Menopause

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'Menopause isn't really that bad'...said no woman ever.

For those who are approaching or experiencing 'the change' (think reverse puberty), a time where hormone levels decline either through the aging process or by medical/surgical means.

Menopause and Perimenopause (the transitional time before Menopause) are unique to every person, and while there's no one-size fits all, we support each other on this roller coaster ride of wacked out hormones, absurd mood swings and random sweaty hot flashes.

Be kind. Be respectful. We are all in this together!

Menopause Wiki

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1. All genders can post We are all here to learn about menopause and how to help anyone experiencing menopause, so be supportive and respectful.

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3. Read the Wiki and use the search tool before posting a new question

4. No selling products or services You can recommend products/methods that work for you, but soliciting clients or patients is not allowed. No advertising or self-promotions, including using this sub to drive traffic elsewhere.

5. Research surveys/studies are allowed ONLY after contacting the mods with details of the survey (purpose of survey, academic associations, how will the data be used, privacy/confidentiality policy) Mods will determine whether to approve the post or not. Those choosing to participate in surveys, must do so at their own risk.

6. No posting lab results We are not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your lab results should be directed to your medical professional. Hormonal tests are not an accurate diagnosing tool for perimenopause.

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leftylibra

aenea

Finally made the appt to discuss HRT (self.menopause)

submitted 1 year ago by knitapease to c/menopause

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I got a new GYN in September and told her some of the symptoms I was having. She suggested I try Remifemin (black cohosh mainly) for a little while then see if I wanted to get on HRT after giving that a shot. The hot flashes are ramping up and my bra is getting too small and my belly is starting to flop over, and those are just the new symptoms. I'm 54 and officially in menopause for just under a year and have been having mainly mood symptoms with mild hot flashes. What is the typical "starter" HRT and what kind of side effects should I look out for?

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[–] leftylibra 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hey I thought I responded, but maybe it didn't save. Are you still using the black cohosh? You want to be careful with that as high dosages may increase risk for liver damage.

For 'typical' starter dosages of hormones, you want to go with an estrogen-only patch. The lowest dose is 0.025, then 0.0375 (in some brands), then 0.050, 0.075, 0.1mg. Generally it's a good idea to start with the lowest dose, and if symptoms are persistent after 6 weeks or so, then you'd want to increase to the next level.

If you have a uterus, then you also have to progesterone. The common (lower risk) progesterone is Prometrium, and dosages are 100mg daily (which is standard). This is only increased if the dosage of estrogen goes up to around the 0.1mg range. Otherwise 100mg daily is good for any of the lower dose estrogens.

[–] knitapease 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks, it's good to know what to expect. Is the progesterone generally a pill? I'm thinking about stopping the black cohosh to get it out of my system before the appointment. I've been taking it less than a year.

[–] leftylibra 1 points 1 year ago

yes, progeterone is a little round pill. Some insert it vaginally instead to lessen any side effects, but not everyone experiences side effects, the most prominent one is that you feel more sleep (if taken orally).