Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: EllaAurora on July 24, 2021, 02:46:43 PM
-
Hello,
Does anyone know, if the patch is always releasing the same amount of oestrogen (irrespective of the person), or if there are individual variation in how much oestrogen the patch gives per hour? I'm asking as I feel with 50mcg patch that at the beginning I may be getting too much from it, and towards the end at day 3, it feels the dose is wearing off.
I know there is small gradual decrease over the 3.5 days but my question is if its possible that the variation is greater for some people? I had to move away from gel to patch exactly for the reason that I was absorbing gel too quickly and getting huge fluctuations. So now I'm wondering if the same can happen with patch, or if its not possible due to patch design releasing only certain maximum amount in a given time.
Thanks for support and hope you are keeping well! xxx
-
Yes, I'd be interested to know about this, too. At what stage of menopause, height/weight etc? I can't imagine how a one-size-fits-all method would work and whilst it's all very trial-and-error (and, hence, time-consuming!) it would be great to have a clearer idea. Let's hope we get some very useful information!
-
Hi Postmeno3,
Yes, let's hope someone knowledgeable spots this message!
I'm still peri (I think) but assuming towards the end of this phase. Started HRT last year and during the past couple of months have had very strong feeling that my own hormones are fading in the background, which means I'm more dependent on stable estrogen supply from HRT. Currently on 50 mcg patch, but should try higher dose next as still symptomatic. I'm just wondering that if my issue is uneven absorption, rather than dose per se, higher dose might not fix it.
How are you doing and are you on patch at the moment?
Take care! xxx
-
Hi.
Yes, am on Evorel 25 at the moment, but feeling it's not enough. Am very post-meno and have an Estring and Vagifem. I'm just starting out on returning to systemic hrt at the age of 69, so am looking forward to my first quarterly review soon.
There are some VERY knowledgeable people on here, so, 🤞!
-
I don't know any science behind the release of hormones in patches but from personal experience, I feel a drop in estrogen levels by the end of day 3 because symptoms start to slowly return.
EllaAurora - I am also in peri (I think - 53 at the end of the year and I'm on sequi HRT) and I feel my endogenous estrogen has dropped again recently. I am moving up from Evorel 50 to 75 next week after my VA worsened and my thermostat has been going haywire.
I do wonder how absorption differs from one manufacturer to another - would I be ok with an Estradot 50 now for instance?
(I have also recently had an issue with a particular batch of Evorel 50 patches as I felt less well on them compared to some from a different batch. They were packaged differently too but Theramax say there should be no issues. It's added to the recent muddle I've been feeling.)
-
One of the questions I was asked at the Menopause Clinic was could I feel my patch wear off. I could.
It was recommended I change the patches three times a week (Monday, Wednesday& Friday), instead of twice a week, to ensure a more consistent absorption.
-
There is said to be variability over the life of each patch & even at different times of day. Some of us try to compensate for the fading effect toward the end of patch life by changing every 3 days instead of 3.5 or 3+4, so similar to what Salad was recommended to do. There are also other factors affecting levels, such as site of application, amount of subcutaneous fat, blood flow etc. The extract below from the following link details some of the variables involved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_estradiol
"Variability in pharmacokinetics
Transdermal estradiol patches are described as delivering a fixed amount of estradiol such as 50 µg/day or 100 µg/day.[10] However, there is large interindividual variability and intraindividual variability in the pharmacokinetic parameters of transdermal estradiol, and fluctuations in circulating estradiol levels with estradiol patches are almost as great as with oral estradiol.[10][93][12][17] As such, the actual delivery rate of estradiol and mean levels of estradiol achieved with transdermal estradiol patches may be different from what is described and from the mean levels observed in clinical studies, respectively.[10]
A wide range of estradiol levels are measured in women using the same estradiol patch or gel and dosage, with an up to about 10-fold difference in levels.[10][93][17] In a study of estradiol gel and patches, the maximal difference in peak levels between individuals was 11-fold for the gel and 7-fold for the patch, and the maximal difference in area-under-the-curve levels (total exposure) was 6-fold for the gel and 8-fold for the patch.[93] It has likewise been reported that the interindividual variability in bioavailability with Estraderm reservoir patches ranges from 25 to 225%.[17] In as many as 30% of women treated with a 50 µg/day estradiol patch, estradiol levels are low.[10] There are also significant short-term intraindividual differences in estradiol levels with estradiol patches; estradiol levels can fluctuate considerably from hour to hour.[10][181] In addition, estradiol levels with estradiol patches are higher in the evening than in the morning, which may be due to circadian variations in skin blood flow that may influence absorption.[10] In terms of area-under-the-curve levels of estradiol, the interindividual variability of transdermal estradiol has been found to be 20 to 44% using different transdermal formulations, and the intraindividual variability with transdermal estradiol has been found to be 20%.[12]"
There are graphs in the full article showing variation over time for anyone who finds them helpful.
