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[Ju Ju]

Yesterday, I went for my private gynaecologist appointment, clutching a wodge of blood test results ( somewhat over the top because of a nasty chest infection/ asthma). The gynaecologist was recommended by my GP, who has been keen to get to the bottom of my very low energy. ( Doctors have tended to be dismissive, once blood counts came back normal. Maybe being so poorly has been a blessing in disguise!)

I had to fill in a questionnaire on symptoms, was examined and she looked the blood test results and commented I was running on empty. I have been prescribed Estradot patches, 2 a week, Climaval 1mg every other day and once symptoms are relieved, I can start Tostran Gel one pump every other day. She also told me I was insulin resistant and need a low carb diet, with no sweet things. Sounds hard, but I'm already aware that I feel rough after eating sugary stuff, so not so bad. I have a very strong family history of Type 2 diabetes, though they were all overweight and I am slim apart from my tummy, which is almost the same measurement as my hips.

I'll let you know how I get on in a few weeks. Ju Ju

[peri]

Good luck Ju Ju, hope all goes well and keep us posted x

[Hurdity]

Hi JuJu

Great news (especially as you are 60!)!

What dose Estradot have you been prescribed? Also have you been given a progestogen to go with this or have you had a hysterectomy? You may feel side effects of the oestrogen to start with - personally I would start gradually especially if you haven't taken it before, as you may experience more initial side effects from that dose, although they will settle eventually.

I know the feeling about waist size - mine is larger than I would like it to be, and than it used to be (but smaller than my hips!).

Hope you begin to feel the benefits!

Hurdity x

[Ju Ju]

Hi Hurdity,

I've been prescribed Esrtadot 25 micrograms and have to put a patch on twice a week. I was taking Tibolone. I haven't been given progesterone and no, I haven't had a hysterectomy. Testosterone is not prescribed without oestrogen, because of side effects.

I have been given dietary advice, some of which will be difficult, due to some intolerances. I might have to seek further advice, so I get enough nutrients. My hips are very narrow and I have slim legs, so it will be wonderful to get a waist to go with them. It will be a reward for being good, as well as feeling better. Maybe 60 will be the new 40!

[Taz2]

Good news on the testosterone but I am not sure why you haven't been prescribed a progesterone as Hurdity says. If you are taking oestrogen you also need progesterone to keep your womb lining thin and so prevent endometrial cancer. 

Taz x

[honeybun]

I would love to take oestrogen without progesterone but always thought this,was impossible.
It would be interesting to hear the thoughts behind this.
I also thought they were not keen on prescribing testosterone to women who have not had a hysterectomy.

Honeyb
x

[Hurdity]

I am surprised at this Ju Ju - especially from a private gynae.

I am assuming that she has prescribed oestrogen only for a short while to see if you feel better, before starting progesterone. Somne of us take long cycle HRT and the longest licensed product is the tablet Tridestra which is for a 3 month cycle. Private gynaes can and do vary the cycle length due to their specialist knowledge, but at some point and preferably after no longer than 10 weeks, of oestrogen only, you will definitely need a progestogen of some sort - and after this length of time a powerful one.

I presume you will be going back to her well before this to see how things are?

Good luck with the changes in diet too!

Hurdity x

[Ju Ju]

I shall ask about progesterone. I go back to the clinic in 2 months. I shall see my GP in the next week or so. I woke up this morning with a bad headache, which hasn't responded completely to pain killers. Was verging on migraine. Not had headaches like this one since going through the menopause. Shall have to be careful not to make worse, so no more IPad till later. If persists or gets worse will contact clinic.

[Hurdity]

Sorry to hear about the bad headache Ju Ju.  I know what these feel like. Was this straight after starting the HRT ie patch and pill or are you starting gradually?

I meant to say also that provided you eventually are given progesterone, it is a sensible way to start in your position  - with oestrogen only, because the progestogen could well negate the beneficial effects of the oestrogen and testosterone - since many women get side effects from this. Also if you have n;t had oestrogen for a long time your womb lining wshould be thin ( provided it didn't thicken on the Tibolone) so going on oestrogen only for a few weeks should not cause any problems. I am surprised this wasn't explained to you though.

My GP won't test for testosterone and says it doesn't cause tiredness otherwise all women complaining of tiredness would be tested for it - well I say - perhaps they should instead of labelling everyone with chronic fatigue, saying "there there" and letting them get on with it!!!! Perhaps I should go to a private gynae too.....

I really hope you feel better soon - when I have increased oestrogen in the past even slightly, I get a fuzzy head, nagging headache and I have never taken tablet oestrogen. The side effects should settle but that's not much help when you are feeling bad.

 

Hurdity x

[Ju Ju]

 Thank you, feeling a bit better. It didn't progress to a migraine, eg involving facial tingling, intolerance of light. Used to occur every month. I had another look at the testosterone site on this website. It states that you need to have established oestrogen therapy, before starting testosterone therapy. No mention of progesterone. I feel quite ignorant about these things.

 If I had known more, I would have chased after testosterone many years ago when it was first mentioned by a doctor and would have certainly taken HRT when offered a few years ago. I have been rather cynical about the medical profession, because of the lack of support about IBS, even asthma and the suggestion that I have CFS. Little old me was quite blunt that CFS and IBS are convenient labels for conditions that aren't easily diagnosed. I've been told my exhaustion was due to IBS. My husband is a wonderful resource. I now take him along if I think I might have a battle to get help. He seems to command respect in a lovely way. I am now lucky to have found a doctor in the practice who wants to get to bottom of what's going on. She has worked with the gynaecologist I saw.

[Diamonds and pearls 53]

The very best of luck Ju Ju, I do hope this regime works for you.. just wondering why you have been given 2 lots of oestrogen- Estrodot and Climaval-did your Dr say why?
Hope you soon start to feel the benefits..and must say it's great that you are going to be able to have Testosterone,especially as you are 60..fingers crossed it does the trick-and do keep us posted!
Diamonds and pearls x
 

[Ju Ju]

No idea. Maybe my blood results showed I needed that much. Plenty of explanation marks on the printout. Glad to say I that pain killers did just that this morning and the headache has gone. Hopefully it won't return.

[honeybun]

Glad to  hear that your headache is a bit better. Nothing more miserable.
Whenever I tried to increase my HRT I got internal jitters and a raging headache. I would advise easing in slowly to accustom your body to the extra oestrogen. I also suffered nausea so easy does it.


Honeyb
x

[Sleepless D]

Just wondering if this consultant you saw is in Guilford?

[Ju Ju]

Yes. Seemed very thorough and very kind. I went to see another gynaecologist privately, in another town, a few months ago. I had stated my age in the original email, but when I saw her she said I was too old and it was too risky. Waste of a lot of money. I was upset and angry.

Headaches have not come back and I have had some very good sleeps since Wednesday. Just as well as I am looking after my 17 month grandson today. He's very happy and energetic today.