GP Visit and HRT worries 😰: I have been to see... - Thyroid UK

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GP Visit and HRT worries 😰

Amazon07 profile image
115 Replies

I have been to see my GP today.

A few bits of positive news!

1. I am being referred to an Endo who is on the good Endo list ☺️ and has prescribed T3 in the past. My appointment is in March. My GP shown me that she emailed with her. My GP also got more blood tests done and this time it was not a surprise so I didn’t take my T3 before the test (skipped 2 doses) and my T3 levels were within the range as I told her it’ll be, so she was much happier about that.

2. As suspected, blood tests confirmed that I was menopausal. In itself for me this is sad news as I’m 47 and I hoped I would have my periods for a few more years but alas, I’ve only had 1 period this year, in January. Unfortunately my little girl’s request to Santa on her Christmas list for a baby sister or brother is definitely down the pan, it broke my heart when I saw that on her Christmas list, always wanted 2-3 children but it never happened. I feel blessed to have her! 😍💝🙏🏼 The good news bit is that my GP prescribed the Utrogestan you ladies recommended as a good Progesterone HRT. She gave me an Oestrogen patch called Evorel. I did ask for the Lenzetto transdermal spray but she said she normally prescribed Evorel because it’s easier to track the dosage and it has good absorption. Do you ladies know anything about Evorel or if it’s any good?

I’ve read the insert in the packaging and I’m now freaking out about the side effects, namely cancers and DVT as my Mum had DVT and her sister had double breast cancer!

3. She also gave me a cream to be used transvaginally that helps with v. dryness.

4. My testosterone was within range (although in the lower 1/3 of the range…) but she reckons that adding oestrogen will help with things (like libido…)

We agreed that I’ll come and see her in 2-3 months’ time to evaluate, or sooner if I have any issues. She was so nice, I feel blessed to have such a kind, helpful and lovely GP. I just didn’t know these possible side effects of oestrogen and she hasn’t told me about it either so I’m concerned and right now I’m contemplating if I should take it??

Any thoughts around Evorel/Oestrogen HRT would be much appreciated! Does anyone know if that’s body identical TiggerMe Angel_of_the_North , do you know by any chance?

Thank you so much, wishing you all a lovely evening and weekend! 🙏🏼💝

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Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07
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115 Replies
Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley

Hi Amazon

Sounds positive over all. Sorry Santa won’t be able to fulfill the list but it sounds like you have a lovely little lass there 🤗♥️

To tag people in you pop a @ in front of their name with no gaps - type in the name and a little tab will appear with their icon and name just below - click on that and the name will turn blue like below. I have no experience of HRT so I will leave it there. 😉

Hi TiggerMe Angel_of_the_North call out from Amazon

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCharlie-Farley

Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼

I did tag in the ladies and for me on the post it’s blue. Does it not show in blue to you? I put the @ sign in and then their name straight after, both came up and I tapped on them and it turned blue. Thank you so much for tagging them again!

Thank you, I love my girl to bits!

Have an amazing Christmas and thank you for helping me! Xx

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toAmazon07

Hi again Amazon

Yes it’s blue now but when I read earlier it wasn’t (could be a glitch??)

Here’s hoping for a happy not too hypo Christmas for us all 🎅🤗♥️

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07

FancyPants54 What are your thoughts? Sorry I forgot to tag you in my post!

Would any of you consider not taking HRT, and if so, why?

Thank you xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

Hell no, you'd have to prize it out of my cold dead hands in 30 years time!!!!... I felt like I was ready for the nursing home before adding my hormones back in!

Stills profile image
Stills in reply toTiggerMe

Totally with you on this, my mood csn be so aggressive that without HRT Everol patches I think I’d be detained by now.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toStills

Oh yes, the rage 😈 good old days 😂

I've advised a couple of angry women I've met about getting some oestrogen before they murder someone 😁

Stills profile image
Stills in reply toTiggerMe

Does sub- clinical mean symptoms are just not bad enough fur drs ti bother treating you yet. That’s how it feels any way. It was high cholesterol, feelings of doom, night terrors and weight loss while being permanently cold with overactive bladder and hair loss, sore eyes and mouth etc that prompted that phrase. Until cancer is rule out or discovered I’m ignoring the thyroid issue as it’s all a bit too much snd I still have scopey pokeys to come 😖

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toStills

I believe Sub-clinical means a TSH of less than 10 but fT4 in range?

Certainly sounds like you tick all the failing thyroid boxes, did the HRT deal with the night terrors and doom?

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54 in reply toAmazon07

First, yes Evoral is a body identical oestrogen.

Second, don’t worry about the patient information leaflet. Those things make cough medicine sound deadly. The HRT ones are out of date and often wrong. We’ve moved on in our knowledge now. But it costs a lot of money for drug manufacturers to get them updated and so they rarely do.

It’s now commonly accepted by specialists that transdermal oestrogen does not increase risk of clot, DVT, stroke etc. and more recently evidence has shown that any increased risk of breast cancer is likely linked to artificial progestins. It’s certainly not a case of “take oestrogen and you will get cancer”. We’ve moved beyond that scare story.

