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With peri-menopause and menopause finally being taken seriously and enjoying some attention from the media and medical world, and not before time, maybe we can start to put some of the confusion and myths about choosing to take HRT behind us. The Women's Health Study that declared taking HRT increased our risk of breast cancer has now been called out for being misleading. And I hope that means women can now get better information and more choice around managing their menopause. Experts like Dr Louise Newson are working really hard to provide clear, evidence based information. The documentary presented by Davina McCall and produced by Kate Muir made great strides in helping women understand. I am not an expert - far from it - but I am happy to share my personal experience on my blog. I have a Menopause resources section where I share some of the best information I have found to help you do your own research. This post is to update you on where I am with my HRT journey, share some HRT gel reviews and discuss progesterone intolerance. I also want to highlight some of the myths surrounding HRT and point you in the right direction for getting help with your menopause symptoms.  HRT Gel Reviews HRT gel reviewsThe main hormone we need to replace when we hit peri-menopause is oestrogen. There are several products available from the NHS in the UK. They are all body-identical and safe for most women. Your GP can prescribe them, you do not need to go to a private specialist or clinic that offers bio-identical hormones from a compounding pharmacy. This is not a regulated form of HRT. HRT Patches - I tried an oestrogen patch originally but I didn't get on with it as I didn't like the permanent plaster mark on my bottom plus when I had a blood test it revealed I wasn't absorbing efficiently enough which is why my symptoms hadn't really eased. However, many women get on very well with the patch. There is oestrogen only or the combined patch with progesterone. HRT Gel - this is my preferred method for getting my oestrogen. I have been successfully using Oestrogel (by Besins) for a few years. But in the last 6 months or so I have been having problems with it. There have been supply issues, resulting in some women being given the Parallel Import (PI) from their pharmacy and finding it didn't work, although Besins say that Oestrogel and Oestrodose (PI) are exactly the same. My daughter picked up a prescription for me a while ago and when I unpacked it at home, I found out it was the PI, Lloyds Pharmacy refused to exchange it so I had to lose my prescription fee and ask my GP to issue a new scrip, I didn't want to risk a return of my symptoms. Then I went through a period of symptoms returning that coincided with having my vaccines (there is no proof of the vaccine causing issues but a lot of women are reporting hormonal fluctuations). Then a few weeks ago I could not get my prescription for Oestrogel fulfilled anywhere locally or via Lloyds Direct. When I saw my private specialist, he informed me there were supply problems and suggested I try Sandrena. Oestrogel - this comes in a bottle pump pack and I use 3 pumps every morning. You dispense the gel onto your hands and rub it lightly into your upper inner thighs or top of your outer arms. It is quite a wet consistency and can take a few minutes to dry. Many women find this a pain as you cannot get dressed until it is dry and it is best not to rub it in too much as the absorption is better if left to dry naturally. Sandrena - this is the original body-identical HRT gel and I did try it once before but thought the bottle pump pack would be more convenient. It comes in a box and each box contains individual foil sachets. The equivalent dose for my 3 pumps of Oestrogel is 1.5 mg so I was given 1 x 1.0 mg sachet and 1 x 0.5 mg sachet daily. I cut the top off, squeeze the gel out and apply to top of my inner thighs the same as the Oestrogel. I find it is a thicker consistency and less gloopy so it dries quicker. I also feel the actual gel quantity is slightly less. Update: I spent about 4 months on Sandrena but noticed a recurrence of some of my symptoms, after having a blood test, it turned out my oestrogen levels were very low so my private consultant suggested I switch back to Oestrogel - like the patch it seems that I do not absorb Sandrena gel successfully - you can read my update here! The HRT shortages continue although stocks are slowly coming through, if your local pharmacy cannot fulfil your prescription then you could use the Online Prescription Stock Checker at Boots which checks stock within a postcode area to save you a wasted journey. This is a good instagram post from @hormoneequilibrium discussing how to apply oestrogen gel. They explain that if you apply correctly then absorption is better and lower doses are needed. My top tip is not to overthink it, keep it simple, there is no need to split the dose between morning and evening. Just apply your Oestrogel or Sandrena gel in the morning, leave to dry and get on with your day. HRT Tablets - I have never tried tablets, this is the 'old style' HRT and it is best not to take them now, the HRT body-identical gels are much safer and considered the gold standard in HRT. However, I have recently seen a post on @hormoneequilbrium announcing a new combined HRT that is body-identical and is in tablet form, it is called Bijuve.  