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[shoppingqueen]

Hello
Just need some help. I changed from gel to patches 5 weeks ago and tested Oestradiol before and 5 weeks after.
On gel: 426 pmol
On patches 55
Eek!
I haven’t noticed a return of flushing etc but feel very underpowered. Should I switch back to the gel? I was previously on 3 pumps of gel and switch to 100 Estrodot patches
I also noticed my testosterone is below range at 0.087 (range 0.101-1.4) can I source testosterone (gel) myself or do I need to go through specialist or GP?
Many thanks for any thoughts x

[Winter]

I also swapped from 4 pumps gel to 100 Estradot two weeks ago, I have plummeted. Incredibly low mood, hot, hair falling out again and greasy. So I presume I'm not absorbing and have gone back to gel today.

I had such high hopes for patches, but can now see how well I was actually doing on gel. Patches also irritate my skin.

[shoppingqueen]

Hi Winter
I’m sorry this has also happened to you. I’ve noticed lots of headaches. I was quite shocked when I saw my bloods so I’ve taken the patch off and going to trial 2 pumps and add a third in if I get any flushing. I genuinely thought the patch would be better- more even dosing but agree as I also don’t think I realised how much the gel must have been absorbing! I hope the gel gets in quickly for us both 😁

[Hopeful]

hi shopping queen
are you peri or post menopause as oestrodial levels can vary vastly in peri and tests are not reliable, also when you did the first test was it a blood or finger prick test as gel will lead to contamination in fingerprick tests.

[ATB]

Taking blood tests can be helpful sometimes but your estrogen goes up and down with your cycle so you need to factor that in. Were you on the gel long before you switched to a patch? Yes you need to get testosterone through your GP or specialist, I take Androfemme and the biggest changes for me came when I started that.

[shoppingqueen]

Hi ATB and hopeful
Thank you!!
I should have said I’m post meno. Can’t remember last period and I was on the gel for over 18 months.
I am wondering if the testosterone needs supplementing so I’ll speak to my Endo/ GP.
I’m so pleased it made a big difference for you ATB.that’s great news 😁

[shoppingqueen]

Ps Hopeful
It was a venous blood draw not finger prick- I’m too squeamish 😊 x

[sheila99]

The estradot should have given you more not less so I would go back to the gel. If you want to even it out a little you could apply 2 pumps am and 1 pm. I may be particularly insensitive but I don't notice any difference if I take mine 4 hours early or late. Most GPs won't prescribe testosterone as there isn't a product licensed for women on the nhs so you may need a referral to a meno clinic.

[ATB]

Yes I am 7 months in from starting and felt like the last few months I have been back to about 80-90% my normal self. I can exercise every day as well so that’s helping a lot. I know it doesn’t always work out so well so I’m grateful. I hope you see improvement again soon.

[shoppingqueen]

Thank you Sheila99
I’ll do just that as I’d honestly expected an increase! Back to gel 😁
ATB I’m so pleased the T has worked so I’ll see if my Endo will prescribe as h also does meno issues 🤞 xx
Thanks all for the help 🤗