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[Tempest]

Thank you, Hurdity! Do you know, after I posted this I actually came across a post you wrote in reply to another member about the androgenic side effects of Testosterone and I had a lightbulb moment. You are absolutely, perfectly right of course! As I've had no estrogen to speak of for a while, it could make rather a mess of things at this stage. I also remember what Dancinggirl said a few days ago about your body 'waking up' when you start HRT after a break or not having had any, and I'm thinking this is what all the weirdness is that's going on for me at the moment.

I just need to take stock and slow down a bit I think!!!! xxx

[ruthae]

Hi Tempest
Thanks for response,  and sorry to hear you're in the wars too.  Yes the clinics seem to be under terrible pressure, they usually take 4 to 5 days to return calls.  I think I am still peri so 3 pumps plus my own hormones surging unpredictably seems a bit risky to me, but he is the expert... I spoke to a friend who works for NHS support locally he is going to see what he can find out from the inside...
Let us know how prof. Stud goes, I am already paying for weekly councelling to help get me through this as each regime takes so long to settle, but I might end up there too. 
Rx

[Lil Lynn]

Stellajane - I've not been on here for a while and just to give a quick update. Good news on the bp front after showing GP bp home readings she is happy for me to try and manage bp with exercise and diet changes - thanks to CLKD for recommending the home bp kit.

On the hair loss, I'm on the derm docs minoxidil regime but was disappointed he could comment on Provera v Utro. I'm still on the Utro but reluctantly so as although he did say we see more hair shedding in Spring I still think it might be contributing.

I saw the lovely HRT specialist last week, she has increased my oestrogen patch to 37.5 mcg. My oestrodiol level was 88 which I think is low. We spoke about a shorter cycle on Utro but she was wasn't keen to put me on it. I'm on a daily dose not 25 days out of 28 which I don't understand but will be speaking with her soon.

I still think it is going to be trial and error and the HRT doctor said she was going to look into using the Utro vaginally and also if the Provera 2.5 mg would give enough womb protection. The 10mg and 5mg gave me horrendous joint pain but as I was only in the Provera for a couple of weeks I do not know if the symptoms would subside.

As one of the other ladies mentioned taking the Utro orally can be a bit of a pain, I've been advised to take it 2 hours after food, the only side effect I'm having us tiredness, and it does stop me late night snacking.

The HRT doc does think using it vaginally could possibly have less side effects such as the hair loss and hopefully tiredness. I know the Utro is well know for being the least androgenic but I do still think that it is still down to the individual that it can still cause the hair loss. Like the Provera apparently the HRT doc hadn't come across anyone suffering joint pain before but it certainly affected me that way. So perhaps next steps may be to try Provera 2.5mg and if the joint pain returns go back to the Utro. Will let you know what she says. Thanks to everyone for your help xx

[Hurdity]

Hi Lil L - it depends what units of measurement were used for your oestrogen. If it was in pmol/l then yes 88 would be a low reading but if in pg/ml it would be fine and a good reading (provided your symptoms are under control). Also glad to hear you are now increasing your dose of oestrogen - but can't remember how old you are and where in menopause...glad your BP is  becoming controlled  too

Hurdity x

[Lil Lynn]

Hi Stellajane and Hurdity, I'm on 100mg daily of the Utro and I don't really think I like the idea of vaginally every day either. I'm hoping the hrt doctor will come back with some info on the Provera 2.5 mg. I am on the hrt only really for the hair loss and bone protection. I am 47 and think the docs said that the bleed last year was post meno so I think they reckon I was post meno about 2 years ago at 45.

I've lost a few pounds it's hard going but I think next steps if they can see good bp readings and more weight loss will be a 50mcg patch, unfortunately none of the docs seem to know the strength of patch at which you would see improvement with hair. The oestrogen reading was 88pmol/l and another reading will be taken in around 6 weeks. Thanks and I'll keep you posted xx

[Trufflecat]

4 months of the Utrogestan for 7 days and two pumps daily and I feel that this is a good regeime for me. Very little bleeding though, just some minor spotting once a month ish. I will make an appointment to see my GP as I might need a scan to check things.

[Niamh]

Can I ask where people apply their ostrogel and how often you vary where you put it? I've been using it for nearly 8 months now and always apply inner upper and lower arm but I've read it's best to vary it owing to saturation? Thx

[Dancinggirl]

Always applied it to my inner thighs for many, many years and never had any problems with absorption.  DG x

[Niamh]

Maybe I shouldn't worry then! I might try inner thigh though for a few weeks for a change tho  x

[Hurdity]

Sandrena gel and all the estrogen patches tell you to apply it on lower trunk/abdomen below the waist. Estrogel is the only one that says arms or shoulders as well. Personally I wouldn't apply on top of inner upper arm as that is close to the breast and there is some transport through the skin - but since the instructions say it's OK then it must be . I have never used it though but do use testosterone gel which is the same - ie applied to lower abdomen.

I don't quite understand about the changing site or keeping to the same one. A paper I read suggested that for one gel preparation (but it didn't mention which) the site should be varied, and the other it should be kept the same. it is precisely because it builds up in the skin that keeping to the same site was suggested as it provides a reservoir of oestrogen to replenish the system. The Sandrena instructions say alternate inner thigh but Estrogel says nothing about this!

There is a woeful lack of detailed information about this!

Provided you do the same thing each time approx then you will give yourself a consistent dose I would say?

Hurdity x

[Cassie]

I apply 1 and a teeny blob extra and spread over my legs alternating legs each night, never anywhere else, I find my arms too short....I rub it in from ankle to above knee kinda spreading it out and rub till its all in, only takes a few seconds....seems to be doing the trick....

[Liz]

Interesting, Cassie, that you are applying to lower leg..... do you find this better than thighs?  Might try it.

[Cassie]

Its worked for me for yrs....give it a try....

[Liz]

Will do - do you mean up the calf or the front of the leg?

[Cassie]

All over the bottom leg calf and front....if theres left overs you can go above the knee makes no diff.