HRT - What I currently take (see below for more info on progesterone). Progesterone and progesterone intoleranceIf you still have a uterus (not had a hysterectomy) then if you take oestrogen you must take progesterone. This is to prevent a build up of your endometrial lining and it possibly causing cancer. To find out more visit the British Menopause Society or read my post about understanding progesterone intolerance. The main progesterone prescribed now is Utrogestan and as it is a body-identical progesterone it comes with less side effects and is safer. An alternative is having a Mirena coil inserted. Although it is a contraceptive device it releases a very small amount of progesterone and protects your uterus lining for approximately 5 years when it needs to be replaced. A few women report an intolerance to progesterone, from mild to severe. It can cause bloating, tummy pain and severe low mood. Either the Mirena coil or taking Utrogestan as a vaginal pessary rather than an oral tablet does seem to be a better option and reduces the side-effects. Taking progesterone as a tablet at night can help with sleep! Worth remembering! Taking Utrogestan as a vaginal pessary is not licenced by NICE so your GP will be unable to approve it. However, many women using support from groups like The Menopause Support Network or Dr Louise Newson do take it vaginally. It is exactly the same tablet and dose. It rarely comes with an applicator in the UK so you have to just do it yourself! Push it up as high as you can. Please do your own research though, I can only share what I have tried or been advised but everyone is different. As mentioned above some of the HRT patches come as combined oestrogen and progesterone and a lot of women get on better with these. It does seem that if your oestrogen dose is right and you have minimised your menopause symptoms then often progesterone is better tolerated. The two different HRT regimes can also make a difference. . Either sequential/cyclical HRT if your last menstrual period was less than one year ago or you are still having periods. Or continuous HRT when you are considered post-menopausal (one year after the date of your last period). Sequential means Oestrogen every day and progesterone for 14 days every cycle. Continuous is oestrogen and progesterone every day.  For the full downloadable version of this factsheet (incl. page 2), please visit Primary Care Women's Health Forum TestosteroneTestosterone is also a female hormone and often misunderstood. Low testosterone in women can cause lack of energy, brain fog and reduced libido. Unfortunately testosterone is not licenced in the UK for use by women. But it can be prescribed by a private specialist (in my case), some GP's and most menopause experts - but only for low libido (so make sure you say you have low libido when speaking with your GP). If you are taking HRT and your oestrogen levels are balanced but you are still reporting some symptoms, it is worth investigating testosterone. It is often the final part of the hormone puzzle. There are three main options for testosterone available in the UK. Either AndroFeme (a cream you rub onto your arm) or Testim or Testogel (a gel also rubbed onto your arm). AndroFeme is specifically made for women and I prefer this as I take a small dose every day and it is easier to remember! Testim and Testogel are made for men but can be used by women in smaller doses (but often this means taking it every other day or 3 x per week and I got in a bit of a muddle)! However, if you are lucky enough to get an NHS prescription then it is likely to be for Testim or Testogel. I pay privately for my AndroFeme. Dr Louise Newson has an excellent factsheet on Testosterone, I suggest starting here to understand it more fully. HRT MythsThere are so many myths and so much confusion around HRT. HRT causes breast cancer. HRT will make me put on weight. Taking HRT is delaying the inevitable. I suffer from migraines so I can't have HRT. You can only use HRT until you are 60. And many many more! Please read up on these, they are not accurate and often misleading and we need to get the message out there that taking HRT is okay for most women and can change your life. My