Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: PollyH on July 17, 2015, 05:42:39 AM
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Hi all
I posted in June re '5 weeks off HRT -symptoms back'. This is an update from seeing the specialist last Thursday. I had to put a patch back on because I felt so ill after 5 weeks and I was going on holiday and thought I would wait to see the specialist.
I was trying to come off HRT because I can't tolerate progestogen and a hysterectomy is a last resort ( see previous thread).
when I saw the specialist last Thursday I had been back on hrt patches for about three weeks (just estrogen - estradot 50) I felt fine. He said I could stay on them without progestogen and have three monthly scans to check my womb lining. Since Monday this week I have been going downhill. I just feel like I need a bleed - I'm crying every day - period pain - waking early - feel down - feel worked up - WHat do I do now? This doesn't work?
Don't know how much more I can take of this - going on for 9 years.
Any advice would be really helpful.
Thank you Ivor listening
PollyH
Xx
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Just wanted to give a :hug:
I'm only on oestrogen after hysterectomy, many years ago, so not sure about the progesterone side of things. Though a few years back I had an 8 month HRT break. It was truly awful. Not sure why your GP would agree to one without the other.
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On a purely detached front (haven't and don't intend to use HRT if I can help it) I would go out there and be a nuisance. Keep going back to your GP, keep explaining what is going wrong for you (writing it all down and taking your notes with you is always a good ploy if you tend to fluster, as many of us do at this stage in life), and if you aren't satisfied with the results, badger him/her for a referral to someone who can help you. Don't be intimidated, don't back-off and be fobbed off; just keep battling until you get the treatment you need and can start to feel better, more like yourself. Maybe take someone with you for a bit of moral support when you go?
I wish you well xx
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I'm sure Hurdity will be along with advice - which part of the HRT cycle don't you get on with? I would give the Specialist a phone call next week and ask if you need a hike in the prescription. One usually has progesterone in order to cleanse the womb hence the suggestion of scans every 3 months but that seems to often to me. What will the Specialist suggest should you get womb thickening? Is this a private appt. or NHS Specialist?
Maybe your own hormones are taking part in all this and over-riding the HRT?
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PolyH, I know how you feel because I can't tolerate synthetic progesterone either - I never had any problems with the natural type that I produced myself but I really don't get on with any of the progesterone used in HRT and that goes for utrogestan (the one closest to our own) as well.
It is a really difficult one. I have spoken to the specialist about it and also Dr. Currie and there are no easy solutions. At the moment, I am struggling through by limiting the progesterone use right down to a few 100mg capsules of utrogestan (taken vaginally) about every 5 weeks because if I leave it any longer and try to create a longer cycle, I get a normal period (volume wise) but over two weeks and it's annoying. Last month, I took two 100mg capsules vaginally and got a normal period and I will take a bit more next month and see how I get on - I have womb scans annually and all is OK at the moment. Have you tried taking the utrogestan vaginally? Do you mind me asking what form your progesterone intolerance takes? I get silent migraines (without headache) which consist of migraine aura (disturbed vision) for 25 minutes which leave me feeling spaced out, it's horrible. From my experience, if you "need" to bleed, that in itself causes unpleasant side effects like dizziness, could this be your problem? By the way, I take three measures of Estrogel every day and also a small dose of testosterone.
I am running out of ideas on this one and might also have to consider a hysterectomy.
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Thank you all so much for your replies and I am so so sorry that I havnt got back - just couldn't seem to face it - tried ignoring it hoping it will all go away but it's not.
Hi cubagirl - he's hoping I can just take estrogen because I have tried every progestogen going and it makes me feel too ill - that bad that I am off work with it - a hysterectomy is the last resort so he says, but I am not feeling good on the estrogen only cus I feel like I need a bleed - am crying at anything feel so insecure and nervous in my stomach like everything is too much.
Hi Gill mojo thanks for the reply - I intend to ring the clinic this week - I can't carry on like this.