It does all seem complex & there's no replicating the way our own bodies fine tune hormonal regulation before ovarian production begins to decline, but there is at least the option of trying different brands & doses to see what suits us best.
Wx
-
I don't know any science behind the release of hormones in patches but from personal experience, I feel a drop in estrogen levels by the end of day 3 because symptoms start to slowly return.
EllaAurora - I am also in peri (I think - 53 at the end of the year and I'm on sequi HRT) and I feel my endogenous estrogen has dropped again recently. I am moving up from Evorel 50 to 75 next week after my VA worsened and my thermostat has been going haywire.
I do wonder how absorption differs from one manufacturer to another - would I be ok with an Estradot 50 now for instance?
(I have also recently had an issue with a particular batch of Evorel 50 patches as I felt less well on them compared to some from a different batch. They were packaged differently too but Theramax say there should be no issues. It's added to the recent muddle I've been feeling.)
Hi Jasmine, thanks for sharing your experience! Do you also feel an oestrogen 'peak' or 'rush' during the first hours with new patch? I'm feeling this and it makes me worry that my body is in some way taking the oestrogen from the patch too fast.. not sure if this really is possible, though, so maybe its just that the patch is not the right strength for me.
Good luck for changing to 75 and do let us know how you get on! xx
-
There is said to be variability over the life of each patch & even at different times of day. Some of us try to compensate for the fading effect toward the end of patch life by changing every 3 days instead of 3.5 or 3+4, so similar to what Salad was recommended to do. There are also other factors affecting levels, such as site of application, amount of subcutaneous fat, blood flow etc. The extract below from the following link details some of the variables involved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_estradiol
"Variability in pharmacokinetics
Transdermal estradiol patches are described as delivering a fixed amount of estradiol such as 50 µg/day or 100 µg/day.[10] However, there is large interindividual variability and intraindividual variability in the pharmacokinetic parameters of transdermal estradiol, and fluctuations in circulating estradiol levels with estradiol patches are almost as great as with oral estradiol.[10][93][12][17] As such, the actual delivery rate of estradiol and mean levels of estradiol achieved with transdermal estradiol patches may be different from what is described and from the mean levels observed in clinical studies, respectively.[10]
A wide range of estradiol levels are measured in women using the same estradiol patch or gel and dosage, with an up to about 10-fold difference in levels.[10][93][17] In a study of estradiol gel and patches, the maximal difference in peak levels between individuals was 11-fold for the gel and 7-fold for the patch, and the maximal difference in area-under-the-curve levels (total exposure) was 6-fold for the gel and 8-fold for the patch.[93] It has likewise been reported that the interindividual variability in bioavailability with Estraderm reservoir patches ranges from 25 to 225%.[17] In as many as 30% of women treated with a 50 µg/day estradiol patch, estradiol levels are low.[10] There are also significant short-term intraindividual differences in estradiol levels with estradiol patches; estradiol levels can fluctuate considerably from hour to hour.[10][181] In addition, estradiol levels with estradiol patches are higher in the evening than in the morning, which may be due to circadian variations in skin blood flow that may influence absorption.[10] In terms of area-under-the-curve levels of estradiol, the interindividual variability of transdermal estradiol has been found to be 20 to 44% using different transdermal formulations, and the intraindividual variability with transdermal estradiol has been found to be 20%.[12]"
There are graphs in the full article showing variation over time for anyone who finds them helpful.
