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Feel no different

Posted , 7 users are following.

Nannyrose
Nannyrose

Hi

I started HRT patches last week, my 3rd patch due to be changed tomorrow, I m on evorel 25mg but feel no different. How long does it take before my symptoms disappear? Or do you think I need a higher dosage?

Still suffering night sweats, hot flushes and sleep deprivation

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Nannyrose
    Nannyrose

    Posted

    No I ve had hysterectomy with ovaries removed. I know there's conflicting reports about taking progesterone, as I don't have a uterus it's advised I don't need it but do I really?

    So much to consider what's best for yourself.

    • TeresaJS
      TeresaJS Nannyrose

      Posted

      Yep. CEMCOR's UBC Professor J. Prior I believe says you can have p. as long as its natural p.  
  • jean44299
    jean44299 Nannyrose

    Posted

    When I first started with Estraderm MX patches in 1990 after having a hysterectomy with ovaries removed in 1982 ( was having HRT implants till then) they gave me the 50mcg which didn't do anything at all for me so I went onto the 100mcg. then when I was in my 60s I went down to the size 50mcg without any problems. about 3 years ago I went down to 25mcg which I was on for about 3 months then I had no option but to go back to the 50 size as the symptoms were terrible and I mean terrible.

    So my advise is to go to a higher dose and higher still if that doesn't work. You have no ovaries so you don't need progesterone. you had like me a surgical menopause not a natural one.

    Don't suffer in silence, I've been on HRT patches and implants for 33 years and certainly mean to stay on it come hell and high water. It's only for your good not your detriment and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Do lots of research and you will come to the same conclusion.

    Good luck

    Jean

    • Nannyrose
      Nannyrose jean44299

      Posted

      I read your comments before jean when I was so upset about losing my ovaries (in April) and have done a lot of research since then. I d like to thank you for your help and support as since I ve had it I have been adamant about HRT and the patch form. I even told my gyno I wanted to stay on it until I m 60 but she just said we ll review it when I m 52! (2 years away). You have been my inspiration, and because of your help I feel a lot happier about taking HRT and having all taken away. I will ask my doc if I can up the dosage, although I get the feeling he s not keen on HRT at all, so think I may have to argue my case or see another doctor within my clinic x
  • teresa2545
    teresa2545 Nannyrose

    Posted

    Hi,

    I know how you feel.I started Esterderm MX 25 patches last week with no difference felt.They are not very sticky so each time they fall off i have to use a new one so i am half way through a months supply already.The present one is stuck on by micropore tape.I am seeing my doctor on Monday so i am going to ask her for tablets instead.I am meant to be going back to work on the 8th but i am shattered with the lack of sleep.

    Luv

    Teresa

    xx

    • Nannyrose
      Nannyrose teresa2545

      Posted

      My patches are sticking great, evorel 25mg just think I need to go higher dose. I ll be seeing my doctor in 2 weeks, I don't think he wants me to be on HRT at all though! So got an argument coming on. I wouldn't do the tablet form Teresa, why not ask for a different patch? Oral HRT has a lot more risks involved at a higher rate so think about it, plus you have to take them daily. I think the patches are great had no problems at all sticking and believe me I love to soak in the bath which I have done a couple of times with no problem with the patch. I just hope my doc will up my dosage x
  • jean44299
    jean44299 Nannyrose

    Posted

    BTW you should start to feel better with the higher size patch within a few hours, that's hours not days or weeks.

    Jean

  • jean44299
    jean44299 Nannyrose

    Posted

    Hi

    I really wouldn't advise the tablet form which goes through the liver etc implants go directly to where they are needed and patches are a much less risker than tablets.

    Where are you putting the patches? I really have never had any problems with them coming off. I heard someone say that a pharmacist told the to stick them on their arm, they aren't nicotine patches for goodness sake. always below the waist, I put mine on my outer hip and alternate each time, make sure the skin is dry and press your warm palm over it for a few seconds for it to adhere.

  • hazel_64842
    hazel_64842 Nannyrose

    Posted

    After my full hysterectomy within 48 hours I was totally hormone free! Far worse than any post surgery pain. I was given the patch, Evorel 75, within a few hours I felt like me again. It may be you are on a test dose, but go back to your GP and ask can your dose be increased. It does depend if you still have your ovaries, it is more dificult to get the right balance, Many of my friends wished they had their ovaries removed for this reason. Once you are on the correct dose you will feel like you again.
    • Nannyrose
      Nannyrose hazel_64842

      Posted

      I m 7 weeks post op with ovaries removed so now into surgical menopause. You are right, it's worse than the op itself. I m going to ask doc for higher dose, this one has had no effect on me whatsoever, don't think I ll ever be right at this rate x
  • deelaine
    deelaine Nannyrose

    Posted

    Nanny to 5.  I would just like to say that I hope you're feeling better soon.   I think you will see a considerable and speedy change once you are on the higher dose patches.   I hope all goes well for you.
    • Nannyrose
      Nannyrose deelaine

      Posted

      i hope so too, i ve felt awful today, aching all around my neck and back area. Don't know if this is becaused i ve got no oestrogen but it feels like all my bones are aching. Thanks for your support 
  • jean44299
    jean44299 Nannyrose

    Posted

    Just worth knowing Teresa, on average a woman going through the normal menopause will still be producing 50-60% Estrogen for 10years or more after the menopause. It gradually dwindles over time, but as some GPs seem to think that estrogen production sudenly stops is rubbish.Surgical menopause is different from the normal menopause too because having HRT is a replacement not a supplement as it would be to women going through the normal menopause.

    Look no further than the researches into HRT and the surgical menopause at Yale medical school and Pennysylvania Universities.

  • spotty1
    spotty1 Nannyrose

    Posted

    Bit late to this thread but thought I'd add a bit.

    I seem to metabolise estrogen oddly, my body seems to 'run out' towards the end of the day and I also have to keep upping doseage every two or three months...

    Had quite a lot of problems until I saw a consultant who advised using patches AND Climaval tablets together - they metabolise at different rates so one type is still working when the other type's level is starting to drop.

    I've recently had an estrogen implant but have to supplement with a 75mcg Estrodot or Evorel patch twice a week. I've had difficulty getting the right level of Climaval tablet, for some reason, so sticking to the patches for the time being.

    My point is that, I guess, oral estrogen may actually be more suitable for some women because it doesn't metabolise in quite the same way as a patch.

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