Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Teresa on November 27, 2021, 08:56:35 AM
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Hi,
I’m really hoping someone can help and put my mind at rest as I’ve had so much help in the past here.
I’ve increased my Evorel 50 patch to Evorel75 after 3 months of HRT patches ( previous to that I was one month on duo pill) I am nearly 56, on continuous HRT and post menopausal. I also take 100 mg utrogestan orally. I had a blood test last month via my Dr which showed my estradiol oestrogen level was very low, 105 Pmo/L.
I have felt so much better on the 75, it’s been instant relief and especially with my anxiety and no brain fog. It’s been unbelievable. I feel like I did months ago and the past few months have been hell, so it’s worth that in itself.
I changed to a 75 patch just before the end of a box, so had one 50 left of the 8 patches, so it’s at the end if a 28 day ‘cycle’ . I did ask Dr Currie if it was ok to change to 75 and based on my low estradiol reading she said it would be ok.
However, I have been experiencing what I can only describe as period pain type twinges in my right lower side. I used to get these in my earlier years when I had periods. They are noticeable and started yesterday. I did get one or two minor twinges in this same place last month ( around 28 days ago) when I was on the 50 patch, but they were so minor I forgot about them quickly, but these are more persistent.
I also only had spotting on the first month of HRT, when I took the duo pill.
Are the pains ‘Normal’ as I am still only just 4 months into HRT? I do have fibroids and I used to experience heavy periods in my much earlier years, which was corrected with a mirena coil until I was 54. ( I had to have that surgically removed due to fibroids) fibroids have never given me bother. I do think the pains are stimulation of ovaries as I remember this period pain. If I was to get additional spotting now should I be worried?
I am hoping this is all normal and will settle?? Please can someone put my mind at rest?
Thankyou in advance,
Teresa
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I always get period pains when I increase my HRT too. I have never known why. I hope other members will have more advice for you.
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Thanks Flossie,
Do the pains subside for you? What happens? How long do they last for you?
Thankyou,
Teresa
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I’ve got the same issue. except I’ve had a ton of bleeding thrown in for good measure! Going for a scan yet again next Saturday ( already had one back in April). It seems hormonal stimulation can trigger pain and bleeding.
HRT increases can cause these pains I think .
Hope it settles down soon for you.
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Thanks Flossie,
Do the pains subside for you? What happens? How long do they last for you?
Thankyou,
Teresa
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I increased my HRT about 5 weeks ago and now the period pains have gone. Maybe it is our body getting used to the changes? I am sorry I cannot be of more help.
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Hi Nas & Flossie,
Thanks both.
Good to read that the pains subsided for you Flossie, though sorry to read about your bleeding Nas 😳 and your scans.
I’ll try and wait it out, though the pains are very noticeable today and frequent. Just hoping they settle.
Will see too if anyone else has experienced similar as it sounds like it can happen.
Thankyou both,
Teresa
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Hello Teresa.
A long time ago I was using Evorel 50 but some of my symptoms persisted so I was increased to 75. About six weeks later I had some bleeding and was told to go back to using a 50 patch which I did and the bleeding quickly resolved. A subsequent scan showed no problems fortunately.
I have recently increased my oestrogen gel and again more bleeding which stopped when I lowered the dose again. I am now thinking of changing my progesterone so that I can have more oestrogen but also prevent any bleeding.
Hopefully your hormones will settle and you find the right balance.
Take care.
K.
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Kathleen, which progesterone do you currently use? I am on utrogestan and it doesn’t control the bleeding when I’m on a higher oestrogen dose (75 patch).
Nas x
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Thankyou Kathleen,
I am hoping they will settle as the 50 just wasn’t enough for me as my estradiol blood test was so low, I had no choice but to increase. As I’m 4 months in, I’m hoping it will settle, I suppose that’s all I can do as I really don’t want to back down to the 50. Perhaps I do need to increase my utrogestan….I take 100 mg. I doubt my GP will know.
I haven’t had any bleeding apart from first month…but I suppose I might get some if I am getting this pain now. ???
Thankyou,
Teresa
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Hi Nas,
I wonder if it is the utrogestan that needs to increase. When I write to Dr Currie she said that as the oestrogen increases, progesterone usually needs to as well. As I wasn’t absorbing the patches that well, we thought it ok to remain on 100 mg, but perhaps in your case, you may need to increase?
Teresa
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You are probably right re the utrogestan increase Teresa. I am on 100 continuously but it doesn’t seem enough against the 75. If after next weeks scan, all is okay, I will request a utrogestan increase and see how that goes. I was only at an oestrogen level of 465 after 3 months on the 75 patch and that didn’t clear all my symptoms, so god knows how much oestrogen I need!
It’s such a juggling act I’m finding !
