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[DEG]

Hi new to this forum and new to HRT. I'm 43 and been suffering terrible palpitations and panic attacks for a while. Blood test hormone levels were 99! Dr sent me for an ECG all fine. GP recommend anti depressants which I didn't take and specialist said HRT. I have been taking Estrogel since Friday. Specialist said one pump in morning and one pump at night.  Saturday and Sunday I felt marginally better. Today I've felt horrific.  What times of day should I be using the gel. Specialist was a bit blasé. Thank you

[CLKD]

 

Browse round.  Make notes.  Do a 'search' for the medication ………. ?

[Dancinggirl]

Hi ad welcome DEG
It doesn't matter when you use the gel (do read the instruction about use) as the level of oestrogen will build and your body does store some - you can split it as your doctor has said but I always used 2 pumps at the same time either morning or evening.  It is very early days and it takes time for the hormones to do the magic so I suspect you are still getting peri meno fluctuations which will take 2-3 months to settle once the HRT takes control. What progesterone are you going to use?
I'm afraid you need to be patient, HRT does not sort everything and the body needs time to adjust and settle.
Do remember that if your oestrogen levels are low then, at your age, HRt is the right treatment, not just to control meno symptoms but also to protect your heart and bones for the long term. Do try to learn and practise some relaxation techniques - I do Mindful Meditation which I find great. 
Anxiety and low mood are the meno symptoms that are the most difficult for control and many women need both HRT and an SRRI alongside.  Give the HRT at least 3-6 months to see if it helps and if the anxiety is not improved then maybe add in an SRRI like Citalopram.
Keep us posted.  Dg x

[dazned]

 

As Dancinggirl says it will take time to build up and remember its not a miracle cure to everything.  Try to remain positive and reevaluate other aspects of your life too,diet,exercise etc. What progesterone have you been given or have you had a hysterectomy ?

[DEG]

From 1st September I will be taking Ustrogestan 200mg for 12 days a month.

I am going to see my gp tomorrow to discuss everything the soecialist has sl recommended and see what she says.

Do the 2 pumps keep you going all day. Maybe she suggested splitting it in two for me because of my night time palpitations??

[Dancinggirl]

Yes, 2 pumps either morning or evening should last all day.  If you used a patch this gives an initial burst that gradually reduces over a few days - the body builds up and stores the oestrogen so one dose per day is usually enough.  Some women need to use more that 2 pumps per day, it is then advised you split the doses to 2 at one time and one or 2 at a different time but I think this is to allow proper absorption.
I always applied it to my thighs, on clean, dry skin and then let it dry for at a least 10 ins before allowing contact with clothes.
Utrogestan is a natural progeserone and many find this very good.  You take it on an empty stomach before bed - usually helps you to sleep!!!! You will then start a bleed(like a period) a day or two after you finish the Utrogestan phase.
Be patient.  DG x