personal story - updateI am now back on 3 pumps of Oestrogel and 0.5 mg of AndroFeme (testosterone cream) daily. And I am feeling fabulous in my fifties! But I have been unable to tolerate progesterone (even in an off-licence low dose), I have tried the Mirena coil and more recently Utrogestan. A number of years ago I had an endometrial ablation, this is a surgical treatment for heavy periods and during the procedure most of the uterine lining is destroyed or removed. My ablation was very successful and I have not had a period since. Whilst it has meant less urgency in dealing with my progesterone intolerance, it does not mean that I can dispense with the need for progesterone completely. There is still a chance that my endometrial lining will build up again due to taking the oestrogen. At the moment my private specialist has been monitoring me very closely and I have 6 monthly pelvic scans to ensure that no thickening is occurring. But this is still not a solution so we have discussed two options, a full laparoscopic hysterectomy or trying the Kyleena coil. The Kyleena is an IUD and contains a smaller dose of progesterone than the Mirena. It is not licenced for use with HRT because of the smaller dose. If I choose the Kyleena I will still need regular monitoring. I am not keen on a hysterectomy due to possible complications. I am currently thinking about these two options and have not yet made a decision. A lot of women give up on HRT because they cannot tolerate progesterone. But it is worth trying all the different options before giving up completely. I want both the immediate health benefits of HRT (symptom relief) and the long term benefits of taking it (protection from heart disease and osteoporosis and lots more) so I am keen to solve the progesterone problem! Please note: my HRT regime was prescribed by a private specialist but my prescriptions have now been taken over by my NHS GP (a specialist menopause doctor at my practice). I choose to get my testosterone privately so I can get AndroFeme however, it is possible to get Testogel or Testim from your NHS GP. My GP has been excellent but due to my progesterone intolerance I chose to see a private specialist for a second opinion and monitoring that cannot be provided on the NHS. I hope sharing my thoughts and an update of my HRT journey is helpful, do get in touch if you want to ask any questions. I never mind hearing from you. I have collated a section on my blog specifically to share the best menopause resources I have found so do go and take a look. Love Michelle xx Further reading ... Understanding progesterone intolerance and HRT side effects with The Menopause Coach The rollercoaster of menopause mood swings! The theme for World Menopause Day 2022 is cognition and mood Oestrogen reviews | how I learnt that I really do need my HRT! What do do it you can't obtain your usual oestrogen gel - update on current shortages and supply problems - Dr Louise Newson, Balance. Disclaimer: this blog post is a personal review of my own experiences, it can not replace medical advice. Please do your research for your own individual circumstances and consult either your GP or a specialist menopause clinic - I recommend a few on my Menopause resources page.  Pin it for later!
74 Comments
Hons
1/2/2022 07:18:26 pm
Hi Michelle, Fantastic and very useful information and links. A lot of ladies on the Balance App have mentioned that they have been on a downward spiral since having the Covid vaccines. Newson Health have told some ladies that they have quite a few bpatients who have said the same but there’s not much research on it and to give it 3 months for the vaccine to wear off and they may start to feel better again. Definitely, more research is needed on this as so many ladies are suffering. 2/2/2022 10:14:56 am
Hi Hons, that is interesting and certainly reflects what I have read on the support group and my consultant agreed too but until there is more research I guess we just have to hope we feel better soon. Thank you for sharing with me. Love Michelle xx
Emma
18/7/2023 08:33:35 pm
Hi , wondering if u could help I’m on HRT , Oesrolgel two pumps daily and now 2 weeks of tablets Utrogestan I was on monthly but doctor dropped me down to two weeks now , my question is I feel absolutely knackered could this be because I’ve dropped down to just two weeks a month of utrogestan?
Anna Rowe
3/3/2022 08:00:21 pm
Hi Michelle, one of the best, simple & explain information thank you. I’ve been on the rocky ride with HRT went private in the end. Dr Joanne Hobson recommend utrogestan 100mg vaginally instead of via mouth, one pump of Estradiol increase to two pump after 6 weeks & vagirux 10mg vaginal tablets taken for two weeks then twice a week. After one week of taking Vagirux I started to bleed, stopped on the second week.
