Replacing the hormone estrogen is a crucial part of all hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because estrogen is the main driver of symptoms. Estrogen can be taken in many forms, including tablets. If you already take medications or supplements each day, it can be easy to remember to take a daily pill. But, tablets are a fixed daily dose of estrogen and with gels and patches the dose can be adjusted more easily. Finding the right dose for your body may take some adjustments, and this can be easier with gels and patches than with tablets. There is a higher risk of blood clots with tablets than transdermal forms of HRT (gels and patches), but the size of this risk differs depending on the type of estrogen in the tablet. Estrogen tablets are usually used alongside replacement progestogen in order to protect the lining of your uterus. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, you don’t normally need replacement progestogen. Progesterone can be taken in the form of tablets or via the Mirena coil.
How effective have estrogen-only tablets been for relieving your symptoms?
Please share your review with the Caria community:
I put off HRT for 9 years and regret every day of it! I started estrogen-only HRT a month ago with resounding success! I went from hot flushes drenching me hourly every night to none at all after only 3 weeks of treatment. I am finally sleeping the night through, no interruptions which of course has a positive flow in effect. So happy over here. I was at my wits end and very sad. Now I’m feeling so positive ???
I’m thinking about hormone replacement therapy but I don’t know the pros and cons. I’ve been having severe mood swings and insomnia. does anyone out there know which therapies are best? I would love any advice. thanks ?
You really need to discuss this with your doctor. What’s best for one woman isn’t good for another. Estrogen tablets have helped my insomnia combined with a regime of healthy foods, exercise, limiting caffeine, and a strict daily routine so I have plenty time to unwind in the evenings. But it depends on your medical history, what would be safe for you.
Hi Gina, check out the discussion on HRT that’s in the discuss section. I found it helpful to read others’ experiences but agree with Jen that you should discuss what’s best for you with your doctor!
Ok
After years of suffering in silence I have finally commenced HRT Estrogen only (have had hysterectomy and oopherectomy). I am really hoping it makes a difference as the night sweats and flushes are unbearable and I can’t get a good nights sleep. Fingers crossed!
I started with the patches 4 months ago and they helped with mood and sleep but I developed an allergic reaction to them and the itching became unbearable so I swapped to tablets. I’m onto week 5 of tablets and while my mood is still very good (better than its been in years ie. I actually considered anti depressants at one time thinking I was depressed, now I’m happy as Larry), but I’ve had 2 migraines and 2 severe all day headaches in 7 days and bad cramping with bleeding. I have to weigh up what’s worse – being partly out of action due to debilitating headaches (I am working full time in an Exec job and can manage but cannot handle exercise) or being depressed and unpredictable again. Currently I choose the pain over the crazy. I may need to revisit Dr to reduce the ostrogen but so far it’s a vast improvement on being at times suicidal.
I’m thinking about HRT as well and wondered has anyone experience with bio identical HRT?
Many thanks in advance
I’ve been taking Bijuva for about a year and a half. Resolved the hot flashes immediately, so that was great. Other symptoms, however, including migraines, got worse (neurologist says it’s the estrogen getting in the way of my migraine medication). Bijuva hasn’t done a thing for other symptoms like anxiety and mood swings, but neither did the pandemic. ?♀️