You have the means to feel better. You just need to start using it.

No, I won’t stop taking HRT unless there is a reason I can’t foresee. I remember how I used to feel. Not going there again in a hurry.

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toFancyPants54

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼💝

I really appreciate your help and knowledge! I’ve started using both Evorel and Utrogestan last night. I slept so well last night!

Tonight my husband had a meltdown and tried to gaslight me, I just called it out and didn’t react to it, also not feeling as upset as I normally would be. It’s been better since I’ve had some help but I still used to find it upsetting when he DARVO, but tonight I felt much more robust! Could it be that I’m already experiencing benefits after just 24 hours?!

I’ll carry on using the Evorel and Utrogestan, thank you for reassuring me, I really appreciate it! 🙏🏼🌹 xx

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54 in reply toAmazon07

Some people really do feel benefit instantly. Others take a while to build up. Hopefully your situation is one of the instant varieties. Sounds like you need it.

I had to Google DARVO. Horrible. Sounds like your husband needs to become an ex-husband. I hope you are OK. I saw a mild example of this happen on Saturday night whilst out with a group of friends. No acceptable. You definitely need HRT to cope with that/him.

The-Wasp profile image
The-Wasp in reply toAmazon07

Dr. Louise Newson has a really good, evidence based podcast about HRT. If you'd like more info about HRT, she's written some great books and here's a page on her website about her podcast balance-menopause.com/type/... She goes into this issue on where all the misinformation about HRT began.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador

Good news about the referral 👏

Aw bless her... Seems a shame to waste the love... perhaps adopt?

I used to use Evorel 50 patches (synthetic) which worked ok I found when I stuck 2 patches on! I don't think my GP was aware that they came in stronger doses? I then went to the Menopause Clinic where I found out about Lenzetto (body identical) which I like as it's easy to adjust the dose and no more sticky goo

They are both synthetic estradiol but the version in Lenzetto is... "synthetic 17β-estradiol, is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human estradiol"

Transdermal better than a pill so see how you go 🤗 you can always ask to change later... for them patches are cheaper than spray 🙄

The warnings seem to have not been updated since the 50's but to be honest if you read any PIL you are destined for a horrible end as they just cover their arses

Life with low oestrogen is pretty darned horrendous and the positives for your brain, heart and bones is rather compelling, have you looked at Dr Louise Newsom's Balance site, loads of information and every conceivable variation of women's health

Good that she checked your testosterone... chances are like she says it will pick up, give it 6 months and check again 🤗

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toTiggerMe

I’m wondering if I should go down this route.

I was so preoccupied caring for parents into and out the other side of menopause (over a 10 year period ) it was never even discussed. I only got my hypothyroidism diagnosis because a guest told me I was hypo just by looking at me and the doctor grudgingly confirmed it.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toCharlie-Farley

I would suggest to everyone getting their levels tested (male or female) and giving it a go, we all know that being hormone deficient is grim 😕

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toTiggerMe

Yes thyroid hormones may be optimal but I’m a bit lack lustre if you know what I mean 🤭

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toCharlie-Farley

You've nothing to lose and 💃 to gain 😁

Randox do a very reasonably priced test... randoxhealth.com/en-GB/at-h...

I used it last week as I was intrigued to know my progesterone levels as GP couldn't give a hoot.... it's no good for testosterone and oestrogen as my skin is covered in it

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toTiggerMe

Hmm yes I think I will investigate further 😂😉👍. Thank you ☺️

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Just seen this, this is really good and the test is so reasonably priced!! Thank you very much for sharing the link, I really appreciate all your help, kindness and knowledge! 🙏🏼💝🌹

FoxyTed profile image
FoxyTed in reply toTiggerMe

Sorry to jump in, just wondered Eeyore, did you feel better on lenzetto? and in what way? I am on 75 everol and still have night sweats and racing heart/palps plus flushes late evening …but if I increase, I do not feel well, very tearful and jittery. Same on estradot patch. Is it possible because my thyroid has not been treated yet? Could very low FT3 be adding to imbalance? Thanks

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toFoxyTed

Always welcome 🤗 certainly sounds like you are out of balance still, I like the lenzetto as though it isn't as strong as some of the others the great thing is if you feel you need a little more an extra squirt is easy to add when you need it and I notice the effect within 20 mins, for me it would often be a horrendous vivid dream that would remind me levels were dropping off 😱

It seems to come down to how well or quickly people absorb things, sounds like you aren't absorbing well or could the uptake be knocking you out of balance with progesterone? Did you increase both at the same time?

At the time of swapping to lenzetto I also added testosterone which gradually kicks in and acts as a back up support for oestrogen levels as it can be converted if needed 😵

Absolutely right if your fT3 is low trying to balance the other hormones is going to be even trickier, though I did manage to improve things before starting on T3 and then the sun really came out. The real problem is the crossover of symptoms with all the hormone levels

Beakybird58 profile image
Beakybird58 in reply toTiggerMe

My Gp recently checked my hormones as was feeling rubbish on half a evoril conti patch x2weekly( had bleeding on full one)

He said my oestrogen was low, so am now on oestrogel x 2pumps daily - can increase to 4 but am happy on 2… possibly less nasty side affects?!