Hi Clkd - This is NHS treatment but he also does private - I don't know why I agreed to this cus surely the womb lining is gonna build up - I just don't get it - I was talking to somebody at work and they had their womb lining removed - anybody heard of that before. Thanks for replying.
Hi Mary G - I'm not glad that you can't tolerate progestogen - but it's nice to know somebody has exactly the same problem. I was taking 75mcg estradot and only managing to take 1 or 2 sometimes 3 of 100mg Utrogestan vaginally - I felt so tired and brain dead followed by bad pmt - anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed- then finally a bleed - and even then after maybe two days bleed - it seemed to take me another week to get over that - just couldn't cope with anything. Was off work five weeks in March this year. Has Dr currie no more suggestions? I think I'm gonna have to have hysterectomy cus I can't cope without it I've tried - or maybe my womb lining removed - will ak wen I see the specialist and keep you posted.
Thank you all
Polly H
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I think that progesterone is given to encourage the womb to shed it's lining or maybe a D&C is necessary? If you do a search for progesterone you'll find lots of info.!
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I think you are talking about an ablation Polly which is used to control heavy periods? http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Periods-heavy/Pages/Treatment.aspx
I found that the progesterone part of HRT gave me exactly the same PMT type symptoms which I'd suffered with for years so it wasn't much different. I just clung on to the knowledge that once my period started the depression and horrible mood would lift. Have you tried different progesterones?
Taz x
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Hi
Sorry you are having issues with the progesterone. I had an ablation 3.5years ago, yet the docs still wants me to take progesterone, I'm almost certain that I don't need to take it as often as I do. I am due for a scan as I've not had one so hopefully it will tell me what I already know, that my lining is miniscule (I know because of what I lose each month), so why have me on 200mg utrogestan for 12 days per month? Some times it would do the doctors good to actually listen to us women, they may actually learn something! I really hope you get sorted soon Polly. Do let us know how you get on.
Shellb
xXx
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Hi Honey
I can't take oral Progesterone either it just takes me all over the place. However I have a mirena coil and a small top up of oral Oestrogen of 1mg daily.
Would it be an option for you? Hysterectomy is a big op and then recovery time,
For now millions of hugs
Mrs January xxx
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Hi Shelb - I'm the same. I've only been on HRT for 4 months. Estradot 50mg with separate Utrogestan 200mg for 12 days. But my withdrawls bleeds are very light and barely last 3 days, if that. It's more like spotting than a period.
Before I started HRT my own periods had become very light too. So I'm wondering if I really need to take 200mg of Utro for 12 days per month? I don't feel too bad on it, but it does make me feel very tired. My withdrawl bleed starts within 36 hours of stopping Utro and only lasts 2-3 days, then as my withdrawl bleed ends I seem to get a real mood dip and insomnia too, and I think this is progesterone withdrawl.
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Hi PollyH - we may have spoken before - please excuse any repetition.
Snap - I'm highly prog intolerant - so you have my sympathies - I know what despair you are going through - I've also been on this mad HRT merry-go-round for c. 8 years, been through the spectrum of progesterones and turned down Mirena and hyster - my fear with hyster is swapping one set of problems for another, which can happen - or finding that after having hyster and being on estro only that I still feel just as bad or worse, eeeek!
Quite a few times I've tried to come off HRT due to prog intolerance - but each time I have to go back on as I also get so ill, can't stop crying etc etc, you know how it is. However, I also don't feel that great on the patch - but much much worse off it and realise that more than anything my brain needs the estrogen. Caught between a rock and a hard place.
Utro use always makes me feel ghastly and is different each time - this time I felt really exhausted and hideous on days 1 to 3, then had a migraine, then managed to carry on. I take the lower Utro 100, v-route. It's far from ideal.
My first thought is - could reduce your patch?
