Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Spangle1512 on June 16, 2024, 06:31:05 PM
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Hi. I’ve added to an old post but I thought I’d start a new one in case that one doesn’t get seen. I started HRT 4 years ago, first on gel for a few months, then Lenzetto. Neither caused a reaction but specialist thought patch would suit me better. I changed to Oestrodot, I was on it for a few months with no skin reaction but had acid reflux get worse, and I suspect I’m intolerant to soya so I was changed on to Evorel. I was fine on this for 5 weeks before developing an angry, red itchy rash underneath. Specialist moved me back on to Lenzetto which also caused a rash, she put me back on Oestrodot, the same thing happened, an angry itchy rash. All of these things have left marks which are taking weeks to heal. This morning I tried the gel again and lo and behold, I now have a raised red rash on my inner thighs. I don’t understand why I’m suddenly reacting to everything I was previously fine on. I can’t take oral oestrogen because I’m on thyroid meds. I have low bone density which is why I’m desperate to stay on HRT, aside from anxiety, night sweats etc of course. I saw people had posted previously about this but no final solutions are mentioned. Can anyone help, I’m feeling pretty desperate right now. Thank you.
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When you say topical HRT, you mean HRT that is systemically absorbed through the skin or actual topical HRT that is directed to the area you apply it? Im not sure as I dont know the products you mention
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There's a similar recent thread ......... have U read through. Could it be the fillers or adhesives that you are reacting to?
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If you're reacting to all topical estrogen, it would be worth trying oral HRT.
There is a SLIGHTLY increased risk of blood clots, but it's no worse than the contraceptive pill - and if you have no other clotting risk factors, the increased risk is tiny.
There is Bijuve which is body identical estrogen and body identical progesterone in one. It's 1mg E and 100mg utrogestan - a continuous progesterone.
Or there's Zumeston which is body identical estrogen and comes in 1mg or 2mg, plus then you'd take the utrogestan separately.
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When you say topical HRT, you mean HRT that is systemically absorbed through the skin or actual topical HRT that is directed to the area you apply it? Im not sure as I dont know the products you mention
Sorry, I mean absorbed through the skin.
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There's a similar recent thread ......... have U read through. Could it be the fillers or adhesives that you are reacting to?
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No I haven’t, I’ll look for it, thank you.
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If you're reacting to all topical estrogen, it would be worth trying oral HRT.
There is a SLIGHTLY increased risk of blood clots, but it's no worse than the contraceptive pill - and if you have no other clotting risk factors, the increased risk is tiny.
There is Bijuve which is body identical estrogen and body identical progesterone in one. It's 1mg E and 100mg utrogestan - a continuous progesterone.
Or there's Zumeston which is body identical estrogen and comes in 1mg or 2mg, plus then you'd take the utrogestan separately.
Thank you so much, that’s given me hope. Do you take either if you don’t mind me asking.
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I don't, yet. But since I'm on 12 pumps of gel and I don't absorb patches very well either, I might well end up on oral at some point...
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Being on thyroid meds doesn't mean you can't take oral estrogen - do you think no woman with a thyroid condition takes birth control, or nobody took menopause hormone therapy in the days before patches or gel were available?!
You might need to be monitored a bit more regularly at first in case you need a dose adjustment but that is absolutely not a contraindication.
I don't take thyroid meds but I do take oral estradiol (Zoely OCP).
A lot of the social media is making women feel like they will instantly die a horrible death if an estrogen pill passes their lips, but in reality the difference in risk to a healthy woman is minuscule.
Personally I won't be messing around with gels or patches when I graduate from Zoely, I prefer the convenience and reliability of a pill.
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I don't, yet. But since I'm on 12 pumps of gel and I don't absorb patches very well either, I might well end up on oral at some point...
Wow 12 pumps. Thank you for your help.
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It remains to be seen if I'm actually getting any of it... I mean, I don't have sore boobs, I don't bleed even if I stop taking progesterone for a few days...
Got bloods booked for 2 weeks time. It will be interesting!