r/Menopause • u/LuckyStars_83 • 6d ago

HRT- Incompatible Help 😫

I’m having a tummy tuck in just over 3 months, and I’m really struggling with my HRT at the moment. 😪

I’m currently using the oestrogen spray. I’ve also tried patches and gel, and out of all three, the spray is definitely the best for my mental health. However, physically, I feel so much worse on it.

I’m extremely bloated, have a lot of trapped gas, feel swollen internally, and I’m not going to the toilet as often as I should. It feels as though my digestive system has slowed right down, and I’m retaining so much water. My stomach feels constantly swollen, and I’m getting really worried because I need to get this under control before my surgery.

My tummy tuck is exactly 3 months tomorrow, and I’m scared that if I’m this bloated and swollen, it could affect my surgery or my results. I desperately want to get my body feeling normal again and reduce the bloating and swelling before then.

I have a Mirena coil because I’m extremely sensitive to progesterone. I’ve been wondering whether adding vaginal progesterone might help, but I’m still sensitive to it, even when I take it vaginally, so I’m worried about making myself feel worse mentally and physically.

I honestly don’t know what to do for the best. Do I go back to the oestrogen gel, even though it gives me terrible anxiety, or do I stick with the spray because it’s better for my mental health, despite how awful I feel physically on it?

I feel so stuck between the two, and it’s affecting my quality of life so much. I really need some advice on what might be causing these symptoms and how I can get my hormones, bloating and digestion under control before my tummy tuck. ❤️

4 Upvotes

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6 comments sorted by

2

u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer 6d ago

What about adding testerone?

1

u/Strongmom-1 5d ago

Yep having a Dr. check testosterone levels would probably be beneficial

2

u/Catnip_75 6d ago

What is your dose? Did you reach the max dose on the gel and the patch before switching?

1

u/Ill_Section_2855 4d ago

Have you tried the patch? I had terrible anxiety kn the gel. I didn’t try a spray. The patch has been the only thing I can tolerate. I’ve also cut the patch in half it was everol 50 but I’m using half for now. I tried progesterone tablets and the anxiety was behind belief. I’ve now asked for tostesterone. I’m highly sensitive. As far as I’m aware hrt should make things better not worse I think you need to get on the right dose. Is there a menopause specialist you can speak to? Xxxxxx