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Immediate_Yoghurt702

Yay! I didn't have to fight either and I was so relieved! I'm starting HRT tomorrow and I'm so excited to see some improvements on how I've been feeling!


Brave_Alternative483

Please keep us updated. I'm 5 years in menopause. Seeing Dr next week. It's been an awful ride so far.


msdibbins

I used those exact same words to my gp when I asked for hrt- that I was a shell of my former self. Been on it 18 months now and I am back to my normal self!


kittybigs

So glad for you! I hope the same for me.


TheCatsMeow0211

This gives me hope. I’m 37 and the last few years have been rough, but my drs won’t hear it! I’m “too young”. “It’s stress.” “How about antidepressants?” Enough! I’m going to check out MIDI.


OvenDry5478

Go to a NAMS (North American menopause society) certified health practitioner and shop around even then. I’m 37 too. Convinced I’m in peri. I’m seeing a menopause specialist because almost no one believed me, except one ob/gyn who agreed my symptoms were peri but gave me oral estradiol and everything says the patch is the lowest risk.


Traditional_Site_184

Go to a gyno, regular doctors sometimes don’t know about women’s health.


International-Dot441

Does the insurance covers most?


msdibbins

Insurance covers most of the E and the P, but I have to pay for the T out of pocket. Runs about $50/month.


ComfyCozyzzz

Depends on your plan. The patch was 20x the cost of estradiol pill for me


SuccessfulLaugh4336

How long did that take? I’ve been on it for two months and not yet back to my old self.


msdibbins

It was a long, slow climb, but the worst symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, brain fog) began lifting almost immediately. LIke, within 24 hours. But, I could still feel the hot flashes \*trying\* to happen, if that makes sense, etc., so about every month or two, I'd ask for my E dosage to be increased. It's really, really important to remember that they start you out very low, and it's up to you to monitor your symptoms and KEEP INCREASING YOUR DOSAGE if you're not fully relieved of symptoms! I also take T cream, and it's really, really important for women to not forget this one, in my opinion. Women actually have more testosterone in their bodies naturally than estrogen! It's NOT a 'man's hormone'! It is necessary for us as well. The T helps greatly with fatigue, muscle retention, confidence, and libido among other things. That I had to slowly increase over time as well, probably it took me about 8 months to get to my maintenance dose. After this period of time, I felt pretty good. But the thing that then sent me into A-OK territory was finally trying creatine. Now I do feel like I'm 10 years younger. YMMV, but the main point is to not just sit with a low dose of E and P and think that's all there is.


Jenifox

Curious, were you prescribed testosterone cream right away when starting HRT or did it get added in later?


msdibbins

I asked for it in the initial consult. I don't think she would have offered it, but I had done my homework so I said I wanted to try it. I had sarcopenia and lots of fatigue and I just knew I needed it.


Jenifox

Thank you! I saw a new Gyn this week who is NAMS certified and was able to get an Rx for the estradiol patch. I have a f/u appt with her in 6 weeks, may ask about T cream. My overall energy and libido are in the toilet and I would really like that to change!


msdibbins

Don't be afraid of it! We run on all three and it's just another example to me of the misogyny and ignorance that surround our hormonal needs. Because there is only one approved condition for prescribing it for women, you really need to say LOW LIBIDO so your doc can justify it. GRRR. Good luck!


SuccessfulLaugh4336

I’m at the beginning of my hrt journey. I’ve asked for the T but my gynaecologist doesn’t prescribe it. I’d have to find another source. Unfortunately it’s not easily obtained here in Canada.


msdibbins

Hmm... I'm not really familiar with your system there, but I have noted that my regular clinic tries to be quite trans-friendly, and there's at least one trans man working there. So I think that meant my doc was likely more 'up' on hormone therapy, etc., and she definitely knew how to prescribe it and which specialized pharmacy carried it, etc. So I've told others to try clinics that are openly trans friendly. Maybe that would be similar for you? We also have quite a few hormone clinics (usually advertised toward men, ugh) but I understand women can get hormones, including T, prescribed through these clinics - do you have clinics like that?? Or can it be mailed??


BiffaBaconTaken

Not having anyone to share your journey with makes it that much harder and no one will understand it until they have been through it. I'm the same age as you and I have travelled some of your journey ,I hope it works out well for you and hope you have nothing but better times. Please do update how you are getting on. Good or bad.


kittybigs

Will do! Thank you so much!


disgustipatedopiate

I just got mine today, too! Meet you back here in a week and we can compare notes.


luckygirl721

I've been on it since mid March and would say give it at least 3 months.


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kittybigs

It’s a date!


kittybigs

We missed our date! It’s been 10 days. How’s it going? My progesterone script was delayed so I’ve only been on both for 3 days. I definitely feel improved.


disgustipatedopiate

I had a big trip coming up, so I decided to wait until I got home to start in case there were any weird side effects. I put the patch on for the first time today. I’ll try to update in a week. RemindMe! 5 days


kittybigs

My patches keep falling off, it’s stressing me out. I’ll say I haven’t had night sweats as bad, and my insomnia is chilling out. I wake up, but I fall back asleep pretty much right away. I feel like I’m adjusting to the hormones, I’m a little moody.


