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[NurseHague]

Hey everyone 

Hope you're all OK (ish) and you're all hanging in there!

Just needed some advice, please...I feel so lost   

Perimenopause symptoms are totally destroying my life. Apart from all the nasty physical stuff that's happening (weight gain, joint/back ache, dry skin/hair, headaches, no sex drive) It's the emotional and mental health side of things that are the worst for me.

I'm on HRT - I take 3 sprays of Lanzetto and body identical Progesterone every 2 weeks and other than stop hot flashes, it does nothing else! 

I'm a nurse and unfortunately I feel I can no longer carry on working as one (which breaks my heart because I loved my job)
My passion, tolerance, energy and patience has all gone and I'm left with no confidence whatsoever, totally and utterly exhausted, anxious and petrified.

Has anyone else experienced this with their careers? It feels like I'm the only nurse who is struggling to continue in her profession even though I'm probably not! 

Can anyone offer advice or suggestions on what I could do?
I've reached out to my union, RCN, for career advice but they can't do much.
I'm going back to my GP next week and she may try me on SSRIs (Setraline) to lift my mood.
I feel like I've let myself down so much. 

Please help....... 

[Mary G]

At first glance I would say your oestrogen dose is too low and highly unlikely to cut through.  When I used Lenzetto @ 3 sprays I found it way too low and my symptoms returned.  My oestrogen blood level was about 220 pmol.

Can you change to 3 pumps of Oestrogel?  That would almost definitely help.

[Nas]

I agree with Mary.
Lenzetto is considered quite a
“ weak “ oestrogen, in comparison to other preparations. I would almost certainly look to switch to either a gel, patch or even tablet form.

SSRIs are not the first line of treatment for menopause. Once your oestrogen levels are sufficient, you may find your mood lifts.

Can you take a period of sick leave, to get your HRT adjusted?

You haven’t let yourself down, it’s a god awful time for you.

Also, Thankyou for all that you do in your profession.

[NurseHague]

Thanks for your replies Mary G and Nas! <3

 

In terms of the dose comparisons of Lenzetto and Oestrogel, isn't Lenzetto stronger?

Apparently 3 sprays of Lenzetto is equivalent to 6 pumps of the Oestrogel ? Is that right?

#veryconfused! 

[Mary G]

Thanks for your replies Mary G and Nas! <3

 

In terms of the dose comparisons of Lenzetto and Oestrogel, isn't Lenzetto stronger?

Apparently 3 sprays of Lenzetto is equivalent to 6 pumps of the Oestrogel ? Is that right?

#veryconfused! 

Lenzetto very definitely is not stronger than Oestrogel!  It's actually very weak and even the maximum dose of 3 sprays every day will not increase oestrogen levels as much as Oestrogel.  To give you an example, 3 sprays of Lenzetto didn't even give me as much oestrogen as 1 pump of Oestrogel.

It's a pity because it's a very user friendly product.

[Nas]

Ditto Mary again.
Lenzetto is very weak in comparison. The patches are absorbed transdermally and the gel applied to the skin.

Definitely look to change product.

[Clovie]

You haven't let yourself down - at all. It's your hormones making you feel like that, it's not true at all.
You are going through a very emotionally trying part of life for a LOT of women, myself included.
I'm lucky I don't have to work as hubby supports us comfortably, but I could not as my mental health took a definite dive at perimenopause. I'm 61 now and still suffering. Anti-depressants have been shoved at me many times but none worked.

What DID work at least a little for me was when I started Oestrogen in the form of gel. Along with Utrogestan, both bio-identical or as close as can be.
I found I could 'cope' a bit better, the PMT aside, and my hair stopped falling out as much. Little wins ! 

Please ask for a trial at the very least on Estrogel.  You haven't let yourself down, on the contrary you are doing your best to help yourself, and remain in a vital and rewarding career. One son of ours is a Band 6 Nurse and the other qualifies as a Doctor next year, both live at home so I understand what a brilliant job you all do and how hard you work.

Ask for the trial and be kind to yourself