I know the strung out, depressed, agitated feeling of needing to have a bleed - I'm on only ultra low patch, *half* of Estraderm 25 - recently the meno clinic said I could go 12 weeks between taking Utro - but I could only last 10 weeks as I felt like what you're describing - needing a bleed, estrogen overload. This is just me though and somebody else may be fine on such a low dose without taking prog. There is such a patch used in USA - Menostar 14 mcg applied once weekly, no progesterone.
If you were on a lower dose patch, say 25 - or less - you may have to compromise in terms of only partial symptom control (as I do) but the pay off is that you may not get the 'overload'. If having regular endo scans is not a problem then it could be a way forward.
How are you feeling now?
Night_Owl
x
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Polly, I have also thought about having an ablation and I think I will start a new thread on that topic because it would be very interesting to hear from all those ladies who have had one. I have heard that you still need to take the wretched progesterone afterwards but I find it hard to believe that you need to take as much and at least you would have either a very light period or no period at all. Surely it has to be worth a try?
By the way, I had an "off the record" conversation with my gyno re progesterone doses and she said that one size does not fit all and not all women need high doses of progesterone but they have to tow the party line as medics and tell everyone to take the same amount but it is often much more than you actually need.
Dr. Currie recommended I try the Mirena coil again but that is no good for me because I had one before for contraception purposes and it gave me migraines before a period. Having read up on progestin intolerance extensively, it would appear that once I was perimenopause (which I didn't actually know at the time) the artificial progestin in the Mirena started to override my own natural progesterone that I produced myself hence the migraines. I never did get on with the pill or the Mirena before the menopause but I didn't get migraines - that would explain why. Synthetic progestins are nothing like the progesterone you produce yourself and they react very differently in our bodies which would explain a lot.
Will start an ablation thread.
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Hi All
Once again thank you all for the replies - your sympathies and understanding make all the difference. I also send hugs and sympathy to u all too.
Here is the update - well I haven't gone to work today - tried to go twice but couldn't face it - very weepy brain dead and period pain - so doesn't look like I can take estrogen only as I NEED A BLEED. Decided to ring the clinic to see if I can see the specialist sooner and luckily someone has cancelled so I can go on Thursday. My options really are running out - I just want my womb gone - I've had enough of messing with doses and never knowing where I am.
I read the new thread that Mary G started about ablation for progestogen intolerant women but even that sounds dodgy - think hysterectomy is my only option left - unless anyone has any other ideas.
Kind wishes
PollyH
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It is a huge operation and not to be considered lightly. Let us know what the suggestion is on Thursday. Make sure that you know what to expect and what treatments to ease any symptoms i.e. wind, that is available post op.!
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Hi PollyH
Sorry to hear you are suffering - I don't like progesterone either but fortunately not badly intolerant - just some negative side effects but not enough to make me need to do without it entirely.
I can't remember if you said whether you are post-menopausal or not and how old you are - sorry if I've asked this before on another thread? That might have something to do with the feeling of needing a bleed? Maybe your lining is building up too much and this is physically apparent?
I must say I wouldn't like to be on oestrogen only without a bleed and just rely on 3 monthly scans - not because I think it's too much oestrogen per se ie it doesn't build up in your bloodstream as too much - but because of the effect of it unopposed in the lining. Our oestrogen levels during the menstrual cycle are usually far far higher than on medium dose HRT (once we are post-menopausal) - although replacing it artificially, even with bio-identical oestrogen - does not seem to replicate the natural effect for all women!!
Good luck with your appointment and do let us know how you get on.
Hurdity x
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Oh I Hurdity and Clkd thanks for your replies - I'm post meno and 51 - been going through this for 10 years - and sure I was peti at 39 looking bak. At the moment I'm taking 50mcg estradot and was using utrogestan 100mg vaginally but could only manage taking two or three. I've exhausted all other progestogens.
Will post after my Thursday appointment.
Thanks
Polly h
Xx
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Hope it goes well tomorrow >wave< - let us know!
