Help! Perimenopause and HRT issues!
Posted , 3 users are following.
I've reported heavy periods for years which results in low iron. In 2014 this manifested in hair loss after a period of stress, and low moods/depression started in 2016. My hair has grown back some but very dry and wispy. I finally got my GP to refer me to a gynaecologist but they were wanting me to have ablation or the mirena coil. I was scared of trying either without a second opinion so paid to see a specialist who put me on a combination of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone and promised miracles. 12 weeks on my mood is a bit better but not much, hair the same and periods no better and he has suggested increasing the first 2 hormones. My hormone levels are already very high and I'm worried about the side effects of having too much! He's also recommended the mirena coil but ultimately a hysterectomy. Does this ever get easier!!!!
0 likes, 8 replies
maisie05 angieB48
Posted
Hi. Low iron does affect your hair. I've had some good results with silica and biotin supplements while also taking iron supplements. My hair does grow faster not sure on the thickness but it is looking better. Takes time though to see the results.
I am considering the mirena coil for heavy bleeding, after putting it off for 12 months thinking my periods will surely stop soon. I'm 58!
metamorphed maisie05
Posted
maisie05 metamorphed
Posted
It's hard to say as I wasn't aware all the symptoms I felt could be peri related.
About two years ago I had breathlessness, palpitations, restless legs, fatigue, thinning hair, avoiding social activities due to the lack of energy. It was only after searching symptoms of anaemia, which I had due to heavy bleeding, that I came across this wonderful forum. Some symptoms of anaemia and peri meno are similar.
Last year I missed 3 periods, started with night sweats, clammy hands, shivering and mild anxiety so asked for hrt. I started patches but had a couple of periods since and spotting. I'm in contact with my doctor to monitor this.
But I feel great on the hrt and some other herbal supplements, vit D etc thanks to suggestions from ladies on here.
Hope you are well x
metamorphed maisie05
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maisie05 metamorphed
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Yes I have been tested every six months for the last 2 or 3 years. At my request. I had low ferritin. This was blamed on my excessive monthly periods. Then last year after taking omeprazole for gastritis, I discovered, (from this amazing website again) that omeprazole inhibits the absorption of iron! My GP never mentioned this. I manage now with rennies when needed. I'm due to be tested again soon so hope to see an improvement. I take prescribed ferrous fumarate. Ferraglobin is a good supplement for fatigue. It has B12 in too but not too much iron.
I'm on Evorel conti patches, change twice a week. They seem to suit me apart from the spotting.
I'm waiting results of a uterine scan. If they think the patches are a problem I'm more or less ready to try the mirena coil like you with separate oestrogen.
maisie05
Posted
I find it it all a very confusing time, hard to know what to do best for ourselves. I'll let you know the outcome of my next gyne visit metamorphed. It will be in about a fortnight.
metamorphed maisie05
Posted
angieB48 maisie05
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Yes I can't seem to get my iron up enough despite everything I try but will keep taking the ferrous fumerate. I also have liquid Spatone, vitamin c and orange juice together with my iron in a morning and I think this has improved things. I'd avoided the mirena coil before due to possible side effects but I get the same effects from the estrogen, testosterone and progesterone I'm on anyway so have no reason to avoid it now and it will b one less thing to think about!