Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Shell on November 07, 2019, 07:52:54 AM
-
Hi All,
Ive been really feeling like my hormones are really unbalanced and out of whack, this has been going on for 4 years since surgical Meno. With the shortage of HRT its really got me thinking about why my consultant wanted me on Tibilone if possible until 52 ish as he said the balance of hormones was the closest I would get to natural and would receive them ALL and with my age I didnt fit into the usual risk categories...its really making me think i would of had all hormones for many more years and is this important and what doctors are missing?? Any thoughts would be helpful.
Thanks Shell x
Also if the oestrogen component wasn't quite enough could you use gel alongside as a top up?
-
How old are you now?
Which Consultant? Is this at a meno clinic ........
I'm sure that someone who takes HRT will be along. Or there is an option to send an e-mail to Dr Currie for advice.
-
Morning CKLD,
Im 37 now so have many years before average meno age...or what a specialist classes as that.
It was my Gynae who was really keen for me to remain on Tibilone not only for bone health, but for the balanced hormones.
Ive seen a Meno specialist since, but just filled out questionnaires, told oestrogen levels where ok and left to it.
I wish Id never had the operation and suffered with the pain, my body and mind have not been my own since. GP treats me like everyone else in meno and obviously at a younger age bodies require different amounts...well we all do.
Not sure how I go about emailing Doctor Currie? Or what support she offers.
Thanks
Shell
-
Hi the other option is the daisy website but I believe that one needs to pay for advice? There is info here somewhere and it is a support group for girls with no periods/early menopause.
Dr Currie is a menopause specialist who began this site to support those women with problems.
-
I bumped a thread which may be useful for you ......... 'daisy network'
-
Hi Shell - you sound like you're having a rough time. Some gynaes really like Tib, I was prescribed it by a gynae as they feel it offers the benefits of all the hormones ie. oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, in the safest way possible. It's not hormone molecules as we receive them in other hrt products, it's broken down in our body and the metabolites of it breaking down act on these hormone receptors, giving us relief from symptoms.
My gynae said I could add a pump of gel or take a double dose of Tib if it wasn't controlling my symptoms. I didn't get in with Tib so I stopped it without adding or doubling. You'd be best to speak to your original prescriber, is that possible? Talk through your problems and symptoms and decide if Tib is the best product for you. There's lots of alternative products out there so please don't despair.
-
Take a list with you ;-)
-
hi shell
i'm in same boat as u surgical menopause age 35 now 40 and wish i had insisted keeping my ovaries as the depth of menopause was not explained but i've only been offered estrogen which i'm having no relief from at all increase it and feel worse more tired more bloating weight gain hairloss and to be honest so foggy headed in it and no with hrt shortages it's a nightmare , i'm on the gel but am not obsorbing it well have tried a couple of other patches one not sticking the other side effects and the symtoms i'm taking it for which was just vaginal issues in dampness hasn't been relied dispite also taking ovestin vaginally for VA which at the moment the dampness is worse and burning but no UTI no infection very strange ! i do believe women in surgical menopause need all three hormones but i am considering taking combined pill as stronger then hrt and dose is set more steady release it does contain progestin levonorgestrel but i've been fine in this before and although not needed as i've had hysterectomy it's more for balance . my boobs too will not stop growing they have increased 2 cup sizes already and have only been on estrogen 11 mths and to be honest has not improved anything i have more problems then when i started really as it's now caused hairloss where as i went hrt free for 4 years because the tablet and patch i tried at the time didn't suit me and the doctor said well hrt dosent suit you u will have to stop it at the time no mention of different brands doses or the combined pill option and to be honest was lucky that i was fine i got in with it , last summer i developed damp knickers and to this day has not been resolved through hrt i have fluctuation in moods from very low to aniexty which i didn't have and i'm sorry but i don't believe everything is menopause some of it is caused by the hormone. therapy
-
Menopause means end of periods. No one explains what that actually means in terms of side effects as hormone levels drop.
