Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Kathleen on August 28, 2022, 12:40:43 PM
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Hello ladies.
I have decided to begin a new experiment with my HRT and I would welcome any comments or opinions.
Due to bleeding and tender breasts I have been reducing my 100mcg sachets of Sandrena gel from three to one.
I have also been reducing the amount of testosterone (Androfeme) that I use. At one point I was applying 0.75 mcg of the cream but now use 0.30 so I am thinking of stopping the testosterone altogether.
I am still with Newson Health but I have been left to my own devices until my next follow up appointment in January next year. Fortunately the bleeding etc has resolved on the lower dose but I recall that testosterone was only prescribed when my Oestrogen reached a certain level and I expect those levels are now too low.
I am very much post meno and my only remaining symptoms are the emotional ones of feeling low and tearful, some anxiety, irritability and mood swings. I wonder if the testosterone is making these changes worse by adding to the general hormonal imbalance?
Testosterone never was the magic bullet for me although I think other ladies find it very helpful.
I would welcome any thoughts ladies and if I decide to go ahead with my experiment I will keep you all updated.
Wishing everyone well.
K.
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Hi Kathleen,
Sometimes we do need to experiment to find out what works for us. I truly believe that it is an increase in Estrogen that you need for your symptoms. I think I remember you saying that bloods have not been done since being on the Sandrena but then it’s symptoms that are important rather than levels.
Testosterone doesn’t seem to do anything for me either unfortunately but we have to try these things don’t we.
Have you tried going up to 4 sachets?
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Hi Kathleen, I too am wondering if the testosterone is causing some of my problems. I’ve been focusing on getting the estrogen right but it never occurred to me it could be the T? Good luck xx
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Good luck Kathleen.
You could do with some let up of symptoms.
Let us know how your getting on, and I wish you all the best with the experiment.
I’ve never used T, so I don’t know what it’s like.
Good luck, xx
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Hi Kathleen we’ve spoken about this many times before, and for me testosterone has a negative affect if I take too much. I can only manage a petit pois size blob 3 x per week (Mon/Weds/Fri). If I take anymore I feel irritable and sad. So therefore, I feel cautiously optimistic for you that less T will help.
Also, I think you’ve done the right thing lowering your oestrogen. I’ve seen time and again on here when people up their O dose hoping for a positive response, but in fact most have more success with an average dose.
Let us know how you get on xx
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Good luck with it all Kathleen, I wish you every success.
I no longer take testosterone but just 5mg of oral Dhea (which is a very low dose) and this is all I feel I need.
You might find this article helpful in how to reduce estrogen slowly and so keeping withdrawal side effects to a minimum.
https://www.cemcor.ubc.ca/resources/stopping-estrogen-treatment-sometimes-called-%E2%80%9Chrt%E2%80%9D
I’m on a very low dose now and it’s the best I’ve been for awhile.
M x
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Hello ladies.
Thank you all for taking the time to respond.
Floo36 - I take your point about more oestrogen but I am fearful of the return of the bleeding and breast tenderness. I had some investigations and was told that these problems were definitely due to HRT so I feel I have no choice but to reduce my dose unfortunately.
Flan 747 - Newson Health were confident that testosterone was the missing ingredient for me but I didn't notice much benefit. I did develop hairy thighs where I applied the cream but that lessened as I lowered the dose. I also became more irritable and aggressive which I didn't much like!
Jillydoll - thank you for your support and I will keep the forum updated. I note that many ladies have not used testosterone so perhaps it isn't necessary for everyone.
Perinowpost - your comment about testosterone making you feel irritable and sad really resonated with me. I have had physical problems with high amounts of oestrogen so I am hoping that an average dose and zero testosterone will be a more manageable HRT cocktail!
Marchlove - many thanks for the link and your kind remarks. I am trying to tailor my HRT now so as not to overdose on anything and hopefully achieve a workable balance. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again ladies for your help. I only used a tiny smear of Androfeme cream today and no disasters so far lol. I will let you all how I get on.
Wishing you all well.
K.
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Thank you for replying to us all Kathleen.
I do hope you find relief as you proceed as you so deserve it. x
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Hello Marchlove.
Many thanks for your kind words.
Wouldn't it be great if one of us on MM could crack the code and restore us all to hormonal health!
Wishing you well and take care.
K.