me to pre-menopause apart from some brain fog from time to time. The risks of long term therapy are extremely small and far outweighed by the benefits of being normal again.
Kathryn6 years ago
I would like some info about HRT, you hear conflicting information, linked to other illnesses ie breast cancer and yet there any many pluses too? What advice would others give ?
Allie6 years ago
Kathryn I felt the same confusion and the advice in this discussion has definitely helped. My conclusion is really that it differs so much from woman to woman! Some have had great success with their symptoms with no issues, for some it helped their symptoms but unfortunately had side effects, and others didn't find that it worked for them. Some women's risk profile is low, for others it's higher. All the ladies here recommended talking to my doc about what's right for me so that's what I'm planning to do!
Justine6 years ago
I was doing really well on HRT but then I was told they couldn’t get it any more because of shortages, so I had to come off it. my mood swings were really erratic and my flushes were awful so they told me to try a particular anti depressant which helped with hot flushes and mood swings and I’ve been doing fine on this. my flushes and night sweats have stopped now so I don’t know if that means I’m through it or if they will come back as this has happened before and they came back even worse. I would recommend HRT I didn’t have a problem on it, they just said because of the shortages it was unavailable and now I’m worried about low hormone levels effecting everything else, like possibility of osteoporosis, as I am 47. I started with flushes and night sweats 2 years ago
Allie6 years ago
Thank you for sharing your experience! A number of comments here have mentioned HRT shortages but I don't have much information on this? Has your doctor told you why there are shortages?
Jojo6 years ago
Hi Allie, definitely consult your GP for your options. I’m 52 in August and didn’t have any periods for three years so must be post menopausal but the hot flushes, weight gain, headaches and mood swings have been a real challenge. Join pain has increased and lost all interest in my job. After trying patches which then were hard to get as there were supplier shortages I then went on to the combined tablets. My symptoms settled but every four weeks suffered extreme period for seven days with bad cramps!! I can’t win. I’ve stopped the HRT as couldn’t cope with heavy periods. Maybe try HRT to see if it helps. I’m going to try without and see how I get on but there is no harm trying HRT if it calms your symptoms and allows you to function. Your GP can advise you. Also focus on the nice things. I craft and walk my dog in the fresh air and listen to the birds. Your symptoms will pass as you go through the next normal phase of life. Good Luck
Andie6 years ago
Hi Allie, I’m in the UK and I struggled for years with peri menopausal symptoms, never really acknowledging that I needed help, let alone seeking it. So well done on making the first steps. We have a wonderful pioneer in this country, Dr Louise Newsome whose podcasts you can check out. Liz Earle also posts on Facebook and is a health and beauty advocate. It was through them I took the plunge. It took a few months to start to feel more like me again, you have to weigh up your risks, but having been on Elleste Duet Conti, which worked, Kliovance, which didn’t and now oestrogel and utrogestan tablet I feel so much better. It’s not a magic cure all and I still have foggy days sometimes but for me HRT has only been a positive experience. Good luck!
Anonymous6 years ago
I was on HRT when I was in Germany. However when I came back to the UK my Dr would not prescribe it as he advised I was too near 50 to have it. I am assuming that this was putting me in a higher risk for breast cancer etc. If I continued to take it. Best Is to way up the pros and cons and look back through your genetic history through your mums female line
Anonymous6 years ago
I had a hysterectomy at 43 due to fibroids but started with menopausal symptoms at 51. Loss of energy, hair loss, vaginal dryness, disturbed sleep and around 30 hot flashes a day. Tried everything from lots of herbal supplements, acupuncture anti depressants HRT patches and tablets without success. After a referral to a specialist menopause consultant she recommended HRT gel - Oestrogel which is oestrogen only due to hysterectomy, less risks protection against osteoporosis and no time limit for how long you can take it . It took around 6 weeks but the flashes literally stopped and sleep improved unfortunately hair loss and weight gain have continued but use yoga and meditation to try and help. Not perfect but much better I don’t think anything gives a magic cure it’s simply a trade off at your choice
Anonymous6 years ago
I feel your pain. I was 26 when I had a hysterectomy due to cancerous cells but was not put on anything (because I was so young) til about 8 years ago but the damage had already been done as I now have osteoporosis. I’ve had a series of operations and I’m now left with the fear of losing my leg. they did put me on the patches recently but after using them for a month they couldn’t get any because of short supply, so that was the end of that. i've just turned 50 with all of the same symptoms as yourself for many of the 24 years that ive been going through this. well, apart from hair loss... Small blessing I guess
Anonymousreplying to Anonymous6 years ago
You are a warrior queen
Tracey6 years ago
Hi I’ve just started HRT Evorel 50 and Evorel Conti. I’m 50 and 8 mths without a period. My biggest reason for trying HRT are the sleepless nights. I’m actually typing this at 6am and I’ve been in bed since 10pm fully awake ?. It’s only day Three so fingers crossed it works over the next few months. Hot flushes have been very mild luckily (So far). x
Allie6 years ago
Yes fingers crossed it goes well for you!
