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[TNM45689]

Hi

I have been on HRT for 2 years now - I am 48 (3 years post menopausal and have osteporosis). I tried patches for over a year but my estrogen levels never got high enough (up to 150). Been on gel for 6 months - was on 4 pumps (but levels still only 18) so have been increased to 5 pumps and testosterone to add to the mix.

Should I just give up with gel/patches as it really seems I have an absorption problem and go for oral.

My main HRT sympton is low mood, libido, terrible insomnia but I need HRT for my osteporosis more than anything else.

Any personal experience/guidance would be much appreciated.

xx

[TNM45689]

Love your response StellaJane.

I will be a good girl and take for a couple more weeks and then ask for tablet. Are there different options for tablets (just oestrogen)?

Tx

[GypsyRoseLee]

Hi

Just wanted to make sure you're not using moisturising shower cremes, or bath oils or body lotions? These all leave a film behind on the skin which hinders absorption. Even a spray tan can stop transdermal HRT from working properly.

[TNM45689]

Thanks GypsyLeeRose  - no I make sure I do not cream in those areas. Sooo bizarre but also weird that Chelsea and Westminster just keep upping the number of pumps rather than prescribing oral tablets.

Thanks
x

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

I don't absorb either. Have tried 6-7 pumps gel per day plus patches. Nothing works and no doctor can explain why!

[Saffy]

I'm a poor absorber too! On 100 Estradot my oestrogen levels were 100, on 2x100 patches my oestrogen levels were 257. I have extremely high SHBG and testosterone proved to be the key. As soon as that was introduced my oestrogen levels (still on 2x100 patches) rose to the 700s and my latest blood tests put them in the 800s (even 'though I have slightly reduced the testosterone).

[Tc]

TNM and ladies.

Another poor absorber here.

I stuck 2 x 100 patches on for  9 months and my E reached the dizzy heights of 149 pmol. !! Zero symptom control.  6 pumps eastrogel was no  better.   I tried every variation of application and gave everything a decent time. 

I couldnt understand it. Docs couldnt understand it.  It was frustrating to say the least and at times it felt soul destroying so I realy realy sympathise.

After 18 months of blood tests (and I had one every 3 months)  consistently showing poor absorption  c and w meno clinic considered me for the implant pellet as all else had failed. But...

In the meantime I was switched by them to  sandrena gel. 3mg (an off license dose) and  my level went up to 358pmol after 3 months.  It more than doubled.    It was the only thing I absorbed.

Maybe given more time it would have even increased more but i felt my symptoms were still not controlled ( im in surgical meno )  so I  went ahead with the pellet implant 4 weeks ago. Too early to say whether it's a good decision or not. 
And . I personally viewed it as a last resort as it has drawbacks the other methods dont.

Hiya saffy. We have shared our non absorption woes before so I'm pleased as punch you are finally getting results. Interesting that T made the difference for you.  Ive been on daily testogel since more or less the beginning   and It didnt seem to have any effect on E for me.  But it clearly has for you.  The thing is I've never felt any benefits from T whatsoever.  Even now.  So Maybe I'm not absorbing it.

Dont give up ladies. If saffy and I can get our levels up after such a struggle then there is  hope for others.
Xxx

[TNM45689]

Thanks so much adies. Just about to introduce testerosterone so fingers crossed....

AlphabettiSpaghetti - what are you going to do next.

I think I will try 5 pumps and test for a few weeks and check things again and if not prob opt for oral route..

xx

[Tc]

Hi stella.  My skin tends on the dry side but isnt thin.  I'm also quite well padded shall we say so dont know if that hindered absorption.

X

[TNM45689]

Mine isn't thin but I am quite petite - it takes for ever for gel to dry but I keep rubbing it in as I was told this is the best way to asborb.

x

[Tc]

TNM. I was told that too. I rubbed in well to a smallish area about palm size on a different patch of skin for each dose.  I did exactly  the same for eastrogel and sandrena.  The eastrogel I didnt absorb the sandrena I did.

Xx

[AlphabettiSpaghetti]

I have dryish skin but not sure if that's why I don't absorb.
I'm just in. The process of sorting out my endometrial biopsy as I have thickened lining (hyperplasia) but the meno clinic said (in November) they were going to see if they could get me an implant (oestrogen).
It sounds like the implant is almost impossible to get on nhs and that also it might not be well tolerated by a lot of women

[Alicess]

I don't know if I'm a poor absorber of just need extremely high doses of estrogen. I've been on birth control from the age of 14 till age 48. Had to as it controles my cluster headache Then a gynaecologist prescribed 75 mg patche and Urtrogestan and I almost immediatly had all menopause symptoms and my skin aged in only three weeks Since then birth control only keeps CH a bit at bay but doesn't control my symptoms of cycle.

I' ve tried 400 mg patches, 8 pumps Estrogel, Premarin and Tibolone . They alle made my symptoms much worse including more and more hot flashes and skin aging almost overnight.

Like you Saffy, my SHBG is over 200 , testosterone made it worse too, maybe because my estrogen isn't high enough.

I've tried oral BCP; 1,5 mg Estradiol with normegestrel, and besides ( again) a worsening of symptoms  I grew a real beard on my chin.
According to the BMS 2 mg oestradiol tablets ( oral) is equivalent to a 50 mg patch.

My skin is very thin, dry and like yours, Stellajane, super fragile and easily brused.

Maybe some of us need a higher estrogen dose or absorb better orally or SHBG is too high and binds too much estrogen?

I wish I knew the answer, I'm at a loss.

Alicess.




 

[Tc]

Alice.  Did the doc take you off the birth control pill and put you on 75mcg patch instead. ? If so that .mustve been a significant drop in E.  The pill may well have been controlling peri symptoms and once you were changed to a patch although 75mcg isnt low it's a lot lower than the pill. Then all your symptoms came at once.
Like having an instant menopause.
 I know what that feels like.  I could feel and see the effects of the drop within weeks. So I understand exactly what you mean.

You havent tried sandrena?   Might be worth a shot. It worked for me when I thought nothing ever would in terms of absorption.  The level it gave me is considered a decent level  post meno but it still wasnt high enough for me or I wouldve stayed on it.
 
What level our body needs to feel well  is individual and can be related to age too. But you are right. Some of us  just need more than others.

Alphabetti. I got the implant on NHS.

X

[Tc]

Stella 👍