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[minty]

Background info:  Started HRT 7 years ago, I'm now 62.

HRT stopped working around a year and a half ago. I've tried everything, different combinations. From 125 patch (reading of 90 which was slightly lower than when I was on a 100 patch interestingly).
I don’t absorb testosterone either, always around  0.3 despite doubling up dose.
Now trying 100 patch and two sprays of lenzetto (+200 progesterone).

In desperation I'm thinking of having implants/pellets but feeling rather scared about it. Most of the information online is from America. I'm just wondering if anyone from this country uses it and how
successful was it (thinking of both testosterone and oestrogen).
FYI I went private because I knew I needed a higher doze and my doctor wouldn’t support this ( every time I go to my GP I'm offered antidepressants!- no I'm not depressed!) My doctor now refuses to have anything to do
with my HRT journey.
My main worries are lack of sleep, exhaustion, nausea, joint pain, generally feeling low and fed up, little motivation.
I wish I didn’t need HRT but my body does, I know how I feel with and without it, that’s why I'm considering implants.

My main questions are:
why don’t we readily use them in this country?
Are there any cons which I haven't thought of?
Anyone know the costs?
I think I will need a referral letter from my private practice as they don’t do them there but they know a hospital that does.

Many thanks in advance, any advice greatly received

[CLKD]

Hi.  Your GP is being IMO negligent and words should be said to the Practice Manager.  I wasn't aware that a GP can refuse treatments, however: if he/she isn't keen on being involved with menopause then he/she should have referred U to an NHS menopause clinic.  Off soap box now ;-)

Where in the UK R U, more or less?  What were your periods up to B4 an HRT regime and which symptom did U hope to ease?

[bombsh3ll]

I know there are women getting pellets in the UK it is just not common. I am not sure where but you could try ringing around the private clinics in London.

The main issue with pellets is that once it's in that's it, you can't remove it or modify the dose in any way, so any side effects you are stuck with for months.

That said it is an option valued by many people who like it and have had no ill effects.

There is a US company called bio- T, you could contact them and see if they supply to any UK providers.

However I would explore oral treatment before having pellets. There is also tibolone you could try.

Regarding poor absorption of testosterone through the skin, another option is DHEA - I take this sublingually and have great testosterone levels, from a starting point of close to zero.

People are afraid of oral but it is safer than a pellet in that you control the dose and can stop it at any time, and is also a lot cheaper.

There is a small increase in clot risk but this is numerically minuscule in healthy women who don't smoke or have obesity etc.

I am on oral birth control with zero problems and plan to take oral hormone therapy for life - I am fully aware that at some point I will probably have to self fund it but for me my quality of life is worth it.

[minty]

Sadly because I chose to go private and they gave me a 125 patch my GP said she would no longer treat me. I must say I was very shocked and upset.
There aren't any NHS menopause clinics in our area, my doctor spoke to someone in women's health at our main NHS hospital who said I should only need a small dose at my age!

My private clinic told me I couldn't have tablets as I have migraines with aura, in the form of eye zigzags (only once or twice a year) so I'm more likely to have a stroke with tablets. I feel like I'm running out of options.  Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.

[bombsh3ll]

Ok so tablets are not for you. Have you tried gel?

Your GP's attitude stinks but is not uncommon sadly.

There is absolutely no scientific research backing up the belief that older women need less estrogen. None. Older women typically get less estrogen prescribed, but this has nothing to do with their need.

If gel isn't an option, I just wanted to add that there is a lady called Michelle Heaton (former pop singer) that I know of through the BRCA1+2 community in the UK who has spoken publicly about getting pellets.

You could try looking her up and seeing if you can find out where she gets hers.

[CLKD]

Did U self refer for a private appt., years ago a private consultant wouldn't accept self referral it had to be done via the GP.  Many GPs won't continue with treatments unless they have referred the patient.

It really depends on the various medics' view point - some Consultants will see a patient in private practice and refer back to themselves in the NHS to continue treatment.  Which 2 me is a sensible route because it saves time initially, the patient gets a plan quicker if necessary or returns to work if no treatment is required.

[minty]

I've tried everything, different gels, patches, all different strengths, brands and  combinations.

I originally went private because I wanted testosterone too. My doctors were brilliant and gave me an NHS prescription including testosterone (which was more controversial seven years ago!) without hesitation. Thats why I was so shocked at the reaction at a 125 patch, yes outside the guidelines but no different in my eyes than the testosterone they happily gave me.

Thank you for your replies, I will look up bio-T and investigate DHEA ( I found the added testosterone really helpful, when it worked!).

[Kathleen]

Hello Minty

I am 68 and still fiddling with my HRT so I feel your pain!

I saw an NHS Consultant about two years ago and he also believed that older women required less oestrogen ( he has been in the job a long time and delivered my son by emergency C Section thirty two years ago,  so I respect his opinion). 

During my appointment he  mentioned that he offered implants to ladies in his clinic so this treatment was definitely an option as far as he was concerned.


I hope you can find a regime that works for you and I wish you well.

K.