If 1 is using vaginal atrophy treatment 1 should expect some dampness if the body leaks the product. I haven't had that problem as I use at night and certainly without 'ovestin', I would be climbing the walls - it was like razor blades :o up there!
It's the Trial and Error that is so tiring :-\
-
Hi CKLD, kiltedCupid
I think im going to pay privately and see a specialist at my local Spire hospital, I cant really afford it but feel my options are running out. Ive been on tablets, different patches and all have come with there issues. I really do feel it is a lack of hormone balance rather than just being pumped full of oestrogen continuously. They just seem to think if my oestrogen level is high enough then I should be!!. I have literally gone from feeling 30 to 90 since my ovary removal and my quality of life is quite honestly rubbish...not just for me, but ithers around me too.
The shortage of HRT really isnt helping either at the moment. :'(
Sammiejane
If I could go back I'd of left my ovaries too, and endured the pain because I honestly was not prepared for this hell they call surgical menopause. It has changed not only my state of mind, happy go lucky attitude, but my relationships. Not to mention my body has literally fallen to pieces since they went, I used to be at the gym 5 to 6 times a week, now im verging on barely making it down the stairs due to aches and pains in places I never knew could hurt. I honestly dont feel just one hormone can replace what should be 3 for the next 15 or so years, yes it may prevent certain things, but in return for my sanity and who i once was!!!. It doesnt help when there is so much lack of understanding around Menopause. Im feeling like Tib with some added oestrogen may be my answer but not sure if they will offer that to me?? This week i was offered a vaginal ring as an alternative to 100mcg patch :o :o :o
Please let me know what you decide to go with, is it your GP who has suggested the Pill as an alternative?.
-
Make sure that the Consultant is a Meno-specialist, not a gynaecologist. Maybe keep a mood/symptom/food diary to take to the appt. At least by paying you won't feel rushed at the appt and it may be the best money you will spend for ages. It also means a quicker discussion rather than waiting for a GP appt..
-
Shell - I completely agree with all you've said, for many women, particularly those in surgical meno, oestrogen just isn't enough. You need all 3 hormones replaced as you have scant production naturally. You're very young too so your natural oestrogen levels would be high. If you decide to go the private route, ask your gp to do a full set of blood tests including all the sex hormones before you go, explain to the gp that you feel you need specialist help and will require the tests. This will also give your consultant an idea of where your hormones are and save the cost of private bloods which can be hefty. You can also ask for a referral to a menopause clinic in your area and I believe it's possible to ask for referral outwith your area too. The Chelsea & Westminster in London have arguably the best meno clinic in the U.K. and would be worth the cost of the journey if you can get a referral.
There's 2 really good US sites called surmeno blog and hystersisters which are only for hysterectomised women. It might help you to read some of their stories and hrt solutions.
Good luck.
-
Hi Shell,
Sorry you are going through such a rough time.
I had the same op when I was 38 and now 43 and still haven't found the right balance despite trying virtually everything. I know just what you mean, a lot of the time i feel about 90, and it doesn't matter how much i increase oestrogen it doesn't make me feel any better. I was just googling about adding progesterone when I saw your post :)
The menopause clinic I went to said I could try tibolone if I really wanted, but that it wasn't really strong enough for younger women?
My first 2 months on it I had a lot of headaches and nausea but it did work for libido in a way that no other hrt has,but it also made me feel very strange and wired, and unable to sleep properly, so I felt wired but exhausted all the time.
the headaches and nausea subsided but sadly so did the positive effects and 5 months in I've quit as I feel worse than before, just 1 stone heavier :( Last 2 months I tried doubling the dose and adding some pumps of gel but it didn't do much. However its definitely worth a try as some people have amazing results with it, but for me it just seemed to stop working, although this could have been my estrogen levels dropping after coming off quite high estrogen prior to Tibolone?
I'd be really interested to know if adding progesterone would help people like us feel a bit more balanced, and what would be the best type to try.