Niamh Byrne
7/4/2022 12:17:29 pm
Could I ask which estradiol you used? Thanks 🙏
Michelle Green
12/4/2022 09:21:30 am
Hi Niamh, I am guessing that Anna is taking Oestrogel as she refers to pumps of gel rather than mg or sachets (Sandrena). Hope that helps, Michelle xx
Michelle Green
12/4/2022 09:20:35 am
Hi Anna, I am so pleased you have found a regime that is working well! And delighted that you have also been able to sort out the vaginal dryness, so many women suffer in silence, through not knowing they can easily get help and feel better or too embarrassed to ask for that help. Midlife should be a time for us to embrace life, be a bit selfish and have fun and getting our hormones right can help us with that! Love Michelle xx
Em
11/3/2022 06:01:05 pm
Hi, this is so interesting and I’m so grateful to have stumbled across this site. I’ve been on the 50mg patches for nearly 4 weeks (I’m 47 and still have regular-ish periods but loads of nasty peri symptoms) but had to come off them as the oestrogen was making me feel drunk and horrendously dizzy and cloth headed. Ripped the patch off but a few hours later had a horrendous panic attack so I then put on half a patch. Not ideal so went back to my GP who has now prescribed Sandrena gel 1.0mg with Utrogestan 100mg (one tablet at night day 16-25). From everything I’ve read I should be on two tablets at night. I know it’s all trial and error but a friend of mine who’s going through the same as me and a little bit older has been prescribed 0.5mg Sandrena with 2 x Utrogestan tablets at night. Do you think my lower progesterone dose will be ok? I’m definitely sensitive to progesterone too (low mood irritable on the combined patch) so am pleased to be starting out on a low dose just don’t want it to be too low as to cause my lining to thicken. 14/3/2022 12:26:14 pm
Hi Em, I am so pleased you found my blog post and it is lovely to hear from you. I am doing so much better on Sandrena (no headaches at all) so I think sticking with it will be positive for you - don't give up too soon. There do seem to be varying dosages and regimes of utrogestan and different GP's have differing views and prescriptions can vary but my understanding is that a lower dose if you are sensitive to progesterone is absolutely fine. My private specialist is very happy with lower doses and my specialist menopause GP has been very supportive too. I think keep going with the lower dose and see how you get on. You can always have a pelvic scan later on to check there is no build up for uterine lining if you feel worried or if you have any bleeding. But from my research, I'd agree that your GP is correct. Love Michelle xx
Vicki Sharples
19/6/2022 05:20:23 pm
Hi. I too am like you and had an ablation about 5 years ago. Started on utrogestran and sandrena. Wasn't absorbing so onto the estrogel 3 pumps. But apart from not having hot sweats I'm feeling no benefit. My skin on my face is awful and weight gain is unbearable. It's interesting to read about the ablation and not needing utrogestan at the moment. I've not had a bleed since.
Maria
20/3/2022 10:58:23 am
I have been taking 4 pumps of estrogel since January but find that by the time I’ve used about 2 thirds of the pump my symptoms return and I have to use more gel with varying results.
Michelle Green
20/3/2022 11:38:17 am
Hi Maria, I think what you describe is quite common. If you go to @menopause_doctor on Instagram she has posted a chart with equivalent doses. I was on 3 pumps of Oestrogel and I am now on 1.5 mg of Sandrena which is a 1 mg sachet and a 0.5 mg sachet - I think you'd need 2 x 1 mg sachets = 2 mg of Sandrena. I am still feeling so much better on Sandrena! Maybe storing it in the little sachets keeps it more stable? Michelle xx
hem
29/3/2022 01:53:13 pm
Hi Michelle, 29/3/2022 02:32:54 pm
Hi, thank you for commenting on my blog post, I would say that 5 days is too early to decide as it may be just the worry of starting HRT and it will settle down but do monitor it - it can take 3 months plus to really see a significant benefit. Anxiety is a symptom of decreasing oestrogen and HRT will help - but getting the magic dose and right combination can take a while. If this is your very first attempt at HRT be patient. I am still getting some evening anxiety and heart palpitations which I am monitoring and will be speaking to my GP if they don't improve. What dose have you been given for the progesterone, there are so many options!? And generally using it vaginally rather than as an oral tablet tends to be better tolerated. Good that your GP prescribed it though! Do message again or email xx
hem
29/3/2022 02:49:40 pm
Hi Michelle,
Michelle Green
12/4/2022 09:17:17 am
Really hoping it all works out for your Hem, it will take time and it is frustrating we have to go private but as you say HRT and balancing hormones should be the first treatment at age 49 - not anti-depressants. Love Michelle xx
MONICA
18/6/2022 05:02:38 pm
Hi Hem, just wondered how you are now? I experienced off the charts anxiety on HRT estrodiol gel and Utrgestan 100g but don't know if it's that or just me. So hard to tell. Hope you are feeling better though.
