Just wondering if anyone else is taking hrt. I'm on half dose, still have some hot flashes but if I take a normal dose I get headaches. The doctor warned me that hrt can cause weight gain but I can't function without it. Anyone else having these problems with hrt?? Thanks, Nancy

Hello again Nancy!

I'm also taking HRT, trying to get off it. Not because of weight gain concerns, but because of the potential side effects!

I had a hysterectomy 2 yr ago and have just one ovary left....and it shut down about 2 months after the surgery!

What you said about taking half dose is not much help. What medication are you taking? and what is the dose?

I currently take Cenestin 1.25mg every other day. It's one of the "natural" estrogens. It also comes in at least 3 dosages!

Recently I saw a new doc wo has prescribed an older preparation at a much lower dose! (not sure what as I haven't picked up the prescription yet) According to the doc, it's about 1/4 the strength I take now.

I agree the hot flashes alone are worth taking HRT....I cannot believe just how bad they can be! You don't say how old you are, or how long you've been taking HRT.

One word of caution, tho....according to most of the literature I have, headache (especially if severe) should be reported to your doc immediately! It may be a sign of impending problems. Have you talked to your doc about this? Is there any family history of blood clots, stroke?

I have a very strong history of both and had to have clotting tests done prior to starting HRT. One doc told me it wan't necessary, one said it was....and I went with the one that said it was!

HRT can cause fluid retention and according to some literature can increase your metabolic resistance!

Talk with your doc...there are other preparations, one may be better tolerated.

Cindy!

Thanks for such a great answer! I love you guys.

I'm 52. At 46 I suffered major prolapse so had a partial hyster. Both my ovaries worked great until 2 years ago. Hit menopause really hard and fast. So bad I had memory problems and was afraid to drive. Since I have to work I went on hrt. First dose was the normal one my Doc said but it gave me major headaches. I also could never take birth control pills for same reason.

Now I take 0.3 mgs. of premarin (estrogen) once a day, no progest. since I had hyster. No stroke etc in my family but lots of migraines. I tried 3 months with a naturopath but lost my mind. Had to go back to hrt or quit working. Could not function.

Today is 3rd day lc and doing well and not hungry. Wasa bread is amazing. You get used to the taste, dry and crunchy, but loaded with fibre. very low carb. Be sure to get the "lite" kind. Made in sweden but sold in all major supermarkets.

Thanks for all your help. Do you get weighed often or once a week? Bye for now. nancy

Hi Nancy,

I, too, take Premarin. In fact I've just increased the dose from 0.3 to 0.625 as I was still getting (admittedly milder than before) hot flushes.

I'm quite sure that the HRT, along with some other meds I take, has slowed down my weight loss, but I am still losing!

Have you seen a specialist about maybe changing brands if you are still getting headaches? I only had headaches before I started - along with the hideaous hot flushes etc. (Interesting that we call 'em flushes and you call 'em flashes. )

About weighing - it's entirely up to you. I keep aiming at weighing weekly, but the siren call of the scales often calls me to weigh daily. I'm not at all sure it matters. Just remember that scales are evil and they lie! Measure yourself if you haven't already, because often you will find you have lost inches while those evil, lying scales will say your weight hasn't changed!

Cheers.

Rosebud

Hi Rosebud Thanks so much for the info. I too was on .6 but I go terrible headaches. Now on .3 I still get hot flashes etc but I can cope with them. Occasional really bad day. Like every hour and heat comes off me at night like a furnace!!

However, it is managable and no headaches. Right now on my first week I'm having a little trouble eating so much protein. I've never been a huge meat eater but boy do I ever love dairy!!

Feel pretty good tho. Except for the 20 trips to pee evey day, and getting up at night 3 or 4 times is a real drag. I know it will get better so I'm hanging in. Really excited about being able to change my weight in my profile. That's very motivating. Goodnight and thanks, nancy

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I'm 48 and started getting hot flashed in the spring. I read up on red clover and now take 1000 mg twice a day and have no hot flashes. I also shrinks fibroids.

Red clover is a natural estrogen and has more and more complete estrogen than soy. That might be a way to get off of the chemicals. It takes a month to start working though.

Hi Zuleikaa, Last year I was off hrt for 3 months under the care of a well know homeophatic doctor. It was a nightmare! I might start something else in a few years when my hot flashes die off a bit. Right now they are too hot to fool around with! I work in a public place and the guys tease me all the time. Thanks, and bye for now. Nancy

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I am in the hot flash period of my life also. Have tried so many different kinds of prescriptions and finally said to heck with it.

My doctor told me sometimes changing your diet helps some people more than any drugs will. Cut out all hot drinks and drink your water with ice in it, also cut out most of your carbs!

Well, I can't say it has cut out the hot flashes completely, but I find it does help. If I do have coffee, it isn't long and I am in that state for the rest of the day. Haven't tried "ice coffee yet" yuk!
Also told me to add tofu into my menus at least 3 times a week, but haven't tried that yet.

Sandy