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Here I am back from my appointment - so utterly disappointed in the outcome as usual. He said that I could either come off patches for two weeks and maybe I would have a bleed - so told him I was post Menapause and he said it didn't necessarily mean that I wouldn't have one- anyway I didn't last time I came off so that's not an option. Second he would give me 7 days of the dreaded utrogestan 100mg vaginally. So this is what I'm going to do but I feel I am back to square one. I asked what I we going yo do after that and he said I should have a long cycle hrt - so 50mcg estradot patches and 7 days of utrogestan 100mg vaginally every three months or so. I don't see how this can work as I have only been back on patches five weeks and already feel the need for a bleed. This is never going to end - I explained abouth feeling ill with progestogen as I have said above but he this option is the only way I can do it. So am I going to be off work every three months for one or two weeks - host can I live my life like that?
He still wants me to have a scan on 7th August and then see him again - I'm gonna have to plead for a hysterectomy. Maybe he's ticking boxes and exhausting every option before he will offer me this.
So no resolve - but will keep u posted
Thank you for listening
Polly h
Xxx
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Hi PollyH
Sorry to hear you are disappointed. Has the doc said to take the progesterone now or wait until 7 days before the 3 months? In terms of feeling like you need a bleed ie "weepy brain dead and period pain" - that is very unlikely to be because you can't tolerate oestrogen only. It sounds to me like a hormonal change - such as an oestrogen dip, or pms symptoms caused by progesterone or withdrawal from it just before a bleed. If you are two years post-menopausal or more you hormones will have stabilised and should keep you on an even keel - provided the absoprtion is constant.
The other thought is maybe you are still reacting to the decrease in dose from 75 mcg - the reduction to zero (stopping HRT) would cause symptoms of low mood amongst other things, and this would be partly alleviated by re-starting - but if the dose still isn't high enough the symptoms may recur or not disappear completely. Doesn't explain the period pain though - which suggests that progesterone is involved.
I stopped HRT a few years ago for 4 months ( was on Estradot 50 mcg) - symptoms came back so I went back onto HRT, but doc suggested 25 mcg ie reduced dose as I was late 50's by then. The symptoms went but then they came back so for me 25 mcg wasn't enough. I went back up to 50 mcg and they disappeared and have done pretty well ever since. Maybe the same thing for you but 75 mcg to 50 mcg?
How long will you have been on oestrogen only by the time 7th August comes? This will give an idea of how thick your lining might get.
Also do you use Vagifem or something like that as well? I always try to make sure this area is well plumped up before I start the vaginal utrogestan - my theory being that if the tissues are plumped and thickened, then it minimises systemic absorption and therefore fewer side effects. Might be worth a try for when you take the utro?
Hope you feel better soon.
Hurdity x
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Sorry that you feel less than happy about the appt.. I think Hurdity has made some good points.
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Hi Hurdity
I have been back on estradot 50mcg for five weeks - not had any progesterone as supposed to be just taking estrogen only and having regular scans. By the time 7th August comes I will have been on estrogen only for seven weeks so not had any progesterone for about three months as I came off HRT forvabout five weeks so I just thought it was my womb lining building up since going back on estrogen causing my symptoms. Am I right or coul I have some of my own progesterone and that's why I am so sensitive to taking it. I'm so confused.
I have to start the utrogestan straight away and he said I must use all seven. You could be right about the dosage - but I just need to sort this out first . I will definitely think about the vagifem sounds like it may work for me.
Thanks for the reply and also to Clkd.
Will keep u updated - hope iim not off work next week.
PollyH
Xx
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Trial and Error is awfully tiring :-\
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PollyH, sorry to hear that your appointment was disappointing. I know how you must be feeling about the next round of Utrogestan, I will be starting my next round next week. I will try to take 7 100mg capsules vaginally but if I get a migraine, I will stop immediately.
Unfortunately, I cannot go as long as you have without a bleed because I bleed WITHOUT using any progesterone after about 5 weeks. I don't know why this happens, it is strange. As I said before, it is the same amount of blood but over a period of 14 days instead of the usual 5 days.
