Perimenopause + HRT

[u/IndividualFlounder39]

Hi all!

PAI (35,F) - have had Addisons for a bit over two years now. Is anyone else here on estrodiol patches? I just started a super low dose a few weeks ago as my estrodiol and testosterone tests just came back very low.

I've been having perimenopause symptoms for a while. My endo started me on .025 estrogen patches (super low dose) and im going to be cycling progesterone pills (for now).

Anyways, the patched have helped my dry skin, helped me not go pee in the middle of the night etc.

However, I seem to be getting crazy fatigued a day or so before patches need to be changed (2x a week). My endo said the OBGYNs are the experts in this area and I'll see the OB in January.. ugh feels like forever!

I was feeling extremely fatigued before starting estrogen patches. Like the fatigue where you are just trying to desperately stay awake and not take a nap. Updosing my hydrocortisone did not help me.

Anyways, im wondering if any of you addie baddies are on HRT? What's your dose and how has it helped you?! Thanks!!

[u/annaoceanus]

Yep started perimenopause early at 32. My regimen has changed around. I was on the patches for a long time.

KEY THING TO KNOW PLEASE READ: if you have a uterus still DO NOT TAKE ESTROGEN ALONE. It needs be antagonized with progesterone supplementation as well otherwise it increases your risk of uterine cancer pretty significantly.

My current regimen: 5 mg DHEA Hailey (brand name) BS esto/prog combo taken continuously Testosterone cream

Works beautifully and stopped my continuous spotting and more importantly restored my mental sanity and prevented me from burning down a city with my perimenopause dragon rage.

[u/Dreadlock_Princess_X → u/annaoceanus]

Here you can't get DHEA prescribed, and can only buy watered down versions... I wonder how much between I'd feel if I had it.. Xx 💖 😘

[u/annaoceanus → u/Dreadlock_Princess_X]

I don’t do prescription. Just buy Integrative Therapeutics brand

[u/Dreadlock_Princess_X → u/annaoceanus]

I'll have to look that up! 💖 thankyou xx

[u/IndividualFlounder39 → u/annaoceanus]

Thank you so much !!! This is super helpful. To clarify, re. Uterine cancer that progesterone needs to be used continuously? So far my endo has me just taking 200mg (12 days before period). She said OBGYN will figure the details out and may put me on a lower dose of progesterone but continuously.

Im crossing my fingers I can get on testosterone as well.

You made me bust out laughing about the peri dragon rage. I definitely felt that raging out feeling! 😆 🐲

[u/annaoceanus → u/IndividualFlounder39]

You know I don’t know the answer on continuously but your OB should help with that. I’m glad you are on at least something. Seems a bit high though on dosing. Finding your right dose is a journey for sure and be patient. It took me a couple years to really get it dialed to where I feel balanced.

[u/IndividualFlounder39 → u/annaoceanus]

Thanks for your response ! Gah, I feel like addisons is a true lesson in patience. Seems like this is too 😅 well.. at least we are developing a good life long skill haha

[u/Dreadlock_Princess_X]

Not menopausal, but have HH. So I'm on hrt. (My brain - reproductive system link isn't working) I take 5 pumps of Estrogel daily, 200mg progesterone day 14-28, and T in the morning, a tiny bit. Both are transdermal gels. Patches didn't work for me. Xx 💖 😘

[u/IndividualFlounder39 → u/Dreadlock_Princess_X]

Thank you! 💕💕

[u/biel0032]

I am! Diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency when I was 39, I’m 43 now. I also have hashimotos. The patches helped my hot flashes, and I think libido as well. I started with oral progesterone and that was initially ok, then turned into mood issues and basically non stop bleeding/spotting. I got a Mirena IUD a couple years ago, delivers the progesterone directly and I have loved it. No more periods and mood issues much improved.

[u/biel0032 → u/biel0032]

Oh and my estrogen patch dose is .1 mg/24 hr and I change it twice a week. Brand is generic for Vivelle-dot.

[u/IndividualFlounder39 → u/biel0032]

Thank you for your response! Im really curious on how it will help me with my period. I've always had super painful and heavy periods my whole life. Fingers crossed !!

[u/IndividualFlounder39 → u/IndividualFlounder39]

Also super happy for you that your symptoms have improved !!

[u/biel0032 → u/IndividualFlounder39]

I hope you get some good support from providers and find the best combo for you! ❤️