Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bettyboo01]

Since they both contain Estradiol can you use Sandrena Gel interchangeably with Evorel50 patches?

I was prescribed Evorel Sequi patches about a year ago. For the weeks I was taking the Conti patches I would feel SO suicidal and crazy. Like every month it was a battle to not do something stupid. I’ve gone out at night with no clothes on to try and get run over. I’ve had police helicopters and sniffer dogs out looking for me. Like it was REALLY bad. I went to the doctors and begged them to do something about it. I wanted to try Sandrena and Utrogestan to see if I tolerated the progesterone in that better. They didn’t listen. In desperation I decided to purchase some Sandrena and Utrogestan online which was tricky as I’m under 45. I know it’s not good but I ended up saying I was over 45 and had already been taking these meds and finally found an online pharmacy that prescribed but it was VERY expensive. So far I’ve only been on this 1 month but in the weeks I took the utrogestan (100 vaginally) I didn’t have the terrible mood shift and crazy behaviour. The only thing is that I can’t afford to keep paying privately. I’m prescribed the Evorel Sequi on the NHS and I buy a years HRT pre pay prescription certificate. Can I use the 4 evorel 50 patches for the first 2 weeks of cycle then sandrena and utrogestan for 2nd 2 weeks? I could just about afford this.

I’m 42 peri menopausal. Thank you.

[joziel]

It's not very conventional but you could try. We all absorb these products differently so it's likely that your estrogen dose (absorbed) is going to differ when you switch from the patches to the Sandrena.

But I'm not sure why a doctor would listen enough to prescribe HRT in the first place (the Evorel), but then wouldn't listen to adjust that to Sandrena and utrogestan? I mean, if they accept that you can start HRT, why would they not accept that you can change HRT products? It doesn't make any sense. I would just try a different GP and maybe a different NHS practice if you need to.

The other idea is to use a birth control pill which has body identical estrogen in it. It has a different progestin which might not affect you in the same way. It's called Zoely. Any GP should be happy to prescribe that if you are under 45.

[bombsh3ll]

Clinically yes you can, as long as you are taking an appropriate amount of progesterone.

Financially and practically, you shouldn't have to.

I would go back and ask if it is the Sandrena or the utrogestan they object to, or both.

They may be willing to prescribe 50mcg estradiol patches plus utrogestan.

Or they may be willing to prescribe 50mcg estradiol patches on the understanding you purchase your own utrogestan - this really shouldn't be the case though.

I would get a referral to your local NHS menopause clinic to get this sorted long term.

In the meantime it might be cheaper for you to see a private specialist and get a letter to your GP requesting the appropriate prescription.

[Bettyboo01]

Thank you for your replies. It wasn’t my gp that originally prescribed the hrt but a gynae specialist I paid to see privately. My GP had took over prescribing from him. I wouldn’t be able to see him for some time and I was beyond desperate. The day I saw the gp was first day of that cycle of Conti patches and I was already feeling like my mind was starting to play tricks on me. I instantly stopped my patches that day and knew I needed to replace them with something in the meantime. Until I can get this sorted long term it would be good if I could use the everol 50 patches as well as sandrena.

[bombsh3ll]

Then yes, absolutely this is safe to do, it just isn't practical long term so do go and advocate for yourself!

It is also harder for someone to refuse you treatment "because they don't think it will help you" when you are already on it and it clearly does.

[joziel]

I think you need to find another HRT. See if there is someone at the practice who's known to specialise in menopause, it might even be a nurse. Otherwise, change practice.

Good luck

[sheila99]

Your gp should be able to prescribe an appropriate hrt for you. Is there any reason they can't or won't?

[Bettyboo01]

Your gp should be able to prescribe an appropriate hrt for you. Is there any reason they can't or won't?

They just said I needed to see the original prescribing gynae. I explained I wouldn’t get an appointment for sometime and couldn’t afford it and that I was suicidal and desperate. They said they would speak to another more senior Gp. Then they left me a voicemail saying go to see the original gynae again.

[joziel]

Sounds like your GP doesn't feel confident or capable when it comes to HRT. So you need to find one who does...

[Bettyboo01]

Yes it sounds like you’re right. I will try. Thank you for all your replies everyone.