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[amandapope]

I am so confused, I am on Elleste Solo 1mg having had a full hysterectomy, including ovaries removed at age 50.  I am 6 years’ later and over the last year have been experiencing a lot of hair shedding. 

I have raised this with my GP who has told me to stop taking my HRT.  Has anyone had any experience with this, I thought Oestrogen was helpful with hair growth, so I am worried that stopping it will just make it worse.  But, I have read that imbalance of hormones/oestrogen dominance can cause hair loss …but on the other hand oestrogen is sometimes used to treat hair loss. 

I don’t know whether I should be stopping or increasing oestrogen and don’t want to make things worse.  I didn’t expect that hair loss would have such an impact but I am really struggling with this unexpected problem.


I would be grateful for any help anyone can give, thank you, Amanda

[Flossieteacake]

Hello Amanda. I have never heard that oestrogen causes hair loss but I have heard low oestrogen causes hair loss. I wonder if you are deficient in anything and that is causing the hair loss?

[Perinowpost]

amandapope have you thought about trying transdermal hrt, ie patches or gel. it is better for you than tablet form and may help. I have heard an imbalance of hormones causes hair loss but am not sure of the ratio re oestrogen/progesterone /testosterone, hopefully someone else will be along to help x

[amandapope]

Thank you for your replies.  I have had some blood tests to check testosterone level which was normal but my SHBG was abnormally high???  The GP doesn’t really know what to advise I think, so I feel I am on my own with this.  If I lived in the USA I would have a better chance I think…..

[Gnatty]

I really wouldn't stop taking hrt as you have no ovaries. But as has already been said I would try another delivery method. Maybe oestrogel. It could be you need a higher dose that might help. Also SHBG levels are typically high with oral oestrogen so again switching over could help with this. Can you get to see a menopause specialist? The other thing I would like to say is again with no ovaries taking testosterone is usually a good idea too. You say your levels are ok but do you know what they actually are? They may be ok as in within allowable levels but not high enough for you to feel as well as you might. Also high SHBG stops the body utilising testosterone so another reason to try transdermal methods of oestrogen delivery.

[amandapope]

Thank you Gnatty for your advice.  Unfortunately there isn’t a menopause clinic in my area, so no specialist.  I can’t see the GP bring willing to prescribe testosterone.  My blood result was 0.8.  I will see if I can switch to oestrogel and see if that helps, thanks. 

[Mary G]

Amandapope, are you saying that your oestrogen levels are 0.8 pmol?   If so, your levels are rock bottom and roughly where they would be if you were many years post menopause and not using any HRT.

If your doctor had sight of those blood results and then told you to stop using HRT then they are completely useless.   With oestrogen levels as low as that, how can it be responsible for your hair loss?

If I was in your situation, I would not hang around waiting for advice on HRT from your GP, you might as well ask the cat!   I would immediately go online, order some Oestrogel, slap it on, see how it goes and it you like it, tell you GP you want it on prescription.   You can worry about the testosterone later.

[amandapope]

Hi Mary, I really sense you are with me on my frustration with getting any help from the GP, thank you, that in itself has lifted my spirits.

The 0.8 is my testosterone level. 

The other tests were …

LH level of 57
FSH level of 75.2
SHBG was 141
Free androgen index was .57

I don’t really understand what they all mean and whether any of them are an indication of oestrogen level.

Amanda

[Gnatty]

So your testosterone levels, taking into account high SHBG are too low. GPs can prescribe testosterone if you say you have low libido.... Also they should prescribe after having ovaries out so maybe you could argue the case using both points. But yes as a first job see if you can switch to oestrogel and then you can control the dose yourself. I'm not sure what your current dose would be switching to oestrogel but hopefully someone who knows will come along. I don't know how to interpret your oestrogen levels either and again perhaps someone else can help.

[Mary G]

I agree your testosterone levels are low but you don't have a reading for oestrogen.   Your FSH is high so I would imagine your oestrogen is low.

Did the doctor explain the thinking behind their advice to stop HRT?

I don't know much about hair loss but that aside, if you have had a full hysterectomy, you need oestrogen and once you have reached a stable level, testosterone can be added.

I would definitely try Oestrogel, you are not putting yourself at risk in any way because you don't need to worry about progesterone although it might be worth adding some transdermal progesterone later.

[Flossieteacake]

Amanda, you can have menopause appointments via phone or video call. I think it really would be worth asking your GP to refer you to one as they sound hopeless.

[amandapope]

I don’t think we have that service here in the UK?  I think alli can ask for us a referral to gynae and my GP won’t do it!

[Flossieteacake]

I don’t think we have that service here in the UK?  I think alli can ask for us a referral to gynae and my GP won’t do it!

I am in England and speak to an NHS menopause clinic via phone. 

[amandapope]

I will take a look, I am in Exeter, Devon

[amandapope]

It appears the nearest NHS menopause clinic is in Somerset and it is for Somerset residents only.  For me in Exeter the only option is gynae referral, persuading my GP to refer is probably a non starter.