Alternative HRT treatments - Clonidine

Hi Chellby,

I don't have experience of Clonidine,  but Im taking fluoxetine as an HRT alternative, that's the one my doctor suggested (it's the non brand name for Prozac). I've been taking it for about three months now and almost feel back to my usual self. I was started on a 20mg dose but I didn't feel it was working at full capacity so was upped to 40mg after six weeks, my doctor says I can have up to 60mg.

I felt a bit funny for a few weeks when I started taking it and again when my dose was upped, had some odd thoughts and some really random dreams, I'm still having them but they aren't nightmares so they are fine. The other thing I've noticed is that I sleep really well on them, sometimes too long lol. 

I hope that helps a bit and if you want any more information about them just ask.

lots of love

xxx

Thanks Arla. I hope you continue to do well with your journey, sounds like they are helping you as intended.

Since I posted this earlier today I had a call from my CNS expressing that the doctor was quite passionate about the HRT patches for me as he thinks there’s more benefits than risks for me to using them, and didn’t want to change me to Clonidine. So though it’s against my better judgement, I’m going to give them a try and keep fingers crossed they have the desired effect and not the dreaded.

Thank you for your time replying xx

I am really surprised at a Dr prescribing you oestrogen after you have had a oestrogen cancer. 

My consultant said hrt is an absolute no. Also its a no to any plant based menopause treatments. 

I would contact your cns nurse and go back to GP. 

My GP said clonidine tends to have severe side effects and people don't tend to stick with taking the course 

My main surgical menopuase issues are night sweats and insomnia. I'm due back at work soon and am worried about how tired I'm going to feel. 

I think if I needed to I would go down the same path as Arla and have a course of prozac etc prescribed. 

Hope you find something that works for you. 

I didn't read through the thread properly and see your cns nurse is reccomending the hrt, I'm guessing it must be approved by your consultant then. 

Hi Chellby,

My surgeon said I could have HRT too, even though my cancer was oestrogen receptive. He said the same as yours did, the benefits for me as I was struggling with menopause would outweigh the risks and that there were a few studies he read that supported its use for younger women with early stage womb cancer. I couldn't bring myself to take it so I opted to try the fluoxetine first, I saw my gp, consultant, CNS, the menopause clinic and a menopause group, so I know it's not an easy decision, there is no right or wrong, we can only do what we think is best for us. 

I was so determined not to take anything in the start, thinking I'd ride it out, but I'm glad I've tried something now, it's definitely making a big improvement.

let me know how you get on with them and feel free to chat anytime, here or in a private message, I know, from experience, how messed up menopause can make you.

lots of love 

xxx

Hello,

I take Clonidine and it really suits me. No hot flushes anymore and I’m on the lowest dose.  

I went to menopause clinic and it’s the first thing I tried.  I’d be feeling uneasy about HRT too so I get where you’re coming from.  I’d also feel weird about taking antidepressants.

Good luck with making your choice.

Amanda