If you only manage to take a few 100mg capsules, you will probably still have a bleed which should make you feel better. It will be interesting to see what happens after you take the Utrogestan and what sort of period you have. Once you have the scan on 7 August, you will know whether or not you have taken enough and whether you could get away with taking slightly less.
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Hi All
I have taken five utrogestan and I am a mental wreck - I don't know what to do - I've had major falling out with my hubby and he's had enough - they totally change my personality. I Can't stop crying and I feel a useless piece of crap. I can't take any more of this - please help my life is in turmoil - I can't live like this any more.
PollyH
Xxxx
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HORMONES >:(
How are you this morning?
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PollyH, sorry to hear you are having such a bad time. If it's any consolation, I hate taking Utrogestan and absolutely dread it because I fear getting a silent migraine. I took my first one (vaginally) on Saturday night and took the last one yesterday and so far so good BUT in an effort to avoid a migraine, I have been taking three pumps of gel at night as usual plus another one exactly 12 hours later to top up - when I get a migraine, it is always about 13-15 hours after I have taken the gel so I thought it might be a good idea to top up. My partner and I discussed it (he is becoming an expert on the menopause and HRT) and we decided that I would take four this month so fingers crossed.
Are you going to take the rest of the Utrogestan? I know you said that your doctor thinks you should take 7 capsules this time. At the risk of being a repetitive bore, have you considered using the gel instead of the patch, it is more flexible and you can take a bit more when needed.
Please keep us posted.
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Hi Mary G and Clkd thanks for replying
I slept a bit better last night after having a long chat to my hubby. I have now taken six utrogestan and do u think that will b enough or should I take the last one tonight - don't know if I can cope with another one. Can't see me opting for a long cycle HRT with utrogestan cus I'm off work again and I can't live with keep being off work. The specialist doesn't seem to get it - I need a hysterectomy - there is no other way.
Thanks so much again
PollyH
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Consultants aren't keen on surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. One problem 'solved' may well lead to others. Is there an on-line hysterectomy Forum?
Maybe send a private message to Dr Currie for advice, the fees are in one of the pull down menus I think?
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I wouldn't advise hysterectomy unless absolutely necessary. Operations can go wrong. You can develop other symptoms although I can see that you feel at your wits end. I haven't read all of the thread but are you quite sure that progesterone is to blame? If you have a hysterectomy wont you still be producing your own progesterone to a certain extent? http://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/
Taz x :bighug:
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Polly, if I were you, I would leave it at 6 capsules for this month - it can't make that much difference. I agree that it would be well worth an email consultation with Dr. Currie but if you have life ruining symptoms, it will probably have to be a hysterectomy. As you know, I am in a very similar place and wish I had the courage to just go for it but I've never even been in hospital before let alone had an operation so it is a lot to face - I have never even been pregnant so I am not used to anything medical. Also, I will have to pay for it because I doubt the NHS would cover it.
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Hi Polly
I was just revisiting your thread and was wondering how you are getting on?
Big hugs
Shellb
xXx :hug: :hug:
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Hi Shelb, Mary's, Clkd and taz2 - apologies if I have missed anybody out.
Thank you all for the replies - so sorry I haven't got back sooner I just wanted to wait a bit longer after having a bleed to see how I felt.
So here's the update. Just about managed to take all seven utrogestan and started a bleed three days after stopping it. It lasted for about two and a half days quite heavy and then just stopped like a tap had been turned off last Wednesday afternoon - Was still weepy while bleeding - when it stopped started to feel overwhelmed and anxious and have felt like that since apart from Saturday when I had one good day an d that was it. Also I have had problems with my teeth and have had to have the second half of my top teeth removed so all gone and waiting for my new set - life just gets better but to be honest I can deal with the teeth I- the menapause I can't . So yesterday and today still feel crap anxious - my hair is dry and horrendous the skin on my face looks ten times more wrinkly and I don't know why - I look different every day really weird.
