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[ChristinaSW]

Hello, new here and looking to hear about people's experience with what doses and format of oestregen helped for mood issues.

I'm58, and started treatment four years ago - with a Mirena coil and oestregen pills. I then wanted to switch to the lower-risk transdermals. I've found I have to be at the max dose to quell the hot flushes. Four pumps of gel created many sticky trouser moments and took an age to dry; the patches (Evorel) peeled and left ugly marks; and the Lenzetto spray is great but am at three pumps a day - the maximum - and my moods are dreadful.

I have anxiety, irritability, cry easily, have lost pleasure in things (even holidays and social events) and have low mood a lot of the time, making it hard to get motivated. I also struggle to lose weight - and once I have I pile it all back on again.

I've finally made a private appointment with a menopause clinic as I know if I go to the GP they will probably suggest returning to anti depressants. I came off these successfully a year ago and don't think I am clinically depressed, just absolutely sick of not feeling like my real self.

Any experiences to share?

[Perinowpost]

Have you considered it might be the mirena? It’s well known for causing mood issues x

[ChristinaSW]

I have just discovered a dosage comparison chart and it’s an absolute revelation. I switched from a 100 patch to a spray last year as I preferred the method.

I was told I had to start again at the lowest dose as that’s the prescribing protocol - of course that wasn’t enough and within months I was on 3 sprays, the highest dose - assuming it was equivalent to the 100 patch. The dosage chart says it’s only equivalent to a 50 patch - so half the dose I was on!

I have struggled and struggled with dreadful mood swings - and thought I might need anti depressants - but and decided to pay for a private gynaecology appointment. Even then I was not told about the equivalence of doses, but the decision was made to switch back to patches but in a smaller format.

It’s only 24 hours in but I’m already feeling better. I could weep at the wasted months of feeling absolutely dreadful and not understanding that I wasn’t on the right dose for me. GP, GP pharmacist and private specialist menopause GP did not know this critical info.

[ChristinaSW]

Here’s the link

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/27-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-Doses-NOV2022-A.pdf

[Flossieteacake]

So sorry you had to go through this  Christina. I really hope you stay feeling good on this increased dosage.

Just to let you know a gynae is not a meno specialist. They seem to claim they understand meno but I read of so many who are unhelpful with it. If you wanted to you could ask your GP to refer you to an NHS menopause clinic.

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on at the Menopause Clinic - take a list of worries with y0u.  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use.

[ChristinaSW]

….it was actually a specialist menopause clinic that I went to…..and had a video call with a consultant!

[Flossieteacake]

….it was actually a specialist menopause clinic that I went to…..and had a video call with a consultant!

That is terrible!

[Perinowpost]

How awful ChristinaSW you shouldn’t have had to struggle. Flossie is right that a gynae is not a meno specialist I’ve experienced that before myself. At least you’re back on the right dose now, it makes all the difference doesn’t it x

[Nas]

Lenzetto is so weak, it’s unreal. A product not fit for purpose in my view.

It’s all too easy to blame the mirena ( it releases only a small amount of hormone into the womb) so for the majority it’s a great form of progesterone.

The reduction in dose would have been brutal, hence you feeling unwell.

I had EXACTLY the same issue. Was sick of unsightly black patch marks, so asked for lenzetto. Was told ONE spray a day; I was previously on evorel 100!! I fell off a cliff!!

Hopefully you will feel better soon.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I have been using half a 1mg sachet of Sandrena gel since September last year I was trying to lower my dose and was following the advice of an NHS Consultant who told me that 'less is more'. I have never felt brilliant on HRT but some problems are creeping back, such as poor sleep.

From reading this thread I now realise that instead of receiving 50mg of Oestrogen I have been taking 25mg. I should have checked this out before but when I told the consultant what I was doing and talked about getting 50mg he didn't question it.

I have decided to use a full sachet today and see what happens. I will be pleased if I feel even slightly better!

Wishing you all well ladies and take care.

K.

[Nas]

Yes Kathleen, one sachet of sandrena, equates to 50mg or 2 pumps of oestrogel (I think).

My MS said the same.. ONE Spray of lenzetto (having been on 100 patch!) Bloody hell, that was brutal!

Nas x

[Kathleen]

Hello again ladies.

Nas - thank you for your comments.

I will use one full sachet now and see what happens. Something good hopefully lol. I will or course report any turn of events for those who are interested.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

[Floo36]

I really is shocking the lack of knowledge some of the meno specialists have. We seem to know much more than they do.  Never forget, we know our own bodies. Lenzetto is very weak, even if you absorb well.

[Stella2]

Hi Kathleen, I also tried to go down from 50 to 25 patch and my symptoms returned. I am back to 50 and hope that I won't get a breakthrough spotting again.
I agree with Floo36, I was told to raise my patch without raising Utrogestan what caused bleeding, then I was not referred for a scan and I was told that I should wait for 3 months to see if the bleeding stops...this are just some of advice I have been given by a specialist. Feel so vulnerable.
Hope you will feel better on your new regime