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[Lulu_A]

Hi all,

I'm now 6 months into my HRT treatment and am mostly doing very well.  I progressed from tablets to estrogen gel, to progressively higher dose patches and am now on Evorel 100 with Utrogestan for half the month, plus Vagifem pellets 2 or 3 times a week.  I'm also on the mini pill as due to my age (48) it's unlikely I've gone through the menopause fully.

I had horrible symptoms on lower doses of Estrogen and found the 'care'/advice I got from different doctors varied HUGELY in terms of their understanding/knowledge of The M and their empathy.  Strangely it's often female doctors who are more dismissive and less informed than male counterparts.  I'd like everyone to understand the weird and not-so-wonderful effects of the menopause, because all too often people (including med professionals) think "oh yes it's night sweats and vaginal dryness".  It is so much more than that and I realise that nearly all the health concerns I've had since 2019 were directly related to falling estrogen levels. 

Before my current dose I had a really tender (but uninfected) bladder which since 2019 has hurt more when lying down. I now understand how estrogen affects your soft tissues and it makes sense that a less flexible, more sensitive bladder and urethra will of course tug more at certain angles.  Why no one ever thought of this when I had extensive urology explorations and treatments is beyond me given my age.  The jangling feet I've also had since 2019 that keep me awake at night - yep, low estrogen. But even 2 months ago a female doctor told me it was nothing to do with the menopause, it was restless legs and I should drink tonic water at night for the quinine.  The random palpitations, the flushes AND chills, the insomnia, the dry eyes, the itchy neck.  The hand tremors!? The crawling scalp!!??  All related to low estrogen.  Why were no links made until I educated myself?

Nowadays I feel so very much better in general but I do have some questions from those of you with more experience please.  On the days that my patch is due to change, I often get a mild return of the low estrogen symptoms - palpitations, hand tremors and my feet have usually started to burn/vibrate the night before. These are all short lived so long as I change my patch quickly and it starts to absorb.  The crawling tingly scalp though is something that returns intermittently irrespective of where I am with my patch change. It's also always on the left side only towards my crown, never anywhere else.

My questions therefore are - will these returning symptoms subside eventually?  I've only been on the 100mcg dose since the start of April so I'm unsure whether I just need to let that settle and the symptoms should disappear, or is it an indication that I need to up my dose again?  How long will I need to use Vagifem for to keep the bladder tenderness at bay? I can definitely feel there too when a new pellet is needed.  I don't mind being on these different medications but I'd like some idea of others' experience of how long I might expect to continue with them.

Sorry this post is so long but I really am trying to educate myself about everything that's happening to my body, and there is so much info I've got from these forums than I have from internet searches.

Many thanks!

Lou

[Flossieteacake]

Please do not apologise for a long post. You are free to post as much as you wish too.

Many members change their patches every 3.5 days rather then one 3 days and another in 4 days. Perhaps that would be better for you?

VA treatment is for life so you will always need to use Vagifem. If your symptoms are controlled on 2 a week then that is great but if not then you can increase it. Quite a few of us on here need to use VA treatment daily.

I would wait a bit to see if you need more then the 100 oestrogen as April is not that long ago and they do say it takes 3 months before you will know if you need an increase.

[SarahT]

No practical advice here Lou from me,  but am certain someone will be along to add extra advice as did Flossie.

I just wanted to say your post could have been written by probably anyone of us on this forum.

I was so unaware of Just what peri and menopause could be about. Yeah, hot flushes and periods stopped was my only  thoughts.

Like you,this forum, and all the experiences and advice and support from all on here is where I have got all my understanding
which is still growing.

I am lucky to have a gp who has an interest specifically in women's health, and knowledge too.

Maybe some  of the medical practitioners need to look at some of this forum just to get some understanding  of what a hugely complex range of symptoms this can involve , to both understand and treat. We are all pretty ignorant to start, but slowly I hope this is changing.

Am glad you feel you are getting there, even if tweaks are needed.
Am sure this post will resonate with many.

Take care