Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Kathleen]

Hello Tempest.

So pleased to hear from you and it's reassuring that you are receiving appropriate help. I can relate to the pattern you describe as I have something similar in that my symptoms follow a routine through the day and evening. The patches I was using didn't eradicate this and as you know I am now trying Tibolone.  I am 60 and post meno but I swear my hormones still ebb and flow and of course the surges are undeniable. Perhaps our reproductive hormones follow a rhythm similar to the  circadian one and this is what we are experiencing. Plus of course no good can come from lack of sleep and it is likely that you are running on adrenaline just to get through the day!

I wish you well and I will continue to follow your story wherever you choose to post.  Sending hugs and hopefully you will see some improvement soon.

K.

[coldethyl]

Good to hear that they are checking you regularly and that the various members of your health care team are liaising. I do wonder if with a lot of support that you might not find some equalibroum off the HRT and on the mood stabiliser mooted by your psychiatrist. I hope that you find some peace from the agitation as I know all too well how that feels and how it just seems to floor you from nowhere. Thinking of you and hope you can keep posting as you have much to contribute xxx

[Menomale]

I can relate to the pattern you describe as I have something similar in that my symptoms follow a routine through the day and evening. The patches I was using didn't eradicate this and as you know I am now trying Tibolone.  I am 60 and post meno but I swear my hormones still ebb and flow and of course the surges are undeniable. Perhaps our reproductive hormones follow a rhythm similar to the  circadian one and this is what we are experiencing. Plus of course no good can come from lack of sleep and it is likely that you are running on adrenaline just to get through the day!

K.

Hi K.

Your post made a light bulb flash...  What IF with the ovarian ageing process and our adrenals taking control of most part of sex hormones production the pattern of fluctuation changes from a, let's say "hypothalamus-hypophysis-ovaries" to a "hipothalamus-hypophysis-adrenals"pattern similar to the cortisol circadian rhythms? That would explain why during peri the fluctuations would be so erratic because both systems would be playing a part and as ovaries keep shrinking the adrenal pattern would prevail and be responsible for the surges.

This is a relatively new "symptom" if we consider the human evolution, because women were basically concieving machines without so many periods and probably not reaching the menopause. Maybe we (women and doctors) should try to learn how to deal with the adrenals instead of sticking to the "ovaries way of thinking" that is so prevalent today. They say some men think with their testicles... maybe some women think with their ovaries, but in menopause they are dying so better start thinking with the brain and the adrenals?

That would be so important mainly for ladies who had their ovaries removed!


Tempest,

Glad you're back on your feet, sweetie! I know I'm rambling but I think it wouldn't hurt if you talk with your docs about this adrenal side of the story... your symptoms also show a similar pattern...

Hugs to you all, Tibolone tribe!

[Hurdity]

Kathleen - Yes estradiol levels do follow a circadian rhythm as many of our processes! Also transdermal HRT also adds to this due to circadian changes in blood flow to the skin meaning estradiol is differentially absorbed morning and night - I think this is just patches though since gel has already been absorbed! If I remember correctly blood flows closer to the skin in the evening so more is absorbed and also estradiol levels are higher anyway in the evening? Might have got this the wrong way round as haven't looked it up and haven't retained the info - just the concept!

Hurdity x

[Rhiner]

Just catching up a bit on a few posts - Tempest, really sorry to hear how you are at the mo. I really hope you get sorted soon.

Rhiner

[Annie0710]

Dear Tempest

It doesn't matter what you take or how you do it, getting better is the only importance

Big hugs my friend and take care until you next pop in xxxxxxx

[abbyH]

Just read this, can only add to what the others have said, sending you lots of love and hugs and hope you can get some relief and feel better soon. You know where I am if you need me!

Abby xx

[Anjia]

Hope your soon feeling much better Tempest xxx

[Tempest]

Thank you so much, dear ladies!

The IHTT team are taking good care of me right now.

Today I got my appointment through for my DEXA scan on 16th March, so in order not to rock the boat I'm going to try very hard to stay on the Tibolone until I know the outcome at least I think, but I'll discuss this further with the team and my psychiatrist.

It's day 42 and today I think (hope) that the 'surges' haven't been as bad (these have been killer for me - we've identified that shifts in hormones are a big problem for me mentally - and hence why I've struggled so badly on each HRT I've tried).