Katie
19/4/2022 11:06:20 am
Hi Michelle 19/4/2022 12:00:33 pm
Hi Katie, no I've not tried the Kyleena (yet) although I do intend to, it is just a case of getting around to it now. I'm not too rushed as I had the ablation and my regular scans are showing no thickening, but my consultant would still rather me have some progesterone! It is a much lower dose but isn't licensed for use with HRT so I think I'd still need some monitoring - a private scan ranges from £250 to £130 in this area. When I had the mirena coil I didn't understand about progesterone intolerance - I had it in for about a year - but it just didn't feel right to me and I wanted it gone, therefore I am not sure how much it affected my moods. I hope that helps, do email me if you want to ask more. Love Michelle xx
Emily
19/4/2022 06:41:20 pm
Hi Michelle, thanks for your post which I found after googling Sandrena and dizziness! I am day two of 0.5mg of Sandrena - which is my third product to try. I was originally on one pump of Osteodose (the PI product) which was incredible. Then found the UK version - Oestrogel - brought my symptoms back so I switched to Lenzetto at the ended of last year. I have found the spray to be too unreliable and seems to run out of oestrogen before the end of the spray so next stop, Sandrena. I’m really hoping this works because it can’t be good to keep changing product. I’m recovering from covid (I’m not vaxxed) which started two weeks ago and tonight I’ve suddenly had some dizzy spells which I don’t know if covid related or Sandrena. Did you experience any dizziness when starting Sandrena? Also, did you notice a transition period when you were changing products and if so how long did it last? 19/4/2022 07:47:42 pm
Hi Emily, so pleased you found me! It does take some time and a few attempts at different HRT regimes to find one that works for you, so do not be too despondent that you are not completely settled yet, and don't give up, it is is worth persevering. Why did you swap from Oestrodose if it was working for you, was it due to supply problems? Also I know that many of the pharmacies will give you whatever stock they have in and Oestrodose and Oestrogel are considered to be exactly the same, except the women that use them say they are not - many that were on Oestrogel and then swapped to Oestrodose found their symptoms returning, although you seem to have been better on Oestrodose! One size doesn't fit all! I have heard that about Lenzetto, you are not alone. Sandrena has been working well for me - although I have just run out and no stock available so I am about to use up my last bottle of Oestrogel then I really hope the supply issues will be resolved. I have not had any dizzy feelings on Sandrena, with Oestrogel I do get pre-migraine visual disturbance though which is why I prefer Sandrena. You are on a very low dose at 0.5 mg (or 1 pump) but if this is working for you then that is good - usually 2 pumps seems to be needed. If you are just recovering from covid then my guess would be the dizzy spells might be related to that? See how things go maybe? I didn't notice any transition period when I changed from Oestrogel to Sandrena, it all seemed to go very smoothly. I do hope you feel better and that you can find an HRT regime that works for you. I would add that post-vaccine I did feel some menopause symptoms returning and although you've not been vaxxed - maybe having covid messed with your cycle slightly too. Do comment again or email me if you want to ask anything further. Love Michelle xx
Emily
19/4/2022 08:10:53 pm
Hi Michelle, thanks o much for replying so quickly.
