Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: pepperminty on May 22, 2021, 04:34:54 PM
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Hi Ladies,
we hear so much about the problems with HRT etc. But would you like to add to this thread with any success stories?
Eg, you tried every type of HRT then after years of tweaks this works for you. Or any advice as to times of day that are a success. Or where you rub it/ spray it and why that worked and what didn't to begin with?
So if you have any SUCCESS stories and little tips, it would be great to read, and may help others.
Peppermintyxx
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Great idea Pepperminty. A few from me . . .
1) I get really good absorption from the tiny Estradot patches applied to the butt, approx 4x the oestradiol I got from Evorel Conti.
2) 0.01% Estriol cream used externally in addition to Vagifem (both 5 nights weekly) makes a big difference to comfort for me.
3) A petit pois sized blob of Testogel daily (taking my level to approx mid-range) seems to help me with confidence, focus, positivity, muscle strength & sleep quality, as well as systemic dryness & the other benefits it's more usually prescribed for!
4) Together with topical HRT (& low dose systemic), an applicator of BV gel inserted once a week on a maintenance basis, plus a few nights consecutively if the aftermath of a withdrawal bleed is lingering, can help maintain the slightly acidic environment beneficial for vaginal health & has kept me mostly thrush & UTI-free for some years postmenopause. Before HRT & this ongoing maintenance schedule ;D I was plagued by unexplained UTIs needing repeat courses of antibiotics.
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Thanks Wrensong,
That's great thank you. Every little tip no matter how small will support everyone. And wouldn't it be interesting if there are particular tips that work for the majority? I will post mine too.
PMX
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Yes Pepperminty, I think any tips/success stories will be potentially helpful & a tiny detail could make a big difference to someone's life, perhaps saving them needlessly giving up on HRT.
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If you are sensitive to local estrogen : start with a low dose 0.01% estriol and use a tiny half pea amount once a week on the outside and if no reaction slowly increase to a blob every day if needed over months . This should improve the skin quality, but will take at leat 6 months to a year.
Only use one product on the vagina at a time to gage wht reacts and what doesn't.
As Wrensong- useing YES VM after( last couple of days) and before a bleed can lessen the irritation. Use a syringe ( for the vag) and insert at night.
Try changing the time of day for HRT- just before dinner works ( I take a pill) for me - morning made me feel sick. And before bed made me wired.
Breath through the anxiety symptoms and distract yourself and write a list of any improvements and read them back when you panic.
Changing dosage ( problems with absorbtion, such a upset tummy ) can alter time of bleed, so don't panic.
PMX