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[Sundial Genie]

Hi everyone, I've just joined the group, thank you.

I'm 53, living in Scotland (currently in Level 4 Lockdown), and started HRT a year ago.

I started on continuous oral progesterone, Utrogestan 100mg, then went up to 200mg nightly because of constant breakthrough bleeding. This helped a bit but I was getting tired and a bit worried.
After some online research, I changed from continuous to cyclic progesterone and that's stopped the bleeding, though now I'm having a monthly period again. That's OK.

I've gone from 2 to 4 pumps of Oestrogel daily but feel I need more. I can almost feel myself shrivelling. Like I could bathe in vats of oestrogen if possible! I think I'll probably need Ovestin or a similar cream, as I'm noticing changes there too.

Does anyone else feel like they need more oestrogen than 4 pumps? I'm not sure if the alcohol and other ingredients in the gel are being absorbed into my system along with the oestrogen and if that has any consequences.

My prescription is coming up for renewal and I want to ask my doctor for an increase to 5-6 pumps of Oestrogel or maybe change to Lenzetto, but she doesn't seem to be very knowledgeable and upping my current dose of HRT was a big issue. She had to write to the menopause specialist for advice before agreeing to prescribe 4 pumps of gel and 200mg of progesterone.

I don't want to get into any difficult situations with my GP, everything is so restricted at the moment, so wondered if you could offer me any advice on this.

I'm also coeliac and very concerned about bone loss, so I'd like to be on best regime I can. I don't think my skin would do well with adhesive patches.

Thank you so much for any ideas and suggestions.

[Gnatty]

Hi there, I do know that there are women on the forum who take more than 4 pumps of the gel and you are right it seems to all depend on how well we absorb. I notice that my skin absorbs differently (better?) if I have just had a hot shower or bath. I imagine it removes oils which may inhibit absorption. I am sure someone will be along soon who takes a higher dose. Welcome to the group!

[CLKD]

   mayB put the product names/ into the search box on the Forum: make notes ;-).

Do ask for 'ovestin' or 'vagifem' if you have itchy dry vaginal area.  You don't need an examination or blood tests - we have threads on 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy'.  Again, make notes.

Could you ask to see the Menopause specialist directly?  Although your GP is on a learning curve so you could build up a working relationship which will help other ladies. 

It can be Trial and Error 

[Sundial Genie]

Thank you both for your replies. Helpful 😊

[Sophie79]

Hello, do you have the oestrogen patch too? Apparently there is a much higher dose in that and then you could top up with pump if needed?

[sheila99]

Without testing your levels which the nhs rarely do you don't know how much you're absorbing. There are women on more than 4 pumps but you also might consider trying a patch, oral or implant as you might absorb differently. There are some conditions that stop it working so well. I don't think coeliac is one of them but it might be worth investigating. What symptoms do you still have and what has gone? How long have you been on 4 pumps for?