MONICA
18/6/2022 05:22:56 pm
Hi Michelle, 22/4/2022 08:19:57 am
You really are sensitive to it Emily, I did discuss Lenzetto with my consultant but he felt that the inability to control the dose wasn't great. I think it was a good 6 months before I felt more settled again after the vaccines, I didn't have any feeling unwell after them but they did mess up my hormones. I am a member of the Menopause Support Network on facebook and it is really useful for understanding how other women are managing their menopause and/or HRT, it is worth searching on key words like Lenzetto to find out a bit more. I hope it all works out for you and doesn't take too long, Michelle xx
Pav
14/5/2022 09:40:10 am
Hi i was on3 pumps a day of gel and utrogestan capsule 100mg at night everything fine but after 6 months heavy bleeding .had a blood test got appt with gynecologists .what i do wrong. I stopped hrt until i know 16/5/2022 12:14:55 pm
Hi Pav, I am sure you have done nothing wrong but it is important to chat to you a menopause specialist to ask for advice, your dose might need changing. If it was the gynae that prescribed your HRT then go back to them but if not you might need a referral to a menopause clinic for more expert advice. Michelle x
Juels
17/5/2022 09:45:53 pm
Thankyou for such an interesting read! I’ve got a Hysteroscopy on Thursday due to being prescribed oestrogen only patches even though I still have a uterus! My lining has doubled in thickness in 4 months I literally had to beg my doctor to give me utrogestan as my gynaecologist wanted me to have the coil but I had that previously and the removal was barbaric! I collect my pills in the morning and hope I finally start to feel 53 not 93! Xxx 18/5/2022 08:48:16 am
Hi Juels, goodness that is mad that you didn't get prescribed progesterone at the same time as oestrogen! GP training around HRT really does have to be improved, what a worry for you and so avoidable. I hope your hysteroscopy goes okay, my sister had to have one, not the most comfortable but necessary. I had to have my coil removed under an anaesthetic due to them making the strings too short when it was inserted (yes really) ... so I had the ablation at the same time but I do still need progesterone, honestly HRT doesn't need to be complicated but hopefully our generation is making it better for our daughters. I hope you feel better soon ... what I am learning from this blog post especially is the need for women to be able to share their stories and there are so many different experiences. Love Michelle xx
Somone
21/5/2022 12:01:28 am
Fantastic post. I found you when looking for comparison of Sandrena and Oestrogel. I’ve been on Estrodot 50 patches for about 11 years after a full hysterectomy (including ovaries). Recently, due to supply issues I started using Oestrogel but due to further supply issues the pharmacist recommended Sandrena. I want to stick with Oestrogel and found your helpful link to use Boots prescription stock availability checker - first Sid heard about it. I found Boots locations with it in stock and used their online ordering system for the first time. Thank you! 21/5/2022 09:44:32 am
Hi Somone, I am so pleased you found my post and that it was helpful for you! That is what my blog is all about, sharing experiences that might help others. And I'm delighted you managed to get your oestrogel using the Boots service, I think sticking with oestrogel was probably the right decision. Love Michelle xx
Tina
30/5/2022 12:55:24 pm
I found your post when searching online, I have today collected my prescription for FenSeven 50 patches - I am so confused the leaflet says to change once a week. The sticky pharmacy label says one patch to be applied twice weekly. I have also been prescribed Utrogestan 100mg one tablet once a night. I read with interest about testosterone I mentioned this to my gp and it was ignored, I wonder if I should ask for it again. My libido has just vanished, I am 52 and would like it back.
Somone
30/5/2022 02:24:03 pm
Tina - totally agree on loss of libido, from hero to zero. Not sure if HRT is enough or some other solutions.
Michelle Green
30/5/2022 03:09:33 pm
Hi Somone, my comment to Tina might help. The oestrogen part of HRT can sometimes be enough but if not then testosterone is often the extra bit of HRT that is needed! Testosterone is very much a female hormone! And we need it! Hope that helps, Michelle x 30/5/2022 03:07:54 pm
