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[sheila99]

If your gp won't test your levels you can get it done privately. Medichecks does it, I'm sure there are others. If you use gel you need to be very careful the skin hasn't had any on as it can contaminate the sample. Can you book a normal appointment with the gp rather than a same day one?

[joziel]

I wouldn't personally want to switch estrogen for tibolone. Tibolone isn't estrogen, so you're not going to get the many health benefits which estrogen offer - including improved bone density, cardiovascular improvements, reduced risk of dementia, better cognition etc etc.

Without a blood test you're flying in the dark. The NICE guidance states that blood tests should be used if you are contemplating going above licenced doses. At 3 pumps, you're not at max licenced dose yet - so it's correct that your first step would be to increase to 4 pumps of Oestrogel and - if that doesn't work with your symptoms - to get blood tests done to see if you're actually absorbing it.

You sound like quite a complex case so before trying random things or stopping it totally, it would really be worth having a consult with a specialist - privately if necessary. Newson are good, dependent on which doctor you see there. I see Dr Olivia Jones and she's good...

[ElkWarning]

What herbal teas are you drinking? I have to be quite careful, no liquorice, limited others.

Like, there's also an issue when someone burst drinks (lots at some points, little at others). Both stress the kidneys.

I don't know why it seems as if nothing is working for you.

Also, the gabapentin, that's a fair old whack, like the sort of dose I'd expect to see an active epileptic on, or someone with chronic pain. Excessive sweating is a known side effect. But don't stop taking it. A doctor needs to help ween you from that kind of dose.

Have you asked to see a pharmacologist? A doctor who specialises in prescribing and interactions. I think someone should examine your regime and maybe help you to rationalize / prioritise.

[pastie supper]

I don't know how long it takes for the oestrogel to get out of my system, so I don't know if it's the combined effect of both tibolone and oestrogel making me feel great, but I'll take it, lol.

Started tibolone less than a week ago and today I woke up dancing, literally, while I waited for the kettle to boil (always my first port of call in a day).

I didn't know how to switch, the trial tibolone came without instructions, so I goggled it and found various instructions. I decided it was best to go 3 then 2 then 1 pump on consecutive days and start taking tibolone at the same time. Now I'll go ahead with tibolone alone.

It's a relief not to feel that weird oestrogel feeling, about 48 hours since last use, it makes me passively agreeable to any old crap, it immerses me in "go with the flow" whereas tibolone takes me to a stable footing where I can watch "the flow" flow past me!
I feel better now, I'm sticking with tibolone and I'm going to forget about all HRT apart from it and the pessaries for VA.

In the days since starting tibolone I've not had the urge incontinence that plagued me on oestrogel, I'm feeling hopeful for the future again.