Ljnicholls6 years ago
I have been peri menopausal for 5 years and I’ve been taking HRT for about 4. I use a estrogen gel which I rub in everyday and a progesterone tablet as I still have my uterus. I no longer have night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety, brwin fog. Etc etc etc! One thing i would like to stress though, HRT is not just for hot flushes. It looks after heart health, bone health, brain function. Women who use it successfully are at less risk of heart disease, stroke and oesteophorosis. It eouod be beneficial for you to read how estrogen works. Even for those who worry about risks
Allie6 years ago
So happy to hear HRT helped with your hot flashes, night sweats as that's what I've suffered with the most. I'm hoping I have the same success. Thank you for your advice!
Gorda6 years ago
Hi Allie, Celebrities on UK TV swear by it, tablets, gel, patches, according to them their lives have totally changed for the better as in more energy, weight loss, being able to sleep, no hot flashes etc. I’m in year 5 of my menopause and the symptoms are getting worse (sweating, insomnia, weight gain) so I figured I would give HRT a try despite having an under active thyroid as well as mild epilepsy. I managed ONE WEEK on the tablet “Tibicare” and not only was I awake the whole time (!!!), I also put on 2 kilos and I had a small fit.....all within a week!!! I recently tried “Estrogel 0,06%”, but once again I could not sleep at all, yes, for the first few days it gave me energy, but I could not sleep!!!! And then it did the opposite, it basically made me lethargic, my body swelled up, so it obviously as quoted in the description it affected my thyroid medication. I know it sounds strange that my body reacts that quickly. Anyway, the so called gynaecologist was obviously correct when she told me that “ I’m just one of those women who has to go through menopause without any help!” Am I the only person who has these problems? I am sure you make the right decision in the end. Good luck!
Allie6 years ago
Your gynecologist's response....unbelievable! I'm so sorry to hear HRT didn't bring you relief. However i believe there must be help for you out there. I hope you find a good doctor who understands you! If I decide to go on HRT I'll watch out for some of the things you mentioned happened to you. Thank you for sharing your story with me and other ladies here!
Carol6 years ago
Hi Allie I tried HRT, after two years of night sweats, mood swings, disturbed sleep and anxiety, although weirdly only at night. I hoped HRT would be a magical solution to all my problems It stopped the night sweats within a week The night time anxiety vanished Wonderful BUT The mood swings became more severe Migraines, which has started to lessen as I got older, came back with a bang, lasting four days at a time. I would feel ok for two weeks then totally rubbish for two weeks. I went Back to the GP and she swapped to a different type, still the same, I felt ok on the estrogen but the progesterone didn’t suit. GP then upped my dose, I took that for a few weeks and to be honest I turned into a crazy mess! I self harmed, something I’ve never done in my life and it’s something only my partner knows about. I haven’t told any friends or family. I managed to get an emergency appointment at the doctors the following day, saw a different GP. She was lovely, couldn’t understand why I’d been given a higher dose and immediately dropped my dosage as it wasn’t possible to just stop. I stayed on the lower one until I finished the prescription then that was me done. The night sweats came back within days but I can manage them. The anxiety pops up occasionally but I can recognise the beginnings so deal with it before it takes hold. Mood wise, it’s not perfect but again, recognising it early and keeping in mind that it’s me, that’s annoying me. Overall I feel far better without HRT, than with it. I may have done better with a different type, GP’s get virtually no menopause training here in the uk, so unless your lucky with either a doctor who has an interest in it or you are given one that suits you early on. Chances are you will need to try several ones before you mind one that’s right for you. I considered going to a specialist, I gave myself three months after finishing HRT, to see how I felt and whether I thought I’d do ok on my own or if I would need help. It’s 16 months since I gave up and I’m doing fine. It wasn’t the silver bullet that I’d hoped for but everyone is different. Good luck :-)
Allie6 years ago
My gosh, what a journey you've had!! Thank you for sharing your story and I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you faced. I hadn't looked deeply into potential side effects, only the long term risks, so your story and others here have been informative. Menopause training is no better here in the US from my personal experience, but I feel much better knowing what i should discuss with my doc and the changes I should look out for when I start hrt. Thank you Carol!
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi Allie, I’ve had amazing results with HRT, it’s literally given me my life back. I am in a very high risk group as I have a heart defect & without HRT it’s immediately life limiting. I use transdermal patches of Estradiol, take body identical progesterone & I have testosterone replacement. My only risk is not having HRT & I will remain on it for the rest of my life. I’m in the UK & have excellent care under 2 consultants who have access to the most up to date medical information. I have had no side effects in a year now & infact I’ve lost weight. Hope this helps x
Allie6 years ago
Thanks for sharing, so glad to hear you've had great results! And that you're finding excellent care where you are
Jules6 years ago
Hi Allie I Am 53 and also feel your pain, luckily I had a great Doctor who was very supportive and gave me lots of information on HRT. I decided to have patches and am now on Evorel Conti after taking Femseven Sequ for two years. Supply can be a little challenging but in the UK I have always managed to get them. They have helped with the night sweats and other symptoms allowing me to keep working, although I still have a few night sweats it’s so much better. Talk to your Doctor hopefully they can help you decide what us best for you. Good Luck.
