Hi all, it's me again! I started my HRT(PremPhase) 13 days ago now. The night before last was the first night that I had no hot flashes - not even one- and I slept almost through the night. Yesterday, I felt wonderful - no nausea, had my appetite back, wasn't tired. I had a great day shopping with my college-aged daughter and husband. Went out to dinner at night and felt normal. I was so excited because I thought that my HRT must finally be kicking in. Last night and today, I have returned to my disgusting feeling self - hot flashes /night sweats were back (althought not quite as bad as they were), today I have felt so nauseous, I've hardly eaten anything. I feel worse than ever. Was my 1 good day just a tease? How does this medicine work? Do I need to give it time and be patient? Does it slowly build up its effectiveness or does it just kick in all at once? Those of you that have been on it for awhile, do you always feel fantastic or do you still have a bad day once in awhile? It is such a let down to feel so good for 24 hours, only to return to the pits.

Hi, I can easily relate with what you are fealing. Seems to me that the hormones are kicking in. I dont always feel fantastic, oh but no, it's like one or two bad days,and three or four good, two weeks good and 2 two days in the dumps, after five years on HRT, but I must admit that with the progesterone cream, it's getting better all the time. Hang in there, you had a good day, there will be more and more, you'll see. Be patient, that's easier said than done, but that's menopause. I'm french speaking, excuse expressions that are not to good, on that, you are not alone.

I am so glad you asked this question. I was put on the pill two weeks ago for peri symptoms and noticed that some days I feel really good and others I feel bad again. It is like my hormones are surging even though I am on the pill. I can actually feel weird things going on at certain times of the day. Sometimes more than others. I have to admit my husband says the pill has kept my moods and emotions more in check(poor guy).I am only two weeks in on the pill but I do hope that this helps. Does the estrogen build up over time so this surging doesn't continue? I know I am impatient but it has been three long uncomfortable years. I have a four year old that needs his mother back.

Sciencelady! Did you actually READ what you DID that "good" day?? Talk about overdoing it! And that is how I discovered I just HAVE to take it easier than I used to. I would do exactly what you did. Oh, I feel great today!! And I would just go and go and go!! The next day I would crash! And usually for two or three days!! You need to pace yourself a little. Apparently we are prone to exhaustion more than we used to be.

You should find over time, if you don't overdo it, that you will have more good days than bad. I am there. However, even now, if I go and go and go for days at a time (you'd think I would LEARN!) I still will end up crashing again for a couple of days. I just hate it, because I want to be able to go go go like I used to. I am 10 months on Estrogel & Prometrium. It did take a couple of months before I felt the whole benefit from the hormones.

I was on Elleste Solo 1mg daily and still having problems, I have now switched to Estradot 50mcg patch twice weekly and progestogen as well and its working, but I am slowly returning to normal, some days can still be a pig though, yes I agree with Floater, overdoing it isnt a good idea!! TLC all round ladies!!

Hi i was on hrt for a year, at first it made me feel good and then i went into crazy mode all over, The thing is i think i didn;t really need it yet. I still get periods. So i think i was geting too high of everything in my system.Gyno was old school and suggested me taking prempro it was a medium dose. At the time i was depressed and feeling anxiety hardly any hotlflashes. After i gradually went off hrt i went on zoloft 50 mg. i am almost normal again. I would talk to gyno about this and you might need dose adjusted. Best of luck Terry

Dear Ladies

I have been on HRT for many years with no regrets.Life was hell without them but they do take from about a month to six weeks to kick in so patience is the key.

When I did decide to wean off them it was sheer hell so put myself back on again and feel loads better.Have regular check ups and so far -Thank God-all in perfectly good working order.However,perhaps not everybody realises that everything becomes fabulous because it doesn't

I still face my fears and apprehensions,my good and bad days because with or without HRT I still know that I am 57 and face the vulnerabilities of getting older.All I know is this is my life and I choose to make the best of it.

I really admire ladies who go the natural route but honestly believe that some of us need a little extra help.

Warm Wishes to you all

Elizabeth

Dear Sciencelady:

The Premphase could have worked for the one day finally because the dose was correct for you on that day only, since the symptoms were still not relieved after that. It only takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the hormone levels to build up in most women. I would say you would be better off with Estradiol a natural estrogen, and then cycle with the natural progesterone on days 13 thru 27 of the cycle, while still on the natural estradiol. These doses can be regulated to fit you, instead of a one dose fits all regimen, which is what the synthetics do. If you will contact one of our consulting Pharmacists, then we can help you with what to have your doctor order next for you to try. Once we have it fine tuned to fit you, you should be back to your old self about 90% of the time. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you,
Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.

I've been on Premphase for 7 years. Specifically for vaginal atrophy. It totally helped with my heart palpitations & my vaginal atrophy....(this still flares up on occasion but I control it with Viamin E supposotories) I still have periods, calthought sometimes I only have 1 in 4 months, other times I'll have 3 in a month and they went from normal(7 heavy days) to 3 days of spotting. But as I am drawing closer to complete menopause(I HOPE) I am getting hot flashes, anxiety attacks in the night, racing heart and my mood swings 10 days a month are off the charts)...so I don;t believe any ONE hormone can take care of it all, there are more than 21 pages of Peri & menopause symptoms....there would be NO cure all. However my TWO main issues were addressed, so I am happy with that.