Loading
Cariapowered by CurioGet started

What are your experiences and thoughts about HRT?

By Caria CommunityPublished 18 July 20201 min read

This poll ran on the Caria community site and is now closed. The final results are below.

  • 🤔 I'm considering it34.62%403 votes
  • 👍 I've tried it and it helped me28.52%332 votes
  • 🚫 It's not for me20.27%236 votes
  • 😕 I'm on it, not sure if it's helping10.74%125 votes
  • 👎 I've tried it and it didn't help me5.84%68 votes

1,164 responses in total.

Suggest a new topic

Community comments

95

Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.

  • Aw6 years ago

    I’m considering it, but I need for information about the pros and cons of HRT

    • Alex5 years ago

      Check out The Australian Menopause Society (and the international one too) on the web: so much info!

  • Nic6 years ago

    Could do with another voting option of I’m on it but I’m not sure if it’s helping or not.

    • Caria Community6 years ago

      Added! Thank you for the suggestion :)

  • Sandy6 years ago

    Would I be able to take it with blodpressure tablets

    • Polly6 years ago

      I started in HRT 10 days ago after careful consideration as I have hypertension and take medication for it. My nurse was fantastic and triple checked it as ok for me to take the two meds together. Already feel so so much better.

    • Ameroon4replying to Polly5 years ago

      Hi Polly, can I ask what are the boys meds you’re on? And what HRT pills you started on? Thanks you

  • Lamb6 years ago

    As I have migraines that affect my vision and were made worse by the pill I had to stop the pill and as there’s a family history of stroke/high blood pressure HRT isn’t suitable for me.

    • Anonymous10 months ago

      I also have migraines that have worsened 1 year after my hysterectomy. The Estrogen patch is not filtered through the liver, making it not a risk for stroke for migraine sufferers. Multiple practitioners and Pharmacists I talked to confirmed this. Pills would be a risk. Just started patch and the progesterone pill is to help my sleep problems. Hopefully. Only 2 days in right now.

  • Tina6 years ago

    I take a daily progesterone. I no longer have hot flashes although I stay hotter than normal. It helped a lot with brain fog. I am somewhere in perimenopause but had a hysterectomy (I have one ovary) 10 years ago and just realized I started perimenopause shortly after. The progesterone has been helpful for me.

    • Kristy2 years ago

      Are you on any estrogen or testosterone?

  • Kari6 years ago

    I had a knee replacement they took me off HRT. I’m 68 having a hard time without. Am I too old to go back on?

    • Kristy2 years ago

      I don’t think you are ever too old to be on HRT. It’s all about quality of life. If it makes you feel better, that is what matters. You don’t want to live out the rest of your life miserable.

  • Lu6 years ago

    Anything chemical really messes with me in an emotional level. Antidepressants, Mirena low hormone coil (this left me suicidal). My doctor has been trying to get me on HRT for 2 years. This year I decided to try due to lack of libido. Within 10 days I was depressed and unable to stop sleeping.

    • val6 years ago

      Hi Lu, after 3 yrs on Mirena coil, helped for awhile then irritated me, had pain back my leg, so asked my GP to remove it, thats about 7 yrs ago now. I'm 58 now, HRT doesn't suit everyone. Tried it, felt amazing, great hair, skin, nails, no depression, then felt lump in my boob - only thing helped was my libido, sex mad ?? - 5 yrs was enough for me, was terrified after biopsy was benign cyst. Since then had depression, unable to sleep, now on small amount of nortryptaline and get good 6hr sleep, its enough for me. On low dose of oestrogen in pessary for dryness, but I'm happy and less tense now.

  • Sharon6 years ago

    Took it for 3 months, then stopped as it gave me extremely tender and painful breasts and generally made me feel ill. Only good thing was it stopped the hot flashes. Unfortunately they’re back with force! But I’d rather cope with that than the pain on HRT

    • Rachel5 years ago

      Were you on the pills or patches/creams? Also those are (usually) not long term symptoms of HRT which your doc should have warned you about as well as let you know that switching to another form, changing the type or lowering your dose are possible remedies if those symptoms persisted.