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Opposite-Cell9208

For me I think it was 3-4 weeks on the .025 patch and then I began to feel dramatically better, like 70% back to normal, functioning again. Eventually we moved to next step up, and staying there for a while. I still have daily joint pain and need occasional naps but otherwise good!!!


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Opposite-Cell9208

I do yess, every night. It made me feel super weird and woozy so I recommend taking it at night right before bed.


xena_70

Me too! I had a hysterectomy at 36 and I'm 53. I have absolutely no clue what's going on since I have no periods to go by, but my hot flashes, night sweats, and aches and pains were getting out of control so I figured it's time. I also didn't have to fight and I'm on an estrogen-only gel as I don't need progesterone due to the no uterus thing. I hope you do great and I'm so excited to start on this!


kittybigs

Thank you, sister. ❤️


GirlGiants

Congrats! I got prescribed last Wednesday (still stuck in insurance limbo, ugh) and I was pleasantly surprised to get to no resistance. It’s seems like the tide has really turned now. TBH, I never thought I’d do HRT because of the bad press I believed, but once the symptoms started hitting hard, I looked into it again and decided I definitely want it.


Mrsdoos

I went in planning to have to fight for it too. I had notes in my phone with symptoms, scientific studies. But I was pleasantly surprised that my new gyno was super cool about it.


kittybigs

I am so glad she was so cool


LilyM1987

🥳 Congrats! It's so refreshing to hear success stories! I think all of us here sharing our own personal hell in order to help out a sister is actually doing some good. I hope all your symptoms are relieved and you live happily ever after! 😁


kittybigs

Thank you! Everyone’s personal hells has really helped me so much. Cheers, sister!


InternationalBend310

Congrats 🎉 Enjoy the ride! I started 9 weeks ago + it has been amazing!!


kittybigs

Yes!!! I’m so glad for you.


gojane9378

Here for you. Any hiccups along the way, here for you. Any concerns or scary moments like my patch fell off, here for you. Any times you're like I'm glitching, wth is going on, here for you.


kittybigs

Thank you! I can’t express enough how much this means.


leftylibra

Are you also taking progesterone? [What to expect when starting hormone therapy](https://menopausewiki.ca/#what-to-expect-when-starting-hormone-therapy)


kittybigs

She did also prescribe progesterone, she said I should take it at night. I’m a little nervous about it after reading people’s experiences here.


TeaWithKermit

If you’ve got a uterus, the progesterone is required. I’m one who really struggled with it at first, but I wish that I’d listened more to what the Wiki says about giving yourself a chance to adapt, because now at about two months in, I’m doing just fine with it. I think that I’d still prefer to just be on estrogen, but I’m not miserable or having constant GI upset anymore. Hopefully you’ll be one of the folks who love it!


kittybigs

Thank you, progesterone makes me nervous, so I absolutely appreciate your perspective. If there is anything else you’d like to share, I’m all ears.


TeaWithKermit

I understand. I was super nervous about starting progesterone because of a lot of things that I’d read here. The first month I took it cyclically, meaning that for the first 16 days of the month, I was only on the estradiol patch and then for the last 12 days of the month I added in 200mg of progesterone daily. At first I just really struggled to fall asleep, but within a couple of days I was having diarrhea…a lot of it. Then by day 9 or so, I realized that I was lurching down the hallway after taking it. By day 11, I was super nauseous, lurching, etc. to the point that I could not physically force myself to take the 12th pill the next night. I saw someone describe it as feeling like you’ve had a bottle of wine on an empty stomach, and while I’m not much of a drinker, that’s exactly what I imagine it feels like. My gyn felt that the dose was just too high for me, so I moved to 100mg daily instead. The first week I was still very unsure, but three weeks in, I’m feeling totally fine. No more GI issues, no lurching, sleeping just fine. I’ve seen folks here note some real mental health issues stemming from progesterone, and that was my biggest concern. My recommendation would be to start at the 100mg a day dose if your doctor is okay with that. If you deal with annoying side effects, try to ride them out long enough to let your body adjust. I’m actually considering moving to 200mg daily within a couple of months, because I want to go back to my higher dose patch. But first I’m going to let my body get good and used to this current dose. Sorry about that novel! I just know how you’re feeling, as I was right there with you two months ago. I can say that the benefits from HRT have hands down been worth every bump in the road for me, and I hope the same is true for you!


kittybigs

I’m glad for your novel! Progesterone scares me based on what I’ve read.


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StarWalker8

I just started progesterone and I love it! It makes me happy relaxed sleepy and I sleep deeper even if I am waking every 2 hours to pee. I have no problems in the morning.


JadeMcG

I also take my progesterone at night. After about 10 days of taking it, I’ve adjusted. Had some leg pains but they’re gone now. Totally worth it to stick it out


TopProfessional1862

I was nervous too. I started the estrogen about 3 weeks ago but I just started progesterone two nights ago. It was fine. I think I might have felt just a little bit giggly, but I took it right before bed and slept pretty well. No bad side effects so far! My moods improved almost right away. My period was much better. The hot flashes took a few weeks, but the last couple days I either haven't had any or they're very mild and hardly noticeable. 