Good luck with your appointment and do post how you get on
-
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Ladies, you've convinced me im not completely insane!!. :)
Im going to really do my research on specialists, and speak to my GP who I trust the most about my bloods etc and go armed with as much info as I possibly can.
I presume Dr Currie would not be able to do prescriptions of any HRT, and having bloods and Thyroid tests etc would be needed for any real treatment decisions.
Thanks Shell x
-
Hi Brandydog1
Sorry to hear you're in the same boat...its not fun is it!!.
I will definitely let you know what the outcome is after my appointments and will update you on where I go from here. Really sorry Tibilone didnt work out for you, its just a complete minefield of what route is best for us ladies in surgical meno.
Ill update as soon as I have any news, please do the same if you have any news to share...we need to definitely stick together.
Shell x
-
Hormone blood tests are reliably un-reliable ::)
Let us know how you get on!
-
hi shell
no i've been under a menopause specialist who didn't want me taking tablet form hrt because i have GI issues and smoke so i should never of been perscribed my doctor she has put me on gel after trying a patch which didn't suit but the gel i'm not obsorbing and again feel like u do something missing i've gained a ton of weight and lost half my hair all through taking estrogen hrt i didn't have hairloss or side effects when i took pill before when i was in my 20s early 30s and they assume that because we have no uterus we don't need progesterone but progesterone has multiple effects on the human body as too testosterone i'm struggling to get my estrogen levels up on hrt to what they deem optimal and the more estrogen i'm pumped with the more side effects i get if i hadn't of had hysterectomy i would more then likely still be on the pill so i'm looking at that option as it consistent dose of estrogen and progesterone and stronger but i may react differently to it but with all the hrt problems being out of stock maybe my only option . what is it called u take again ?
-
shell and brandydog1
i have progesterone which is utrogestan 100mg as menopause said this is safest and more body identical then progestin which is to be taken daily every night i only managed 4 days i felt tired urinating more bloated i normally go bed about 11 and found i had to take this at 9pm as wouldn't wake up but i may give it another go or will go on the pill !
-
Hi Sammiejane
Its scary how we are being prescribed medications that aren't right/suitable and potentially can do more harm than good.
Im confused how you can take the contraceptive Pill, but not HRT I was always on the understanding that the risks was similiar for both regarding smoking etc. GI issues again all tablets follow the same route?? But hopefully the menopause specialist has it right.
Im currently on Estradot patches but feel horrendous and my body just soaks up far too much, but if I lower the patch its not enough, thats why im thinking that my body needs more than just the oestrogen, its completely unbalanced...i swap one set of symptoms for another!!!.
Originally I was supposed to go on Tibilone/livial which isnt a HRT your body breaks it down into the 3 hormones and the idea is that it mimics your bodies hormones. My gynae wanted me on this as I had endometriosis and adenomiosis and it was the best option, but as soon as my ovaries had been taken I felt like I'd been hit by a bus, so GP swapped me to patches.
I just need something that levels all my hormones and gives my body what it needs to thrive again as it should.
Please keep me updated if you have any luck.
Take care
Shell x
-
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Ladies, you've convinced me im not completely insane!!. :)
Im going to really do my research on specialists, and speak to my GP who I trust the most about my bloods etc and go armed with as much info as I possibly can.
I presume Dr Currie would not be able to do prescriptions of any HRT, and having bloods and Thyroid tests etc would be needed for any real treatment decisions.
Thanks Shell x
You're certainly not insane Shell, you just need some help getting a good balance of hormones, which work for you.
I think Dr Currie does prescribe and sends the letter to your GP so that you can have what she prescribes on repeat.
I'm not sure how her consultation works but other ladies on the forum have used this service so they might chip in with their experiences.
There's also an old surgical meno thread on here you could search for, it's called The Surgical Menopause Thread - it might have some useful tips from the ladies who had similar problems to yours and how they dealt with them.
