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Author Topic: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X  (Read 1608 times)

Tkbutterfly47

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Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« on: May 04, 2020, 05:14:08 PM »

Hi all

I'm new here! Quick background... total hysterectomy aged 41, 6 years ago, went into complete surgical menopause... Felt like a complete different person ever since! I've suffered with a number of symptoms ever since. I'm on 1mg sandrena gel now and find that I'm very anxious, have joint pain, severe dry eye syndrome, dry mouth, dry skin hair and nails, dry vagina... I hardly sleep, I eat well and exercise 5-7 days per week... I have 2 young children and most days I struggle to be the kind of mum I used to and still want to be! My husband is super understanding but even I don't understand it all! I have no sex drive whatsoever and even when it happens struggle to achieve any pleasure at all. Sorry if tmi 😬, I also have a sizeable thyroid module, thyroid has been tested and all tests are low  but only just borderline... so no treatment options. Can anyone please give me any advice on how to get my life back? I have seen my gp so many times. I have recently moved area and my new gp seemed more sympathetic at first but not anymore.... I'm at my wits end... I used to be full of life and energy and now I'm a shell of who I used to be. I take omega 3, vitamin d3 and complex vitamin b supplements. Please help? Thanks 😊 xxx
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CLKD

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  • changes can be scary, even when we want them
Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2020, 05:18:51 PM »

It's The Change  :welcomemm: which can arrive as a shock!

As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out; eyes, nostrils, deep in the ears, vagina [do read our threads], skin ... as well as muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Do try over the counter pain relief when necessary.

Muggy head, 'doing stupid things' - thread here - generally feeling unwell without anything specific.

You could ask for a referral to a Menopause Clinic - not a gynaecologist as they rarely know much more than GPs!

Lack of energy can be low VitD levels too.  Browse round. Make notes.
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Bobidy

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Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2020, 05:38:51 PM »

Hi

It sounds like you need to increase your oestrogen and add in testosterone. I had a hysterectomy 12 months ago keeping my ovaries and I've had to increase my estrogel from 2-8 pumps in 12 months to feel normal again. Testosterone as Androfemme is the icing on the cake for me.

If you are able to then do see a meno specialist. I see Dr Newson who is amazing for me.

If you are on instagram follow her at Menopause Doctor. She did a great Instagram Live yesterday about surgical menopause which I think you will find very helpful. It will appear on her website Resources/Video section soon too.

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Tkbutterfly47

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Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2020, 07:17:33 PM »

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I did have an appointment to see a Menopause doctor privately, would've been this week actually but obviously been cancelled now due to current situation. I've been this  way for 6 years so none of the symptoms are new. The only relief I have had from hrt is the flushes... that's about it! I do have trouble with vitamin d but on a high dose prescribed by dr and still feel rubbish! Think I?ll up my oestrogen and see how I am. I?ll hope to see specialist as soon as I'm able. Thanks again xx
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Mogster71

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Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2020, 05:45:48 AM »

Hi TK

Just to add in that some Menopause specialists are still doing appointments by video call...in case that's an option or preference for you. You may find you can get seen quicker that way and get the advice you need.

Hope you feel better soon xx
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sheila99

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Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2020, 08:56:53 AM »

I also think you need more oestrogen and to add testosterone. I don't know a vast amount about thyroid but someone on this forum who isn't from the UK thinks the way we treat thyroid problems is tantamount to torture, we shouldn't wait til levels get so low. I don't know what the answer is to this but let us know if you find it.
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Salad

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Re: Oestrogen only hrt, suffering! Advise welcome! X
« Reply #6 on: May 12, 2020, 09:12:38 AM »

Going along with what the other ladies suggest, it sounds like your HRT needs increasing.  ;)
Out of interest, what daily Vitamin D3 dose are you using?

Seeing a Specialist will definitely help- I found that feeling of being overwhelmed goes when someone else takes control.

Can you call your GP to talk about using more gel?

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