Dryness down below has become a big problem - I've never had this before either with no HRT or any of the others I've tried. Today I managed to speak to the Developing Chemist at the company that makes 'Yes' and she was simply wonderful! I always have to check everything I use carefully because of my serious allergies and I phoned as I had an application query too.I ordered their new Yes VM moisturiser which arrived today, and there is going to be an article in MM magazine about it soon. It's quite unique and I've used it today and I have found it very good already! She is also sending me samples as I mentioned I'm on the forum to share with anyone interested (hope this is ok, Emma) so if anyone would like to give it a go, I can send you some. I already have 2 ladies earmarked that I'd like to offer these to as I know one can't use HRT and the other has just completed chemo. (you know who you are - so I'll be sending you a wee message if that's ok).

So......onwards.

I'm hoping you're all doing ok and I'm sending you hugs and so many thanks for your kindness. xxxxx

[Annie0710]

Hi Tempest

It's so lovely to hear your team are helping you along and that you were accepted for the DEXA scan

That's interesting about the YES moisturiser.  I'm struggling with VA lately again. I use my vagifem and have been using YES vaginal wash and Sylk moisturiser but I'm still sore externally.  I might have a look on Amazon for the moisturiser


Tibolone Update (a few days away from finishing 2nd month)

1) mood stable
2) libido still not good BUT response much improved
3) social anxiety seems improved (always scared to talk too soon on this one) but going away this weekend so that will be a good test as going with OHs friends who I know but not as well as he does
4) VA worse at present
5) weight ....... hmmmmmm I need some willpower to curb my newly increased appetite :-(


X

[Sooze]

For those struggling with VA, if you haven't tried Ovestin externally it's worth a try it was a massive game changer for me.  I'm allergic to Chlorohexidine Gluconate (in Savlon & Hibiscrub), but have no problems with Ovestin - it's a different Chlorohexidine.

For me, Vagifem is OK for internal issues but the fillers are irritating on external skin, and even using every night it did nothing for external issues.  I now use Vagifem 1-2 times/week but Ovestin externally every night - even a small amount makes a huge difference.  Since starting using it I've had no splitting of the skin, and everything is looking '5-10yrs younger' if you know what I mean.  It really did rejuvinate everything.

Even if I had to stop Tibolone (for any reason), I wouldn't give up Ovestin without a major fight!

[warwick01]

Morning Ladies,

It seems a little quiet on here the last few days. I hope this means everyone is doing well

Some more advice and reassurance required pleeeeeeease.

Day 60 first week into my 3rd pack.

Well Friday good day, Sat morning a bit wobbly better from lunch time. Sunday a very good day went for a walk on the beach (not done that for ages) Yesterday wow woke up nausea swimmy head  and flushed cheeks felt terrible all day today head feels better but nausea seems to be a big issue recently. I got morning anxiety with nausea before HRT. So my question is Will things settle?? I'm just not sure if it's strong enough?

Tempest - if your poping in....... hope your ok

Wxx

[Dancinggirl]

warwick01
Your fluctuating symptoms may have nothing to do with the Tibolone or indeed your hormones.  What you are describing sounds very much like fluctuating blood sugar levels.  Do you eat small amounts regularly during the day?  Do you start the day with some wholemeal toast and honey or something that settles the tummy? Are you avoiding caffein and alcohol and have you cut out as much sugar as possible? I eat a banana mid morning and have a handful of nuts or seeds at teatime - this can avoid those dips in blood sugar that can make me feel shaky, dizzy, headachy etc.
This also helps to reduce flushes.
I find that a small glass of milk with a small cheese biscuit half an hour before bed can really help reduce the blood sugar drop in the small hours that can start the day off badly.
Do have a good look at the your lifestyle routine and perhaps try focusing on the diet - keep doing those brisk walks every day.  HRT can't do everything.
Do ignore this if you are already doing all this stuff - these are just my thought ad suggestions.  DG xxx

[warwick01]

Hi Dancinggirl

Thanks for the advice.

I usually have a small bowl of porridge with honey or like this morning fresh fruit including a banana , natural yogurt with honey for breakfast. I will look at having something b4 bed as I do think that will help.

As I sit here, I'm flushing in my face and have the nausea, sure this is hormonal  praying it settles as I would love to continue with Tibolone.

Wxx

[Jules53]

Hi Warwick. As Dancing girl said it may be nothing to do with the Tibolone.

On Saturday  I kept flushing and sweating and woke up on Sunday with a cold. Then yesterday it turned into full blown flu - chills, sweats,  aching all over, headache and nausea. I dragged myself into work yesterday and today as Ofsted are in😣😢! If I feel like this tomorrow I'm staying in bed!

Really hope you're not going down with it but you could have a virus which is causing the flushing.

Hope you feel better soon xx