It does all seem complex & there's no replicating the way our own bodies fine tune hormonal regulation before ovarian production begins to decline, but there is at least the option of trying different brands & doses to see what suits us best.
Wx
Hi Wrensong,
thanks so much for sharing this. Very interesting, though I must say, also confusing. I was under the impression that with patch one would get more stable levels (that was the reason I was moved from gel to patch in the first place). For me personally patch has been so far better than gel, which didn't work at all in the end, but still not finding good balance. Reading this, it does seem that there's probably no way to get fully stable levels and it's more about getting used to the fluctuations than aiming for perfect balance.
My worry at the moment is less the fading levels towards the end, as its always possible to change the patch more frequently, but I'm concerned about the possibility that I'm absorbing too much at the beginning and then again big fluctuations created which lead to worsening of symptoms. I'm thinking now that maybe I'd need a smaller dose, and change more frequently. Would be interesting to hear if anyone else has had this type of experience of getting too much from the patch at the beginning?
Hope you are feeling well Wrensong and thanks again for support! xxx
-
One of the questions I was asked at the Menopause Clinic was could I feel my patch wear off. I could.
It was recommended I change the patches three times a week (Monday, Wednesday& Friday), instead of twice a week, to ensure a more consistent absorption.
Hi Salad, thanks for sharing your experience, appreciate it!
Do you feel more stable now when you are changing 3x week? When you change to a new patch, do you feel any 'rush' from it, to just normal stable feeling?
Hope you're feeling well & take care! xxx
-
I thought I was getting a very brief "rush" on application in the form of heat in the patch location only. I'll monitor this more closely. Interesting stuff about patch location in the article. Thanks! 💚
-
Hi Ella, the article is mindboggling, I agree. I wonder if what you are finding is that as your levels from the old patch have declined by the end of 3.5 days, the influx of oestradiol from the next new patch is a bit of a shock to your system, rather than that the dose as it averages out over time is too much, if that makes sense? Maybe if you try changing every 3 days there will not be such a dip at the end so that when you start a new patch there won't be such a difference from end to start levels? As you say though, perhaps the dose is too high & you might feel better on less.
Sorry, OH is wanting us to get out the door so no time to say more this morning! I hope you manage to find a way to feel better though. It can certainly take some tweaking & perseverance.
Wx
-
Hi Ella, the article is mindboggling, I agree. I wonder if what you are finding is that as your levels from the old patch have declined by the end of 3.5 days, the influx of oestradiol from the next new patch is a bit of a shock to your system, rather than that the dose as it averages out over time is too much, if that makes sense? Maybe if you try changing every 3 days there will not be such a dip at the end so that when you start a new patch there won't be such a difference from end to start levels? As you say though, perhaps the dose is too high & you might feel better on less.
Sorry, OH is wanting us to get out the door so no time to say more this morning! I hope you manage to find a way to feel better though. It can certainly take some tweaking & perseverance.
Wx
Hi again Wrensong,
thanks for your thoughts again and yes, it can be either of these things. I may do some tweaking in the coming days and reduce the dose slightly to see what happens. Usually if the dose is clearly too low, it's quite easy to feel it quickly as flushes start to return.
Have a great Sunday & thanks for support! xxx
-
One of the questions I was asked at the Menopause Clinic was could I feel my patch wear off. I could.