  • Kerry6 years ago

    After initially being adverse to HRT because I’m not a medicine taker, I felt driven to take it. I was on the verge of insanity due to menopause symptoms; friends and GP we’re getting mad at me- ‘it’s just one tiny tablet a day’ etc So I took it, oestrogen only. Turns out that as an endometriosis sufferer, and even though I’d had a hysterectomy to deal with that issue, oestrogen causes endo flare ups! I was in agony for days before I twigged and did done research ?

    • Kristy2 years ago

      What endo flare up could you have if you had hysterectomy? Curious.

  • Strongbird6 years ago

    I’ve had breast cancer twice by 40 years old. I just always figured it would be too big of a risk. Treatment gave me a glimpse into the future, chemopause!

  • Kirsty6 years ago

    I tried HRT patches as I felt I couldn’t handle the symptoms alone. Someone I work with said patches had helped her with black moods. I was on the patches for six months but it didn’t help at all. Researching the menopause, understanding what is happening to my body and mind has helped more than the HRT. Know your enemy, makes friends with it and be compassionate with yourself.

  • TMP6 years ago

    I’ve heard it only delays menopause symptoms and as soon as you discontinue using HRT you are back to square one

  • Beth6 years ago

    Unfortunately I can’t take HRT due to a history of breast cancer. Couldn’t choose any of the options as none of them fit that. I wish there was more help for those of us that can’t take anything and as I was told ‘have to just get on with it’. ? It really isn’t easy when the medication you have to take amplifies all perimenopause symptoms.

  • Christine6 years ago

    I took it for 20 years. Symptoms were less severe on it but I had had a total hysterectomy aged 37 so I was put on highest dose and told I should stay on it for life. I came off it about 8 years ago , which may be why the flushes and sweats got so bad I used to wear a cold wet towel round my neck to cool me down or I wouldn’t have been able to bear it. Not as severe this year though.

    • Kristy2 years ago

      I had total hysterectomy at 36 and am on HRT Pellets. I am currently 39. What made you decide to stop the HRT?

  • Jolange5 years ago

    When I started to really struggle with hot flushes to the extent that I had packs of wet wipes in the fridge at home and work plus the additional sleep loss from waking up soaking wet in a soggy bed I decided to do something, my Dr recommended HRT and gave me patches, these became unavailable so onto tablets these helped with hot flashes but then major vaginal dryness started, at first I had no idea what this was just I got a lot of urinary infections, Dr recommended hormone cream as well as tablets. Using the cream twice daily as on label the pharmacy attached things improved but then got worse, tried using additional cream and then got random bleeds so stopped that. Got some vaginal moisturizer and with these 2, plus lube for external area, the dryness is under control. I ordered a repeat prescription and have found I should have been using the hormone cream twice a week not twice a day! Typo at the pharmacy, I’m rather worried now, what could be the consequences of taking extra and stopping the extra? Anyone had similar issue?

  • Julie5 years ago

    Not sure how I will be when I eventually come off it but I couldn’t work without because of the brain fog and mood swings

    • Kristy2 years ago

      THIS!! The brain fog is killer. I am on HRT but still having brain fog. I am thinking my dosage may not quite be right, or I may need to try a different form.

  • Nini5 years ago

    I’ve been on HRT on and off for 22 years. It helps with hot flashes but primarily in slowing down my osteoporosis (which is categorized as severe). My choices seem to be to stay on it due to the bone issues or get off it because of the high stroke risk. I’m 39 so I have been advised to stay on it till at least age 50. I have joint aches and brain fog no matter what. My newest fun symptom is hair loss.

  • Becky5 years ago

    Can’t take, need blockers.

  • Mia5 years ago

    I have been advised by my doctor that I should not take HRT.

  • Laurie5 years ago

    How do you know your on the right dose? Waiting some weeks for relief to no avail is demoralising.

  • Annie5 years ago

    Only in my first month of trying hrt and not sure if it’s helping yet. But they do say to stick with it and see if it changes my life I hope so x

    • Hope3 years ago

      Same here but I do see positive changes already

    • Karlz1 year ago

      It takes at least 3 months to notice a difference, I’ve been on it a while and I started perimenopause at 34. It’s been great for me.