-
Hi KiltedCupid,
I'll go on and take a look see what infirmation I can gather. I may also look into how I arrange a consultation with Dr Currie.
Thanks for your advice and support.
Shell x
-
Hi Shell you go to the home page of the forum and it tells you there. You pay £30 and ask a question by e-mail. You can then print off her answer and take it to your doctor - it's not a prescription as such but recommendations. I;ve used the service (some years ago) and it was brilliant :)
Hurdity x
-
Hi Hurdity,
Thanks I shall go on and take a look.
Shell x
-
Sorry I posted in a hurry - I did of course mean the home page of the main website - so hope you realised! Here's the link: https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/contact-the-doctor.php
Hurdity x
-
Just keep on keeping on Shell and you'll get there. Seems impossible at times but there's good help out there. Come back and let the ladies know how you get on, I'm sure there's younger women in the same position as you who'd value your feedback.
-
I started early as well but no reason for me. It taken me a while to get sorted on hrt so it frustrating when it's discontinued, I'm not read all the posts but from experience your best doing your own research and keep trying until you find out what is best for you, personally I've taken 99% of HRT and write notes how I felt and what side effects I have ect.
You do feel like your going insane that's why groups like this are a godsend, I've had endless help and advice from here so always ask as so many are here to help you x.
-
Hi All,
Just to update saw an amazing doctor today who specializes in gynae and menopause and has dealt with many in early menopause and surgical menopause. He listened to all of my issues and was really understanding.
His advice was to go back on to Tibilone as it allows my body all 3 hormones which it would of had at 37 and give it a good 6 to 8 weeks if I can, we are going to then do a follow up on a full hormone blood screen and check the difference in levels to compare. He advised I could use oestrogen gel if my levels are low as a top up as he didnt think I'd need a higher amount of any others. He wants me to allow a full 6 to 8 weeks for my body to adjust and did say that HRT isnt going to be a cure all, but if we get the main things covered then hopefully the rest will follow.
I was on tibilone straight after my bso but he believes my body was in far too much of a fight or flight/hit by a bus mode to cope so early on. So wish me luck and I will keep you all updated on how I get on over the next few weeks.
Oh and im able to pop my patch off tonight and start my tablets 24hr laters. Xx
-
Hi shell!
I hope you are well!
I'm 22, currently on prostap and have just been prescribed tibilone- livial for HRT for 6 months then scheduled for a full hysterectomy.
I'm so glad that you have got something out of your appointment today! In regards to the Spire- that's who I am under treatment with and they genuinely are amazing!
Let me know how you get on with the tibilone as I'm quite nervous to start this too!
Good luck xx
-
Hi Shell - great to hear you had a good consult and an understanding gynae. Please don't be worried about tib, you might find you love it, some women do and it's considered by some gynaes to be the safest form of hrt. I suppose your gynae wants you on it because it relieves all the menopause symptoms in one little pill without any problems with endo build up. Great too that you're ok to add some top up E if you need it. It's only 6-8 weeks before a re-check so you know you've got that to rely on. Maybe try and keep notes on how your feeling week by week if you can't manage daily and then show it to your gynae at follow up?
Go into it with the attitude of this will help me get back on track and with the knowledge you're being monitored along the way and I'm sure you'll be fine. Keep us posted on how you're getting on.
Good luck.
Jessica97 - I hope things work out for you too, I really liked tib but it just made me tired. I now know that the gel I used to top up didn't absorb well for me so I gave up, but I liked it and to be fair, probably didn't give it long enough. Good luck to you too and keep posting with how you're doing.
-
I have been on oestrogel and 100mg of utrogestan for 12 days a month since I was 38 and am in my 50s now its really worked well for me, I do hope you get sorted.
-
Hi Jessica97
Thats how I started out with prostap injections for 6 months prior to my hysterectomy.
