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[Ljp]

Hi all,

I’ve been in HRT (Mirena coil and oestrogel) for two years, and although generally I feel fine, I am considering trying a patch and maybe having my coil removed.

The reason for this is I’ve been suffering horrendous Vaginal atrophy, with burning sensation, prickly, sore, and rash around bottom too, on and off since last March, I have had 4 Mona Lisa treatments, last one was 6 weeks ago, and I’m still suffering.
I have an estring too.

I am now wondering if a change of HRT might be worth considering? and if either a different oestrogen delivery, and/or removal of coil and different progesterone, could help? I get times, like now, since I inserted a new estring on New Year’s Day, when I get small amounts of blood, not all the time everyday, but sometimes there when I wipe, is this normal with Mirena and/or estring?

I use 2 pumps of oestrogel,  this keeps hot flushes away, but I do wonder if I need more oestrogen? Reason being my hair, skin and nails are so dry, and the vaginal atrophy isn’t improving much despite treatments, and local oestrogen
Any thoughts please? And if so, what patches are good, and Bio identical?

[Ljp]

Please anyone?

[Brainless]

Sorry I'm not able to help but I'm sure somebody will be along soon who can.

[Sarai]

Ljp I'm sorry I can't help. I'm in the process of wanting to change from patches to separate oestrogen and prog. One dr wants me to have a coil which you have just added to my worries with your experience. I realise everybody is different but I've had my doubts a long time.

[Joaniepat]

Hi Ljp. I'm sorry I can't comment on patches as I only use Oestrogel (2 pumps) and Vagifem and don't need progesterone.

However, regarding the dry skin and nails, and rash around the bottom, there could be any number of reasons for these. ( I suppose you are not using wet wipes are you? That would be your culprit there!) What are you using in the bath/shower, and what do you use as an emollient afterwards? Are your vitamin and mineral levels and thyroid all OK? The dry skin might not necessarily be down to insufficient oestrogen, although if your VA is not improving that could be a factor.

So sorry to hear that the MLT doesn't seem to be doing much good so far. I think Maryjane had to have quite a few treatments, perhaps things will get better for you eventually. I do hope so. Are you going for any more sessions?
JP x

[Emerald2017]

Please anyone?

I really don't know exactly but I feel that you need more estrogen due to your symptoms. Is there a possibility not to absorb the gel? Maybe to try pills or patches? 🌹

[Bettythecat]

I've only had patches - started on Evorel Sequi in October - but one of the benefits I've noticed is great nails, my hair seems shinier and despite a recent crop of spots, my skin has also been generally softer. I find the patches so easy to use and definitely feel the effects of the hormones building up over time. I can't advise on your symptoms but I would say from my experience that patches are a good option and might be worth having a go. Good luck.

[Ljp]

Thank you for the replies.
No I don't use wet wipes, and only use YES cleansing wash.
I have recently started using emu oil and this does seem to be improving things, I suppose it could still be healing after having 4 MLT treatments every 4 weeks.
I eat well and healthily so I doubt my vitamin and mineral levels are deficient, regarding my thyroid I have no idea, but other than dry hair, skin and nails, I have no other symptoms to suggest there might be problem. I have an appointment to see my GP on Thursday so i will ask if I can have my bloods tested, hoping they might agree to do a hormone level test too.

[Hurdity]

Hi Ljp

Are you post-menopausal or still peri-menopausal? If the latter then presumably you may still bleed or spot occasionally depending on your underlying cycle. If you are post-menopausal then if you experience bleeding on the Mirena after it has settled (during the initial 6-9 months period of time), and if you haven't changed anything else, then you should get this checked out by the doctor - unless the bleeding is due to the MLT treatment?

As Joaniepat says Maryjane is the member to help with VA and using high doses of systemic and local oestrogen as well as the MLT. If she doesn't see this (she doesn't come on here much now because she is campaigning for greater awareness of VA and mods an FB VA group) then I'm sure she won't mind a pm.

Re increased oestrogen - the first way to do this surely would be to add another pump rather than change to patches if you are otherwise happy with the gel?(I have never used it though!).

Good idea to ask for general blood tests if you can - hopefully that will shed some light on what could account for your symptoms?

Hurdity x