Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Dougalina on April 06, 2022, 01:33:54 PM

Title: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Dougalina on April 06, 2022, 01:33:54 PM

Hi,

can I ask if anyone is on a high dose of oestrogel?  I'm on the equivelent of 6 pumps (a 100 patch pluse 2 pumps), but still feel like I could use more.  My blood test showed 433.78 pmo/L, but I dont feel great.

SHBH is 105.12 and Adrogen index is 1.37

would it be bad if I increased a bit more? 

thanks

D

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Nas on April 06, 2022, 01:50:02 PM

It could be an absorption issue? 150mg is a fair whack of oestrogen? When I was on a 75mg patch, my levels were stable at 460. Now on 1mg and they are just over 300. We all absorb differently though and some ladies just need more to feel well.

What does your specialist say?
Which symptoms are still bothersome for you?

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Nik2502 on April 06, 2022, 03:48:38 PM

Quote from: Dougalina on April 06, 2022, 01:33:54 PM

Hi,

can I ask if anyone is on a high dose of oestrogel?  I'm on the equivelent of 6 pumps (a 100 patch pluse 2 pumps), but still feel like I could use more.  My blood test showed 433.78 pmo/L, but I dont feel great.

SHBH is 105.12 and Adrogen index is 1.37

would it be bad if I increased a bit more? 

thanks

D

Hi

We are all different. I know a lady on 250 and she still has occasional symptoms.
Your oestrogen level isn’t that high. Some of us need more and some less.

Xx

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Dougalina on April 18, 2022, 03:44:39 PM

Sorry for delay in responding.  Its very strange, as I was absorbing, but now I dont seem to be.  Before any slight change in amount caused sore boobs, spotting etc.  Now it seems like however much I put on, I feel the same, which is not great

Has anyone else previously absorbed well, then fallen off a cliff?

I'm wondering if I should switch to oral, but I know thats less safe, so a bit scared of that option

Thanks for replying :-)

D

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: sweettooth on April 18, 2022, 04:13:09 PM

Hi Dougalina, do you know if you’re absorbing the gel better? What were your levels on the patch only?  Your levels are ok but some ladies need a bit more.  Apoarently Sandrena works better for some than estrogel xx

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Gnatty on April 19, 2022, 07:24:49 AM

What are your testosterone levels like and free androgen index? Maybe it's this that needs adjusting?

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Dougalina on April 19, 2022, 09:41:12 AM

Hi

thanks for the replies

Sweetooth, thats an interesting question.  I was on gel only until recently, but with so much needed, switched to the combo of patch and gel.  Ive had Evorel and Estradot so far.  I wonder if I should go back to gel only and see if it helps?  Its a lot of gel though.

gnatty -- As for my testosterone, I am on 1 mg daily.  My latest test showed a reading of 1.44mmol/L with a Free androgen Index of 1.37

I'm also really confused about the gel.  The video from NH says to rub in, but Ive read on here that you should not rub (as per PIL, just spread).  Its a minefield!

thank you so much

D

Title: Re: Oestrogel - High dose
Post by: Shannonplussed on April 19, 2022, 06:14:19 PM

I have read on this forum, so take it with a grain of salt because I have nothing to back it up, that you can get to a point with estrogen where adding more doesn’t do anything because the receptors are already flooded. Have you tried decreasing and then adding some back, after a time? That’s the kind of tinkering I would would be inclined to do.