It was recommended I change the patches three times a week (Monday, Wednesday& Friday), instead of twice a week, to ensure a more consistent absorption.
Hi Salad, thanks for sharing your experience, appreciate it!
Do you feel more stable now when you are changing 3x week? When you change to a new patch, do you feel any 'rush' from it, to just normal stable feeling?
Hope you're feeling well & take care! xxx
Hi :)
I only felt a rush whilst using gel and more recently with the spray. My problem was feeling the treatment wear off and that’s been with gel, patches and spray. Things did settle for a longtime changing three times a week though.
Ive recently had a review of my HRT as I felt unwell for a few months.
I’m now back to twice weekly changes of my patches, but I also use Lenzetto Spray daily and Testosterone gel twice a week.
My hormone levels have improved dramatically and I do feel better :clapping:
-
Sounds entirely sensible Ella. Hope it helps you know for sure & that you will soon feel better.
Wx
-
ElleAurora - I don't get a rush of estrogen when I first put the patch on but I think I feel most well on Day 2.
Oestrogel did give me an uncomfortable rush and I was relieved to switch to a patch as it felt less of a hormone rollercoaster. I've not tried the Lenzetto spray.
Sometimes I wonder how long this HRT malarkey will last.......God I envy the women who breeze through menopause.
-
I'm on Evorel patches and I haven't noticed any fluctuation in my response to them which coincides with patch change times. I have however been finding that the hot weather has an enormous effect on how much I absorb, maybe because they don't stick so well or maybe because of the phenomenon I read of somewhere of 'estrogen dumping', where extreme heats makes the patch release loads of estrogen at once and then the level dips prematurely, with resultant ill effects. I've been upping my dose while the weathers hot and it's made a huge difference. I also find I always have to increase my dose gradually in the progesterone phase, and then rebalance it when I come off P. It's a constant balancing act!
-
I am so glad I saw this post as for years I have had the same problem with gel and patches. I change patch every three days but still feel fluctuations. Everyone I have spoke to says this shouldn’t happen. I am now going to try a smaller dose every two days. I had my levels checked only a month ago and they are 400 so should be feeling ok. I’m so glad I’m not going mad 😡
-
Yes racjen, oestrogen dumping on super-heating of patches is the reason I was given for being asked to remove mine (on my derriere) prior to MRI of head & neck. I queried it as I'm not so short my head is anywhere near my butt, but apparently MRI can cause patches to overheat regardless, resulting in oestrogen dumping.
-
I am so glad I saw this post as for years I have had the same problem with gel and patches. I change patch every three days but still feel fluctuations. Everyone I have spoke to says this shouldn’t happen. I am now going to try a smaller dose every two days. I had my levels checked only a month ago and they are 400 so should be feeling ok. I’m so glad I’m not going mad 😡
Hi Donna, very interesting to hear that someone else is having the same problem -though of course sorry to hear you also struggle. I wonder what is causing it, haven't seen any studies on this topic. Let us know how you get on with smaller dose and changing every two days! That's probably the route for me too if I still continue with patches. My gynae was thinking already last week that she may need to move me to tablets unless I stabilise within the next weeks, but I'm concerned as the risks are then higher in terms of blood clots. I so much hope I'd still find a solution with the patch!
Take care and hope you'll get on well with the patch solution! xx
-
Hi I have dropped to 75mcg and going to do every two days. I always feel it wearing off on day three and have done since I’ve been on them no matter what dose I’m on. I was up to 125mcg but anxiety was a nightmare at this level. The only issue with a lower dose for me is I get a lot of joint pain. I am willing to trade that for no anxiety so fingers crossed x
-
Hi Donna, good luck for adjusting the regime, hope it'll work for you better!