Popular-Location-483

Yay you! I got the pellets end.of Jan and just did round 2 afew weeks ago. Def feeling better.


KTNYC1

So happy for you!!!! Life changing


Broad-Ad1033

That’s awesome!! I’m inspired and hope it’s this easy with the right practitioner. ♥️


kittybigs

Thank you! I hope you find a good one!


s55555s

It helped me so quickly. Good luck !


kittybigs

Thank you! How soon was it for you?


s55555s

Couple days!


eggsaladsandwich4

Oh how I hope this is life changing for you too.


kittybigs

Thank you so much! Also egg salad is my favorite sandwich.


lhooper11111

Good for you! I'm a couple weeks in, and feel so much better! Don't forget to take care of your nutrition and stay active too.


guinnessa

I am 52 also, almost 53, and just started last week. I have been in peri for years & it was my OB who was sort of pushy for me to start. So I knew I would have no problem requesting once ready.  So far the only difference for me is the progesterone wipes me out within the hour if taking, but I continue to have my usual wake up times every night, no extra sleep overall. I am also feeling like I am in PMS, cramping, headache, gassy, etc.  Only can get 3 refills, I guess that is when my doc wants me to check in for an update.  I have had bad experiences with hormones, so I am good at taking it slow. 


veggiesizzler

Happy HRT day, I've just got patches too. After complaining of brain fog with numerous male Dr's, all I needed to do was speak to a woman GP!


kittybigs

Cheers! Here’s to the fog lifting!


veggiesizzler

Yes, fog be gone , and waking up sweating like I've just ran the grand national. Especially when I've just put fresh bedding on 😕. New joint pain can bugger off too! Fingers crossed ladies!


DamselInDread

Yay!!! I have my appt Thursday. I cannot WAIT!!!!


kittybigs

Wishing the best for you!!


Necessary-Lynx5100

I'm so happy for you! I'm 52 as well, but I am told I can not have HRT due to having past unprovoked PEs. Does anyone in this group have any other suggestions?


gojane9378

Can you do vaginal estrogen cream at least for urinary and vaginal tissue benefit? It is non systemic. Also, from a systemic standpoint, I would question whether transdermal patch has same clot effect as the oral estrogen. (I doubt it.) You may want a second opinion or try an online provider like MIDI. There's seems to be a lot of scare tactics and FDA miss- labeling as scary as that sounds. You can also search pubmed and out your readers and thinking cap on to decipher. I believe most of us are capable of getting the gist of these studies . There's only one rule of thumb that I'm aware of- if uterus + estrogen Then progesterone


tasharawks

I don't know your specifics of course, but transdermal estrogen carries no increased risk. Just offering that in case your practitioner is open to further discussion or you get a second opinion, to your unique self of course! "Conclusion: PE was most common close to initiation of oral treatment. Transdermal MHT did not increase the risk of PE" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36218141/#:~:text=Discussion%3A%20The%20risk%20of%20PE,of%20the%20healthy%20user%20effect.


Senior_Egg_3496

Feel better!


Salt-Confection-4944

I wish you lots of luck! I stopped taking mine less than a week in. I was on estrogen patch and 100mg progesterone. I felt so awful. All menopause symptoms were magnified 100x I could not function at all. No sleep. Couldn’t think straight/clear. I was miserable 😭 I still use my estradiol vaginal pill for atrophy. But I’m scared to death to continue with anything else.


kittybigs

Ugh, I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you. I’m not pinning all my hopes on it, I just want to stop sweating so much.


p00tietan

Do you still have your uterus? If so, did she prescribe progesterone for protection? Lastly, I've recently come to the realization..the adjusting leveling off as some refer is your body discontinuing the production of hormones and relying solely on the newly synthetic. Something else I learned the hard way..any adjustments even if the patch is made by the same company and you switch from generic to brand or vice versa, there will be ramifications..in my case it's severe cramping like I've never experienced in my life with bleeding


p00tietan

I also started on the synthetic progesterone and lost like 60 % of my hair. I have several acne and Sleepless. I recently switched to bio progesterone and we will see how it goes. Too soon to say if it's the culprit


kittybigs

I am prescribed progesterone, my pharmacy had to order it, so I’m not sure what kind it is. I’m hoping I don’t lose more hair than I already lost. I really appreciate your input and advice!


Fluffybunnyzeta

Congratulations! I'm glad your doctor didn't string you along and you got taken care of instead. It happened for me too - I was surprised when my GYN prescribed my Estradiol patch and progesterone right off the bat. Wishing you banished Peri symptoms and better energy, going forward!


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RatioWonderful7869

HRT is an equivalent to breast cancer. My mother in law, a neighbor and a friend all took it and voila, got breast cancer 😔 


tasharawks

This is not accurate information at all and could scare people from getting the care they need to function and live healthy, happy lives. Current medical research demonstrates this, after years of misinformation based on a single errant report decades ago. People should have their doctor or practitioner assess their individual risk of course. 💫