I take uterogestan 100mgs nightly.He said my testosterone was 0.6.. bit low but said it was mostly promoted by celebrities as a must to improve libedo!! So I’m not sure about that. He also s as I’d it had to be prescribed by a consultant… hmmm !

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toBeakybird58

I like the fact that with gel or spray you have more control and it really makes you tune in to what your body is asking for, I think 2 pumps equates to 3 squirts roughly 😏 but then it all depends how well you absorb these things, chances are with improved levels of oestrogen your testosterone will improve by themselves 🤗

SarahJane1471 profile image
SarahJane1471 in reply toBeakybird58

Not true. My GP prescribed me testosterone 🤷‍♀️. It’s very effective

Beakybird58 profile image
Beakybird58 in reply toSarahJane1471

I’m in Wales.. maybe different where you are? 🤞

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toBeakybird58

Yes gp said same or via a Newson prescription, she wont even test it like for women it doesnt matter! Now if i was male .........:)

Beakybird58 profile image
Beakybird58 in reply toCup-cake7

grrrrrr….!

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

Did the GP give you testosterone in the end or did you have to get it privately? Xx

FoxyTed profile image
FoxyTed in reply toTiggerMe

Thanks Eeyore. I don’t use progesterone as iv had a total hyster years ago, and I’m not sure it agrees with me re history of pmdd, mirena one time lead me to awful dark mood as did a contraceptive pill.

Yes I get those dreams, sweats and in the past an increase in estrogen was the answer but lately I can’t increase. My T3 is 3.9 (3.1-6.8) and I wake up exhausted even after sleeping til 8am, struggle to have a shower and my heart is racing, its just horrible to not have energy to do things I love, freezing feet, low appetite, headaches etc etc, it’s as though my body is gradually breaking down. Seeing another thyroid doc soon. Appreciate your reply and I’m pleased for you to have found your key!!

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toFoxyTed

That must be so hard, I can relate, I’m exhausted all the time as well and have horrible migraines. I really hope you get well soon!! Xoxox

FoxyTed profile image
FoxyTed in reply toAmazon07

Thanks and you too!!!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

They don't tell you that low oestrogen is a cause of migraine, I used to struggle with them😵

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

OMG really??? I’ve been really struggling with migraines since August!! My last period was in January. That really explains it! I stuck on the Evorel patch last night and took my first dose of Utrogestan. Might have been a coincidence but I slept like a log, and feel a tad more human today!

My GP hasn’t explained this but am I going to have bleeds again if I’m taking both Evorel (Oestrogen) and Utrogestan (Progesterone)? Do I take Utrogestan all the time or do I have breaks? If I use the Utrogestan transvaginally, does it have the same effect? GP told me to take it orally. Thank you so much! Xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

Utrogestan is like a sleeping pill for many, I found it a bit much to start with and swapped to vaginally alternate nights for a few weeks to acclimatize, works the same but more localized and doesn't have to go through the liver so less required... it isn't licensed for vaginal but it's often advised by private clinics

Hard to say if you will bleed again... they usually start you on 2 weeks on 2 weeks off 2 x utrogestan if you have had a period within the last year as you are still considered peri, so I'd suggest trying that and if no bleed happens swap to one every night

Glad you had a good night, makes a world of difference doesn't it 🤗

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you!!

My GP said to take 1 every night and let her know if there is a problem of any kind? Should I switch to transvaginal instead of oral and see how it goes? And should I do 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off if she said to take it every day? Xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

I would stick with what she said... you've survived the first night and hopefully by staying with continuous you won't get a bleed, you only stop to allow the bleed to happen.

If for any reason you need to stay alert for the night then you always have the other option 😉

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you!! So if I use it transvaginally, it won’t make me sleepy? Do you know by any chance how long until the sleepiness wears off? I have an early flight in January so just want to make sure I can wake up and won’t be drowsy. I guess I’ll just go to bed early too, which would be a welcome change to me being so anxious before travelling that I can barely sleep and procrastinate for hours before going to bed 🙈🤪

Thank you for all your help, it really means a lot! 🙏🏼🌹💝 xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

No vaginally it'll just make your knickers a little oily as it's in sunflower oil I think?

For me 8 hours of pleasant woolyness 🥴 Oh, the fear of missing your flight is the awful bit about travelling 😟

Yes, take it early and have an early night or if it's a long flight take it when you get on the plane 😉

Happy to share 🤗

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you so much!!

First time in many years I’m actually looking forward to going to sleep tonight, after sleeping so well last night!

8 hours of pleasant woolliness sounds perfect to me! Especially if I start waking up as if I’ve slept for 8 hours, not as if I had 8 rounds with Tyson in the ring! Lol 😆

Do I still get the sleep benefits if I use it transvaginally?

