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[Vesty]

Hello everyone,
I've been an avid reader of MM forum for several months, but now need your help/advice please. I hope this is the correct thread to ask?

About me: 65 years old. 5'4" weight 126lbs. Was 116lbs all my life. A scan five years ago showed I have NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), which I think has been the reason that I had a long term fibroid issue - as possibly my liver isn't clearing the estrogen well. I've never had HRT due to a 15 year old large fibroid.

In October 2024, I had a total hysterectomy - mainly to remove the fibroid which was now the size of a grapefruit and pressing on the base of my spine (causing pain).
Now my fibroid (uterus and ovaries) have gone, I was put on Estrogel HRT in November (as I was diagnosed with osteoporosis several years back, but at that time decided to work on natural supplements), plus I have vaginal atrophy issues and lichen sclerosus, for which I was given vaginal cream 12 months ago, which was successful at sorting the vaginal issues.
So, in November I was told to start on one pump of Estrogel, and progress to two pumps. Also, the specialist switched me from vag cream to a vag pill inserted, which I haven't found as good for the vaginal probelms, and will request to switch back on next visit...

Here's my problems that I'd like your input on please:
On the one pump of Estrogel I began to have sensitive breasts/nipples. I checked on Google and it was noted that this was the receptors waking up, and would pass. I increased to two pumps 4 weeks later and the breast problems became worse, hard/swollen/tender/sensitive, along with a two inch growth. I panicked about the possibility of stimulating breast cancer, so went back to one pump of gel.
My GP surgery is not particulary helpful (or knowledgeable on hormones), so I searched Google. My thoughts being that my liver is struggling and the estrogen is building up.
I discovered Indole 3 Carbinol (from Brassica veg). Apparently it helps to convert the 'bad' estrogen to the 'good/cancer protective' estrogen.
I ordered some and took 1 x 200mg a day.  The breast hardness and sensitivity went away within two days. I was relieved - but the two inch increase is still there, and I don't want bigger boobs (I've been top heavy all my life, considering I'm a petite lady).

Question:
If I stay on Indole 3 Carbinol and use one pump of the gel, am I still getting the benefits for my bones (and hopefully dry skin). I had also hoped the gel would successfully replace the need for the vaginal cream (in time perhaps?).
Am I wasting my time on one pump of Estrogel?
Anyone know of a way to get my boobs to deflate? ;-)
I'm trying to lose the 10lbs I put on over the last ten years.

Thanks for being there for me! Such a help to get this off my chest (sorry for the pun!)
Vesty

[CLKD]

Morning.  What were your periods doing up until surgery?   Sometimes ovaries can continue to pump out small amounts if the 'stump' is retained. 

Vaginal atrophy treatment is usually for ever.  As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out, including the vulva etc..   By using VA treatment the area is kept soft which means left itchy and dryness.

Which GOOGLE did U use, hopefully NHS ?  U would probably need to eat a lot of brassicas to benefit.  What would 'bad' oestrogen be exactly ......

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use.   

[Vesty]

Thanks for reply CLKD. In answer to your questions:
Periods: I had VERY heavy periods until I was 44 (causing aneamia) - when I had an endometrial ablation to stop the bleeding. So no periods from then on.
Google: Yes, I do look into the NHS sites for information along with other research studies. The two types of estrogen metabolites mentioned was: 2 and 16. Indole-3-Carbinol helps the breakdown into the better '2' version. I take it as a capsule by the way - not able to eat a ton of brassica's :-)    Here's a cut and paste of the details:

Estrogen metabolites
Estrogen is broken down into two main metabolites: 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydroxyestrone.

    2-hydroxyestrone: Some say it's "good" because it has multiple health benefits, including blocking stronger estrogens that may promote cancer growth.

16-hydroxyestrone: Some say it's "bad" because it increases cell proliferation and is associated with inflammation, obesity, and other health issues.

[CLKD]

Ah I missed the capsule part of the story  .... 

It mayB that you don't require as much oestrogen all at once?  Why did U add extra?  Would it be helpful to add an extra pump a few times a week rather than all at once?

I use vaginal atrophy treatment - do read those threads too.  4warned is 4armed 

[Vesty]

The specialist said two pumps a day is the normal dose for Osteoporosis treatment, that's why I upped the dose after one month on one pump a day.

As you suggest - I will read the vaginal atrophy threads too.

[CLKD]

A diet of dairy, regular brisk walking can also help with bone health.  Chewing too, to keep the jaw healthy.

Let us know how you get on?