Hi Tina, so good to have you here and thank you for finding my blog. The usual dose for patches does seem to be one applied twice a week but I would double check with your GP if you are unsure. It is so frustrating when the leaflet is different from the label! So a few things to remember - the Utrogestan is good taken at night as it can help with sleep - but if you have any side effects from it, the same tablet/dose can also be used as a vaginal suppository which is often better to tolerate. The GP's are never very keen to prescribe testosterone but the first thing to do is get settled on oestrogen first. Any menopause expert will suggest getting your oestrogen levels right first - then reassess your symptoms to see if you need testosterone. Often once oestrogen is balanced that is enough, but if you still have low libido and brain fog then it is absolutely worthwhile adding testosterone in. But you may need to push your GP a bit! They are allowed to prescribe it for women on the NHS for libido only - so don't say it is for brain fog (I know it is ridiculous) and testosterone is often the missing bit of the jigsaw. If you don't have any luck with your GP when you are ready please get back in touch and I can point you in the right direction for some advice. A missing libido really does cause a lot of distress and pressure on our relationships so I completely understand - Love Michelle xx (my email is [email protected])
Andrea
15/6/2022 07:35:56 pm
This has been so helpful for me. I’ve just started Everol 25 patches and feel a little whoozy. Is that to be expected? My menopause specialist initially wanted to stop my cycle and prescribed me Degesterol. I lasted 4 days and had to stop as my mood plummeted to the point where I couldn’t function and felt so panicky. Hence starting on Everol! I’m due to take 2 Utrogestan 100 on Friday for days 15-26 and I am terrified that I’ll have the same issue even though it’s a micronised progesterone. Do you think I’m ok to just use one 100mg Utrogestan vaginally rather than taking 2 orally as prescribed? I already have anxiety and the degesterol made it sky rocket! I’m dreading starting Utrogestan to be honest and I don’t like the idea of a coil. Thanks in advance and sorry if my spelling is awful 😊 16/6/2022 10:28:59 am
Hi Andrea, I am so glad you found my post. I wonder why she wanted to stop your cycle, is that a contraceptive pill you have been given? I suppose you might feel a bit whoozy starting any new medication but HRT oestrogen is body identical and you are only replacing the oestrogen your body has lost so you should be okay - I think we do sometimes overthink it and end up looking for a problem, but not easy to just relax with anxiety too. Many women do get on really well with the coil so maybe do a bit more research on it, it could be the answer. You can certainly take utrogestan vaginally instead of orally - and I think the dose can be less - vaginally defiinitely produces less side effects. But obviously i can't offer any real advice only tell you what worked for me. I saw a really good paper from the Chelsea & Westminster this morning on The Menopause Support Network page and I need to go and find it as I think it might really help you - when you see this message send me an email and I can send it over to you (if I find it haha) my email is [email protected] Love Michelle xx
Andrea
16/6/2022 06:31:32 pm
Thanks so much for your reply. I have dropped you an email. xx
Heather
21/6/2022 04:44:19 pm
Many thanks for this great information, I had no idea the gel should be left to soak into the skin 😳 ,due to problems with sandrena availability I’m about to start using oestrogel ,I haven’t felt so good/ happy recently & the rubbing in of the gel is probably why , have read the link re application & am hopeful of an improvement 🙏🏼 many thanks 😊
Michelle Green
23/6/2022 09:38:35 am
Hi Heather, I am so glad you found my blog post useful and good luck with seeing an improvement, I think I am finally turning a corner after about 8 weeks now! Love Michelle xx 11/7/2022 09:28:00 am
Hi Kate, you have been completely depleted of oestrogen for 24 years following your hysterectomy and should have been given oestrogen then! It must have been really tough for you without it. Because you are starting from scratch to get your oestrogen back to a normal level then it will take time - I'd suggest at least 12 weeks but possibly 6 months. Are you on the gel or a patch and what is your dosage? Best product would be the gel then you can up the dose slowly to suit you, 1-2 pumps is not enough you might need at least 3 or 4 possibly more pumps until you start to feel better. Hope that helps, happy if you want to email me [email protected] and I can point you in the right direction for more specific information. Love Michelle x
Somone
11/7/2022 09:39:20 am
After Estradot 50mcg patches out of stock I Tried estrogel pump for one month, ok - it went out of supply, put onto Sandreena. Did not work for me. Frozen shoulder back with vengeance, out of sorts, perhaps one sachet not enough. Now on Lenzetto 1.53mg transdermal spray - 2 sprays a day - great so far. Quick drying on inside of forearm. Frozen shoulder still bad but not sure if that is because of Sandreena. 12/7/2022 11:13:25 am
Useful info Somone, as you know my frozen shoulder was back when I swapped to Sandrena (which didn't work for me at all) in the end the frozen shoulder was too painful to manage so I got a steroid injection. If you don't want to do that you could get a physio referral - a frozen shoulder usually goes away by itself in about 2 years! Sounds like Lenzetto is good for you then and I do hear that oestrogel is slowly coming back - although I am waiting to get a scrip fulfilled so let's see! Thank you for sharing xx
