HRT and Relapsing Remitting MS
I was wondering if anyone here has started on HRT in their mid 40s and found it helped with MS symptoms at all, along with other things (please feel free to share 'other things' if you are comfortable as I have read HRT can help with issues such as loss of libido and with pain and dryness you-know-where).
HRT is something I am considering trialling in a low dose, but I'm still researching the benefits and have been given some information from a doctor to read through as well.
My impression from reading and listening to podcasts so far is that it all sounds very complicated with the monitoring of oestrogen and progesterone. I don't feel that I have the cognitive or memory skills to be monitoring levels meticulously, cycling progesterone, or even to take things daily (I often forget to take things in my pill box!).
I wondering if I am overwhelming myself by reading too much and overcomplicating something that's actually quite simple...
@jellysheep Nope regarding MS symptoms and HRT. One is hormonal and the other is autoimmune, not sure if they linked. Yes, you are overthinking it all. Give HRT a go (if you can take it), though I found that my anxiety levels went through the roof, and the hot flushes became volcanic, but I do have a heat intolerance via my MS. And I'm not sure if that was made worse because I had MS as well. You may find that a change in diet may help (whatever is suggested, I reduced my diary intake), and I would suggest a cream for the dryness issue, but your doctor should be able to advise. You could also suggest a referral if you need some more information. This is all as individual as with MS, so find something that works for you. MS and menopause was never mentioned alongside my talks with my neuro, so I've dealt with them separately. The MS charity websites give some advice on this subject. If you are not yet on a DMT for your MS, I would strongly recommend considering one.
@AndreaG Thanks for your reply, Andrea. I’m going to be having a blood test to check my thyroid and hormones soon as this would establish if I’d be suitable to trial a low dose of HRT. I’m experiencing a few symptoms that MS shares, so being of a certain age now, I may need some hormonal assistance. :)