  • Carric5 years ago

    I have been on a formula my Natural Path has formulated from my blood for about a year now I went from having 1,000 hot flashes during the day to horrible night sweats at night. The hot flashes are very rare, but I have other symptoms joint pain, low sex drive, dry skin, insomnia, burning mouth, stuffy nose, dry eyes and more.

  • Michelle5 years ago

    I’m almost 53 and I’m on BHRT (Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy) I take it in the form of a Troche which is compounded at my local pharmacy and love it... I’ve been on it coming up to 12mths. Stopped my hot flushes helped with my anxiety (rare to have that feeling anymore) and feel almost normal ?? I’m definitely still in Peri ? as still get periods although they are very very light almost non existent and seem to come every 3mthly ??‍♀️ I’m also suffering from Hashimotos ? so dealing with a double whammy of very similar symptoms as menopause ??‍♀️??? Actually can’t wait to say good bye to my periods once and for all ???

    • Cindy1 year ago

      Same here. I do the same as you but take progesterone at night. I love my troches! I feel normal again.

  • Aurora5 years ago

    What is HRT?

    • Cathie5 years ago

      Hormone Replacement Therapy ?

  • Julie5 years ago

    I started HRT two weeks ago and I feel different in my body now it’s helped me so much

  • Nix5 years ago

    Hormone repair manual by Lara Briden And Female Brain Gone Insane by Mia Lundin. Both great reads with all the Infomation needed to make the right choices for your body. ❤️ Don't put up with rubbish Drs! Fight for your health and happiness because we are worth it!

    • Kristy2 years ago

      YES! Do your research. I have found I am my only advocate.

  • CH5 years ago

    I am 42 and had a complete hysterectomy last year due to endo and adenomyosis. I also had PCOS and have probably not had stable hormones in my life. With that being said, after my hysterectomy my ob suggested I get the pellets implanted. I did that for 3 months and it was horrible! The testosterone dosage they had in me was 30 times higher than it should have been and the estrogen level was too low. There was nothing I could do but ride it out until the pellets dissolved. Now I am using a compounded bioidentical hormone cream and a progesterone pill. I’m hoping it helps! I’ve been using them for 2 weeks and after a few days I was having panic attacks and the pharmacist told me to lower my cream down to one “click” instead of the 2 I was initially using and take one progesterone pill instead of 2. I’m really hoping for good results!

  • Nicole5 years ago

    i’m on medication now. It’s helping me a little bit with big anxiety attacks that came out of nowhere.I’m still fatigue and have brain fog. But out of the blue after two years of not having a period. Mine started up. Weird right?

  • Steff5 years ago

    I am currently on combined hrt Which is the safer as I was worried about the link to cancer the doctor advised me To worry more about my bones as osteoporosis is a major concern when your in the menapause and hrt helps with this I am 53 and took at least 2 years to struggle without it , I hadn’t had a period for several months before starting Although not a miracle cure I have found it minimised the amount of hot flashes during the day and my anxiety and panic attacks. And helps with my moods although it doesn’t stop you having melt downs But not as many as before If I had a daughter I would recommend Thinking about this option

    • Sheshe1 year ago

      Same here I’m 53 started hrt in November so been 3 months on middle dose and 200 mg of progesterone with 0.0375 of estradiol patch. I felt it was helping in the beginning then something was off. I felt it wasn’t helping and I had breast swelling and soreness and staying so tired. So she but me on 0.025 lower dose and it’s not enough to even help anything. My joint pain happened so bad. I couldn’t take it I messaged my doctor and she wanted me to try Duavee. I didn’t even like the name of that lol! So I messaged her asking if I could put the 0.0375 back on to see if my pain would go away. She never answered me on that so I just did it myself and it wasn’t long I felt the pain leaving. I’m not hundred percent good I have acid reflux that had subsided some but back now. Slight pain or crampy feeling because I also have fibroids. So the estrogen is messing with them! The biggest thing I believe that is hindering me is the tiredness. I want to get things done. I don’t like any of it really I have so many symptoms it’s crazy it is a roller coaster. I don’t 100 percent trust hrt! Even though my doctor is all about hrt and tells me all the natural remedies will not help. She says we need the estrogen. At this point I’m so confused so aggravated so worried and stressed.

