Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Flipjango on December 20, 2024, 09:30:45 AM

Title: Patches making me feel crazy when gel was fine
Post by: Flipjango on December 20, 2024, 09:30:45 AM

I've been using gel for a while (2 pumps a day) with no issues. But my specialist wants to up my dose and move me to patches as I have a connective tissue disorder causing me really bad joint problems and she thinks I need to have my dose spread out more consistently to help my symptoms. So she's moved me to patches. But they are making me feel weird - I feel like I've had 20 cups of coffee, my eyes are twitching, I can't sleep, I've got a lingering headache and I just feel a bit wired. I've gone down to a really small dose cutting a 50 patch in half and only using half, but it makes no difference.

I can spread the gel out throughout the day and go up to 3 pumps without it having the same effect. The specialist is a bit baffled other than saying she thinks I must be really sensitive. Google isn't telling me why this might be happening. Any ideas?

Patches would be much preferred as spreading the gel dose out is pretty difficult when you're out during the day - I find myself undressing in the toilets then having to stand there for ages waiting for the gel to dry. Not exactly good!

Happy to persevere if I might get used to it, but the not sleeping is horrible.

Title: Re: Patches making me feel crazy when gel was fine
Post by: Emma on December 20, 2024, 01:01:30 PM

It sounds like your body might metabolise or absorb the hormones differently depending on the delivery method. With patches, the estrogen is delivered consistently over time, which might lead to a higher or steadier blood level compared to the peaks and troughs you get from the gel. This could explain why the patches make you feel overstimulated even at a lower dose.

Some possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Absorption Differences: The patch might be delivering more estrogen than your body is used to, even when you cut the dose. The gel gives you more control over dosing and absorption rates.
• Sensitivity to Additives: Patches often contain adhesives or other ingredients that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. This might contribute to systemic effects like feeling wired.
• Steady Hormone Levels: While consistent levels are generally beneficial, they might not work for you if your body prefers the fluctuating levels from the gel.
• Other Hormonal Interactions: The higher, steady estrogen levels from the patch could be influencing other hormones (like cortisol or adrenaline), making you feel overstimulated.

Since the gel works better for you, have you discussed with your doctor trying a higher gel dose (e.g., 3-4 pumps) or adding another form of support for your connective tissue disorder instead of patches?