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[VLC]

I've been on 4 pumps of oestrogel daily (plus utrogestan) for a year now. I'm 44. It works well to address some of my symptoms...but...it has significant disadvantages too, and I want to try an oestrogen implant.  I've spoken to a menopause specialist who is very supportive but she no longer runs a menopause clinic (I see her under the radar of a sexual health clinic) and neither of us know yet how to get the implant authorised since it has been discontinued.  She used to provide it regularly prior to this.

I'm aware the Chelsea and Westminster still offer implants, but I live in Cheshire so that's no use to me.

Can anyone help please?

[CLKD]

Do you really require it?  One of our Members has tried and feels that she has too much hormone now ……..

Oh:  by the way 

[VLC]

Thanks for the welcome!
I've been reading the posts today and can see it is not without problems so I am taking that into account. And I think I may try patches soon as an interim measure.
But, although the oestrogel does the trick, it is still basically quite a daily impact on my life. I apply the full dose at bedtime as I wouldn't manage compliance at any other time, or handle splitting the dose.

I effectively cover both arms and both legs and then have to avoid touching my young children for some time after, ruling out big cuddles due to the risk of transference. My children are 8 and 5. When the little one wants to join me in bed (he's a bad sleeper) I really worry about transference.

It works to alleviate symptoms but I feel 'radioactive' after applying it!
Due to my age I'll be using HRT for many years to come, and I want a better solution. What I want is the ability to forget about my oestrogen deficiency for months at a time.  I know this hasn't worked for some women, but surely it must have worked for others?

[Chi chi]

Hi, I was on 4 pumps also, testosterone gel and utrogestan every month until the beginning of April this year ( had been on the gels for 1 year previous ) I decided to try the implants, both oestrogen and testosterone and have never been right since  I've now had to restart both gels as well as it didn't feel like the implants were working, in fact my oestrogen level actually dropped more than half when on just the implant 

Just my opinion but I would never have them again 

[VLC]

Wow, thanks for sharing Estelle. Sorry to hear it didn't work for you.  Did you get any explanation for why the implant failed to release oestrogen?
And if it's not too forward to ask-how did you manage to get the implant at all...did you have to go private?

[Chi chi]

Nope no explanation as to why it didn't seem to work for me?  I see a specialist in London and even he is stumped 

[toffeecushion]

Nope no explanation as to why it didn't seem to work for me?  I see a specialist in London and even he is stumped 

Sorry to hijack the thread - Do you go private?  Could you pm the name of your specialist please?  I am considering going private and haven't a clue as to where to start looking.  Thanks

[Chi chi]

I see Professor Studd

[toffeecushion]

Thanks

[dazned]

I just searched for a gynecologist who has an interest in the menopause locally and paid for an appointment found one only 10 miles from me and he doesn't need a gp referral either.

[CLKD]

A Consultant should always ask for a GP Referral  - it's unethical not to do so. I would be very concerned if a Consultant saw me without!

[lancashirelass]

I get.mine via.andrew pickersgill at the alex in cheadle.  Thry have an accumulative effect, it takes a few weeeks to kick in.  Everyone is different until you try you dont.know.  they are.preffered for ladies who are in surgical by.my.chap the reason some have issues is because.they also have fluctuating levels from ovaries.  Happy to chat to you privately if.you prefer

[dazned]

CLKD when I asked my consultant if he required a referral from my GP he merely said why would he need a GP to tell him what might be wrong !
As you can tell he isn't very enamoured with the doctors around here !   
He reckons if they know so much about gyne issues why are they a GP ! 

[CLKD]

I've worked with Consultants like that  ……… attitude problems all of them.

GPs are GPs for a reason.  It's ethics.  A GP should have background knowledge about a patient, medical issues which the patient may not offer up to a Consltant which could lead to dangerous medical/personal situations.  At GP may also know if a Consultant isn't up to speed or un-sympathetic to patients  and would, if asked, prefer to refer a patient elsewhere.

[lancashirelass]

Gps are generalists at the end of the day quite often not good enough to.make the grade as surgeons or consultants so i dont see an.issue with going direct private if needed.  In fact i wouldnt have got.the care i needed without doing this as gp refused point blank to send.me to an endometriosis specialist.  Do what is right for you!