Yes there are issues getting the estrogen levels right GRL, unfortunately! If you go over to Hystersisters (as you already have), you will see that there is a lot of discussion on 'too much, too little'. It's not an exact science, even when you have a 'flat playing field' of no ovaries.
Absorption is always an issue too - you need a constant reliable supply as 'dips' can be very unnerving! This is why implants can be ideal, but again the risk of tachyphylaxis is real. Most surgeons don't go straight to an implant (despite what Professor Studd says about inserting in the wound before closure after surgery) as an implant which is too high of a dose can be extremely uncomfortable and the only option is to live with the side effects for a good while (weeks to months) before the level drops. Some WILL do it, but it's less common. They are also an expensive commitment, as NHS England does not routinely offer implants now and there is a problem securing a reliable supply so you would need to be sure that you can afford to continue to go privately for these. There is information out there on the latest NHS stance on implants if you research.
NHS Scotland (where I am) do use them on a patient by patient basis but again, supply is an issue. There have been a couple of posts about this from users over at the Patient Opinion website. This is less of an issue at private clinics.
And then we come onto testosterone! It is virtually a must after oopherectomy in order to feel somewhat 'normal' for most women. When the ovaries are removed, we lose 70% of our ability to produce testosterone and this is vital for overall well-being as it helps with depression, lack of energy as well as libido (which is the only symptom the NHS recognises as it's use being indicated for, annoyingly)!
Testosterone implants are available on the NHS, but this is again patchy. The Testosterone patch for women is now no longer available - the UK market is not seen as viable from the drug manufacturers point of view. Therefore, the most standard practice is to use the male testosterone products in smaller quantities. Professor Studd typically advises use of 1/8th of a sachet of gel per day. This also has side effects of unwanted hair growth at site of application, and side effects in overdose such as acne, increased anxiety and rage, enlarged clitoris and male pattern baldness as well as deepening of the voice.
So, as you can see, there is quite a balancing act to be done following oopherectomy! I think it is something to be thought about extremely carefully as to whether the psychological and physical impact of this likely long term commitment would be something you could live with.
Peri is AWFUL. But it does have an end! I know it can seem like purgatory - and for me, I thought the oopherectomy was a 'get out of hell free' card but if I had had another option or more time to research (it was thought my cyst could possibly be cancerous), then I would with hindsight have fought to keep at least one of my ovaries.
Can I send you a hug, though? You will get through this!!! I know, I KNOW it doesn't seem like it but this is part of the 'menopause transition' but that's exactly what the menopause is, really - 'the change'. The body is changing, and is on a journey which is at times one hell of a rollercoaster ride but one day you will step off that rollercoaster, I promise! xxxxxxx
