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[JazzieGirl]

I am four weeks post hysterectomy with Ovaries removed, hysterectomy was recommended due to extremely large fibroids. It was done laparoscopy and have had no problems, in fact I have been pleasantly surprised about how well my recovery has gone, thankfully.

My consultant recommended Oestrogel as I’ll be in full surgical menopause, I didn’t have any menopausal symptoms prior to hysterectomy just heavy heavy bleeding, due to the fibroids, although my cycle had become slightly irregular, I am 52. He explained to me that my oestrogen levels would have carried on slowly declining over the next 1-2 years and instead obviously they have completely gone to zero.

Upon doing some research and talking to him, I feel the benefits of oestrogen HRT, as in maybe helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia outweigh the slight risks, (obviously no progesterone needed as having no womb) personal choice I know.

My only symptom of surgical menopause so far is feeling hot during the night, not night sweats are such, so I feel like I could cope with them so far, but I’m thinking the benefits of the oestrogen HRT is more important.
My prescription says 1 to 2 pumps once a day so I was thinking to start with just one pump, will that provide enough oestrogen? I am small framed and only 8st, if that makes a difference lol! (I forgot to ask my consultant.) Also is it best to apply at night time for better to sleep?

Any help and advice would be appreciated, thank you.

[bombsh3ll]

I would start with one pump and see how you do, however if you are primarily taking it for health reasons rather than symptom control, eg osteoporosis prevention, you should know that there are recommended plasma levels of estradiol required to achieve this.

NHS cite 250pmol/L, professor Studd cited 300pmol/L for bone protection.

Two pumps may ultimately get you closer to this.

[JazzieGirl]

Interesting, thank you. I do a lot of weights at the gym three times a week so hoping this helps also, just don’t know how much is needed!

[Gnatty]

Just to add, if you don't weigh much you might find you need more oestrogel. I think the reasoning is that you won't have much fat in which oestrogen can be stored. You will know if one pump is enough to start with as feeling hot should improve. Also if aches and pains start kicking in or your skin starts to get a bit dry that's another clue that more might be better for you. Are you sleeping ok?

[JazzieGirl]

Yes I sleep relatively ok, I’ve used magnesium sleep balm for a couple of years and that’s still ok for helping me drop off to sleep and go back off once I wake to go to the toilet, the only thing different now is I wake up to fling the covers off but so far only from about 4am for a little while then it stops.

[JazzieGirl]

*UPDATE*
I started on the oestrogel nearly 2 weeks ago but not seeing any difference to the hot moments I get. Does it take longer than this to see a difference?
I’m worried about having 2 pumps as I’m sure I read somewhere no more than 100mcg a day is recommended and 1 pump is 75mcg?
Can anyone help please? Thank you

[CLKD]

It may well take a while for the uptake of hormone replacement to be felt.  2 pumps is usually OK.  Where did U read about it, mayB put the product name/s into the search box here: read the threads and make notes ;-)

[CrispyChick]

So, I'm on chem meno. Similar to surgical. Basically zero E.

My consultant said 2/3 weeks for the levels to stabilise in HRT  And can take a lot longer to feel the difference. Even with flushes. She said 4-6 weeks before you'd consider changing dose.

Hope that helps. X