New to HRT. Kliovance (because nothing else is available!)

Posted , 5 users are following.

After months of depression and anxiety, I finally wondered if it might be perimenopause related so went to the GP. An FSH/LH blood test showed that I am peri/menopausal. I'm 49 and still have (unpredictable) periods.

My GP prescribed Clinorette tablets but the local pharmacies say there are supply issues. The GP changed my prescription to Elleste Duet but, again, there are none available.

So then he prescribed Kliovance.... and I'm sitting here looking at the patient info leaflet. It says they are for women who haven't had a period for 12 months. I have.

I'm wondering whether to take them, as I'm desperate to deal with how low my mood has been, but as the 3rd choice of meds should I wait until the 1st choice, Clinorette, is available again?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Jay,

    I'm not sure of the labels you mention. I have been on HRT patches for about 7mths or so. i am 49 well in perimenopause. first i should say please check that the HRT you have been prescribed has both hormones oestrogen and progesterone not just oestrogen.... if you have not had a hysterectomy and you're still having cycles then you need both hormones.

    when i first went on HRT my dr then prescribed the wrong patch oestrogen only and i got worse and worse. i became oestrogen overloaded and got hypothyroidism. my dr wouldn't listen to me so i went to the chemist... they told me its the wrong one and i got them to call the dr. it was changed without apology but anyway im on the right one now. estalis continuous 50/140mg

    are your symptoms only the anxiety and depression? and odd cycles? the reason i ask is because im surprised they'd recommend HRT for those symptoms alone... its more of a last resort.

    i hope this helps and please ask questions dont let drs shut you down

    • Posted

      Thanks, Shylee. Yes, it has both hormones.

      My GP was very quick to recommend HRT. As well as the anxiety and depression I've lost my motivation and can't make simple decisions any more. I'm having night sweats but he didn't ask about anything else when I mentioned my low mood; just did a thyroid function test (fine) and FSH/LH blood test.

      I was worried about the huge list of side effects with Kliovance ..... but I've now read about other HRTs and they all have the same possible side effects. I'm going to take them and see how I get on.

    • Posted

      Hi Jay

      thats good, its a start in the right direction it has both hormones, though I'm still surprised your GP prescribed it for you on those symptoms alone. please don't think I'm making light of your symptoms, I'm not i understand how terrible they are, but since HRT has such risks it is my understanding it is usually only offered as last resort when all else has failed and you have little to no quality of life.

      I went through so much before i was given HRT and I couldn't get up off the floor from bladder pain and vertigo and anxiety/panic attacks and burning skin, burning mouth and throat, inferno hot flushes that never seemed to stop and i ended up in a psychiatric hospital.

      The HRT took away the bladder pain inferno flushes most of anxiety/panic attacks. nightmares most of vertigo.... the rest i was put on a combination of carbamazepine an anticonvulsant for the burning and Duloxetine antidepressant and metazapine to help sleep but each is used as pain relief and together they work... i still have pain and really off days during certain times of cycle but for the most part im able to be up and about.

      HRT has a risk of cancer especially if you have it in the family (the leaflet and dr says) which i do but it was a no brainer for me i had no other choice despite the fact i hate taking drugs of any kind. perhaps it is more freely given in the UK, I'm in Tasmania

      Anyway you said you were going to start it. i hope it really helps you.

  • Posted

    Hi Jay

    I feel your pain! I was given Fem 7 patches which suited me fine but like you no supply!

    I can say though I have been taking Kliovance for 4 months with no side effects. I am the first to worry myself to death about taking tablets but eventually plucked up the courage.

    My only issue is some of the symptoms have returned so am wondering if I should go onto Kliofem which has more Oestrogen.

    Good luck

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