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Author Topic: Half Measures? Did it work for you?  (Read 2104 times)

clare1305

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Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« on: May 03, 2022, 12:24:38 PM »

Hello everyone,
This is my first here so I hope I’m sharing the right level of info, not too much and not too little!
I’m 52 and have been “through” the menopause for a few years now. For a long time, I put a lot of my symptoms down to getting older, busy life etc and then about a year ago I got an itchy undercarriage! I simply couldn’t cope and have since been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy.
I was prescribed the Evorel Conti patch and was amazed at how incredible I felt and I realised that many of my symptoms were clearly due to the menopause. I felt like the old me again.
Happy days!
Well, that was short lived because after about 3-4 weeks my ankles and feet swelled up and as it was during lockdown, I was only able to have a telephone appointment where they basically just told me to stop taking them.
Since then, I’ve been prescribed a range of combinations which haven’t worked and about 4 months ago I was referred to a gynaecologist who specialises in menopause (apparently).
The call started by her telling me we only had 20 mins so keep it brief *sighs* but the up shot is she is starting me on the Evorel Conti patch again but has advised me to use half patch for a month then go up to full patch. She advised that this will allow my body to adapt to the oestrogen and will hopefully avoid the water retention issue again.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? I’d really love to be able to stay on this patch as I know it works for me so I’ve got my fingers crossed that someone is going to tell me about their similar experience.
Thanks in advance ladies
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Flossieteacake

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Re: Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2022, 12:27:56 PM »

Hello clare and welcome to the forum. I get swollen ankles and feet until I get used to a new dose of Oestrogen. I am sorry you have vaginal atrophy. I think it is wonderful you have found a HRT that helps the first time you tried one. It can take a while to find one suitable. I hope you have something for the vaginal atrophy. I am using ovestin. I take it daily as my symptoms are so bad.
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Taz2

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Re: Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2022, 08:51:26 PM »

Hi Clare. Half a patch initially is often prescribed so I'd give it a go and hopefully you will avoid the swollen ankles. It's great you've found one that makes you feel better. Let us know how it goes

Taz x  :welcomemm:
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clare1305

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Re: Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2022, 09:58:26 PM »

Thanks, and yes I was lucky first time round so I was devastated when I was taken off it after four weeks. I just wish my GP had known about half doses.
I am taking Ovestin cream for the VA, down to twice weekly now but likely I'll be on it for life I think as I was also getting nasty UTI's which I believe is common with VA.
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Taz2

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Re: Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2022, 10:12:58 PM »

Yes they are common due to the skin thinning and bacteria having easier access. Often VA is misdiagnosed as recurrent UTI's and vaginal oestrogen is advised for life once VA is diagnosed. I'm on transdermal HRT as well as vagifem which keeps things comfy for me

Taz x
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Floradora

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Re: Half Measures? Did it work for you?
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2022, 02:28:59 PM »

Yes definitely go with the half patch for a while and slowly build up. Bloating and fluid retention is v common and can often be avoided if the dose is built up more slowly x
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