HRT Intolerance or Side Effects?

Went through something similar. After many issues with side effects to osteoporosis drugs, I decided to try HRT. I did tons of research, as I was 15 years past menopause, but since I was in very good health, my doctor agreed the benefit outweighed the risks.
I was started on the estrogen patch, progesterone pill and vaginal estrogen.
A few weeks in I started to get severe acid reflux and worse I began having lightheadedness that had me feeling like I was going to pass out. In addition, I was experiencing heart racing multiple times per day.
My cardiologist ordered a heart monitor. My gynecologist suggested I stop the progesterone temporarily, as that can cause the acid reflux and the lightheadedness. That worked as those symptoms stopped almost immediately. But the heart racing continued to get worse. This showed on the heart monitor, but thankfully nothing more serious was going on.
In the end I decided to stop the HRT as it was impacting my life too much. Had I decided to stay with the estrogen my gynecologist was going to use a progesterone ring, as it doesn’t cause the same side effects as the oral pill but still gives you the uterine protection.
I hope things are able to work out for you, it’s all so concerning and frustrating at the same time.

@sondrachristo1 Thanks for your reply. The deep dive for answers is so hard, most things Im reading about is all the new positive information about HRT and how it can be so beneficial etc - which is great. Very hard to find resources about women who couldn't tolerate it, had negative symptoms or paradoxical effects, what that looked like, what they tried and how they navigated it. I might try different route than oral/pill. Then there's the question if my Estradiol is too high (now that Prog is so low), OR, if what is needed is the addition of Testosterone. Im glad you were able to find the right solution for you!!

Can I ask why you started HRT? I am a healthy 60 year old wondering about HRT. I have gained weight in my middle, occasional sleep and memory issues. I am concerned about dementia and heart health. How do you know if HRT is right for me or where to start. I do not have a gynecologist.

@pdhuston Hi, after going through 2 years of extreme stress, 3 of my doctors suggested it, saying new research finds it safe, helpful, it could help my overall lack of stamina, low energy, sleep interruption. I did not have a lot of symptoms but I thought wth, I'll give it a try. First 4 months were positive and I "felt like a million bucks." I'm now on a continual search to figure out what's causing many symptoms. Best NON MEDICAL advice I have for you is start low dose just in case. I think I'm an outlier with a very sensitive system, so these intolerances might require I stop HRT. Definitely find a doctor to prescribe this who will LISTEN and be patient and who KNOWS their way around HRT. Good luck!

Do u take any other meds?

@pdhuston

Consult your physician first. Make sure she/he is up to date on latest research and is not making decisions based on the flawed women's health initiative study. I am 77 and started at 76 with low dose estradiol/testosterone pellet, progesterone and vaginal estradiol cream. Menopause is the leading cause of Osteoporosis. Have you had a dexa scan yet?
Make sure you do your own research so that you can have a thoughtful conversation with your provider. I finally had to go to a functional medicine provider. Read as much as you can here. There are also some good threads on bhrt and hrt in reddit.

@laura1970 New to these threads so Im not sure if your reply was for me or previous person - but for me, no other meds, no underlying conditions (knocking on wood!). Follow up - had 3 horrible days S/M/T - jittery, fearful, anxiety and intrusive thoughts off the charts (not like me, I'm very calm, positive, level-headed, happy. optimistic type) so something is definitely not right. Went to my Dr again yesterday (he's beyond amazing) and we looked at and did rule outs of everything including my worse fears (needing a brain scan) and he's pretty certain since the only thing different in my life over the past year is the addition of HRT, that's the culprit and to lower my Estradiol patch in hopes it's better dosing and balance for my now lowered 35mg Progesterone, and my being so petite. Im starting new 0.375 patch tomorrow and praying I can go back to my normal, happy, strong, positive, optimistic life!

@gravity3 Please clarify - the flawed women's health inititiave study meaning the "old" thinking HRT is bad, or the "new" thinking that it's good? Also if I might ask, why did you start HRT at 76 (good for you and I hope its been GREAT) and, any thoughts on Testosterone - my amazing doctor had mentioned adding this at the start of my HRT, and I still want to consider it but with what Im going through and with my high sensitivities- Im hestitant. Want to benefit from what's available to us women!!!

@orion7962

Good idea. My provider started me on a .025 patch and slowly increased. Same with the testosterone.

@orion7962

The women's health initiative study is the old thinking.
I love the bhrt regime I am on. I feel alive again. Libido is restored. No more vaginal atrophy or dryness. No more uti's, urine leaks or senile purpura. It cannot reverse my osteoporosis but it will provide some support for my bone health. I wish you well on your journey.