Im keeping a log on how Im feeling day by day on tib and have had to adjust the time of day I was taking it...tried the morning, but no good for me as I just felt washed out and exhausted all day, tried just before bed ( I go to bed late on) that still left me feeling groggy until around lunch, so I take another tablet around 7pm so set an alarm on my phone and started taking it at that time each day. So far so good, im up for 6 with the kids etc. I could tell when I was ready for my next dose for the first week, by 5pm I could feel a hormonal type headache creeping in, but fingers crossed that seems to be settling...im remaining hopeful, but time will tell. Have very tender breasts, but every hormone change causes that for me, so hoping that will settle in the following weeks.
KiltedCupid
I am remaining as positive as possible, and focusing on it working and allowing my body time to adjust, im definitely going to see it into the new year with the follow up blood tests, and see how I am.
I think staying positive is the best option and allowing time for our bodies to adapt...im not expecting miracles, just hoping for a more stable sane life lol x
-
hi shell
just to update you !
i've been suffering bad hair shedding since being on my estrogel 2 pumps as i've only been on hrt 1 yr following my op 5 yrs ago i wasn't on anything for 4 years and felt ok , in some ways i'm worse on hrt . how has your hair been ?
i had follow up with menopause clinic who agreed i could add in testosterone but could worsen hairloss but it may help as my level is low also i have tried progesterone in the past and seemed ok on it till day 4 and then had few hot flushes come on and bloating but helped relax me sleep improved but our plan is to try testosterone if my hair dosent stop shedding add in another pump of estrogen if still continues add in progesterone and if dosent stop then i'm quiting hrt !
dermatology believe my hairloss has been triggered by medication ie estradiol and changing my gel to a patch or tablet won't help .
my hormones level for estrogen a week apart has gone from 368 to 113 so up n down but all i can do is hope it works i wish i hadn't started hrt because my hair wasn't thinning before
-
shell
i think i may look at tibilone !
-
I had my hysterectomy 8 years ago they left one ovary I was 52 at the time and was put on hrt right after ,I was given oestrogen tablets first then patches and been through so many ups and downs I always believed my hormones were unbalanced still do but nobody would listen just kept pumping the oestrogen.l tried tibelone but it dident suit me unfortunately it is true that so many doctors tell you oestrogen is all you need its just not true.
-
hi ladies
how are we feeling today !
well i was quite positive yesterday after my menopause appointment yesterday and i've now woke up in a feeling of panic am i doing the right thing !
as u know i'm in estrogel 2 pumps and my hair is shedding and thinning now i cannot say for sure this medication is the cause as i starting shedding prior to starting this but after i first went on hrt and introduced estrogen in a patch then i stopped it 6 weeks later it didn't suit 2 weeks later started vagifem and then 5 weeks into taking vagifem i started shedding so this would of been 13 weeks after starting hrt and 7 weeks after stopping it although the time i was on the patch i didn't shed hair it was triggered 13 weeks later ! but has continued to shed to this day and has got noticible thinner so being on estrogel hasn't improved it so i don't think it was low estrogen causing it as if the shedding was triggered from stoping the medication the fact that i'm on medication now should of stop it . do u think that if it is the estrogel causing it then changing to a different brand should help ! but if is estradiol itself it won't make any difference as hrt all contain the same ! this is one reason why menopause want me to try testosterone as may be an imbalance as testosterone is low in my body and as i have zero libido energy which have got worse since taking hrt . i'm scared of it not helping working and increasing my hairloss ! but then it may improve it . ladies it's so hard following my operation i got on with things and didn't second guess anything my decision which shell was the same problems as u but i didn't have endometriosis! then i had to be hit with vaginal dampness and i rushed to get hrt thinking it was calmer for not being on anything for 4 yrs but now i've a whole host of other issues hairloss weight gain fatigue my body shape change for the worse more fat everywhere and when where young it's hard to accept when you 50 odd and like myself would be a grandma by then it easier to accept you are older it natural time but at are age i don't want hairloss weight gain and then there is my boobs up 3 cup sizes and seem to keep growing ! my mood has altered my energy libido plummeted . on a positive it has improved thickness of skin proberbly because it causing more fat to hang around but i've lost my muscle tone ! and my dry eyes have improved and the gums in my mouth are not as pale and more pink but honestly that's it . have any of you ladies indured hairloss since starting hrt and what are you taking ! oh and the other thing i notice has happened since starting hrt for me which should improve is i've been getting a lot of uti infection bladder irritation so have reduced my vaginal estrogen to once a week was also getting a feeling in not emptying my bladder properly and my urine stream wasn't as powerful . i also suffer with my GI tract have done for years i have slow GI tract so have to have wheat free gluten free foods and stick to a low fod map diet to avoid constipation i have a lazy bowel to do take regular laxitives to go to toilet will be with me rest of life so am under collerectal specialist for this !