  • Louise5 years ago

    Any thoughts on HRT options to help with weight gain issues? Any to definitely avoid?

  • KateHw5 years ago

    Just about to book my GP appointment to see if it will help me as I don’t feel I can go on much longer like I am. Five plus years of little to no sleep every night has taken its toll. Tried all the alternatives and nothings worked so now hoping to try HRT.

    • LB4 years ago

      I felt like you just a few months ago and started taking HRT patches that I got a year before. I have never taken the pill and have a thing about taking medicine. I had several symptoms but the main one was lack of sleep. I have not looked back. The anxiety, hot flushes, lack of sleep eased within a week. Decreasing alcohol consumption, exercise and lots of hydration has helped my well being even more. Curling up next to the fire has taken on a new meaning! When I went back for my second month of patches they took my blood pressure and I went on to take a well being clinic which they offered which was all very reassuring. I know it doesn’t help everyone but for me it has worked really well so if you are at the end of your tether I would definitely try.

  • EvaBea5 years ago

    I started on HRT patches in 2017 after my total hysterectomy. I want to say they worked but after awhile the adhesive irritated my skin so I went to a topical product. This was like just regular lotion and it didn’t help my hot flashes at all. Now I’m on pills but playing around with the dose. .5 still have hot flashes so now using .75 but again hot flashes persist. The symptoms of too much or too little HRT is confusing as they are so similar! I may go back to my original 1.0 dose but I hate to take the max dosage. Also I’ve gained 20 lbs and I cannot lose the weight! I’m now attempting intermittent fasting as I do exercise but I’m assuming I need to be more strict on my diet.

  • Pinky5 years ago

    I am currently on combined hrt I am 53 I started hrt after being perimenapausal And no periods for 12 months Hrt gave me false periods back I have been taking for 3 years How do you know when you have finished The menapause ? Anybody gone through this is the only way to stop taking to see

  • Eri4 years ago

    I haven’t tried it. I probably won’t. It has risks just like everything else. My mother went on it for a time and one day she couldn’t find a new pack of hormones that she thought she had. She got angry and proceeded to throw everything out of the pantry and across the kitchen trying to find it. She decided she was too dependent on it and quit taking it. What they don’t tell you is you can only take HRT for so long then you come off of it and go through the hormonal changes. For that reason alone I probably won’t try it. I’m not knocking it for others. If they want to take it, take it. I’m just saying it isn’t for me.

    • Melony4 years ago

      That’s actually not true. Some women, especially those that start when they are younger, can stay on HRT indefinitely.

  • Eloise4 years ago

    Anyone on femosten?

    • Astrolita2 years ago

      Femosten? Or Femoston Continu

  • Eliza4 years ago

    It’s been utterly fricking brilliant and helped me physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Estradiol patch + oral Progesterone is the bomb for me!

    • Dorothy4 years ago

      This gave me hope after all the negative reviews here. I just started this and I hope it will help me function again.

    • Steph4 years ago

      Same here. But I use CombiPatch. Estrogen and Progesterone . No anxiety, no hot flashes, sleep well, better mood.

    • DQ3 years ago

      I am worried about weight gain. What has been your experience and how long have you been on it?

  • Tracy4 years ago

    I just started estradiol vaginal cream. Does anyone know how it takes to start working? I’ve been using it 3 weeks. There’s days that I am completely miserable (dry, burning, itching) and days that aren’t so bad.

  • Mary4 years ago

    It helped my hot flashes but have had fibroids, gallbladder removal because of stones. I feel that the HRT is the cause because of too much estrogen. I stopped taking it and the got flashes returned. I am now trying some natural things. I hope something helps because it is so miserable. I have many a day.

  • LZ4 years ago

    Years ago my gyn recommended hormones for an issue that turned out to be a mycoplasma that I was dealing with for a long time. I tried a teeny bit of the estrogen cream and immediately got dizzy. I had been experiencing vertigo since. Less and less over the years but really bad episodes around that time so I stopped. Now that I’m in that peri stage I want to talk to my gyn again and see if it’s for me.

  • Snapdragon4 years ago

    HRT has had a dramatic effect on my symptoms & I feel so much better

  • Stephanie4 years ago

    Tried BIOTE hormone pellets and they have helped significantly. Downside is they are not covered by insurance and can be expensive.