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Hi Nas,
I was just 105 on my blood test with the 50 patch….which I think is why Dr Currie felt I don’t need to increase my utrogestan just yet, but it does sound like you do need to increase your progesterone. I definitely need more oestrogen whatever happens so I’ll put another 75 patch on today as it’s due for changeover and grit my teeth. The pain was getting more noticeable and my anxiety was coming back as I’m worried about it. I was so happy, as been through so many downs this past few months. I could finally see a bit of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
I took some unopened 50 patches back to my chemist and they threw them away. I thought they’d be able to reuse, but I suppose they can’t, They were very apprehensive about giving me the 75s in case I changed my mind again, so my name will be mud if I make another change ???
Teresa
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Hi Flossie,
If you are still there….how severe were your pains that you had? The ones that subsided? Were they in your lower side?
Mine are getting quite bad a bit stabby, despite taking paracetamol. :-\
I just wondered if you had similar.
Thankyou,
Teresa
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Teresa, I hear you
I think it’s to be expected to switch regimes and increase/decrease doses as we adjust to having oestrogen in our bodies again, so wouldn’t worry.
I did think though, that the 100 utrogestan continuously, was sufficient progesterone to cover all oestrogen doses though? Clearly not.
Is Dr Currie a menopause specialist? What are her fees
( out of curiously)
I’m under Chelsea and Westminster clinic, but don’t have an appointment until next April, so if I need to increase progesterone, it’s going to be a long wait. Suppose I can email them and ask.
Anyway, try not to worry x
I am sure your pains will subside soon enough. Try not to dwell on them too much and just see them as an ‘adjusting pains’
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Hi Flossie,
If you are still there….how severe were your pains that you had? The ones that subsided? Were they in your lower side?
Mine are getting quite bad a bit stabby, despite taking paracetamol. :-\
I just wondered if you had similar.
Thankyou,
Teresa
Hello Teresa. I had all sorts of odd pains. I had a lot of ovary pain and I thought I may have an ovarian cyst. It was a stabbing and shooting pain. The pain would shoot all the way from the ovary down my leg. I really am sorry to hear how much pain you are in. I found a hot water bottle was comforting. Maybe that is something you would like to try.
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Hi Nas,
Dr Currie is a a leading gynaecologist and you can contact her via this site, go to the Home page and scroll down, there is a link and it is £30 a question. You pay via PayPal. She comes back quite quickly.
The only reason to up the progesterone is really to protect the lining of the womb she advised. My Gp said the same. Bleeding wasn’t mentioned, or pain. My GP didn’t want to increase my patch initially, but backed down due to my low blood test result.
You could try asking Dr Currie the question, rather than increase the dose yourself….or ask your GP?
Teresa
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Hi Flossie,
Thankyou for coming back and glad you are still there :)
Sounds like we had similar….I do indeed have a hot water bottle. I will keep my fingers crossed it subsides. I worry more I think because I have fibroids and wonder what might be going on. I’m sorry you had such pains too.
Teresa
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Hi Flossie,
Thankyou for coming back and glad you are still there :)
Sounds like we had similar….I do indeed have a hot water bottle. I will keep my fingers crossed it subsides. I worry more I think because I have fibroids and wonder what might be going on. I’m sorry you had such pains too.
Teresa
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You are very welcome. :) I think going through this can feel so lonely so it really helps to know if others have had similar experiences. I really hope the pain goes soon. I understand your concern due to having fibroids.
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Hi Nas,
Dr Currie advised to up progesterone only if going up to 100 patch….I just read her email response again. Don’t worry about increasing your prog just yet, unless advised by anyone.
Teresa
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Hi Nas again,
My GP was doom and gloom when I asked to increase my patch and kept referring to the lining of my womb when increasing patches.
I take other medication which apparently can affect prog, but Dr. Currie said not to worry about my other med.
It can be tricky to navigate through all this ???
Teresa
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Hi All again,
The pain in my side is quite bad…. ??? I took paracetamol about 2 hours ago. It seems to come in waves, it’s like a stabbing and quite sharp. Even with paracetamol, I can feel the pains.
Flossie, if you are still about, was it still bad even after pain killers? I know you said you had shooting pains going down your leg too…how long did you have the pains?
I am sorry to ask so many questions. I was honestly feeling so much better and now the anxiety is back, worrying about this. I have spent many hours trying to call Drs and battling receptionists for my anxiety this last 6 months and having a few hospital appointments too along the way, I’m not sure if I can face anymore :(
I really thought I’d beaten it and was feeling normal again…
Teresa
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Hi All again,
The pain in my side is quite bad…. ??? I took paracetamol about 2 hours ago. It seems to come in waves, it’s like a stabbing and quite sharp. Even with paracetamol, I can feel the pains.
