Twists and Turns on the HRT Rollercoaster

12th August 2024

The rollercoaster ride of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) continues with new twists, unexpected turns, and a few steep drops that have made this journey anything but smooth.

In my last blog post, I shared how I reverted back to Oestrogel after experimenting with oestrogen patches in June. The goal was simple: to enjoy my holiday in early July without the burden of menopausal symptoms. At the time, switching back to gel seemed like the right move as I didn’t seem to be absorbing Oestrogen via the initial patches I tried. 

But, my HRT journey took another turn in mid-July. My consultant suggested I try a different patch at a higher dose, suspecting that my body might not be absorbing oestrogen from the patches as effectively as it did from the gel. He decided that we would add gel in the evening as a belt and braces approach so that I had back up if I wasn’t absorbing the Oestrogen as we suspected. 

The New Regime:

• Estraderm 75: Change every 3-4 days

• Oestrogel:Two pumps at night

• Utrogestan: One tablet

• Vagifem: Twice a week

• Testosterone: 0.5ml

The first two weeks on this new regime were rough. My body ached - particularly in my thoracic region and lower back - and the patches just wouldn’t stay put. I resorted to using micropore tape to keep them on for at least three days.

By the third week, my energy levels had plummeted. Joint pain returned with a vengeance, my eyes felt extremely dry, and my digestion slowed to a crawl. Every morning, I woke up with full-body pain and a pounding headache. My head felt woozy, and I was dizzy almost all of the time. It was as if I was permanently hungover, except I wasn’t drinking!

It took a while to realise that these symptoms weren’t just due to overexertion; they were the result of something deeper. For four whole days, I was confined to bed or the sofa, unable to move. I had to cancel plans and just focus on getting through the worst of it.

Seeking Help

This morning, I went to see my GP. I wasn’t sure if I had a bug - given the digestive issues - or if it was the hormones wreaking havoc on my system. He ordered a blood test to check my levels, and tomorrow, I’ll provide samples for further analysis.

I also had a call with my consultant, who kindly made time to talk to me today. He suggested reverting back to the gel, continuing with progesterone, and removing testosterone from my regime for now. His reasoning was pragmatic: we can always add things back in if needed, but it’s crucial to see if these changes improve my situation before my next appointment in September. He also mentioned the possibility of an implant, though that comes with its own risks - once it’s in, it can’t be removed, so if it doesn’t work, I’d be stuck with any side effects.

Balancing Act 

HRT is such a fine balance, and even the smallest tweak can cause a cascade of issues. I’ve experienced moments where everything seemed just right, only to be followed by severe dips. It’s frustrating, to say the least.

I have two short breaks planned this month, and I was really hoping to feel as good as I did back in early July. The thought of enjoying those trips without the cloud of symptoms hanging over me is what keeps me motivated. However, I’m a bit apprehensive about removing testosterone from my regimen. It has been instrumental in supporting my cognitive function and alleviating joint and muscle pain. But I trust my consultant’s advice and will stop it for now, with the plan to reassess in September and possibly add it back in.

Looking Ahead 

This week, I’m focusing on taking it easy. I want to give my body the best chance to adjust to these changes before my holiday at the end of the week. I’m hopeful that these tweaks to my HRT regimen will bring some much-needed relief. I understand now more than ever that managing hormones is a complex process of trial and error. It’s about finding the right balance between absorption, dosage, and the unique needs of my body.

As I prepare for these upcoming breaks, I’m trying to stay positive. It’s not easy when your body feels like it’s working against you, but I’m reminding myself that it’s all part of the process. I’ll continue to listen to my body, make adjustments as needed, and keep in close communication with my healthcare team.

I know I’m not alone on this journey, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, others navigating the ups and downs of HRT might feel a little less isolated. We’re all in this together, and sometimes just knowing that can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s the importance of patience and persistence. The road to finding the right HRT regimen can be long and winding, but I’m determined to keep going. For now, I’ll take things day by day, focus on rest and self-care, and look forward to the possibility of better days ahead.

I’ll keep you updated as things progress. For anyone else out there on a similar journey, remember: you’ve got this. We’ll find our way through, one step at a time.

Stay strong, 

LBH x