Yes, it’s not just worrying about missing my flight but leaving something very important at home! 🙈 🤦🏻‍♀️ xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

Probably not, I think it's much like alcohol to get the effect you have to drink it, probably something to do with the liver? I ought to still have the balancing effect though as it gets absorbed into your system... you're going to have to experiment 👩‍🔬

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you, I see! I’ll take it orally then for now, I don’t drink so my liver should be good 😊

I don’t know if I’m supposed to take it without breaks or have breaks? On the leaflet it says to take it on day 15-26 but my GP said she gave me 3 months’ worth and she gave me 90 pills. On the box the pharmacist put to take 1/day. In the box it says take 2/day. It’s 100mg capsules.

So I’m a bit confused!

Do you take it all the time or do you take it 15-26 and have breaks? Thank you so much! 🙏🏼💝🌹 xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

I'm post meno so take it every night, I'd go with that if it's 9 months since your last period

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you! Unfortunately it’s been over 11 months since my last period, it started on the 3rd of January last year. So it’s been nearly a year 😖😣

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

Embrace it... so much easier to get your levels balanced 😏

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you, I’m going to have to do that, right now I feel pretty down about it, feel like I’m losing my womanhood but I hope this feeling is just temporary. X

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

It's a freeing up to the new you... getting all that nonsense out of the way and you can really flourish... that's the joy of HRT you don't have to run dry 💃

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Thank you 🙏🏼

I feel less and less tolerance for mistreatment and BS, is that normal or just an age thing? 🤔

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

I think it's a combination of realizing the health service really isn't so hot on health which is a massive wake up slap ( I was soooo 👿 for a year when the penny dropped) and age makes us feisty warriors who want to protect others from this treatment

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

Definitely!

But I also meant it regarding private life 😝

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toAmazon07

Oh, absolutely 😈

Lovecake profile image
Lovecake in reply toTiggerMe

Extremely interesting. I get bad migraines when my thyroid levels are low………but after my full hysterectomy, I was put on HRT tabs (terrible, migraines 24/7), then patches (and breathe). But I’ve never had my oestrogen level checked and I still get migraines. Maybe I’ll ask for a test when my next bloods are due to be taken. Recently been diagnosed with osteopenia, so you’d think they would check that……..or not 🙄

Thanks for the informative comments Eeyore100 ☺️🧁

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toLovecake

Let me know if you have any luck getting them to actually test your levels, I did have this conversation with my surgery the other day about blindly taking hormones and I just got a shrug, they did check my testosterone levels last year which I thought was going to be an annual thing but the answers was "it was in range last year so we don't test"! So presume if I walk in with a beard they might test?? 😳

Thankfully hormonal migraine are a thing of the past now thanks to HRT but I can still get a cracker if I over do histamine ☹️

Lovecake profile image
Lovecake in reply toTiggerMe

We learn so much just by conversing and reading on here. I will definitely let you know if I ever get tested. I see a private endo for my T3. Maybe I’ll nudge him to mention it to my GP. It worked with getting a bone scan done. Being in the private sector, he’s always incredulous that what he would call “basic” tests are not done. (And he’s not that amazing compared to this forum)

I do understand that the NHS has a lot to do. But some things being sorted early/promptly would save them a lot of time and money.

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toTiggerMe

That’s so bad that they don’t test again because you had a descent result! Seems to be the thing!

If a school gets a good or outstanding OFSTED, they don’t check them for years! So they can really go down. Same as blood results. Just crazy!

Marinaaa profile image
Marinaaa in reply toFoxyTed

If your FT3 is low you could be experiencing sympthoms of menopause. It happened to me in my early 30s, night sweats and insomnia apart from heavy stomachaches etc... and it was due to the low Ft3 as it dissapeared when that was fixed. Try to work on that first.

Helcatamy profile image
Helcatamy

I started HRT this year, similar to you I’m now 48 and I take t3. I was getting horrible restless legs, my bones ached like I had been run over by a steam roller and that foggy brain/forgetfulness was hitting me hard. The bit that got me to the doc was the hot flushes tho, they started and came at me full throttle! Anyway I got the estrogel prescribed and the progesterone pills. The estrogel sorted those hot flushes right away and as time has gone on the aches have gone, the restless legs went and there are improvements with the brain foggy stuff but it all takes time! The possible side effects do worry me and I hate the progesterone part as that starts up the PMS cycle but on the plus side it knocks you out for a good nights sleep; however it’s so worth it, I had become old before my time until I started it. Good luck x

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toHelcatamy

Have you tried using the progesterone vaginally? By avoiding the liver you may get less side effects 🤗 the knock out is handy though 😏

Stills profile image
Stills

note I have a diagnosis of Adult Onset Stills Disease which is an AI rheumatoid condition. I’m currently classified by GP as thyroid sub-clinical. I’m not on any RA medication or any thyroid treatment At present.