my dermatologist wants me to stop hrt for 4 months to see if my hair cycle tricks itself out of shedding mode of it continued ma then we no estrogen is not the cause ! but menopause don't agree as heart health and bone health is more important! so i'm doing there suggestion and we shall see ! i'm just concerned as to whether or not it's worth changing the estrogen part menopause said no because i may not obsorb as well from others and also i'm not keen on wearing a patch ! and won't make any difference to my hair if it's caused by estrogen ! so bloody confusing why can't they make a tablet for surgical menopause that contain everything bio identical E P T would be so much easier and say have 3-4 strengths just for us early birds !
sorry for the lengthy post needed to vent my frustration! much love to you all and please keep me updated on your progress or not so much progress x
-
Hi Sammiejane
How are you?
Thats why Im trying the tibilone again basically just to try and even out what my body needs, and because it allows your body to break it down and make, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone...im hoping my body can take what it needs. I dont believe that at 38 just being pumped full of oestrogen and hoping for the best is a good option...we are onviously proof of that!!.
Ive experienced hair shedding at times, and I know other women who experienced this due to shock...ie shock of what their bodies went through after ovary removal.
If your hair is already shedding then adding in testosterone etc surely wouldnt harm for say 6 weeks to see if there were any benefits to you??.
Since my hysterectomy like you I have suffered with food intolerances, constipation, IBS etc. Currently having further tests as im convinced I cant be in this much pain for no reason, but apparently once again very common in younger women after hysterectomies...if only they informed us before!!! :'( :'(
-
hi shell
i'm interested in tibilone although not sure they would let me have it due to smoking and Gi issues they don't want me having tablets !
i didn't have hair shedding after hysterectomy not effect to my hair is been provoked by hrt !
i hope things settle for you but how i feel there is no way i'm going 10 more years like this !
i'm asked to change to a patch to get a more steady dose the gel is up and down but i only knew this because the doctors missed one of hormones off so i had to have another lot of bloods done 10 days later and the fluctuation was allot . my thing is if i had quoted 113 level to menopause they would of said you are still not obsorbing yet if i had give the results from week before 368 level they would of said yep we can add testosterone but i think this fluctuation is what's making me feel the way i am and up and down and possibly hair shedding you would of thought by now there would be specific hormones for surgical menopause an all in one form like tibilone this wasn't ever offered to me !
-
Hi Sammiejane,
I was the same as you that I had different levels on the patch, first day I was sky high, then would taper off and the last day was horrendous...I was up and down like a yoyo so I dont believe its a constant consistent dose, certainly not in my case!! The same with gel I had surges and drops all the time.
I presume your iron levels and thyroid etc are all functioning ok?
The more oestrogen I seemed to mess with the worse my shedding became.
As I say like you I suffer with mant GI issues, but have to take other oral medications so figured one more wasn't going to cause anything more than I was dealing with already (just personal choice).
Ive kind of figured that I know my body, and sometimes trusting my own judgement is better.