I went back to my symptom diary and have paid more attention to this during recent days. I've figured that for me the fluctuations may be happening even faster. My own sense is that I get a steep peak during the first 12hours or so (when I feel the 'rush', which has actually got even stronger during the past weeks). Then, almost instantly, it feels that levels are starting to come down from the peak and I feel just awful during the downward phase. Basically, it feels there's like a few hours during the duration of the patch when I'm feeling ok'ish, after the uncomfortable rush but before the decline. Also my patch might be too high dose, but at the moment I feel reluctant to even try lower dose, as I've felt really bad during the last days.
All of this is making me to come to conclusion that I will again need to look for another solution. :o Perhaps it will be then the tablets that work for me (though I'm not yet comfortable with the risks of oral treatment), or I may need to try again another type of gel or spray. Thankfully I have an appointment coming up again soon with gynae to review the regime again.
Hope you all feel as good as possible, take care! xx
-
Salad, do you use lenzetto in addition to your patches twice weekly, as a top up Oestrogen ? How do you find the lenzetto spray? 😀
-
Well been on a lower dose for a couple of weeks and changing every two days. I have had days when I have woke up in a good mood and that hasn’t happened in a long time. I was feeling slightly hopeful and managed a weekend away without too much anxiety. Unfortunately caught covid and now feeling really awful. No idea if anything is hormonal or covid but going to stick with it until I speak to my specialist mid October. Hope everyone is well and keep us updated. I gain more information from this sight than anywhere else 🤗
-
Oh donna, what bad luck. I am sorry. Your plan to stick with it in the circs as you had begun to feel better pre-COVID sounds sensible. Hope it's as mild as poss for you & soon over. Rest if you can & take care of yourself.
Wx
-
Thank you ❤️
-
Donna, I should have said when I posted earlier that if you're having to change patches every 2 days to begin to feel well I wonder whether another method might suit you better? A patch at right dose designed to last 3-4 days should surely be adequate changed at most every 3 days with good absorption? I see you had similar issues with feeling fluctuations on gel though. Sorry, don't know any more of your HRT history so this may be irrelevant & please don't worry about it (or replying) as you have enough on your plate just now, but I would raise it with your specialist.
Wx
-
Hello,
Does anyone know, if the patch is always releasing the same amount of oestrogen (irrespective of the person), or if there are individual variation in how much oestrogen the patch gives per hour? I'm asking as I feel with 50mcg patch that at the beginning I may be getting too much from it, and towards the end at day 3, it feels the dose is wearing off.
I know there is small gradual decrease over the 3.5 days but my question is if its possible that the variation is greater for some people? I had to move away from gel to patch exactly for the reason that I was absorbing gel too quickly and getting huge fluctuations. So now I'm wondering if the same can happen with patch, or if its not possible due to patch design releasing only certain maximum amount in a given time.
Thanks for support and hope you are keeping well! xxx
Hi Elle, I know this is an old thread but I’m so glad I found it. I’ve been on the patch for three weeks and having exactly the same issues you described here - a huge anxious high on day 1 as my body seems to hoover up too much of the patch. Did you ever find a good solution? Hope you’re feeling better now and would love to hear how things are going.
-
Sadly patches really did not suit me. I tried Evorel first (due to shortages of my normal HRT) which gave me the most horrendous migraines I had ever had every day - swopped to Estradot which made me feel like I had drunk about 10 cans of Red Bull I was so wired and then the third day seemed to run out completely. Also my blood level of oestrogen dropped to 69 which the Meno consultant told me was about the level I would be if I were not on HRT at all. Thankfully Oestogel came back available and I have now been back on it for 9 weeks and am hugely improved already. It is so true what suits one person may well not suit another and patches certainly did not suit me although I know they are brilliant for loads of women. Horses for courses :)
-
Hi.
Yes, am on Evorel 25 at the moment, but feeling it's not enough. Am very post-meno and have an Estring and Vagifem. I'm just starting out on returning to systemic hrt at the age of 69, so am looking forward to my first quarterly review soon.
There are some VERY knowledgeable people on here, so, 🤞!
