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[Tempest]

You've already got it then, Menomale!

I'm glad you've got the 50's - see how you go, and yes - trim a bit if you don't feel comfortable.

I TOTALLY get where you're coming from with animals! They really are the most loveable and unjudgemental of companions! 🐰🐹🐀🐭🐥🐱🐈🐑🐎 xxxxx

[Hurdity]

Hi ladies,

I'm just dropping by to tell you that my oestradiol level tested Dec 2016 was < 5 pg/ml (< 18.3 pmol/l) which is below test sensitivity. 

Hi Menomale - not sure why you are getting your oestrogen levels tested - but I wouldn't take much notice of these as it sounds like an error to me - or if you are wanting a true reading I would suggest you get them re-done and try another lab! This level would be extremely unlikely I would have thought - especially if you are not yet 2 years post-menopause and are also taking oestrogen - because oestrogen levels will not have declined that far yet. Do not worry and concentrate on treating your menopausal symptoms without worrying about levels!

Hurdity x

[Hurdity]

Oh dear, I'm afraid no Lush nor 37.5 Estradot are available here 

I'll have to jump into 50 or cut the patch (not my primary choice, too lazy to do it, and also may spoil the thing?)

I once registered on the Surmeno blog (because I wanted to see any info and pass it on to my sister who has gone into surgical menopause and does not speak English) and was kindly advised by Framboese that I was not allowed to be there... 

Yes cutting is absolutely fine - but there might be a problem with uncurling more at the cut edges but as long as you have a quick feel every now and again  to make sure it's stuck down you should be fine

Hurdity x

[murphydurf]

Hurdity - in light of a post which stated that many professionals did not agree with trimming matrix patches as it could lead to 'leakage' along the cut edge, how can you advise cutting with such certainty?

Murphydurf

[murphydurf]

I ran out of my usual 50mcg EVOREL patches and by mistake was given 100mcgs patches with my new prescription.

I didn't worry too much and just decided to cut them in half. BIG MISTAKE!!!

Over the last 4 weeks my estradiol levels have plummeted to 90 pmols ! My mood isn't too bad but I am sooo dizzy!

I'm now wearing a 50mcg patch and waiting for my levels to be restored back to there usual 275 pmols.

My endo once told me not to cut patches in half. He said it mucks about with the matrix. Others may be able to but it won't be something I'll be doing again.
[/quote



This was the thread discussing cutting.

Mx

[Menomale]

Hi ladies,

I'm just dropping by to tell you that my oestradiol level tested Dec 2016 was < 5 pg/ml (< 18.3 pmol/l) which is below test sensitivity. 

Hi Menomale - not sure why you are getting your oestrogen levels tested - but I wouldn't take much notice of these as it sounds like an error to me - or if you are wanting a true reading I would suggest you get them re-done and try another lab! This level would be extremely unlikely I would have thought - especially if you are not yet 2 years post-menopause and are also taking oestrogen - because oestrogen levels will not have declined that far yet. Do not worry and concentrate on treating your menopausal symptoms without worrying about levels!

Hurdity x

It's unlikely to be an error, I've done 3 tests last year (different labs, I was living in another city) and just had another done this year, similar levels. I won't post them here but if you want I can pm you part of the files. Anyway, all labs in Brazil have to confirm unusual readings before releasing the results.

On a side note, my DHEA levels have increased to normal after starting taking it as a supplement.

I'm not worried about levels, my gp and gynae are. My symptoms haven't subsided so they think there might be something else going on apart from emotional issues and perimenopause.

[Hurdity]

Hurdity - in light of a post which stated that many professionals did not agree with trimming matrix patches as it could lead to 'leakage' along the cut edge, how can you advise cutting with such certainty?

Murphydurf

Hi there -  since you ask, I can advise with such certainty because Dr Currie said so - I've been around a long time and this was discussed 5 years ago  - including on this forum. Dr Currie also posted an answer in the magazine to a question about it (in 2012 I think). She was referring to cutting Evorel conti - and that includes progestogen - but that cutting a combi patch was off licence - although gynaes are fine with it. There is nothing in the structure of a matrix patch which could lead to much of the hormone leaking out of the side!

Hurdity x

[Rhiner]

Hi All,

I have also been advised by my meno specialist, who is a colleague of Dr Currie that it is absolutely fine to cut (certainly Oestrodot) patches.  Good luck Menomale with the patches. Just for info, I ensured that I got the dose right for oestrogen before starting on the prog and this took 8 weeks until I felt fully settled.

Rhiner x

[murphydurf]

It would seem that some consultants say yes, and others, no. Like so many other things discussed on this site, there are no definitive answers. As I remember, Dr Currie also sanctioned arm application of gel but that was questioned by some on here. Unless you are a medic, you are NOT qualified to prescribe how, when or why women use what they do.

Mx

[Kkay]

Hello Hurdity ! I actually went to see her many moons ago after reading her book, when I first developed premature ovarian failure. It was she who put me on Estrogel, which had just been licenced in the US that same month I think. It eventually worked for me, but took many many months and playing around with the dosage and location of application.

I wish I hadn't been persuaded to switch to Tibolone two years ago - it's a great drug for many women, don't get me wrong, but in hindsight  I should have been given local estrogen with it; struggling with VA now and I suspect, vulvodynia as a result. 😞

[Cassie]

Does anyone know what the oestrogen levels should be whilst on HRT, or what is considered normal? I had a test in my 40s when on the gel and the circulating level was if I remember correctly over 600 and then when I had it retested a few yrs bk it was down to 200 not sure if there is a guide line as to what is considered too high or too low....

[Salad]

Hi Cassie

My GP has said 'normal' is anywhere between 100-1000. But everyone is different.
My last test was 253 and I was tested as I was having low symptoms: feeling unwell, sinus tachycardia,
joint pains, extreme tiredness, foggy head whilst using Femseven 100 patch.
I was switched to Estradot 100 and my symptoms have now settled.

My highest level was 2300 when I wasn't absorbing Oestrogel correctly so was changed to patches.

[Cassie]

Wow Salad 2300 that is high, when you say you were not absorbing it correctly, you were clearly absorbing it in huge amounts? Interesting how we are all so different and how we absorb the meds so differently....

[Salad]

Hi Cassie

Yes. That rather impressive level was done three hours after my morning application! My GP suspects I was absorbing it all in one hit rather than throughout a 24 hour period, as between 3-5pm I had all my low symptoms back.
I swapped to patches and my level dropped back to 'normal'.

[yriches65]

Hi Menomale

Did you ever get this sorted ? Was it on Estrogel or switch to patches ??

As i have just had my saliva test results back and i one pump of estrogel recorded 3.9 pg/ml which is around 18 nmol

Big hugs

Yx