Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Tribbins]

Hi all

This forum is a godsend isn't it? I've learnt so much from it, but just wondering if anyone can give me some hope. I'm trying to increase the oestrogen that I'm taking - I seem to be extremely sensitive to any changes. I'm using Evorel patches, I had to start extremely low (quarter of a 25) worked up to a full patch (whoopee!) which was ok for about 6 weeks then it just went back downhill, tiredness, broken sleep and being too hot, zero motivation or energy. And some additional hair loss on top of what I already had. Reviewed with my GP who said I need to slowly increase to 50, so added a 1/4 patch for a couple of weeks, which was fine, apart from low periody type pain. Can't really say I felt any different, maybe slightly more motivated. Then yesterday I increased it to a 1/2 patch. Started feeling irritable yesterday evening, woke up this morning really irritable, fuzzy headed, so cut the half patch back to a quarter. I'm not taking any progesterone as Utrogestan was horrendous for me, and GP has suggested another type which I think she said to start once I'm up to a 50 patch. But if I can't get up to 50 what do I do? I can't even think straight today, I just want to go back to bed.

[Flossieteacake]

Perhaps waiting longer before you increase may give your body more time to adjust? Rather then giving yourself two weeks before increasing, you could try and wait a bit longer. When sensitive to any changes it can take time for your body to adjust but do not worry because you will get there.

[Inky]

Yes I am wondering about Evorel and hair loss. Since changing from Estradot to Evorel my hair is shedding loads - but not sure if this is due to the change in patches or just age or something else like thyroid issues. I echo the advice to wait a bit longer - stick with the 50 patch but you do need to also be taking a progesterone at the same time.

[Ermin2trude]

Hello Tribbins,

Am I right in thinking that I read elsewhere you are sensitive or intolerant to other medications? Have adult asthma, rosacea, migraines etc? I only ask because if that’s true then I can fully relate and also to your sensitivity with HRT. I am depressingly sensitive to HRT and any changes. I can tell you there is hope though.

One of the consultations I had with a menopause specialist focused on my health history and in particular, a lengthy time on antibiotics a few years ago and the negative impact that had on the gut micro biome and the liver. She suggested I tackle my body’s sensitivity before I changed HRT or increased it and recommended the book ‘healthy eating for the menopause’ I can’t say I stick to it religiously, but I have incorporated a lot of it into my daily life (swapping out dairy, upping omega 3 and looking after my liver for example) and it has made a massive difference. Some of the menopausal symptoms I went on HRT for initially have gone (migraines and hot flushes) or aren’t so problematic any more (painful joints), others are still a work in progress.

It might be worth looking at.

Meanwhile, as others have said, take increasing your patch really slowly. I couldn’t tolerate  Evorel, or maybe I didn’t absorb it. However Estradot patches are slightly different and I can use them with no issues. Maybe you could ask for estradot? They come in 25, 37.5 and 50 so you can build up to a 50 really slowly.

[Tribbins]

Thank you for responses -
Inky, my hair loss started years ago, but seemed to have stabilised in the past few years, then started again last winter, around my hairline, think it's called male pattern hair loss. Since going onto Evorel it has increased for sure.
Flossieteacake - I'm trying my best to be patient, bit disappointed that the initial improvement didn't last. I'm starting to think that Evorel is not for me, I just don't know - but felt so crappy this morning and low all today, so not sure if I can continue with it. It's been three months since I started it. I know it's a lot of trial and error for a lot of women and I need to be patient.
Ermin2trude - yes I'm sensitive to just about everything otherwise I would just get tanked up on stuff. I also spent a long time on antibiotics, and have often thought about the potential mess that could have caused. I'm already dairy-free, mostly alcohol-free and try to eat healthily, and exercise when I'm not completely fatigued. I'm glad to hear there is hope, just wish things would change a bit quicker as it's been like this for too long.

[Flossieteacake]

Well they say to give HRT 3 months to know if it is right for you so if you wanted to try something else I am sure your GP would prescribe you a different HRT. Maybe another brand of oestrogen patch would be more suitable or you may wish to try the gel.

It is understandable to feel fed up. It is horrid feeling the way you are feeling.