Hi
What does "not enough oestrogen" feel like?
Without my doctor's consent I am experimenting with 37.5 instead of 25, I still get night sweats on 37.5. They need 50mcg but I bleed on that.
-
Sadly patches really did not suit me. I tried Evorel first (due to shortages of my normal HRT) which gave me the most horrendous migraines I had ever had every day - swopped to Estradot which made me feel like I had drunk about 10 cans of Red Bull I was so wired and then the third day seemed to run out completely. Also my blood level of oestrogen dropped to 69 which the Meno consultant told me was about the level I would be if I were not on HRT at all. Thankfully Oestogel came back available and I have now been back on it for 9 weeks and am hugely improved already. It is so true what suits one person may well not suit another and patches certainly did not suit me although I know they are brilliant for loads of women. Horses for courses :)
Pippa, I got chills reading your post as this is exactly what I experienced and thought I was going mad! Good to hear that the gel suited you better. I’m really hoping the same will be true for me. I guess some people just metabolise the patch way too fast - that must be what’s happened for both of us.
-
Peri2022 it really does seem to be a case of finding which method of delivery suits you best. I like the gel too because it is so easy to fine tune the dose - the spray was impossible to do this with. Sadly it really does seem to be a case of trial and error to find the right type and level. I am sure you are right re the patches and the speed at which different people metabolise it. Fingers crossed for you that things improve please keep us posted.xxx
-
Hi Pippa (and everyone!). I had a phone consultation with a really lovely pharmacist from Newson this afternoon. She said sometimes women on 200mcg patches have the same blood oestrogen levels as those on 50mcg!! So everyone really does metabolise it differently. She is starting me on 1 pump of Oestrogel then she says I can gently escalate it week by week. Incidentally she also said I can just take 100mg utrogestan vaginally instead of 200mg - this is not licensed but she says there’s evidence that the lower dose does protect the endometrium when taken vaginally.
I’m so glad to have my suspicions validated. There’s nothing worse than feeling like your own body is sabotaging you. I’m feeling ok wearing half a 50mcg patch til the gel arrives and then hopefully this will be the thing that works for me! I’ll keep you posted and I hope you stay well too.
-
Peri2022 - oh that's brilliant I'm so glad you have had advice that has really helped you. I hope so much the gel works for you - at least it is so easy to adjust the amount of the gel too. Fingers rightly crossed for you. xx
-
Hello,
Does anyone know, if the patch is always releasing the same amount of oestrogen (irrespective of the person), or if there are individual variation in how much oestrogen the patch gives per hour? I'm asking as I feel with 50mcg patch that at the beginning I may be getting too much from it, and towards the end at day 3, it feels the dose is wearing off.
I know there is small gradual decrease over the 3.5 days but my question is if its possible that the variation is greater for some people? I had to move away from gel to patch exactly for the reason that I was absorbing gel too quickly and getting huge fluctuations. So now I'm wondering if the same can happen with patch, or if its not possible due to patch design releasing only certain maximum amount in a given time.
Thanks for support and hope you are keeping well! xxx
Hi Elle, I know this is an old thread but I’m so glad I found it. I’ve been on the patch for three weeks and having exactly the same issues you described here - a huge anxious high on day 1 as my body seems to hoover up too much of the patch. Did you ever find a good solution? Hope you’re feeling better now and would love to hear how things are going.
Hi! Sorry to hear you're facing similar issues with the patch :( I'm afraid I was never able to solve mine, and after some really bad days had to stop the patch and move back to oestrogel. At that time I felt my hormonal system was completely messed up and it took a long time to get it settled again. But this may have had nothing to do with the patch per se, perhaps it was just my own hormones fluctuating wildly in the background.
