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[Shell]

Hi all,

Well 36 now and was hoping that 18 months down the line id be getting somewhere...but apparently not.

My main questions here are will my aching clicky joints ever feel normal?
Also when given readings of my hormone levels no one told me what was normal...and what is normal if every one is different? I'm currently on 100 estradot with a sliver cut off and just had to transfer to testogel pump. I still don't seem to have hit the spot that people talk.about and feel good...is there such a thing??.
So my oestrogen level was 1100?? And my testosterone 1.5?? Said my oestrogen was high...however if I drop it...migranes return? Still no sexual desire and still feel blah. Only just started with the pump and was told to up the dose? Can anyone advise on these levels please

[CLKD]

Have you read the Daisy web-site for early menopause?    36 is early and your GP should be giving you guidance.

As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax - aches and pains.  Have you tried over the counter pain relief?  Maybe have a chat with a Pharmacist for advice on which medication is best.

[Hurdity]

Hi Shell

Have you had hysterectomy or maybe you have Mirena coil  - so don't need HRT with a progestogen? Also what were your periods doing before you started HRT - had you gone a long time without them and were they few and far between?

If you are peri-menopausal ie your ovaries are still functioning then oestrogen levels won't tell you anything as they fluctuate throughout the cycle and also within a day ( ie morning different from night). The important thing is how you are feeling. It's not good for them to be too high ie higher than normal physiological levels - but you can't tell just from one reading.

If you are on the Testogel pump - how much are you using and how often and are you being monitored by specialist gynae? Testosterone levels are difficult to measure accurately in women and also SHBG levels need to be measured too so that the Free Androgen Index can be calculated (unless the measurement is of free testosterone).

Are you taking any other medication which might affect your sexual desire eg anti-depressants - as these can suppress libido. Also if you are taking a continuous progestogen eg mini- pill this could possibly have the same effect?

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

My ADs have never affected my libedo ;-).  Ever .....   

My worry is your age.  HRT can protect heart and bones.

[Shell]

Hi

Thanks for the replies I had a hysterectomy at 31 due to severe endometriosis, still suffering with pain and migranes so decided to remove both ovaries at 34.
I'm taking a pea sized amount of testosterone 5x a week (leave it on patch days as my skin becomes too greasy if I take it everyday). As I say only on oestrogen and I'm on 100 estradot patch but cut a small amount off to stop painful breasts. If I lower it anymore my migranes return...which is part of the reason I had my ovaries removed!!.
I'm under a specialist gynae but to be honest get treat like everyone else not someone of a younger age, just says carry on regardless of symptoms and takes my blood...then check up in 4 months.
The levels she gave me don't mean anything to me, and I'm not sure what my levels should be at 36??.  when I discuss my joints aches etc, just pass it off as getting older or maybe nothing to do with menopause...however I never had any issues before ovary removal?. Doctors are at a loss as they don't usually deal with people my age, and treat me like I'm the same, surely I need more oestrogen then someone older?

[CLKD]

Which is why you should have been referred to the Daisy web-site.  Have a look-see and make notes.  I think one has to pay for info from there, which I object to.  You could also, for a small fee, send an e-mail to Dr Currie on here for advice.

[Shell]

How and where do I find the daisy website please?

[Dotty]

https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk

Here's the link x

[Shell]

Thank you  but I have had my ovaries removed so not sure that's the right place x

[Dotty]

Just copied this from the website:

Surgery

Surgical removal of the ovaries before the age of 40 is another form of POI. This sudden removal of ovarian hormones can often lead to an abrupt onset of menopause symptoms.  Removal of the ovaries (with or without hysterectomy) can be required for several reasons including ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis or severe premenstrual syndrome. Hopefully, this type of surgery will be planned in advance, so you would have the opportunity to discuss with your specialist about the option of starting hormone replacement at the time of or very shortly after surgery, to help minimise the menopausal symptoms.

[Shell]

Thank you,
I'll have a good read through later on.
Thanks again x

[CLKD]

Thanks Dotty - Consultants don't seem to talk the expectations through prior to invasive surgery 

[Shell]

They really don't...if I had any idea this would become my life and I would be left to fend alone for some sort of normality I would NEVER of had my ovaries removed. The 3 week pain was worth it...I'd rather that then this.
Even though since age 11 I have had the most horrific painful periods/ovulation and migranes it doesn't compare to the impact these changes have caused to me!.  I was assured it was for the best. 

[CLKD]

It was probably 'for the best' but without giving you the whole possibilities. I don't think that Consultants know enough, they cannot empthatise.  [sp].  They know what's beneath the knife but not the emotional effects. 

[Shell]

Hopefully one day I'll get the balance right and can be me again, just hope my body isn't falling to bits before then