HRT - Began hrt a week ago and have very sore nipples and swollen tum - is it worth persevering?

Hi Caroline. I gained 7lbs and my breasts were very tender when I started hrt 8 months ago. Patches. After a couple of months the breast tenderness stopped and I've lost a couple of pounds. It takes a while to settle. The sweats stopped within weeks. I feel so much better, skin,hair,nails noticeably better. Less fatigue and aches.

Magnesium helps to soften stools and aids sleep. I use chelated magnesium. Drink a cup of hot water first thing in the morning to get things moving.

Good luck, keep in touch x

Thanks for your replies, I really appreciate them.

I guess I'm nervous as my doctor refused hrt but I've been suffering flushes and insomnia for so long. I also recently lost Mum to breast cancer so realise I have a higher risk than most. But the changes to my skin have been terrible too so I decided I had to give it a try.

I reduced the gel to half dose last night and my abdomen is less swollen today (however that could be because I ate lots of fruit to help the constipation) so I'll continue like this for a few weeks and see what happens. Fingers crossed, thanks again.

What HRT are you taking?  Is it natural?

Hi Caroline,

I started natural hrt 2 weeks ago and I am just experiencing tender/sore nipples.  After reading some of these responses, I guess that's to be expected as many others are experiencing the same thing, but I will be bringing this up to my doctor when I see him next.  If it's caused by too much estrogen, I wouldn't think that would be a good thing.  Too much estrogen can cause breast cancer.  I am concerned that you are not under a doctor's care.  I went through blood work first to see where my hormone levels were.  I was told that I had the hormones of a woman in her 80's.  I am 61.  I was not surprised by hearing this, as I have had 14 years of menopause.  I just couldn't take the hot flashes anymore, so I dished out the money to see a medical doctor who is also a naturopathic doctor.  Once my test results came back, he prescribed a formulation that was designed just for me.  I was concerned about putting in hormones when my body had been dry for over 10 years, but he said that he would start me on a low dose.  When I picked up my prescription, the pharmacist did tell me that it was a low dose and quite common.  For being a low dose, I was surprised that I am experiencing this tenderness in my breasts, well mostly nipples. 

I know you mentioned that you were wondering if you were suited for hrt therapy or not, but being that you don't have a doctor to bounce all of this off of, I think you probably are suited for it, because without hormones you'll have other issues.  I just think that this is important enough to be monitored by a doctor.  I know I finally made the move because I wanted to do it right.  Prior to going to him, I was using a cream that I bought at a health store, but it is not at all like the formulation that I needed and it really didn't do me much good.  With future blood tests, my doctor can monitor me and the dosage can be tailored to meet my needs.  I just feel safer being under the care of a professional.  Since your doctor didn't want to do it, maybe you need to find someone who does care.  Check out wellness clinics/doctors in your area. 

I'm also new with all this.

(I'm 62 yrs old. Been menapausal for a few years)

Three weeks ago I started Biote Hormone Replacement Therapy (pellets inserted into fatty part of my buttox) plus nightly I take progesterone. I was having night sweats, day sweats, no energy, mood swings etc. A week later I became more alert, had energy, no sweats which I'm so happy about. Five days ago my breasts became so sore; feels like I had breast surgery. I'm hoping it will eventually go away. Going to call Dr. Tomorrow. Anyone else experiencing side effects like this? It's hell being a girl !!

Ladies, if nothing else it's good to see other women who are trying HRT after menopause.  I just turned 61, and have been attempting it also.  I started because I really didn't want the vaginal atrophy and dryness that started about 4 years after my periods stopped.  WOW, this menopause stuff stinks.  

It does take time for your body to adjust to having some estrogen again.  Wish this were easy.