-
Hi Lola
Yes at first I struggled and have had to play with the timings that I take it to allow me to not feel space out. (Its getting better) I know its not for everyone, but im just determined to get my body back to an even level of hormone for my age, and was told if my oestrogen is low in 6 weeks on repeat testing, I can add gel as a top up when required. Im hoping I wont need to as I feel my body has just been fueled on oestrogen for years that it just needs to readjust...only time will tell. X
-
Lola,
Can i ask what level oestrogen you was on prior to tibilone?
-
lola50
i am actually thinking of stopping for a while so i can see exactly what my body is doing because at the moment i'm so up and down and don't want to keep loosing my hair it is important to me !
or i need a more stable dose a patch or tablet form ! all i know being on the gel is causing me hair loss
-
Hi Lola,
Yes like you straight after surgical menopause was when I first started tibilone and it wasn't right for me then either.
Since then over the years I tried gels and patches, at different strengths trying to find the right level...unfortunately for me that never came, 75 too low, 100 too high trying to play about tweaking patches only added to the fluctuations unfortunately.
I feel the oestrogen over that time was just cauaing an imbalance for me personally, and although one part would be ok...another wouldn't there was always a trade off, which with the prospect of 20 years plus didnt seem fair on me personally or my family.
Im definitely thinking the constant oestrogen was no good for my long standing migranes, or left over endo...but we all are individuals and have to figure out whats best for us. I dont think anything will ever be a cure all, but Im determined to find the next best thing!!!.
Good luck to everyone on your journeys x
-
Hi there surgical meno women!
There have been several new threads about surgical menopause and there seem to be quite a few of you out there. Just thought I'd let you knpow that there is a long-running Surgical Menopause thread which I will bump for you - started by an ex-member Tempest - so it might have some useful tips there - just to save reinventing the wheel! :)
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,34701.0.html
Hurdity x
-
morning ladies
i really need advice i'm going out of mind with panic and worry and can't lift it
i'm in the estrogel 2 pumps and shedding hair my menopause want me to add testosterone in which i've got but have also said this can worsen hairloss i can also try the progesterone utrogestan to balance things but don't know whether to add progesterone first then testosterone later on ?
also the gel is making my E levels up and down and i know this because i had to have two blood test 10 days apart due to cock up by GP and it showed my E levels were 368 on minute and then 113 next menopause said this is normal but wondering if that's why i'm on a rollercoster of emotion and feel very up and down plus thick headed every day and headaches constant ! i'm wondering if it's worth changing to a patch to get more consistent level !
or do i give up and stop it have a break and then start again x
-
morning ladies
i really need advice i'm going out of mind with panic and worry and can't lift it
i'm in the estrogel 2 pumps and shedding hair my menopause want me to add testosterone in which i've got but have also said this can worsen hairloss i can also try the progesterone utrogestan to balance things but don't know whether to add progesterone first then testosterone later on ?
also the gel is making my E levels up and down and i know this because i had to have two blood test 10 days apart due to cock up by GP and it showed my E levels were 368 on minute and then 113 next menopause said this is normal but wondering if that's why i'm on a rollercoster of emotion and feel very up and down plus thick headed every day and headaches constant ! i'm wondering if it's worth changing to a patch to get more consistent level !
or do i give up and stop it have a break and then start again x
Personally I wouldn't try progesterone as your body still produces sufficient for its needs. It only produces large amounts to prepare for a pregnancy. It;s oestorgen and tesosterone that are more important to be balanced especially after surgical menopause.
Speaking of which did you see I bumped a thread dedicated to surgical menopause - maybe post in this one so that those in surgical menopause can answer and find the info they want perhpas? I'll bump again for you!
As I've mentioned before those readings are no indication of actual oestrogen levels anyway - there is a daily rhythm - levels vary in the morning and at night, so also the time of day you had the readings done may also affect the result as well as where on the body, and when the blood was taken in relation to the gel application. You really need to go by symptoms - how you feel generally, ideally....
Why not perservere with the gel for a while - if you keep chopping and changing this is more hormonal disruption for your body?
