Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Flossieteacake on October 16, 2022, 07:54:13 PM
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Before starting HRT I had extreme itching that was not resolved completely until starting oestrogen patches. I am now on 100 oestrogen patch but for 2the past two weeks the itching has come back. Is it possible I need even more oestrogen? There is no way they will allow me any more as I am not on any progesterone and currently waiting to discuss that on my next appointment.
I take 2 different antihistamines a day, use E45 every day and do not have dry skin. The itching is everywhere but worse in my eyes, scalp and genitals.
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Hi Flossie
Itching is horrid, had it on and off for a few years and yours sounds particularly bad. I think there is an anxiety issue to some degree so acceptance does help.
What’s got on top of it slowly for me was a combination of two things.
Doing research I realised that I was probably lacking folate so needed to supplement. Not folic acid. A slow introduction is advisable as folate can be a bit excitatory!
I found that using small amounts of folinic acid was sufficient along of course with B12.
Also, as itching is generally an autoimmune response, by reducing my estrogen dosage it lessened.
I now have minimal itching.
This is my experience Flossie, I do so hope you find your balance with this.
M x
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Hi Flossie
Itching is horrid, had it on and off for a few years and yours sounds particularly bad. I think there is an anxiety issue to some degree so acceptance does help.
What’s got on top of it slowly for me was a combination of two things.
Doing research I realised that I was probably lacking folate so needed to supplement. Not folic acid. A slow introduction is advisable as folate can be a bit excitatory!
I found that using small amounts of folinic acid was sufficient along of course with B12.
Also, as itching is generally an autoimmune response, by reducing my estrogen dosage it lessened.
I now have minimal itching.
This is my experience Flossie, I do so hope you find your balance with this.
M x
Thank you very much for replying. Your post has been very helpful. I do take B12 but will look into taking folate. I did try reducing my oestrogen slowly but the VA flared so badly I had to stay in bed. I am pleased your itching has lessened. :)
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Keep trucking Flossie :-*
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Awh Flossie
I can empathise with your story as I too am having troubles with itching and skin crawling.
I'm currently trying to work out if it's too much or too little oestrogen so am keen to follow your story to see how it resolves for you.
Stick in there!
Cookie25
Xxxxx
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Hi Flossie, I’m sorry to hear about this. I have limited experience with this issue but what I can tell you is that I used to use E45 but the last few times I used it it just made my skin inflamed so I switched to coconut oil based emollients rather than liquid paraffin based ones. My favourite is Weleda white mallow lotion and cream but Faith in Nature unfragranced body lotion is also good. They are pricier but much cheaper when on offer and a little goes a long way. Also Cera Ve moisturising cream I find has a nice cooling effect on the skin. I’m not sure about the oestrogen side of it but I hope this is helpful and I hope you are ok, we are rooting for you. Xxx
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Keep trucking Flossie :-*
Thank you. :)
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Awh Flossie
I can empathise with your story as I too am having troubles with itching and skin crawling.
I'm currently trying to work out if it's too much or too little oestrogen so am keen to follow your story to see how it resolves for you.
Stick in there!
Cookie25
Xxxxx
Thank you Cookie. I am sorry you are having the same problem. I really hope you can find a solution.
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Hi Flossie, I’m sorry to hear about this. I have limited experience with this issue but what I can tell you is that I used to use E45 but the last few times I used it it just made my skin inflamed so I switched to coconut oil based emollients rather than liquid paraffin based ones. My favourite is Weleda white mallow lotion and cream but Faith in Nature unfragranced body lotion is also good. They are pricier but much cheaper when on offer and a little goes a long way. Also Cera Ve moisturising cream I find has a nice cooling effect on the skin. I’m not sure about the oestrogen side of it but I hope this is helpful and I hope you are ok, we are rooting for you. Xxx
Thank you Katherine. This is very helpful. I am happy you have found a way to help your skin. I will look into the products you have suggested. :)
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Don't let it get you down Flossie. :)
I use Simple gentle cleansing shampoo when my head gets itchy on occasion rather than the green apple one i often use. Realise that is not a huge help though when you are itching elsewhere as well.
