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[Tempest]

Hi! I'm new here after lurking for some time - I have to say that MM is a wonderful place of support.

I would like to ask for some advice if I may. I had my hysterectomy aged 36, followed by oopherectomy 1 year ago aged 46. My Consultant Gynae. insisted he wanted me to try without HRT.

Fast forward 1 year, and after trying 3 types of AD's and being a total wreck both emotionally and physically, I was able to be seen at an emergency appt. at my local Menopause Clinic at the Sandyford and have been prescribed 2 pumps of Estrogel, which I apply in the evening.

It has now been 29 days, the first 3 days I was on just 1 pump as I suffer from multiple drug allergies and we wanted to make sure nothing was going to flare up there (my reactions are anaphylactic, and sometimes include drug 'fillers'). I really don't feel so good. My mood is all over the place - at times anger but very fleeting, other times mostly feelings of depression. I still have severe episodes of shakiness and feel like I'm going to pass out - it kinda feels like severe low blood sugar. I have tested OK for diabetes and thyroid recently. On a positive, my joint pains have improved a bit and my energy levels are a bit better. Hot flushes have reduced. Sleep has been problematic again the last 2 days.

Am I expecting too much, too soon do you think? Will the HRT improve my mood more over time? I am due for a review at 3 months, and seeing the Consultant who did my surgery again in 6 weeks (not sure how he's going to take it as I'm now on HRT and he seems very 'anti').

Any advice from other Estrogel users would be particularly welcomed, as this is going to be the preferred route due to my allergies (I've reacted badly to other types of drugs in transdermal patch form previously too).

Many thanks in advance!

ETA: The AD's I tried were Fluoxetine (total insomnia), Sertraline (inflamed liver - had to have emergency ultrasound), and Citalopram which caused Torsades (extreme racing heart within 20 minutes of taking dose).

[Kate50]

Yes it can be slow to build up and from what you said it would be the best for you just seems a shame you waited so long. Not sure if evening is best time to apply I know some ladies split it for a continous supply but you need it in the day I think I read it hits about 6 hrs after applying.
It's the best there is and I think you Been so long without it it will take a while but I'm sure by the time your appt comes  you will feel better. I can't really take pills either or AD'S.  Swap areas a bit when you rub it in if you a bit allergic.

[Tempest]

Thank you for replying, Kate! I wasn't sure about the best time of day to apply it. I am not sure if it said evening in the leaflet? Excuse my fuddled brain! I've been thinking about splitting the dose at least. I think that makes perfect sense. I have to say that GP's and Gynae's don't really give you a lot of advice do they? I'm open to any tips from ladies who actually use it - first hand experience is always the best I think. You are so right - I wish I hadn't waited so long. The lovely female Consultant i saw at the menopause clinic said that it could take some time for my estrogen receptors to respond now and she feels my 'tanks are pretty much empty'.

[Kate50]

I think it will start kicking in soon and don't put it all on at night. 

[Dancinggirl]

Tempest - I responded to you on the other thread.  I like the term “tanks are pretty much empty” - describes things every well.  Be patient, things will improve.  DG x

[Tempest]

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement, Dancinggirl!