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[Teresa]

Hello All,

You have helped me so much in the past on my quest to get my HRT correctly prescribed, that I’m hoping that someone will know the answers to my latest quest. I have been struggling with severe anxiety for past 4 months, dark hair increase on my face, some thinning of my hair, plus greasier skin since being on HRT for nearly 3 months. I am currently using evorel 50 oestrogen patch ( have also been on estradot 50) and 100 mg orally, of utrogestan. All continuously. Had a blood test yesterday to determine hormone levels and the estradiol (E2) results are already through.

It says I have a level of 105 pmol/L. From reading Google it appears this is low for being on HRT….but I just wanted to get my facts right, if I have to discuss it with my GP. I tried calling to make an appointment to discuss, but the earliest they could give me was the 5/11. The Receptionist also tried to put me off, as my ‘results all came back satisfactory’ she said. I replied that the person who does these blood tests doesn’t know I’m on HRT, so they don’t indicate if this reading is high or low and I think that my oestrogen levels are low, to which she replied that I need to call early on the day 

The blood test results indicate that my results are what a post menopausal reading should be in the range of. It gives all differing levels for different age groups and I think the reading should be a higher range of pre-menopausal by now, is that correct?

Thankyou in advance,
Teresa
X

[Sazzle42115]

Hi Teresa
My oestradiol readings have been very low when on HRT as not absorbing gel (84 pmol/L then 74 pmol/L) Now up to 198 on 4 sprays of Lenzetto. Memo specialist said symptoms should improve when reading is > 150pmol/L
 However have to say I'm not feeling any where near well, insomnia and ferious anxiety.
Hope this helps xx

[Nas]

I think if you still have symptoms, then it’s reasonable to request a patch increase? The next one would be 75. Or it might be that you are not absorbing? In which case, the gel or spray might suit you better? Admittedly it’s a minefield!

Sazzle, sorry to hear you are still struggling. If it’s any consolation, so am I! Due a blood test Monday, to check absorption of patch. I suspect I’m absorbing next to nothing ! Xx

[Teresa]

Hi Nas & Sazzle,

Thankyou so much for replying. I’m sorry to read that you are both struggling in similar ways to get it right….it’s not easy is it?  I know how you both feel.

Based on what you’ve both said, I’ll do as you suggest and request to up the patch to begin with and see how I go….if I can get an appointment 
That’s a minefield in itself 

Thanks both, I do appreciate it.
Xx

[Sazzle42115]

Back from meno specialist today up to 5 sprays of Lenzetto and now prescribed testosterone let's see how that goes x

[Nas]

Hi Teresa,
I think your reading is probably on the low side and to reinforce that, you are still symptomatic.

The trouble with bloods is that they are so individual. Some women feel great on a reading of 200, whilst others are feeling half dead on that level. It’s SO hard to optimise the Hrt dose, hence trial and error all the way.

Definitely request a patch increase, as anxiety is a key menopause symptom. Be warned though, Hrt doesn’t always take all symptoms away completely and you may require additional treatment e.g anti anxiety tablets. My specialist told me this last week when I said I was struggling with driving anxiety.
Something to do with how our brains and bodies cope with stress and potential danger  as we age.  Anxiety is hard to cope with and I have a pack of anti anxiety tablets on my bedside. I’m loathed to take them, but this driving malarkey can’t continue!

You have to keep trying different regimes until you strike lucky!

Best of luck xxxx