  • Cassandra4 years ago

    So I’m looking into an implant that goes in the arm and gives continuous relief so it won’t wear off and your hormones don’t go up and down

  • Sue3 years ago

    I’m 60 years old and have a lot of symptoms but my doctor says I can’t have HRT because of my age, has anyone else been told this?

  • Betty3 years ago

    I tried Bijuva and it worked great for 5 months but now off of it due to heavy uterine bleeding - which for the creators of this app is not a symptom to track. I don’t know what’s next as I await the results of a cervical biopsy to rule out cancer. So pretty scary.

  • Bethany3 years ago

    Anyone have breast cancer before menopause and taking tamoxifen?

  • Steph3 years ago

    I’m in my first two weeks of a combo cream (estrogen progesterone & testosterone) I feel like some of my symptoms like joint pain have gotten worse. Can you get worse before better? I should preface by saying I had everything removed in December and was not taking anything so my levels were crazy.

  • DQ3 years ago

    I just found out I’m in menopause. I have an appointment this week with my doctor to talk about HRT. I am not sure about it but the hot flashes and night sweats are terrible! I am looking for experiences.

  • Jo2 years ago

    Been on the patches for a month now and I’ve seen a slight positive change but have been told to keep with it for 3 months and to see. It has changed the hot flashes and my moods.

  • Jen2 years ago

    Has anyone gained weight from HRT? A year ago, my estrogen was ok, and my Doc started me on progesterone only. Now, I need estrogen too. I’m nervous because I gained 25 lbs when I started progesterone. I stopped because of it and the weight came right off.

  • Jana2 years ago

    I am 54 and started menopause at 45. It took 4 doctors to find one that helped me. I was on HRT cream two different times and it helped me a lot until it stopped working. I wasn’t absorbing it. I tried the estrogen patch and progesterone pill and had a allergic reaction. High blood pressure and shaky. Not great. I am still looking for a solution.

  • Vicky2 years ago

    Hi ya I started hrt patches in December,I feel they are helping but my only downside is sleeping. I can go off to sleep but then I’m awake by two and just lay awake. Can anyone help im so tired.

    • Astrolita2 years ago

      During perimenopause without HRT I had the same sleeping disorder. I took Magnesium supplements approx 300mg per day and It helped me a lot since week one.

  • Sage2 years ago

    My doctor informed me that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) substantially decreases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. She explained that individuals not undergoing HRT have a greater likelihood of succumbing to a heart attack or related heart conditions compared to dying from breast cancer and not undergoing HRT.

  • Sage2 years ago

    My doctor informed me that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) substantially decreases the risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. She explained that individuals not undergoing HRT have a greater likelihood of succumbing to a heart attack or related heart conditions compared to dying from breast cancer and not undergoing HRT. I’d also like to note that I decided to take my doctors advice and go on HRT. It’s the best thing I’ve done so far! No more hot flashes, no more short fuse, Im sleeping so much better, I feel like I gained most of my sanity back! I did a lot of research before making the appointment. So I was ready! A lot of endless YouTube videos, I found helpful.

  • Sam2 years ago

    Progesterone has helped with mood, calm sleep. Estrogel think is helping except when I have a low or high surge

  • Jewel2 years ago

    Tried to take estrogen (1 pump) and a progesterone tablet at night. It worked like a charm for the first month. Then out of no where my eyes got really dry and super sore along with vaginal dryness. Didn’t have these problems before starting. Just quit HRT cold turkey…

  • Mire2 years ago

    Been on menopause for two and half years. Finally decided to start a HRT. New on weekly estrogen patch and progesterone pill 200 mg daily. Hopefully will be seeing relief soon. Sleep deprivation is serious.

    • Astrolita2 years ago

      Why 200mg of progesterone? Lack in magnesium can be the cause of sleep deprivation Try 300mg daily, it worked wonders for me

  • Kristy2 years ago

    I’m on estrogen and testosterone pellets. It has definitely helped, but I’m not sure I’m on the correct dosage. I am having some mental and physical symptoms that are worrisome. I also worry about my future health. How do you know if you are on the correct dosage? It is also difficult to find a menopause educated OBG.

