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[Eggcustard]

I am 6 years post hysterectomy and have tried several different HRTs, usually at dose of 50mg. I had an appointment with Meno specialist and was given 100mg gel and testosterone.
I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and CFS.

I swapped from my Evorel 50 patch to the gel at the same dose and felt OK so after a few days upped the dose to 100mg. I had horrible side effect of bloating, really sore enormous boobs, migraine, mood swings etc so after three days I stopped altogether to give it chance to come down again, I then went back to my patch.
I have a lot going on at home at the moment and can’t really be a sobbing/screaming mess.

How long does it usually take for side effects to wear off? Should I do things more gradually?

I did ask about progesterone and was told the usual you don’t need it (no womb), but do I need it really? Obviously it was there before the op so surely I need it now to balance out the estrogen?

I take pain meds that cause constipation could this mean too much estrogen is accumulating in my system?

I’m too scared to even start the testosterone

Thanks.

[Gnatty]

So did you start on 2 pumps of gel and then move straight to four? Maybe that was a bit too big a step. Also maybe you are absorbing the gel better than the patches. Why don't you settle back down to two pumps for a few weeks and gradually increase? It's usually an advantage not to need progesterone once you have had a hysterectomy so I wouldn't be taking it unless I really needed it. I have had a hysterectomy and am happy not to be having progesterone. The testosterone should really help you though. I take it and have found it great for libido, energy, tiredness etc. It's also good if you are feeling low.

[Eggcustard]

Hi, it’s sandrena gel 1mg sachets. Started them then after a week doubled it and felt awful for three days.
Also it’s really expensive and I don’t think my Gp will agree to it long term, I can’t afford to pay for it every month and it’s too much faff.
I’m going to see if my Gp will prescribe a higher patch and try to do things gradually.
I think I’ll try the testosterone after the weekend.
Glad it’s helped for you

[Eggcustard]

I also read Dr Newson saying some women do need progesterone for balance even after hysterectomy.
So now I’m even more confused

[Gnatty]

I don't think it's many women tbh. Also there are health benefits to not taking progesterone as it is that element of HRT that slightly increases risk of breast cancer.

[sheila99]

There seem to be some women who need progesterone to feel good but for most of us it's what we have to put up with to be able to use oestrogen. I agree the increase was too much and too sudden, you should try to increase more slowly. It may be that 100mg is too much for you anyway. I would increase by no more than 25mg and stay on it for a couple of months before increasing again. If you have insufficient oestrogen testosterone will be converted so you should get your oestrogen levels right before starting it. It's good to change on thing at a time so you know what causes what.

[VictoryV]

Hi Eggcustard,
I can’t cite the research, can’t remember where I read it as read so much. I’ve read that taking opiate based meds long term can deplete testosterone in men and women. Are your pain meds opiates/opioids?
I’m looking for a link and will post it if found.
Victoria.x

[Eggcustard]

That’s really interesting I didn’t know that, I’ll look it up tomorrow,

Thanks

[Nix]

Hi Eggcustard,
I can’t cite the research, can’t remember where I read it as read so much. I’ve read that taking opiate based meds long term can deplete testosterone in men and women. Are your pain meds opiates/opioids?
I’m looking for a link and will post it if found.
Victoria.x

Sorry to hijack the thread… I take an opiate based pain killer at the moment so this has me interested. I’m new to HRT and have been told I can add testosterone in a couple of months. Would be great if you could post the link.

[VictoryV]

Hi Eggcustard,
I can’t cite the research, can’t remember where I read it as read so much. I’ve read that taking opiate based meds long term can deplete testosterone in men and women. Are your pain meds opiates/opioids?
I’m looking for a link and will post it if found.
Victoria.x

Sorry to hijack the thread… I take an opiate based pain killer at the moment so this has me interested. I’m new to HRT and have been told I can add testosterone in a couple of months. Would be great if you could post the link.

Hi, I just googled opiate deplete testosterone and there’s a lot of results. I don’t have time to check if any sell products so am not linking as      It’s against forum rules.

[LSmarty]

Hi
I'm on evorel and it's not very good at all, it much be the cheapest one they can give you 😂
Go back to your clinic and ask for some else and keep trying until you find what's right for you

Les xox