Flossie, if you are still about, was it still bad even after pain killers? I know you said you had shooting pains going down your leg too…how long did you have the pains?
I am sorry to ask so many questions. I was honestly feeling so much better and now the anxiety is back, worrying about this. I have spent many hours trying to call Drs and battling receptionists for my anxiety this last 6 months and having a few hospital appointments too along the way, I’m not sure if I can face anymore :(
I really thought I’d beaten it and was feeling normal again…
Teresa
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Please do not worry about asking me anything. For me, the pain was terrible and my partner did think I may have to go to A&E. I have a strong feeling it may have been an ovarian cyst as when I read up on it the symptoms fitted.
I understand what a nightmare it is trying to talk to doctors and get them to take things seriously. I too have high anxiety when I have to contact a doctor.
I found the pain was bad even with pain relief. If you are feeling concerned then would you feel okay to call NHS Direct? They are usually nice and maybe it could put your mind at rest?
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Hello again ladies
Nas - I don't use patches anymore and for the last year I have been with Newson Health and experimenting with different gel and Utrogestan regimes, testosterone was also added into the mix.
At the moment I am slowly increasing my Oestrogen and taking 100mcg of Utrogestan orally at night and hoping that this level of progesterone is enough to prevent any bleeding. The last time I increased the gel I was using Utrogestan vaginally and this clearly wasn't enough to stop the womb lining building up.
Obviously we need to have enough Oestrogen to treat meno symptoms plus sufficient progesterone to protect the womb. Unfortunately this balancing act has been tricky for many of us. My next NH appointment is in December and I will of course update the forum.
Take care.
K.
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Hi Flossie,
Thankyou :) it is comforting to know you experienced similar, though not nice to think of you in all that pain, or the possibility it might have been a cyst :o I’ve called 111 a few times this past 6 months as well ::) they have been good. I don’t know what to do for the best. I honestly have been up and down drs and hospitals do much this past few months Flossie, you wouldn’t believe. I take comfort from the fact your pain went and I really hope it doesn’t come vlvacj for you. I hope mine subsides soon.
I changed my patch earlier- popped it in my left side in the hope it might make a difference as it was on same side as the pain 😳 I take meds which can affect the break down of Progesterone, but Dr Currie didn’t think it would be a problem for me as my previous blood test result was so low, so I hope she is right.
Thankyou again,
Teresa
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Hi Flossie,
Thankyou :) it is comforting to know you experienced similar, though not nice to think of you in all that pain, or the possibility it might have been a cyst :o I’ve called 111 a few times this past 6 months as well ::) they have been good. I don’t know what to do for the best. I honestly have been up and down drs and hospitals do much this past few months Flossie, you wouldn’t believe. I take comfort from the fact your pain went and I really hope it doesn’t come vlvacj for you. I hope mine subsides soon.
I changed my patch earlier- popped it in my left side in the hope it might make a difference as it was on same side as the pain 😳 I take meds which can affect the break down of Progesterone, but Dr Currie didn’t think it would be a problem for me as my previous blood test result was so low, so I hope she is right.
Thankyou again,
Teresa
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I think finding the right HRT and getting used to any changes with the HRT is a nightmare. I have felt unwell a lot too. It is horrible to have to call 111 and see doctors. I so hope your pain goes soon. I just know what it is like to feel anxious and worry and do not like to think of you feeling anxious all weekend.
Hopefully putting the patch on your left side will help too. I really hope the progesterone agrees with you. It sounds like you need to be gentle with yourself today and rest.
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Thankyou Flossie,
You are so kind. I am pleased to report, it seems to be easing :) at last….I hope it lasts. I haven’t had to take any more paracetamol at 4 pm. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I feel more optimistic again about things as was thinking all sorts that it could be and I always think the worst. It does sound like the upping the patch has given my insides a bit of a jolt and I will try not to worry and hope to feel like I did earlier when my anxiety seemed to be almost gone. I know my husband and son are hoping that will happen again, as I’ve lost the ‘real’ me for many months now :)
Thankyou,
Teresa
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Thankyou Flossie,
You are so kind. I am pleased to report, it seems to be easing :) at last….I hope it lasts. I haven’t had to take any more paracetamol at 4 pm. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I feel more optimistic again about things as was thinking all sorts that it could be and I always think the worst. It does sound like the upping the patch has given my insides a bit of a jolt and I will try not to worry and hope to feel like I did earlier when my anxiety seemed to be almost gone. I know my husband and son are hoping that will happen again, as I’ve lost the ‘real’ me for many months now :)
Thankyou,
Teresa
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I am so happy to hear the pain has eased and you are feeling more optimistic. It is horrid how anxiety can take over. I hope today is a good day for you.