I am post menopause 61 and have been using Everol conti twice weekly patches for 9 years without problems and will stay on them as long as I possibly can even though I’m currently having investigations to rule out ovarian:bowel cancers. The purported increased risks of cancer listed in the PIL are so small I accept them in favour of the massive benefits of using HRT.

If I’m diagnosed with a cancer I may take a different view but I have not stopped using the patches as instructed by GP this week as the next ‘scopey pokey’ test is 19th so a few more days will make no difference at this stage. I’m with Eeyore100 on the HRT , you’ll have to fight me to get it off me.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toStills

Sending you 🤗🤗 Stills, as they keep telling us 1 in 2 will get it at some point I'm with you quality of life over existence

Stills profile image
Stills in reply toTiggerMe

Exactly my feeling is that if it’s me then it’s not him 😀

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toStills

Thank you so much for writing back!

I pray that your cancer tests come back negative! 🙏🏼 ✨ 🙏🏼✨🙏🏼

I can see your point and Eeyore100’s point, if you barely exist from being in pain and feeling so unwell, and there’s help available, then it’s definitely worth considering so you have a better quality of life, otherwise being here is just so hard!

Sending you love! Xox

ThyroidFrazzled profile image
ThyroidFrazzled

Hi there - it sounds like you are very lucky in having a GP who is well-informed about menopause and HRT. I second what’s been said about the misinformation that’s in the HRT pamphlets, it’s inaccurate and out of date. The claim that estrogen causes breast cancer for example has been thoroughly debunked. Do check out Dr Louise Newson’s website, as someone has pointed out, it is full of accurate information. There is also her podcast where she interviews experts and where I think you will find many of your questions answered. There are many other good resources out there as well and I can suggest some, if you like. Good luck!

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toThyroidFrazzled

Thank you so much!! Yes please, I’d love you to recommend some reliable resources so I can educate myself! Thank you ☺️ xx

Wilfred123 profile image
Wilfred123

Hello. It's a shocker being confirmed menopausal whilst trying to conceive, I'm sorry this is your situation. I started off on Lemzetto. My experience is initially fabulous but then it became an issue getting the right dose as the pump became emptier. It meant you got a higher dose for the first few pumps then an ever decreasing amount until it finished. I was then on Evorel 100 to match the Lemzetto. It was so much oestrogen it gave me a period back after having none for 7 years. So we dropped to a 75 patch which was still too much and I've now settled on a 50 for most of this year alongside a 100 Utrogestin. I use testosterone as mine was rock bottom and to begin with it gave me incredible mental clarity. I find my HRT performs about just enough to be worth being on it. For me it was crippling anxiety and severe brain fog. These were completely eliminated on the higher oestrogen doses but it was too much for my body. Being on half that dose is a little weak to help these symptoms. There was talk of my adding in a tiny extra bit, we'll see. Good luck, it's all trial and error.

csj113 profile image
csj113 in reply toWilfred123

I agree about the inconsistency of the Lenzetto dosing - sometimes it seems very wet and other times fairly dry. But unfortunately I’m allergic to plasters and can’t have a patch. I’m mulling over switching to gel.

radd profile image
radd in reply tocsj113

csj113,

Yes, I have found giving it a good shake before application helps with constant consistency. My difficulty is seeing how much is being applied as nearer the end the sprays seem to get less rather than just run out!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toradd

If you are getting to the point where it runs out you have likely been shooting blanks for a few days! The 56 doses doesn't use up all of the liquid... I got caught out like that 🙃 I now have set renewal days 🤗

I did enquire about returning the remains to the surgery to be disposed of correctly but they just looked at me like I'm mad as usual 🤪

radd profile image
radd in reply toTiggerMe

Oh, ok. Yes, that makes sense.

I’ll put a note in diary too (except can’t remember when I started it! 🙄)

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toradd

If you give it a shake, you can feel roughly how much liquid is left in the bottle? Maybe that helps to determine it? Xx

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toWilfred123

I thought the same about the pump and keep it upright or if I think it has short changed me an extra squirt... hard to tell as I'm sure most the fluid is just the alcohol carrier

Wilfred123 profile image
Wilfred123 in reply toTiggerMe

Exactly, you get a drenched arm upon using a new spray out of the box, then by the end there's a dry quarter sized squirt! With patch changed Mon and Friday for me it seems fairly consistent. I'm under Dr.Claire at Newson Health. I have to say on Evorel 100 I felt 18 again, I call it my Davina McCall dose! Alas my body refused to take me back there, I thought 75 would be just right but was still getting pelvic discomfort like bloating pmt etc..

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toWilfred123

Thank you so much for your compassion and your kindness! We weren’t TTC as per se as I didn’t think I’d be able to get pregnant with not having any periods and having had a lot of issues with them for the last 7 years. But it’s still a bit of a shocker as I thought I’ll have another 4-5 years before I start going through the menopause.

