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Author Topic: Oestrogel low absorption  (Read 4123 times)

Ruralrach

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Oestrogel low absorption
« on: November 30, 2023, 09:36:07 AM »

 Hi everyone,
Anyone tried patches and Oestrogel and not getting enough oestrogen.
just had bloods done and still not absorbing on 4pumps of gel,now on 5 pumps maybe up to 6 pumps. if this doesnt work it only leaves oral hrt.
night sweats and poor sleep are back,g.p has referred me to nhs menopause clinic but its a years wait.
As an occasional migraine sufferer not sure if oral hrt is an option.Any  advice gratefully received.
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Bungo

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2023, 09:38:42 AM »

What were your oestrodial levels ? Are you post menopausal? Am in similar situation re oestrogel so following with interest.
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Ruralrach

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2023, 12:07:38 PM »

Hi Bungo,im 2 years post menopausal .
My oestrogen levels 280 on 4 pumps Oestrogel so just increased to 5.
im now doing 2 pumps am and 3 pumps pm,it worked on the hot flushes about 6 months ago but now seems to have stopped working.
I also tried Evorel patches up to 125mcg but blood oestrogen level was even lower. Its so tiring trying all these different combinations isnt it.Nice to know im not alone!
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slowmo

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2023, 04:08:46 PM »

I was the same, then tried Sandrena gel and it very much absorbed fine! - to the point of having to have my dose.  Seems stronger than other things i have tried but for some reason I absorb it very well (so far.....as with anything hrt!!) worth a go though x
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Ruralrach

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2023, 06:17:17 PM »

Thanks slowmo i totally forgot there was another gel.will keep it as a last resort as not keen on oral oestrogen with migraines.
Thanks so much for the replies  it helps to have the support.
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Teresa

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2023, 10:30:17 AM »

I wasn’t absorbing anything from both eostregel and patches and I’d been on HRT for two years. I was on Evorel 75. An estradiol test showed I was on a miserable 81 pmo/L My GP was at a loss as what to do. I’m on a medication which is known to affect HRT too, which doesn't help.

In desperation I sought the advice of a private menopause specialist, who suggested Lenzetto spray, which has been life changing for me, though I know it does get mixed reviews. It’s still estradiol and body identical, like the oestrogen in patches and oestregel, but in spray form and placed on the inner forearm, which for me, must be making the difference. It’s also available on NHS and I get prescriptions via NHS now. I think it’s one of their most expensive HRT though. My estradiol blood test results are now 480 pmo/L. I now sleep like I used to and getting over 7 hrs, which is life changing in itself. Before Lenzetto, I was averaging  3-4 due to raging insomnia.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2023, 12:19:26 PM by Teresa »
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sheila99

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2023, 02:05:59 PM »

There's also an oestrogen implant if nothing else works, obviously needs a specialist not a gp though.

Teresa is the advice on the PIL for lenzetto to use it on inner forearm? It's just we're normally advised to avoid any area that could get it on the breasts ( oestrogel should be on outer arms/shoulders).
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Teresa

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2023, 07:08:33 PM »

Hi Sheila,
Yes, Lenzetto is supposed to be on the inner arm, elbow to wrist and it’s in the directions and also as advised by my specialist  ( have I got it right that, that place is the forearm?) it’s a totally different consistency to the gel, as quite watery and it dries within 2 mins and it’s nowhere near breasts as it’s low on the arm…I did know about not on arms for patches or Estrogel etc. but it never touches anywhere near.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2023, 07:15:36 PM by Teresa »
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AudreyH

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Teresa

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2023, 09:45:22 AM »

Thanks Audrey H,
I was doubting myself, as to whether it was actually called the forearm  :o

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Pippa52

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Re: Oestrogel low absorption
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2023, 03:50:46 PM »

Hiya,  I was on Oestrogel for many years with no problems and then the shortages kicked in and I was swopped from pillar to post.  When Oestrogel came back I was thrilled and went back on it only to find I started to feel worse and worse and found out after a blood test that I was not absorbing it at all!  I might as well not have been taking HRT at all the Consultant said.  I was then swopped onto patches which I am absorbing but rather too well and have been advised to reduce my dose which I am now doing and starting to feel better.  I did notice that Oestrogel formula changed a while back from estradiol17b which is the version I was on for all those years to estradiol hemihydrate and maybe that was the cause I don't know but very bizarre as it is estradiol hemihydrate in the patches I am now on but I seem to absorb the patches fine and if does give a steadily released dose apparently.  Hope so much you find something that works for you x
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