Allie6 years ago
I'm so reassured to hear you found relief and are able to keep working. i've been worried about my symptoms interfering work and i hope i have the same success as you!
Anonymous6 years ago
Hi, My name is Safiya and after suffering hot flushes , mood swings and fatigue for four years was put on HRT. Although it did help with the hot flushes. The down side was that, I had periods so painful and heavy just made me feel drained and really ill so I came off. I’m still suffering from menopause and had to give up my job as a teacher. Thankfully I have a supportive family who are helping me through it with exercise and having a healthy diet. So HRT is not for all but speak your doctor. It may work for you. Good luck
Allie6 years ago
Oh my, this breaks my heart. I'm so sorry your menopause has been so challenging. I sometimes worry how it'll affect my work if im unable to manage it. It's really too bad HRT wasn't for you but wonderful that you're finding support from your family. I wish you continued success and hope you can make it through soon!
Anonymousreplying to Allie6 years ago
Thanks Allie really appreciate my family thought I should have given it more time but I felt so dreadful I just couldn’t Thanks again x
Lisa6 years ago
facebook.com/groups/384849495215750/?ref=share This is a brilliant Facebook page where you can speak with like minded women. Lots of support and discussions where professionals are available too
tracy6 years ago
I have just stopped HRT I was on the duel which meant having a period still but I’m 57 and the flows were making me exhausted and painful as they were so heavy I couldn’t face another month of it. Aside from that the hot sweats and sleepless improved. I am facing a hard time as my mother passed this year but need to face that I’m at that difficult stage. Any suggestions of herbal remedies or general would be appreciated. I know I have some moody times ahead !
Tiffany4 years ago
I started taking I-Cool for my hot flashes, and it worked great. I was also taking Remifemin which is basically black cohosh. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, by oncologist told me that I needed to stop taking them because they were known to cause cancer. So I stopped taking them. That was in 2012, and I have been diagnosed with breast cancer again. The forst time i had radiation therapy. For the second diagnosis, it was the same breast. Since I had already had radiation, I couldn’t have it a second time so I had a mastectomy. When my surgeon put in an expander for reconstruction, my tissue couldn’t tolerate it: it started breaking down, so I had to have another surgery to remove the expander. I chose not to have any more surgeries.
Anonymous4 years ago
I started HRT 3 weeks ago, total game changer.HRT has completely dissolved all of my symptoms.. sleep like a baby every night..no more hot flashes.. no more anxiety/depression… hair and skin look great.. which I didn’t even realize were an issue until I started HRT and saw how much better they look. I feel 25 again..sex drive is back ( husband is happy) lost 7 pounds so far, no more bloating.. energy level is great. I would highly recommend Bio-Identical HRT, along with immersing yourself in Menopausal research, and finding a great OBGYN!
BooBoo4 years ago
51 and perimeno - my main symptoms are vaginal dryness & zero libido - and the occasional hot flash - would HRT be helpful or any other ideas? I manage my anxiety l, which I’ve had for many years, with support groups & counselling. While I’ve good zest for life & hobbies I’ve less zest for work - not sure that’s a symptom though!
Jo4 years ago
Is anyone else finding that they have been out on the spray oestrogen due to shortage of the gel ? Just wondered if this is as effective. ?
Ingrid4 years ago
Hi beautiful woman, I’m 54 years young and I just started HRT 15 days ago, not because of the symptoms but I made a lot of researches and found out that is very important also for your future health, to prevent many diseases. I would like to add that I almost don’t feel any of the symptoms since I’ve been preparing my self to menopause. At 48 I started to go to gym more often, I went on a good healthy diet to loose some weight, I started preparing my mindset for the upcoming. I’m in menopause for 1 year now and sure I’ve started with some mood variations, hot flashes, insomnia and so forth. Then I made lots os research on how could I improve all my symptoms naturally and I found out 2 key things that made me 99% symptoms free before I started HRT. Flaxseed + rebounding, yes and I tested like 3 times stopping both either because of trip or other events and everything came back. Flaxseed is so powerful to release all symptoms and has many other benefits for your health that I take it as a natural medicine every single day in my yogurt. It takes time for you to feel the effects, like after 2 - 3 weeks so be patient. Rebounding is amazing for your healthcare. Prevents osteoporosis, open your lymphatic system, and many other great benefits. I really recommend for whoever wants to try it both. You’ll only have great benefits. But always ask your doctor first, I’m not a doctor only scientist of my self!