Thank you for letting me know about your experience, it really helps! Xx

Flamingo60 profile image
Flamingo60

Dear Amazon07 fully understand your concern after reading the leaflet in the Everol box. The information leaflets for HRT are out of date. For example there are no contraindications for blood clots with transdermal (patches/gel) HRT and the cancer risk is very low (less than obesity or if you drink alcohol regularly). There are many health benefits from HRT that are not mentioned such as heart & bone support. Obviously it is a choice to take it but there is so much mid-information out there (we’re talking hormones again) it can be difficult to make an informed decision. For me, it’s about quality of life …same as dealing with my under active thyroid! Hope your HRT experience is a positive one.

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toFlamingo60

Thank you so much for your reassurance! I never drink and I’m slim so fingers crossed it’ll all be good! Xx

radd profile image
radd

Amazon07,

Synthetic thyroid meds are considered body-identical and ‘free’ hormones (not bound to a protein) so work much faster. Because of its’ short half life many members have to split dose T3 meds and the last dose should be taken between 8 - 12 hours before the blood draw to achieve a true average representation of levels. You do not want higher than your 'sweetspot' levels as this alone can effect sex hormones.

I’m not sure why your GP has said it is easier to manage the exact HRT dose with a patch rather than a spray but suspect it is to do with cost as Lenzetto is the most expensive. All are good forms of adding some oestrogen and it comes down to preference. All HRT carry risks depending on own health and susceptibility to breast/cervical cancers, etc. Your GP should have taken your family history into consideration when prescribing HRT.

Adding oestrogen will make certain pathways work better and testosterone might elevate naturally but if I was you I would ask for testosterone to be tested again (& DHEA) in several months to ascertain levels after starting O & P as many need it prescribed alongside now.

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toradd

Thank you so much! That’s exactly what I did, I took last dose of T3 at 5:00pm and didn’t take my circadian dose around 3-4am. Had the blood test at 12:40, and my T3 level was towards the lower bit of the range but I guess it’s been 17-18 hours since the last dose of T3…

Re Lenzetto, she just said she always prescribed Evorel and that the dosing on patches is more consistent and reliable. I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♀️ It could be due to cost if Lenzetto is more pricey.

I’ll get Testosterone and DHEA tested in a few months, see if taking O and P helps to get them into the optimal range.

Thank you for helping me! Xx

SarahJane1471 profile image
SarahJane1471

Go for HRT! Look up Dr Louse Newsom who is all things Menopause. She explains about risks v benefits

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07

Oh ladies, thank you SO MUCH from the bottom of my heart for all the amazing, useful, helpful information!!

I have tears in my eyes, I feel so heard and understood by all of you, you are all amazing, wonderful, kind ladies! Thank you 🙏🏼

So many of the symptoms you described that got helped by HRT (like painful bones and body, feeling angry/bad mood, feeling down, fatigue, foggy head, issues with sleep among others) are symptoms that I have and they all got better when I switched to T3, but got gradually worse over the last year or so. I really struggle sometimes, and have a lot of ADHD symptoms too, finding it so hard to focus and relax, I always fidget, have restless legs etc.

Thank you for reassuring me about taking HRT, and it being quite safe. The PIL really freaked me out. Having said that, my Mum took HRT for about 10 years and she was fine, thank God. She stopped taking it about 10 years ago. She took something called Ovestin, I don’t know if that’s used in the UK as she’s in Hungary.

I just don’t feel like myself and everything seems so much effort!!

My GP gave me the lowest dose (25mg) of the Evorel patches, I’m not sure how do I know if it’s enough or not, what should I look out for?

The Utrogestan - she gave me the 100mg one. I’m to take 1 every evening.

I usually take Magnesium and other supplements before bed, so maybe I should leave some time between taking the supplements and the Utrogestan? Is there a recommended time I should leave between taking the Utrogestan and other supplements and also with the T3, as I take a 25mcg dose at 5:00pm?

Sorry about the 20 questions! It’s all so new to me!

Will the HRT help with hair loss? Will it make me put on weight? Sorry if these are stupid questions and thank you so much for all your help, I really appreciate it! 🙏🏼💝 xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7

hi. Im sorry not had time to read all replies. Just thatyou write of my experience i too was unhappy a bit with patch

So, i felt obliged to have appointment bis Louise Newson. I had it on zoom

She prescribed bioidentical gel and ustrogen ANDwrites to your GP who xan then prescribe it on Nhs 👏.

Plese look at her site on Totesetone its been last piece of jigsaw for me and supports weaker muscles ( im older) and boosts low mood 👍. So have testogel as well. Tiny but the improvement great Vudeos on Newsons site explain it all very well

I wish i had this yrs ago of course i was in the net of hrt being dangerous however now known to have been caused by oral hrt as it goes through liver. Through skin is fine

If you replace thyroid hormones why not sex hormones?

Just to say in 3 months of this hrt my TSH is 0-5 after urs of being 5 ! And feeling dreadful, and my t3 finally gone up but still keeping eye on it as its halfway house.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toCup-cake7

ps. My thyroid numbers didnt change when using patch in fact tsh went to 7!