I'm still off work - fourth week now and that doesn't help. So still not right after he bleed - what the hell is going on with me - I'm even contemplating coming off Hrt AGAIN - I just feel like a
Nutter.
The scan results - I nearly forgot where normal the stenographer said with a benign cyst on one ovary and the womb lining now 3mm instead of 5.2mm last time. I have a follow up next Thursday with the specialist - God knows what he is gonna do but I will definitely NOT be taking utrogestan again. Should I stop the patches now ? Because I won't be taking utrogestan again.
I would like to email Dr currie but I don't know where to start with it all - are you only allowed to ask one question per email - my brain won't work properly.
Any thoughts eternally greatful.
Thanks to you all
PollyH
Xx
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Take a list to the Appt. next week. See what the Consultant suggests.
Have a look at the advice for sending a personal query to Dr Currie.
It's awful to feel as you do. What has your Dental Surgeon suggested about care after extraction, anything special for the gums area? I went the implant route as I felt too young for a 'plate' ::)
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Hi Clkd
Thanks for the reply - I will definitely take a list on Thursday. My gums are fine just salt and water and I have my new teeth - lucky me - can't believe I have false top set at 51 would never have thought it cus I have always looked after my teeth but my dentist said when I was thirty six that my gums were starting to recede and he said it could be hormones ! I didn't think anything about it until I started peri menopause abput thirty eight!
Will keep you all posted about my Thursday appointment.
PollyH
Xxx
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>wave<
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PolyH, sorry to hear that things have been difficult for you. I completely understand why you don't want to take Utrogestan again, it's terrible stuff isn't it!!! You are not alone, I find that Utrogestan and all types of artificial progesterone make me feel quite down but worst of all, if I don't up my daily dose of oestrogen gel, I get silent migraines.
I hate to be overly persuasive but when you go for your next appointment, it might be worth broaching the subject of a hysterectomy. Strangely, I dreamt about having a hysterectomy last night, perhaps I know my time is coming. For those of us who are intolerant to artificial progesterones, it does seem to be the only option in the long term. It's just plucking up the courage to do it.
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Hi all
Thanks Mary g for your reply. Here is the update from seeing the specialist yesterday. Well quite disappointing again. Apparently I have not two options now - up my estrogen dose to 75mcg patch and carry on with this without utrogestan and have three monthly scans to check my womb lining, even though I had symptoms of w acting a bleed after four weeks on 50mcg patch. He said I the womb lining will not necessarily build up as he has a few ladies on estrogen only with a womb and they are ok. I'm not convinced after having symptoms last time. Option 2 - come off hrt again. I asked about hysterectomy and he said it was a last resort but the said he didnt wrestle want to godown that route. He als said that if I did have one itvcould make things worse. He also said that if I had one he would take ovaries as well cus they wouldn't be working anymore and ther wud b a risk of ovarian cancer if they were left.
His next conversation went like this - " you could try coming off hrt because you can't stay on it forever and the menapause is a natural thing and all. Women have to go through it" I could have smacked him round the room - he also said that he thought I had other issues going on and asked if ther was anything going on in my personal life - cheeky man.
He just doesn't get it!
So back to square one - wat do I do now? Ive got a prescription for the 75mcg patches but just don't know wat to do.
Thanks for listening
Polly h g
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Hi Polly
What an awful tale of woe. I am no expert as quite new here and still awaiting a doc appointment for phase 1.
but I know if I were in your shoes I would be changing GP to find one 'with a clue' as he clearly has not got one.
Good Luck x
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My worry would be if he is so misinformed about having to come off HRT when the new guide lines state it's an individual's choice then is what he is telling you about using quite a high dose of oestrogen with no progesterone is actually safe.
I really would see someone else because you may end up running an unnecessary risk.
Honeybun
X
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Heavens above PollyH!!! This is from a gynaecologist/menopause specialist?! How very dare he!!!!!!!!!!