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Don't let it get you down Flossie. :)
I use Simple gentle cleansing shampoo when my head gets itchy on occasion rather than the green apple one i often use. Realise that is not a huge help though when you are itching elsewhere as well.
Thank you Minusminnie. I value your support and experience so your post is a help to me. :)
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Before starting HRT I had extreme itching that was not resolved completely until starting oestrogen patches. I am now on 100 oestrogen patch but for 2the past two weeks the itching has come back. Is it possible I need even more oestrogen? There is no way they will allow me any more as I am not on any progesterone and currently waiting to discuss that on my next appointment.
I take 2 different antihistamines a day, use E45 every day and do not have dry skin. The itching is everywhere but worse in my eyes, scalp and genitals.
hi flossieteacake
i just wanted to say im so sorry your suffering with this itching it sounds awful.
although i dont have an answer i just wanted you to know that im thinking of you.
i really hope you find an answer as youve always been there for me.
maybe worth trying the supplement marchlove was mentioning.
feel free to message me anytime xxxxx
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Before starting HRT I had extreme itching that was not resolved completely until starting oestrogen patches. I am now on 100 oestrogen patch but for 2the past two weeks the itching has come back. Is it possible I need even more oestrogen? There is no way they will allow me any more as I am not on any progesterone and currently waiting to discuss that on my next appointment.
I take 2 different antihistamines a day, use E45 every day and do not have dry skin. The itching is everywhere but worse in my eyes, scalp and genitals.
hi flossieteacake
i just wanted to say im so sorry your suffering with this itching it sounds awful.
although i dont have an answer i just wanted you to know that im thinking of you.
i really hope you find an answer as youve always been there for me.
maybe worth trying the supplement marchlove was mentioning.
feel free to message me anytime xxxxx
Aw thank you Discogirl. I appreciate your support. :)
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Yesterday I increased my patch to 125 and the itching has almost gone. It is such a relief. Odd I seem to need a lot of oestrogen. I am just glad the itching has gone. :)
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I am worried for you on the progesterone side of things. Is it long before your next meno appointment ?
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I am worried for you on the progesterone side of things. Is it long before your next meno appointment ?
They have written to my GP and said they need to help me with this. I got a message to say they will arrange an appointment.
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I’m glad to hear that Flossie :)
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I’m glad to hear that Flossie :)
I am sorry to have worried you. I hoped the update would ease any worries. :)
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Hello Flossieteacake
I am pleased that your itching had resolved.
Can I ask if your Meno specialist is a private clinic? I say this because when I first joined Newson Health I was told that I could use Oestrogen only for a while before I needed to add in some progesterone.
I believe this was so that a good level of Oestrogen could be established before adding in prog. I was also told that this method was something they advise many of their patients and it works well for most.
If your specialist is private they should be able to prescribe and manage your prog as well as your Oestrogen in the future.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
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Hello Flossieteacake
I am pleased that your itching had resolved.
Can I ask if your Meno specialist is a private clinic? I say this because when I first joined Newson Health I was told that I could use Oestrogen only for a while before I needed to add in some progesterone.
I believe this was so that a good level of Oestrogen could be established before adding in prog. I was also told that this method was something they advise many of their patients and it works well for most.
If your specialist is private they should be able to prescribe and manage your prog as well as your Oestrogen in the future.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
I am with Chelsea & Westminister which is an NHS clinic. I am meant to be on progesterone and have tried all the available options but cannot tolerate them. They cause me to be mentally unwell. At my last appointment they wanted me to reduce oestrogen but I am unable to do this. They wrote to my GP to tell them this and ask them to discuss this with me.
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Hello again Flossieteacake.
That all makes perfect sense lol.
I didn't mean to pry I just wanted to be sure that you were being looked after.