Hurdity x
-
hi brandydog1
can i ask what hrt you are currently taking ?
also any of you ladies out there taking estrogel ! which are in surgical menopause ?
if so how was your hair ?
if you had hairloss on the gel and then added in testosterone did this stop it ?
-
hi hurdity
everything i read about progesterone suggest that it isn't available from other sources as it only made in ovaries following ovulation there is a very small amount in the adrenal gland as there is estrogen and testosterone but estrogen is made elsewhere in the body ie brain and body fat progesterone isn't so women become more deficient in progesterone compared to estrogen as this hormone drops quicker then estrogen then testosterone !
-
i think i'm going to take all 3 x estrogen progesterone and testosterone every other day and see x hairloss can't get any worse ! if dosent work then stopping it all !
i think adding testosterone to estrogen when hair is shedding will only make it worse ! unless there is an imbalance but lots of surgical menopause ladies here taking estrogen don't seem to be having hairloss so it still bring me back to whether it is the medication and the only way to know is to stop it for a while and see x
-
Hi ladies. I see this is am old thread but thought I'd pop on anyway just in case. I don't come on this forum much as its mainly natural menopause ladies.
Just wondering how you surgical menopause ladies are doing?
I'm 5.5 years into it and have had every HRT and combo under the sun and still a mess. Currently trying Tibolone again with added Lenzetto and Testosterone. Not going well.
Main issues, widespread pain, intolerance to any exercise or exertion, fatigue, hair thinning, skin a mess, muscle weakness, no sex drive etc. Had low, high and middling oestrogen. No difference but generally feel worse on very high oestrogen. Progesterone works well for a week but then builds up and feel unwell.
Diagnosed with fibromyalgia and ME but it all started straight after surgery and I've never got balanced. Feel the years are flying by and if anything getting worse
Just wondering if anyone has found solutions? I'd give anything to get my ovaries back!
-
Hi, I went into surgical menopause around age 37 (I'm now 49) after having my ovaries removed. I still have my womb.
I was very settled for years with a Mirena coil but, when I had it removed - and was due to have another put in - they couldn't do it as my womb had shrunk.
I'm now on Evorel conti patches, half a patch twice a week.
This really works for me, I feel "normal"! But I have tried other combinations over the years & also come off it all together - that didn't work!!
Hope you find a solution that works for you.
-
Hi Jellyb
My you've been on surmeno a long time! Glad you've found balanced HRT.
I tried the mirena years ago and couldn't tolerate it. Thought I was totally progesterone intolerant and was advised that the op would be good as would only have to take oestrogen but I'm realing I can tolerate Utrogestan for a couple of weeks and it helps a bit then it kind of builds up and I'm worse. Does make me wonder if a combined patch or similar would be worth a try.
Thanks for replying.
-
Hi Lou44,
I had my ovaries removed 2 years ago I was 39. Still haven't got the balance right. tried a year ago going private but its so expensive and it seems they just blanket increase estrogen - its a lot of money to just do that. I didn't feel they saw me as an individual. Actually feel really disappointed with their service but thats another story.
So Im back researching myself. Just read this thread about tiblone. this hasn't never come up for me before. I showed my husband a couple of the old replies and he said god you could have written those! In a way its nice to know Im not alone, whilst also being so fed up not feeling like myself. I really never had any idea having no ovaries would may be feel this awful. the surgeon made it out Id slap on an patch and be fine! I never had a choice thought to keep as I have tumour on them. I also have now chronic pain from the surgery that Im not sure the hormone add to.
For reference Im currently on 100mg estradot and cyclic Utro. The first few days of Utro are hard but I just perservere due to needed the lining to shed. the NHS specialist won't up my patch said I should ty the coil as it binds SBHG to release are estrogen. ButI with my pains I just don't want to add something inside me that could(even mentally) cause me problems. My estrogen levels were 170pmol on 50mg patch and 211pmol on 100mg patch so Ive no idea if I need to increase oestrogen or not. Ive had a few months just notthinkign about it or reading but now back into trying to get it sorted!
Kelly x