When I moved back to gel, I started again with 1 pump upping the dose veeeery slowly (adding like 1/4 of a pump per week) and within 2 months started to have some more normal days and gradually feeling better and better. I'm still on the gel and doing quite OK most of the days, even great occasionally, but there are still ups and downs -I guess I'm still late peri. After a few stable months I've felt again a bit 'off' recently and am wondering whether I should again increase the gel.. but that's a topic for another thread :)
Hope you'll find a balance with the patch soon or if not, have a chance to try another formulation! xx
-
Hello ladies.
Peri2022.- thank you so much for the update.
I think Newson Health only recently added their 'ask the pharmacist' service as a way to help ladies who didn't necessarily need to speak to their doctor. I am pleased that this arrangement has worked well for you.
Take care and let us know how you get on with the gel..
K.
-
Thanks Pippa for your good wishes.
Elle, I appreciate the update - I’m sorry you just didn’t get on with the patch but it’s encouraging that you were able to build up to ok-or-great on the gel. I hope your ups and downs settle a bit as time goes by. I’m grateful to you for sharing your original post because it helped me see that maybe I wasn’t going mad with this weird reaction!
Yes Kathleen, the pharmacist service is a great alternative to the full doc appointment. It’s not cheap (£50 for 10-15 minutes) but I was able to get help within 24 hours and I actually felt it was great value. As a health practitioner myself I feel awful going private but the GP surgery is so busy and gynae waiting list ridiculously long…I really hope that improves, for all our sakes!
-
Thanks Pippa for your good wishes.
Elle, I appreciate the update - I’m sorry you just didn’t get on with the patch but it’s encouraging that you were able to build up to ok-or-great on the gel. I hope your ups and downs settle a bit as time goes by. I’m grateful to you for sharing your original post because it helped me see that maybe I wasn’t going mad with this weird reaction!
Yes Kathleen, the pharmacist service is a great alternative to the full doc appointment. It’s not cheap (£50 for 10-15 minutes) but I was able to get help within 24 hours and I actually felt it was great value. As a health practitioner myself I feel awful going private but the GP surgery is so busy and gynae waiting list ridiculously long…I really hope that improves, for all our sakes!
Hi Peri 2022,
thanks and pleased to hear you were able to get it sorted already with Newson and are moving to gel now. For me the key with gel was upping the dose very slowly, adding a small amount and then keeping that for couple of days or a week, before adding again. Its so interesting how the response to the different products is so individual. I remember being so puzzled and worried about my reactions to patch, as I had been told by gynae that usually patch helps to keep more even levels. But for some reason for me it worked differently. ::)
Hope you'll have success with the gel soon! Let us know how you get on xx
-
Thanks, I’ll check in next week and let you know how my gel adventures are going. To be honest I’m so desperate at this point, it’s tempting to just squeeze the whole thing out and bathe in it.
Joking! See you next week and thanks again for all the good wishes x
-
Hi ladies, just giving you an update as promised, but unfortunately this is not an HRT success story! On my first day on one pump of gel, I had my worst reaction ever - within 2 hours I was incredibly agitated and restless and my heart started racing so badly, I had to call my husband home from work. It was terrifying. The next day I tried about a third of a pump and still felt an adrenaline rush building after about 2 hours so I took a propranolol and vowed never to touch the stuff again. I don’t know why, but HRT and I just don’t get on. I’ve been off it now for 4 days and while I still have morning anxiety, at least now I feel more like myself, I can organise my thoughts and I can get some sleep instead of feeling like I’m on a constant bender. I hope this story doesn’t discourage anyone…if anything, maybe it will show somebody struggling with side effects that they’re not alone. Thanks to you all for the lovely support you’ve given me. X
-
Hello again ladies.
Peri2022 - thank you for your update.
I am busy reducing my Sandrena gel and the dreaded mood swings are upon me!
I completely understand why you feel that HRT may not be for you, I am wondering this myself ( though I was also wobbly when I stopped HRT altogether unfortunately).
What are you planning now? Please continue to update the forum as I am sure many are following your story.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.