I assume you have also tried Cyclogest pessaries for your progesterone? They are usually used in fertility treatment so would not necessarily show up as an HRT option.
I hope you find a regime that works for you and please keep us updated.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
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Hello again Flossieteacake.
That all makes perfect sense lol.
I didn't mean to pry I just wanted to be sure that you were being looked after.
I assume you have also tried Cyclogest pessaries for your progesterone? They are usually used in fertility treatment so would not necessarily show up as an HRT option.
I hope you find a regime that works for you and please keep us updated.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
Do not worry, I did not think you were prying at all. I have either used cyclogest or was told they would not be suitable. I cannot remember but know they were mentioned to me.
Thank you for caring. :)
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Hi Flossie, I’m so glad your itching has resolved that’s such a relief. Xxx
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Hi Flossieteacake.
I'm so glad you're feeling better.
I've been sending you good vibes!!!
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Hi Flossie, I’m so glad your itching has resolved that’s such a relief. Xxx
Thank you Katherine. :)
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Hi Flossieteacake.
I'm so glad you're feeling better.
I've been sending you good vibes!!!
Aw thank you. I bet it was your good vibes that helped. :)
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aw thank you flossie xxxx
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Just thought I would update this to say I itch when I eat foods with high histamine. I usually eat foods high in histamine such as banana, peanut butter and cheese. I cut these out but yesterday I ate avocado and this has caused me to be itchy and a bit wheezy. I am very disappointed to have to cut out such foods. I have many intolerances and allergies and am used to having to do such things but if anybody is thinking of doing the same please contact your GP for advice as a restrictive diet needs support.
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Hi Flossieteacake.
That's very interesting regarding certain foods causing your itching. It's good you've managed to identify them and although it's a shame to cut those foods out, if you have intolerance anyway to certain foods probably a good idea.
Bit like myself I do used to love my morning coffee, however it really isn't good for my anxiety levels so I cut that out.
Have you started taking any anti histamines yet xxxx
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Hi Flossieteacake.
That's very interesting regarding certain foods causing your itching. It's good you've managed to identify them and although it's a shame to cut those foods out, if you have intolerance anyway to certain foods probably a good idea.
Bit like myself I do used to love my morning coffee, however it really isn't good for my anxiety levels so I cut that out.
Have you started taking any anti histamines yet xxxx
Thank you Disco. Yes, I take two different antihistamines daily and have done for a few years now.
I guess we just need to try anything to minimise the horrid menopause effects.
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Yes I agree; being in menopause as you said before must make us very sensitive to certain things xx
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Yes I agree; being in menopause as you said before must make us very sensitive to certain things xx
Sadly it does. >:(
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Hi Flossie, I’m sorry to hear you have had to cut out certain foods. Are you still able to eat your favourite things? I have to be very careful with sulphites so wine can be a problem and vinegars. X
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Hi Flossie, I’m sorry to hear you have had to cut out certain foods. Are you still able to eat your favourite things? I have to be very careful with sulphites so wine can be a problem and vinegars. X
Sadly no. All my favourite foods are high in histamine. ;D I am sorry you have to be careful with sulphites. I hope you have found some alternatives to the wine and vinegars.
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Oh no Flossie, that's so unfair that you can't eat your favourite foods! I hope some new medication or solution comes along so that you can someday.
It tends to be the boxed or cheap wines that cause me problems. To be honest I hardly drink alcohol anyway. Especially now I take utrogestan, I would be worried about it reacting. x
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Oh no Flossie, that's so unfair that you can't eat your favourite foods! I hope some new medication or solution comes along so that you can someday.
It tends to be the boxed or cheap wines that cause me problems. To be honest I hardly drink alcohol anyway. Especially now I take utrogestan, I would be worried about it reacting. x
Aw thank you. It could be just a temporary thing and I will be able to eat those foods again.
I can understand why you would be worried about the wine interacting. Many medications seem to interfere with alcohol from what I have seen.