Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Teresa]

Hi,
I’m really hoping someone can help and put my mind at rest as I’ve had so much help in the past here.

I’ve increased my Evorel 50 patch to Evorel75 after 3 months of HRT patches ( previous to that I was one month on duo pill) I am nearly 56, on continuous HRT and post menopausal. I also take 100 mg utrogestan orally. I had a blood test last month via my Dr which showed my estradiol oestrogen level was very low, 105 Pmo/L.

I have felt so much better on the 75, it’s been instant relief and especially with my anxiety and no brain fog. It’s been unbelievable. I feel like I did months ago and the past few months have been hell, so it’s worth that in itself.

I changed to a 75 patch just before the end of a box, so had one 50 left of the 8 patches, so it’s at the end  if a 28 day ‘cycle’ . I did ask Dr Currie if it was ok to change to 75 and based on my low estradiol reading she said it would be ok.

However, I have been experiencing what I can only describe as period  pain type twinges in my right lower side. I used to get these in my earlier years when I had periods. They are noticeable and started yesterday. I did get one or two minor twinges in this same place last month ( around 28 days ago) when I was on the 50 patch, but they were so minor I forgot about them quickly, but these are more persistent.

I also only had spotting on the first month of HRT, when I took the duo pill.

Are the pains ‘Normal’ as I am still only just 4 months into HRT? I do have fibroids and I used to experience heavy periods in my much earlier years, which was corrected with a mirena coil until I was 54. ( I had to have that surgically removed due to fibroids)  fibroids have never given me bother. I do think the pains are stimulation of ovaries as I remember this period pain. If I was to get additional spotting now should I be worried?
 
I am hoping this is all normal and will settle?? Please can someone put my mind at rest?

Thankyou in advance,

Teresa
X

[Flossieteacake]

I always get period pains when I increase my HRT too. I have never known why. I hope other members will have more advice for you.

[Teresa]

Thanks Flossie,

Do the pains subside for you? What happens? How long do they last for you?

Thankyou,
Teresa
X

[Nas]

I’ve got the same issue. except I’ve had a ton of bleeding thrown in for good measure! Going for a scan yet again next Saturday ( already had one back in April). It seems hormonal stimulation can trigger pain and bleeding.

HRT increases can cause these pains I think .

Hope it settles down soon for you.

[Flossieteacake]

Thanks Flossie,

Do the pains subside for you? What happens? How long do they last for you?

Thankyou,
Teresa
X

I increased my HRT about 5 weeks ago and now the period pains have gone. Maybe it is our body getting used to the changes? I am sorry I cannot be of more help.

[Teresa]

Hi Nas & Flossie,

Thanks both.
Good to read that the pains subsided for you Flossie, though sorry to read about your bleeding Nas 😳 and your scans.

I’ll try and wait it out, though the pains are very noticeable today and frequent. Just hoping they settle.
Will see too if anyone else has experienced similar as it sounds like it can happen.

Thankyou both,
Teresa
X

[Kathleen]

Hello Teresa.

A long time ago I was using Evorel 50 but some of my symptoms persisted so I was increased to 75. About six weeks later I had some bleeding  and was  told to go back to using a 50 patch which I did and the bleeding quickly resolved. A subsequent scan showed no problems fortunately.

I have recently increased my oestrogen gel and again more bleeding which stopped when I lowered the dose again. I am now thinking of changing my progesterone so that I can have more oestrogen but also prevent any bleeding.

Hopefully your hormones will settle and you find the right balance.

Take care.

K.

[Nas]

Kathleen, which progesterone do you currently use? I am on utrogestan and it doesn’t control the bleeding when I’m on a higher oestrogen dose (75 patch).

Nas x

[Teresa]

Thankyou Kathleen,

I am hoping they will settle as the 50 just wasn’t enough for me as my estradiol blood test was so low, I had no choice but to increase. As I’m 4 months in, I’m hoping it will settle, I suppose that’s all I can do as I really don’t want to back down to the 50. Perhaps I do need to increase my utrogestan….I take 100 mg.  I doubt my GP will know.

I haven’t had any bleeding apart from first month…but I suppose I might get some if I am getting this pain now. 

Thankyou,

Teresa
X

[Teresa]

Hi Nas,

I wonder if it is the utrogestan that needs to increase. When I write to Dr Currie she said that as the oestrogen increases, progesterone usually needs to as well. As I wasn’t absorbing the patches that well, we thought it ok to remain on 100 mg, but perhaps in your case, you may need to increase?

Teresa
X

[Nas]

You are probably right re the utrogestan increase Teresa. I am on 100 continuously but it doesn’t seem enough against the 75. If after next weeks scan, all is okay, I will request a utrogestan increase and see how that goes. I was only at an oestrogen level of 465 after 3 months on the 75 patch and that didn’t clear all my symptoms, so god knows how much oestrogen I need!

It’s such a juggling act I’m finding !

X

[Teresa]

Hi Nas,

I was just 105 on my blood test with the 50 patch….which I think is why Dr Currie felt I don’t need to increase my utrogestan just yet, but it does sound like you do need to increase your progesterone. I definitely need more oestrogen whatever happens so I’ll put another 75 patch on today as it’s due for changeover and grit my teeth. The pain was getting more noticeable and my anxiety was coming back as I’m worried about it.  I was so happy, as been through so many downs this past few months. I could finally see a bit of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

I took some unopened 50 patches back to my chemist and they threw them away. I thought they’d be able to reuse, but I suppose they can’t, They were very apprehensive about giving me the 75s in case I changed my mind again, so my name will be mud if I make another change 

Teresa
X

[Teresa]

Hi Flossie,
If you are still there….how severe were your pains that you had? The ones that subsided? Were they in your lower side?

Mine are getting quite bad a bit stabby, despite taking paracetamol. 

I just wondered if you had similar.

Thankyou,

Teresa

[Nas]

Teresa, I hear you

I think it’s to be expected to switch regimes and increase/decrease doses as we adjust to having oestrogen in our bodies again, so wouldn’t worry.

I did think though, that the 100 utrogestan continuously, was sufficient progesterone to cover all oestrogen doses though? Clearly not.

Is Dr Currie a menopause specialist? What are her fees
( out of curiously)

I’m under Chelsea and Westminster clinic, but don’t have an appointment until next April, so if I need to increase progesterone, it’s going to be a long wait. Suppose I can email them and ask.

Anyway, try not to worry x

I am sure your pains will subside soon enough. Try not to dwell on them too much and just see them as an ‘adjusting pains’

[Flossieteacake]

Hi Flossie,
If you are still there….how severe were your pains that you had? The ones that subsided? Were they in your lower side?

Mine are getting quite bad a bit stabby, despite taking paracetamol. 

I just wondered if you had similar.

Thankyou,

Teresa

Hello Teresa. I had all sorts of odd pains. I had a lot of ovary pain and I thought I may have an ovarian cyst. It was a stabbing and shooting pain. The pain would shoot all the way from the ovary down my leg. I really am sorry to hear how much pain you are in. I found a hot water bottle was comforting. Maybe that is something you would like to try.