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[Tc]

Thanks for the update. TNM.
So did he say to do the blood test on day 1 of patch?

Salad. Changing 3 times weekly. Do you put it on Monday and then change Thursday and Sunday for instance?

[TNM45689]

Blood test on Day 2...

Good question - he said every three days so if I change today do I change again on Tuesday then Friday etc

x

[Tc]

I'm thinking the 3 days includes the day you take it. So say you put it on today saturday then I change it  Tuesday and then I change it  Friday. But I dont know if that's right. The 1/2 day thing did my head in. So that's how I've been doing it. The gp had a go at me though she said I shouldnt have run out. I told her they come off and have to be replaced which is true to a certain extent. She doesnt know I've been using 3 in a week instead of two!!

[TNM45689]

  TC

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

I had a discussion with the consultant today who has increased my dose from 4 to 5 pumps per day. She said some ppl just don't absorb oestrogen very well, and I'm one of them (sigh...)

[allie007]

What are your levels supposed to be? Im going to try and arrange some blood tests  privately because I still feel lousy on 100 Estradot. GP won't do any blood tests.

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

I've increased to 5 pumps in the last week and my hot flushes are getting worse not better! I despair. Why is this happening??

[Salad]

Salad. Changing 3 times weekly. Do you put it on Monday and then change Thursday and Sunday for instance?

Apologies, only just seen this 

Yes, they suggested Mon/Wed/Fri. It keeps the dose more constant.

[Tc]

Hiya ladies. I posted yesterday but wanted to share and elaborate on non absorption.

I saw a different Gynae and she said There is a small but unfortunate group of women who don't absorb through skin. At last a doc finally said that. The others have treated me like a bit of a freak. Questioning me about how I'm applying gel or patches and giving me side eye as though they dont believe me or think I'm doing something wrong.

And finally one says  Non absorption transdermally is real. Unfortunately those of us in this apparent  minority are seen as "not fitting the box". Hence the docs I've seen previously didnt know what to do with me.

My level has remained well below normal post meno level  for someone not on HRT and has actually gone down despite being on 150 patch. No wonder my symptoms are getting worse and worse.

I understand the frustration. It makes you feel desperate. I might as well have been on nothing and it certainly feels that way symptom wise. At least on nothing I wouldnt have to deal with the dreaded progesterone. AND.....

 therein lies another issue which arises from non absorption. for me it led to an imbalance as I was taking continous utrogestan but with such low and ineffective E it lead to progesterone dominance. 
No doc will prescribe E without P to someone with a uterus. But  the facts are my blood E level is consistently well under post meno . I havent bled at all in all this time despite stopping the utrogestan for a month. My body is in the same position it would be in post meno without HRT and all that progesterone played havoc. She suggested that I take 200mg for 7 days.

I dont want to give up HRT yet. but t's  tougher for some of us to sort out. We are the eastrogen "hard cases"  it would seem!!

She offered pill but I want to give the implant a go.
C and W offer it to ladies with transdermal non absorption and I've been lucky to be referred there.

In the meantime its 2x100 patches but I honestly think I could cover myself in the blinking things from head to toe and not get anymore E into my bloodstream.

 I think it' is  important to monitor bloods for those who are symptomatic and have absorption issues .and it's certainly not unreasonable for us to want and expect that  If we choose to take HRT at least it should give us a blood level effective enough to benefit bone and cardio vascular health, if nothing else.

Xxx

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

Can you tell me more about the implant? What are the pros and cons and why is it so difficult to get? Will I need to be referred to the Chelsea and Westminster? (Currently at John Radcliffe, Oxford)

[Tc]

Alphabetti. I will let you know when I find out about the implant.
My gynae said it is not available in my local hospital and I either have to go to Barts or c and w. I'm in Essex. I dont know if it's available in other areas. I will look into it tommorow and let you know xxxxx

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

Thanks TC I appreciate it. I can't carry on like this for much longer and really want to go back and see the consultant armed with all the info. I'd love to hear what you find out.

[Tc]

Alphabetti.
I cant seem to link it on here.but if you Google Chelsea and Westminster menopause implant there's a pdf file which explains about the implant.
It says it is  a slow release estradiol only pellet which is 100% body/bio identical. It would seem they aim at getting levels between 300 and 600. It is permenant and is  active for 6 to 8 months. It says most women will have 50mg and the max is 75. 
t does say towards the end of its "life" you may need to "top it up" with patch or gel which is a bit worrying as I dont absorb  either.
It says risks are the same as transdermal HRT delivery.
I'm not sure if you have your uterus ALPHA but if you do, it says they recommend mirena coil as gold standard  for use with the implant.but other options can be discussed.
They also offer a testosterone implant.

I've summarised here  but have a look if you can at the file it gives much more info.

It says i"implants are  unlicensed but can be prescribed by specialists " which might explain the patchy availability. If you are interested I would suggest asking your doc/specialist as I'm not sure what is available in your area.

I have started a thread today asking for any ladies to share their experience of it for those of  us who are considering it. Keep your eye out for it. hopefully we will get some replies,

I'm in two minds about it  it's either try this or give up on HRT. I'm not over keen to try the other option, the pill, as I'm overweight, have been a smoker for many  years and have family history of blood clots. I guess it all comes down to risks and benefits. I have felt so awful I considered giving up HRT altogether  to see if I actually felt better off it  but my gynae is convinced I will feel better once we get my eastrogen levels up so that makes me think I should give it a shot.
Xxx