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[Noheroicsplease]

Hi all

I switched to a high dose of Estradot after it became clear from bloods that I wasn't absorbing estrogen as well as I should. I find that mentally on this dose (and it was mainly this, as I was feeling very very dark) is good.

But my boobs are so huge and sore...they are like sandbags...gone up from 32DD to 30/32 G/GG! Plus a swollen armpit with lumpy, fatty bits. AND, legs are clearly suffering water retention as my socks leave terrible marks.

What to do? I've just had my bloods done again and am waiting results. If my estrogen levels are good, should I switch to a lower path? I've got a lot of 100mg patches left. Could I just change them less? I currently change them every 3 days

Thanks all

x

[Perinowpost]

Hi Noheroicsplease

Not sure what to suggest except to say that's exactly where I've put my weight (boobs and tops of legs), I'm currently a 34ff, and have a wedge of fat on the inside of my knees which really annoys me as I always had slim legs (still are from knees down). I'm strict with diet and exercising 3 times a week. I suspect it's the price we pay, I feel if I came off the weight would drop off but certainly don't want to come off hrt as it makes me feel like my old self - a tough one I know x

[AG]

Hi,

I am not on HRT (yet) but I have noticed that boobs get bigger at times and in general with some of it clearly water retention, and things can fluctuate for me with hormone fluctuations (but I really do not need anymore material or water there). It is tricky what to do as you said. Maybe if you are feeling ok with a lower dose that may be an option but you may want to check with GP as well. All the best, AG

[Tc]

No heroics.
im by  no means as knowledgeable about hrt as other ladies on here I've only been on it for 6 months   but I would have thought leaving the patch on after the recommended time before you change it might not be the best idea. It will run out so you might not be getting anything from it and then you will be applying a 100 patch  and I wouldve thought this could lead to fluctuation.
If you feel you want to decrease wouldn't it be better to switch to a lower dose.
Estradot comes also comes in lower doses.
Btw. I'm on estradot 75 about  to increase to 100 after not absorbing eastrogel at all.
X

[Winterose]

I have evorel 100 but cut them down a bit as need more than 75 but 100 is too much as it makes my boobs swell too

[Saffy]

Noheroics, how long you have been on the higher dose?

I doubled my dose from 100 to 2 x 100 patches (poor absorption) and had terrible breast tenderness/swelling (I have lots of cysts anyway). Was a bit anxious when it didn't subside after 3 months but specialist wasn't phased. At 4 months things started to settle down and at 5 months I am pretty much pain-free - just a bit of twinging during the progesterone phase.  It may be worth persevering, if you can.

[Noheroicsplease]

Hi all

I've been on Estradot since September last year. But only on 100mg for about 3 months.

I really am finding it unbearable the past couple of days. I'll wait to see what the results say, but i will prob cut down again.

[Hetty2018]

Hi ladies
Just wondering what your oestrogen levels were as you say you weren't absorbing, I've had my bloods done ( after a fight with GP) but I think they are super low however he says they are satisfactory and I haven't much knowledge in this area to challenge what he says.. my bloods were Oestrogen <100
Many thanks

[Joaniepat]

Hi ladies
Just wondering what your oestrogen levels were as you say you weren't absorbing, I've had my bloods done ( after a fight with GP) but I think they are super low however he says they are satisfactory and I haven't much knowledge in this area to challenge what he says.. my bloods were Oestrogen <100
Many thanks

I have replied on your other thread.
JP x

[Tc]

Hetty. Mine was 129 pmol. Like you I have had my ovaries removed  my doc says that is considered within the lower end of normal range post meno if you are  NOT on HRT . Mine didnt move at all from what they were post op before HRT to what they were after months on 4 pumps eastrogel. and my symptoms have been horrendous. Doc said she wouldve expected the blood level to rise on 4 pumps.so she said  I wasnyt absorbing   
I've not long switched to estradot.

 I dont know if you know what your e level was before HRT. It would help to gauge if the level has increased on it  explain to your doc that you dont feel your symptoms are being controlled at all.

I realy feel for you. Surgical meno is so brutal.
I hope you get it sorted out.and best wishes to you x

[Saffy]

Hetty, on Estradot 100 my levels were 100 pmol/l and the specialist thought that was very low -barely higher than I would have without HRT and very very post menopausal (which I'm not). On 2x100 Estradot levels are now 257 which is considered just about high enough to ward off osteoporosis.

[Tc]

Saffy. I think I'm going to be heading in the same direction. Post meno the docs baulk at giving highveastrogen but if you need higher doses to absorb a relatively low amount then I dont see the problem with that. Surely it's the amount that ends up in your blood stream that matters  not the amount on the patch.i wish they would get that. I could feel my level was low at my blood test. In sure you did too.

I wonder why some of us dont absorb. SHBG levels has been discussed on the forum. But I think the jury's still out on that one.

I'm waiting to pick up my 100 estradots. When I first started the 75  four weeks ago I noticed an improvement in the first 2 weeks  but it didnt last. I've been gradually slipping back to square one. after an awful night and morning I've stuck a 75 and a half on this aft.  I'm on continous utrogestan so I'm not gonna faff about any more  waiting for the medium doses to work. If I need more than 100 then I'm prepared to take that risk. It's just convincing the docs.!!

Some of us just dont absorb aaarrgggh!!

[Saffy]

I agree, it's ridiculous to think that one size fits all! I'm very lucky that I could afford a specialist who also wrote a quite pointed letter to my GP telling her that it's the levels that count and every woman is different  . TBF to the GP though she was also constrained by the 'the system says no' flashing up on her screen  .

Good luck with the 100 patches. I also always feel (slightly, no miracles here) better for the first couple of weeks only for it to all go downhill thereafter so finger's crossed!

[Tc]

I wonder why that is.  To get an effect for 2 weeks and then slip back. It's like we can absorb it first of all and then something stops it continuing. The level never climbs continuously.
I realy dont think the docs know the answer.

[GypsyRoseLee]

Tc when I saw Prof Studd he told me that every woman needs a different level of oestrogen to feel good. Ideally, if you suffer with perimenopausal depression & anxiety, he likes your level to be around 800 pmol. But he has plenty of ladies on 1000+ pmol too.

It really can't be gauged just by looking at levels unless you're at the extreme ends of the spectrum. It's ALL about analysing symptoms and their severity. If you need a bucketful of oestrogen then that's what you need, end of.

I have a private theory that some women naturally produce very high levels of oestrogen, so once they hit menopause they require a high dose of HRT to feel normal.