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[Uptick]

It depends on the type of pill. The combined pill may control menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. I'm sorry I have no time to read your previous posts now, how old are you and what symptoms do you want to control? Do you smoke, have any cardiovascular or blood clotting issues? These are usually the contraindications for BCPs and age over 50.

[Flan747]

I’m 51 and have never suffered from hot flashes or night sweats. Symptoms were severe anxiety palpitations and insomnia. All of these I would say have decreased since HRT by half at least so I manage say to day but I generally feel rough everyday. Lots of nauseous feelings, palpitations and very disturbed sleep .  No other health problems.

[Flan747]

Just wanted to update to say I have definitely felt better since using 5mg Sandrena! My question is? this is obviously not going to be a long term solution as the dose is so high! Should I change to a patch ASAP is so what dose? Still no word from the specialist so looking for help here

[Uptick]

50mcg and wait a couple of weeks. It's not exact science, unfortunately.

[Flan747]

I have been advised to stay on4mg until next review in November which will cost another £200! Have bloods and see how absorption is going? I am seriously considering going to GP well woman clinic!

[Uptick]

I would go to GP well women clinic.

[Brit66]

Just wanted to update to say I have definitely felt better since using 5mg Sandrena! My question is? this is obviously not going to be a long term solution as the dose is so high! Should I change to a patch ASAP is so what dose? Still no word from the specialist so looking for help here

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better, so at least you know it can work for you! I didn't realize you hadn't tried the patch before,  wouldn't that be a lot more convenient than the gel? What made you chose the gel over the patch?
And wouldn't your dr expect that it would be to stay on the gel if she prescribed it? 

[Flan747]

Thank you not anywhere near where I want to be but will take it at the minute I tried Everol patch but only lasted about 2 weeks as I had terrible anxiety and palpitations! Someone suggested trying another one! I thought they would all be the same! I have reduced back to 4mg as specialist said it was way too much! She has advised I stick with this for approx another 4 weeks and have a blood test to see if my levels have risen again which I feel they must have! I would love to use a patch as the gel is a pain to be honest !
How are you feeling now?

[Brit66]

Thank you not anywhere near where I want to be but will take it at the minute I tried Everol patch but only lasted about 2 weeks as I had terrible anxiety and palpitations! Someone suggested trying another one! I thought they would all be the same! I have reduced back to 4mg as specialist said it was way too much! She has advised I stick with this for approx another 4 weeks and have a blood test to see if my levels have risen again which I feel they must have! I would love to use a patch as the gel is a pain to be honest !
How are you feeling now?

Yes, it would be a pain as there's so much liquid to absorb! Well, be the half full person, you have had some improvement and there are other options to try, think positively!
I'm feeling great thanks,  can't believe how good. I honestly didn't think it would work so well for me, and it is early days still, but I feel better than I did in my 30's!

[Flan747]

Lovely to hear a positive story Britt66
Time for you to enjoy life again. Are you still on 1mg Sandrena ?

[Brit66]

Lovely to hear a positive story Britt66
Time for you to enjoy life again. Are you still on 1mg Sandrena ?

Thanks! Yes, still on that, I worked my way up to it over the first month.

[Flan747]

So I’ve now been on Sandrena for 11 weeks and Mirena coil in for 6 weeks. I had recent blood test which showed 529. When I was on 6 pumps gel I was at 274 so a massive improvement in absorption . So whilst I am feeling some changes to how I feel I am still living day to day suffering with an anxious stomach and nausea with low energy and no libido! Palpitations have lessoned and sleeping a little better . Would the symptoms change now or is this it? I can’t go any higher with the gel. Would consider trying a patch again but nervous swapping again. Any advice welcomed

[Hurdity]

Hi Flan747 - could some of your symptoms be due to the side effects form the progestogen in the Mirena coil?  It gives out a lot initially but gradually decreases so the systemic effects will be more noticeable in the first weeks/months. Nausea also is a symptom of high oestrogen but usually settles. Lack of libido is another issue. Off-hand I can't remember the effect of levonorgestrel ( the progestogen in the Mirena) on free testosterone but I had an idea it may increase it through reduction in SHBG but I might be remembering incorrectly there! Whatever the effect - low libido can be treated with testosterone but of course this is off-licence.

Do you have any strategies for dealing with your anxiety because that alone can cause digestive problems amongst other things?

Hurdity x

[Flan747]

Thank you for your reply Hurdity
I did start to wonder whether it could be coil related! I couldn’t tolerate Utrogestron and I tried different doses and regimes! Hoping it will all settle soon. I don’t feel anxious at all I just have an anxious stomach and generally feel rubbish. I’m taking a different approach next week I’m booked in to see a hormone balanced specialist who concentrates purely on diet- mine by the way is rubbish - hopefully that will help