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[Winter]

Hi All,

About a month ago, I was forced to change to Estradot from gel (4 pumps) because of shortages, within a couple of days I felt terrible, and my hair began to fall out again, mood was so low. I stuck with it, but my mood got worse, and I felt dreadful. After two weeks, I found gel and am back on it. Great, I thought.

But i've been back on it for 2 weeks and it feels like i'm not taking anything - I'm so anxious and a bit flat - have others had this experience? I guess I thought once back on gel, I'd feel ok.

I'm asking GP next week if she can test my absorption and will get FAI at same time. Failing that, I'll go to a private GP who will.

[Dotty]

Hi if your oestrogen level dropped when you changed to patches, it will take a while for them to build back up again on the gel x

[Winter]

Thanks Dotty. That makes sense.

I am confused though, I was only on patches for 2 weeks, would I not have retained some of the levels I'd built up previously on the gel? I thought I'd be feeling better - although GP did say it could take a month to notice improvement...seems so long, when I'm not starting from scratch. Hoping the blood tests will help.

[Dotty]

Hi which strength of Estradot were you on?

Unfortunately, blood tests won’t tell you very much. It’s better to go on symptoms. x

[Smokey]

 I changed from gel to patches also due to shortages and I think the gel is stronger as although I went from 3 1/2 pumps to 100mg patches it wasn’t enough and began to get bad anxiety so had to add another half a pump to get the same result’s.


It’s very frustrating and I still don’t think it’s enough as I get a sense of knowing I’m breathing on occasions which is unnerving.

Smokey (Ann)

[Bonjovigirl52]

Hi I have been on estraderm mx patches for years and in April I was changed to Evorel conti because I was told the first patches were not protecting my womb and also Hari’s to get hold off ,when first changed all ok now been on new patches for about 2 months ( having a hrt review next month ) and I feel awful so anxious and feeling wobbly anyone else found this when changing patches and will it pass ? I feel like giving up on medication I have been on patches since I was 45 I’m now 52 so stressed and anxious I feel silly ,I hope it’s just a blip and will pass x

[Peana]

Every time my prescription is up for renewal I have this nightmare trying to get the prescription I need.  I've saved the phone numbers of all the local pharmacies!  There are some pharmacists that really understand, but others are just so uncaring.  To paraphrase a converstation this morning, after doing my renewal two weeks ago 'we got your prescription last week and have contacted the manufacturer, but nothing has come in and we don't know when anything will', 'please can you substitute with something else?', 'no, we need a new prescription', 'no you don't', 'oh, right, well we haven't got anything to substitute with'.  Now I've got to travel 8 miles to the pharmacy to collect my prescription, and trawl around all the others trying to get it or a substitute (I live in a rural area).  Trying to prepare for a big work meeting tomorrow, but down to 1 patch, so desperate!  Had covid last week, so not feeling great either!  I'm trying not to get angry, but my anxiety is through the roof (again)!  Why does it have to be like this every single time!  Grrr. 

Thanks for the vent.  I know so many of you are experiencing the same thing!

[QueenofReds3]

What patches are you on Peana?

[Peana]

Hi QoR, I'm on estradot, but it seems impossible to get up here (unless you want 25mcg or 37.5mcg).  Luckily another pharmacy are going to substitute me with some Evorel again (horrible big patches, but I'm pleased to have anything!).  Feeling much calmer now that I know I can get that sorted out tomorrow.

[QueenofReds3]

I was on Evorel. Have a box of patches spare. Hope you get your usual HRT soon though, it’s a shambles.