Louise Newson way to go, unless you have gp who will go outside box and prescribe the bio gel! Their hands are tied i finally got a new young gp who actually sent me Newsons 'Balance Sheet'! Forever grateful igot there at last

Good luck with it

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

May I please ask the name of the bio gel you mention? Is this oestrogen or testosterone? Thank you xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Oestrogen. Im not home but you see it on her website & shows how to apply it

Iv got testogel tetosterone Tiny dot of gel for me is enough

Maybe others too on the site this is the one that was picked out for me lower strenths for oldies :)

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Oestrogel pump

🤔 ive wondered why some like myself havent had flashes physical type symptoms, just cognitive ones ?

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you’re feeling better!!

How can I make an appointment with Dr Louise Newson? I’ll see how far I get with my GP and if I’m still struggling in 5-6 months’ time, I’ll get an appointment with her. Where is she based and does she have a long waiting list? Is she very expensive? Many thanks! Xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Please look at website

All on there. She has a lot of pharmicists & doctors working there in Stratford

So i had zoom appointment. Iv had one only and then got prescription sent to gp they are all trained the same. Yes expensive £195 Happy to find it somehow

When i then had totestetone trial that i had to pay about £30 gor 3 months

Ideally you then have one more appointment to discuss howyoufeel and get it sent to go too

however im trying to cheat and in process of asking gp to prescribe. !🤞 i can show her my appointment etc but not very hopeful so il just have to have another appointment.

I am doing my blood test this weekfrom Medichecks. They dont mind this as theirs are dearer in all fairness they are approachable

Nhs dont give it women ! Maybe from a consultant level

Mad isnt it ad its every bit as much a womans make up like a mans🤦‍♀️ i hope they catch up soon🤔

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

Thank you so much Cup-cake7 !! I really appreciate your help! I’ll look up DrNewson’s website! I can’t remember if my GP tested testosterone and it seems that taking Oestrogen and Progesterone might help raise testosterone levels too. I’ll get it checked in a couple of months when I see my GP. Right now my sex drive is not v high at all (understatement…) I’d rather have a cup of tea 🤔🤣🤣

Thank you for your messages and all your help! Xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

...me too and chocolate! 😂😂

Hey listen to little vidro called Totestetone and beyond! Tbh Im more concerned about helping muscles!! Good luck with gp mine wont test as labs wont test for women!!!! But realise a lit of things are a post code lottery Awfully unfair im babking on gp prescribing it with Medichecks tesulta and request from Newsons. Or il need another Newsons appointment to put it through to doc, im assuming it will be a low result already by how i feel! ( or dont feel, kind of detached!) all will be revealed. Hope you get what you need from gp directly ....

👍

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7

( sorry for typos. Pls pm me if not clear)

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toCup-cake7

Ps. The video on totestetone explains how without enough you loose muscle & feel sad basically for no real reason

I was your age when this peri sympton started!!

Goatcheesesalad profile image
Goatcheesesalad

All I can say is that I was prescribed Everol 25 patches and Utrogestan a year ago and I feel like a new person. After having hyperthyroidism caused by Graves and on Carbimazole for 18 months, HRT has been a game changer. I have gone from only sleeping a couple of hours a night to 8-10 hours solid sleep, no hot flushes and no aches and pains. Good luck with whatever you decide x

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toGoatcheesesalad

Oh my goodness, that’s fantastic!!! I’m so happy you feel so much better!!! I pray that I’ll have the same life-changing results because I’m pretty fed up right now.

I put the patch on last night and took the first dose of Utrogestan and I slept like a log! 🙏🏼💝

Thank you so much for writing back! Xx

Goatcheesesalad profile image
Goatcheesesalad in reply toAmazon07

Just be a little mindful, the first few months I did suffer from migraines when I had to stop taking the progesterone for 3 days out of the 28 days. However as I am now post menopausal I found out that I can now continually take the progesterone and the bad heads have gone.

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toGoatcheesesalad

I’m so glad your headaches have gone!!!

I don’t know how it’s defined whether one is perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal? I had my last period mealy 11 months ago. What am I? Lol 😆

My GP didn’t tell me to have a break with the Utrogestan, do I need to have a break? I was under the impression that I needed to take it every night?

Thank you ☺️ xx

Goatcheesesalad profile image
Goatcheesesalad in reply toAmazon07

I believe if you are 12 months without a period you are Post menopausal. I would do exactly as your GP prescribed but we are all different and it is trial and error. Good luck and three cheers for feeling better x

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toGoatcheesesalad

Thank you so much!!

I had some hot flushes but my homeopath gave me a remedy she made and it’s absolutely brilliant, I had no more hot flushes since I’ve been taking it. It’s just all the other symptoms that sound like due to low oestrogen and progesterone. I’m so glad I asked here, I’m overwhelmed (in a positive way) and humbled by all the love, support, kindness and help I got from all of you amazing, lovely ladies! Thank you so much!! Xx

Sheepgirl profile image
Sheepgirl

Hi

I’m on Evorel Conti patches 1 year and have taken t3 the last5 years. Gp wouldn’t prescribe hrt due to my high cancer risk so I paid to go to a menopause clinic - the best thing I ever did as I,ve managed to stay in employment. Without that patch I would have had to give up work … like everything in life it might be trial and error but if you have sensitivities to medications as I do, this has worked well for me . Good luck .