  • Mire2 years ago

    HRT and breakthrough bleeding Has anyone experienced this? How long does it last? I have been on HRT for a month now. Patch and progesterone pill 200 mg Definitely has helped me with sleep, night sweats, hot flashes, and regulating blood work (glucose & cholesterol) due to estrogen deprivation. Only side effect is the breakthrough bleeding. I had an early menopausal at the age of 41 so after three years I have decided to try HRT due to all of the above.

  • Astrolita2 years ago

    Femoston Continue 1/5 Side effects and positive results

  • GmaV2 years ago

    I just started HRT as of yesterday. I was put on a estradiol patch and oral progesterone, I was also given testosterone cream. I Was happy to read that some women have had positive results with HRT. I would like to know if anyone has had experience using testosterone cream and how they felt on it.

  • Sandra1 year ago

    I started on HRT 3 months ago and am just now feeling the full effects. I’m taking Estradiol patch and oral progesterone. Hot flushes are much better and vaginal dryness/itchiness has subsided. On the flip side, I have gained at least 10 lbs and counting.. Still not sure if I’m on the right dosage.

  • AMN1 year ago

    Hi, Off and on HRT. My hormones are winding down at 53. Last year I started experiencing night sweats! Oomf! Horrible sleep. I was put on progesterone first and started sleeping better, but still experienced night sweats. Then started estrogen patches- felt immediately better. But then, started my period again after 3 months of no menstruation-that was nice not to have pms! But my breast were more tender and I started to gain water weight! Ugh. I stopped hrt, and started to feel normal- no night sweats until recently. But now I have the estrogen cream at a lowest dose, and also started a low dose testosterone cream along with progesterone. Maybe, fingers crossed, I’ll be able to sleep without having irregular periods and all the other symptoms. I must say my pms was worse than what I’m currently experiencing- that’s why I was worried about irregular periods- I didn’t want the fatigue, moods and anemia! Any others that have had similar experiences

  • Becca1 year ago

    I’m just starting. My biggest complaint right now is the sudden onset of joint pain! Yesterday I was diagnosed with a degenerative disc. I’m at the end stage of perimenopause ( I hope! It’s been a few months without a period!) Hoping the HRT will help me feel better and able to enjoy life more.

  • Anonymous1 year ago

    Ever feel like you’re the odd ball out and that no one else could possibly relate? In Oct 2019 I nearly died due to bilateral pulmonary embolisms. I was taken off bc immediately because I’d been taking it since I was 16 and they weren’t sure what else could’ve caused the PEs. I saw a specialist soon after and was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden. I thought “oh boy-add it to the list”. In July 2020 I had a partial hysterectomy (uterus & 1 fallopian tube). I have three children and knew I didn’t want more. Since I cannot take bc or HRT I figured surgery would be best. I recently started looking into perimenopause due to hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, insomnia, irritability, etc. After experiencing a panic attack at work I saw a doctor. They changed some of my medications and took some blood. Imagine my surprise when most of my hormone levels were wnl. The medication adjustments are helping but I still feel like I’m back at square one looking for answers.

  • Karlz1 year ago

    I started perimenopause at 34, I’m now almost 38 and I’m on HRT, it’s helped me so much.

  • Anonymous11 months ago

    The insomnia is crippling me. I’ve had it for almost 3 years. Been on estrogen patch and progesterone for a year and a half and can’t get it right. Anyone else have this experience?

  • Anonymous7 months ago

    It was a game changer when I was started on it. My symptoms had been starting to overwhelm me. I’m now 8 years in and I don’t feel it’s helping anymore.

  • Jill7 months ago

    Wondering if anyone has done testosterone pellets? After doing both cream and tablets (which didn’t work) I tried a pellet. I feel amazing- but am concerned with how high my levels went for awhile. I’m concerned that isn’t safe. My fatigue improved SO much, among other things. I feel like I can’t go back to how I was before- I was falling asleep at work.

  • Christa6 months ago

    Hi! I’m 54 and still have irregular periods and very occasional spotting. Due to my periods being unmanageably heavy a few years ago I had a Mirena IUD put in. I’m super interested in starting HRT but I don’t know if I can with the Mirena? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Join the discussion

Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.