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[Joannie10]

Hi - I'm had a radical hysterectomy in August 2016 due to Ovarian cancer.  All clear now.  I was getting many symptoms for a while but having been a very fit and healthy person before the cancer find and two quick surgeries in succession I didn't want to make any rush decisions about HRT as wasn't sure what symptoms were all just part of the recovery.   During this time I watched some programmes and read some literature etc that felt by the time I went to the doctor I was quite clear I was ready to give it a try.  I was given 3 months supply of Estelle solo 1mg to start me off.   Some symptoms seemed to improve and there were certainly no negatives.  Towards the end I just felt I could be feeling more positives so my doctor prescribed me the Estelle solo 2mg. 

My question is - I am back feeling worse than I did at the end of the 3 months on 1mg after 1 month and am back at my doctor tomorrow.  I was warned it is very much trial and error until we get it right but is it just a case of the Doctor deciding what to try next?  thanks in advance 

[Trufflecat]

Having tried a few things I would say it is BUT it also depends what your doctor knows about and is familiar with. I'm on a regime that my go hadn't heard of because I asked her for it (after trying other things). Perhaps a referral to a menopause clinic would be better?

[Joannie10]

thanks Trufflecat - I was worried about offending her by questioning her knowledge on the subject but I know in some ways she not hidden the fact she is being guided by me so thank you, I feel I should just politely say if whatever we come up with tomorrow doesn't work would she 'prefer I spoke with someone else' in the practice.   I'm now also thinking I could also contact my Oncology nurse as they were the first to speak with me regarding menopause/hrt. 

[Annie0710]

Hi

Elleste solo was great for me for 13 years but I fully appreciate it's not for everyone.  I kept my ovaries but they failed pretty much straight after the surgery and sort of chugged along as and when they felt like it.  After 13 years I came crashing down and have tried various oestrogen forms ie patches and gel.  A scan a couple of years ago didn't show any ovaries so I wonder whether that crash at 45 was actually the ovaries dissolving completely.  Anyhow I'm now on oestrogen gel and testosterone gel and although I'll never be who I was pre 45, I'm better than I've been 45-50

It may be you need to experience the with the gel (oestrogel), it's so easy to adjust the dose as it's dispensed in pumps and I think given the fact you have no ovaries testosterone would be good to try but I'd get your oestrogen levels up for a few months first. Many gps are worried to prescribe T so it may be worth prompting your doc to seek advice/prescription from a sympathise gynaecologist

Good luck x

[Joannie10]

thank you Annie0710 that's very helpful and I'm glad you are doing well.  Yes it definitely sounds like I need to speak with someone with more knowledge in this field as they all have their own specialties   

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Joannie10 - As you have had a hysterectomy, it's not about which HRT so much, as you only need oestrogen, but it's about ‘how' the oestrogen is delivered for maximum benefit. You have only tried oral pills and you may absorb the oestrogen better with either Gel or patch - as Annie has already suggested.   You should probably try Oestrogel as this allows flexibility regarding dosage - so you can start low (say one pump per day) and gradually increase till you find the daily amount that reduces the flushes etc.  You may also be someone who needs some Testosterone - you would probably need to seek specialist advice about this as it isn't usually available on the NHS.
Try printing off the info from this site under TREATMENTS( Oestrogen section) to show your GP - it can help when discussing things.  DG x

[Joannie10]

thanks so much Dancinggirl