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toSheepgirl

Thank you very much for writing, I’m so glad you had such success! That’s so reassuring!

I’m hoping for a good change too, thank you for letting me know about your brilliant outcome! Xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toSheepgirl

...just to mention Newson website has written about hrt & breast cancer as may be helpful. So pleased for you i had to give up 2 rewarding careers due to untreated menopause. ( dyer as a single mum). So let down

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

I’m so sorry you had it so rough with the menopause!! Hugs! Xox People totally don’t get it how hard it can be, especially men! My husband constantly argues and says that I’m snappy and all I want is for him to accept that I’m not a stepford wife and a machine, some days are really hard and I barely manage, despite trying very hard. I wish I could just leave 🙈😖

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Empathy all the way! If you do t feel like yourself who are you ! I was never angry person but now the let down of not being helped at all still gives me momentd. Wondering if theres anything on Newson for 'famiky'. My marriage ended my ex said i was feeling sorry for self🤷‍♀️just get on with it' lol. A time you just need a bit of understanding and made to feel guilty. Anyway onwards & up. Iv told my girls to keep an eye on things as oldest is 40 now. Hip joint started to be affected on top of it so its quite hard to put it all to bed as only just had op. Dr Sarah Myhill is excellent for our conditions she used to be a GP till she saw outside their box

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Dont do anything rash until you back on even keel 😊. Maybe show him an apt video Sadly some are more understanding than others

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

I’ve given him lots of info but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. He has little compassion for me and blames me for everything. He’s been like this since our daughter was 8 months old. That was 9 years ago! 😭

Do you think there’s a male menopause too? Maybe he needs some help as well?

I’m sorry your husband was not nice! This whole menopause thing is so hard! Women don’t exactly have it easy! We have periods, pregnancy, giving birth, breastfeeding, doing the lion share of raising child/ren and then the menopause to contend with AND we have hypothyroidism too, to top it all off. I always worry that I won’t be able to survive if I love him and would not find someone else but in the past whenever I left a bad relationship, I always realised that I was better off out of it and things improved. It’s just that we have a child together! Although even she told me last year that I shouldn’t stay with him ;which was unexpected as she really loves him…) xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Bless. Does he know that?

I really sympathise. You know him best of course. If he changed why? Sounds like he needs to give some answers by talking i do think they can have man-opauses🤔. Maybe life isnt what they thought would turn out like or how to change it. Mine felt sorry for himself with pressures, all about him really not me but he got involved someone at work and i couldn't handle lies. Etc etc

We find our strength. Get well no. 1 then maybe talk therapy do nice things together if can at least with your lovely girl x

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toCup-cake7

Lol hes had 4 long term partners since i guess im honoured to get 25 yrs😊

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

Lol can’t be THAT long term if there’s been 4 of them 🤔🤣

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Companionship dear 😁😁

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

He knows and it’s the same what you describe with you ex, minus the cheating (as far as I know). He constantly feel so sorry for himself, he has it so hard and never stops etc. I do tell him to do stuff for himself but he doesn’t and I can’t do it instead of him ! Xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Maybe do the test on him while sleeping!!!, the method on that link lol

Seriously i think some men particularly dont have self awareness. Bury head in sands If hes changed theres something wrong emotionally or physically surely

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

He agreed to do a male hormone panel and I already ordered it on Randox! Hopefully that’s the reason and we can get it sorted! He used to be such a happy, laid back soul, I hope we can get him to be like that again! Xx

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

Life can be draining for all good if something to look forward to. A day or 2 away, a hol whatever can lift mood

& hormones lol

We are but complicated but if dont talk you go round in circles x

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAmazon07

....Newson explains low mood with low testosterone🤔??? Is this the key to men- opauses

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply toCup-cake7

Does he mean for men or just women? If for men too, I’m really going to look into this hon, thank you!! Xx

farrellkl68 profile image
farrellkl68

I’ve just had private endo appointment, had my fasted bloods yesterday .

My TSH had gone from 0.9 to 0.1 over 12 months.

I’m post menopausal and have been reducing my oestrogen patch dose , he’s checking my meno hormones including testosterone too.

I have had testosterone on NHS because I’d been prescribed it privately but I stopped because it started to cause an itchy rash.

I do think it helped and my levels were under 0.8,,which is low .

If you have a healthy lifestyle ( exercise , don’t drink , eat healthily ) it balances out the @risj@ of HRT . If you don’t have a womb, it’s a lower risk anyway .

Amazon07 profile image
Amazon07 in reply tofarrellkl68

Thank you very much!

I have a womb and have a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy, exercise and I’m slim, so I guess that helps.

I hope the outcome of your private Endo appointment will help you to sort everything out and that you feel well! Sending hugs xox

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