If he is prepared to let you go for oestrogen only and be scanned every three months - is it not possible to endure the progesterone (or a powerful synthetic like norethisterone - have you tried this - much lower doses needed than utrogestan?) every 3 months or would you suffer debilitating symptoms that affect your ability to function normally?
It is usual to leave the ovaries after a hysterectomy, although as you have an ovarian cyst could this potentially cause problems?
Definitely see if you can go to someone differnet. Is this gynae someone you were referred to on NHS at a menopause clinic?
So sorry to hear about your unhelpful appointment :(
Hurdity x
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Stupid man. He sounds clueless and I disagree with just about everything he said. Firstly, you can stay on HRT for a very long time if you choose to and as I said before, the 5 year time limit was plucked out of the air and based on absolutely nothing other than a flawed and discredited study.
Not sure about the womb build up point other than to say that I get a bleed (much longer but with the same amount of blood) with or without taking any progesterone.
Moving to the hysterectomy, I can't think what value your ovaries would have at this stage of your life and if you have had cysts, I would have thought it was a no brainer and you would be far better off without them. Did he explain what value they have?
As for coming off HRT completely, don't even go there!!!
Given those choices and bearing in mind your extreme intolerance to artificial progesterone (Utrogestan), I would opt for the three monthly scan without using any progesterone BUT, in the meantime, why not see a specialist like Studd privately to get another opinion. I can tell you that he will not try to put you off having a hysterectomy and he will no doubt have some other options for you to consider.
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Thanks everyone for your replies
I'm already awake 5am not sleeping well the moment - I've got period backache and a bloated stomach and can't make a decision - if I'm starting to feel like I need a bleed now - how will I be on 75mcg patch or are these symptoms of low estrogen.
I think I am going to email Dr currie when I can get my head round everything I need to tell her in the email. I am definitely at my wits end with it all. I don't give up easily but I am coming to the end of the road with all of this - it's just a nightmare.
Mary G - I saw that you mentioned DHEA in one of your posts - something to do with your adrenals. I am sure I have read that when we are post menopause we are supposed to make estrone in the adrenals - but if these are not working properley then this won't happen. What does DHEA do and how does it help with hormones?
Thank everyone - you are all amazing.
PollyH
Xxxxxx
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PolyH, first of all, I think that emailing Dr. Currie would be a good idea, I am sure she will be able to help and also it will be another opinion. If you don't know where to start, perhaps you could just by reciting your dreaded appointment.
Regarding the DHEA tablets, I was in a pharmacy in Gibraltar and saw them on the shelf and asked the pharmacist about them. I have got to know her well over the years and she recommended them saying that many people swear by them so I bought some for myself and my partner. They are suitable for men (yes, men lose hormones with age too!) and women and I think they have given me more energy and lighter periods but my partner says he has not noticed much difference. You can't buy them in shops in the UK, only online.
DHEA is a steroid and they are supposed to regulate hormone production, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, stop hair loss, improve bones, libido, cognitive and thyroid function and increases serotonin levels in the brain. It sounds like a long list and I don't know if actually it does all those things but I feel better for taking them so I will carry on. You might want to give them a try!
Please keep us updated.
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There's an article here mentioning DHEA http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2078836/The-happy-menopause-pill-Its-natural-drug-said-banish-hot-flushes-pep-flagging-sex-drives.html.
Taz x
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Thanks Taz2, that is an interesting article. It also points out that Oestrogen only HRT is safe and can in fact protect women from breast cancer and strokes.
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Hi all
I have just had to take another course of utrogestan last weekend and had a bleed for two and a half days. So estrogen only doesn't work for me so I'll have to come off Hrt. I change my patch on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings but I decided this morning to go down from my 50mcg patch to 25mcg with the view to changing again on Tuesday evening (so keeping the same days) I've had a terrible day my nerves are shattered - don't know whether I have done the right thing or should I have waited a week after my bleed cus I get the withdrawal from utrogestan after a bleed and feel anxious enough. But this is worse- have already fallen out with my hubby. Omg this is crap.
Any thoughts welcome.
PollyH
Xx