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Using HRT patches and taking Sertraline and Clonidine

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tigerlilly
tigerlilly

I'm 48 and have been suffering from terrible night sweats for about three years now. Blood test showed I am not going through the menopause and I have regular periods.  I'm still trying to get the meds right after about 18 months and I'm now using HRT patches (currently FemSeven since yesterday) and taking sertraline (for major anxiety and irritability caused by the HRT) plus clonidine to help with the night sweats.  First 2 weeks of cycle are night sweat free but once I start using the second phase of patches they're back with a vengeance!  Also I have noticed that after working very hard to get to my ideal weight over the last 2 and a half years I am now gaining weight rather quickly even though I eat healthily and go to the gym 4 times a week! Thinking maybe the meds must be doing this - does anyone know?  Thinking of coming off everything as I've worked so hard to keep my weight down and don't know what to do!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • JoycieJane
    JoycieJane tigerlilly

    Posted

    It's no fun is it!!! I'm 49 and have had night sweats for past 4 or 5yrs, the lack of sleep and energy was making me miserable. My bloods were also fine and my periods were regular and much less than when I was younger.  GP tried me on sertaline, 6mnths saw no improvement. Tried HRT,  tablets worked like a charm but they gave me lactose intolerance. Running to the loo after most meals was exhausting. Tried a couple of different tablets, no better. Tried patches, even worse - passed out!!! I'm now trying the Ladycare Magnet. No idea how or why it works but for the last 3 weeks I've had no night sweats and have not been as hot during the day. Because I sleep better I've more energy and feel more like my old self. Hope you get sorted. It's not for ever, just feels like it. Hang in there x
    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly JoycieJane

      Posted

      Hi JoycieJane, thanks for your reply. Sounds a lot like me! I've never heard of Ladycare Magnet but I'll Google it! Did you notice any weight gain while in your meds?
    • JoycieJane
      JoycieJane tigerlilly

      Posted

      Because I had diarrhoea & vomiting due to lactose intolerance I lost weight. But I've struggled with my weight since starting menopause - gradually gaining weight over last 4+ yrs. Found it difficult to loose weight as so lethargic and disinterested due to lack of sleep etc. Boots sell the Ladycare Magnet. It's not cheap about £25 but so far I'm impressed. 
    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly JoycieJane

      Posted

      Hi again!  I've bought one and have it firmly stuck on lol.  It's worth a try and I thank you very much for telling me about it.  Even if it doean't work I'm grateful for the chance to try :-)
    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly

      Posted

      I've taken the patch off so fingers crossed!

       

    • JoycieJane
      JoycieJane tigerlilly

      Posted

      Hope it works for you. I wear my 24/7. Just clip it on my pjs at night. Mine's purple and sparkly - why.?!?!?!?  Ha ha makes me laugh - no one sees it, it could just be plain. I keep singing "there's a party in my pants" lol Keep me posted how you get on xx
    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly JoycieJane

      Posted

      Haha, mine's purple and sparkly too.  I actually looked through the shelf to see if they did it any other colours - why I don't know!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!  Last night wasn't as bad as previous nights so I'm hopeful but it's early days.....

       

    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly JoycieJane

      Posted

      Hi, just hought I'd let you know how I'm getting on after a month off all the meds I was taking and using the Ladycare Magnet you told me about.  I'm very happy to report that things are just sooo much better!  Quite unbelievable really.  I'm hardly having any night sweats at all now, just the odd two or three just before my period.  

      The concept of this little magnet deludes me but it works so well for me!  I tend to wear it 24/7 but if I wear leggings and a tunic or jumper that's more fitted around the hips and bum then I don't bother - I don't need to be getting strange looks 'cos I have a strange little bump protruding from my lower abdomen :-).

      The best £20 odd I've ever spent.  Can't thank you enough! 

  • barbara49965
    barbara49965 tigerlilly

    Posted

    Hi - Your working out at the gym 4 times a week, you could be toning up your muscles which will add to your weight, speak to one of the trainers at your gym!
    • tigerlilly
      tigerlilly barbara49965

      Posted

      Hi Barbara, yes and that includes an hour with a PT too.  He's kept an eye on my inch loss and it was great until about 8 months ago and since then the inches are going back on - especially round my tummy and I now have a fat back again :-(
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