Janet Walker
4/9/2022 06:39:01 pm
Hi, What a great read, thank you. I am currently on Sandrena 1.0mg sachet, once a day rub into inside of thigh, I have asked my GP if I can have blood test to see if I need testosterone but she dismissed that stating that they do not test levels for testosterone and told me to just continue with the Sandrena. I suffer with so much pain, brain fog and fatigue I find it hard to sleep at night. Do you think i should keep asking my GP for testosterone as I have read that it can help with pain, how am I supposed to know if my levels are low? 5/9/2022 06:54:51 am
Hi Janet, I am glad you found my blog and that this post was useful to you - hello! I think firstly that your dose is probably too low - 1.0 mg is a very tiny dose, I was on 1.5 mg which was the equivalent of 3 pumps of oestrogel - Sandrena didn't work for me at all - it does seem it doesn't absorb for many women - I am now back on oestrogel and taking 4 pumps. It is advised to get our oestrogen levels back up before trying testosterone and most GP's will just say monitor symptoms as blood tests can be a bit unreliable depending on time of day/any natural oestrogen remaining etc. The right dose for you of oestrogen is the one that controls your symptoms and that is not currently the case for you - pain, brain fog and fatigue can all still be due to low estrogen. So I'd go back to the GP and ask for a blood test so you can at least get a guide for where your levels are at the moment then I'd ask if you can either increase your dose or better still swap to oestrogel (at least 3 pumps / 1.5 mg of Sandrena). Give it 6-12 weeks and see how you are feeling. You will know by 12 weeks if you feel adding in testosterone would help (it is good for brain fog and libido but GPs are only allowed to prescribe it off licence for libido so you need to say that is what it is for)!!!! I have shared a lot of links on my menopause resources page you might find helpful, I like to listen to podcasts and Dr Louise Newson has an amazing library of resources also her Balance app is a good way to monitor your symptoms without blood tests. If you don't feel your GP is listening to you then you ca print off the NICE guidelines to take with you and you are well within your rights to ask for a referral to a menopause specialist. If you join The Menopause Support Network on facebook they have a files section with lots of good info. Or look up Bev Thorogood her group is Your Best Midlife - Helping Women Through Menopause and Beyond. Also you might consider a private online consultation, for a second opinion, these are usually about £100 and then you get a letter for your GP asking them to do certain things!! Please do email me if you need specific links or further info. I hope you can get it all sorted, I know how miserable it feels. Love Michelle xx
Emma
7/9/2022 04:22:31 pm
Hi Michelle 9/9/2022 06:30:22 am
Hi Emma, thank you for leaving a comment, I am going to reply fully via email as you replied to another thread, I want to make sure you are notified of my response! Michelle x
Shaz
10/9/2022 06:44:19 am
Hi everyone. I started oestrogel 2 pumps and 1 utrogestan pill at night 6 months ago. Amazing right from first week, no palpitations, ringing in ears, sweats, muscle pain etc. About 6 weeks later but if break thru bleeding ( I’m post menopausal not had period for 7 years!) I’m 59 . but expected this. However now have had 3 “proper” periods 😖and now it’s becoming a problem. I have a phone consultation with gp next week but have started reducing my gel? Any ideas . Thanxxx Shaz
Michelle Green
10/9/2022 07:01:02 am
Hi Shaz, that really is a nuisance, bleeding at 59! I wonder if your utrogestan dose is not high enough, but I am afraid I am not that knowledgeable about these breakthrough bleeds having never had them. Definitely speak to your GP, she may want to do a scan to check no build up of lining or fibroids. 2 pumps of oestrogel is already quite low so I wouldn't rush to reduce until you have spoken to her - you don't want symptoms back! Maybe do some research before you speak to her - Dr Louise Newson has a huge library of resources which I really do recommend. Her website is linked on my menopause resources page. I hope you get it sorted out, do let me know. Love Michelle xx
Anthea Winter
3/12/2022 09:07:03 am
Hi Shaz
Suze
10/9/2022 11:01:09 am
Hi fabulous read….
Michelle Green
11/9/2022 07:51:08 am
Hi Suze, I am pleased you found my blog post helpful. Yes definitely carry on, one pump is really very low - usually a starting dose is two pumps, you say your bloods are normal but have you asked what your oestrogen levels are, they should be between 400-800 and that is when you will start feeling better. I would go back to your GP and be more specific about blood test results and say you'd like to go up to 2-3 pumps of gel, you need to then see how you feel in about 3 months. It does take time to get it right, so don'[t give up too soon! Michelle x
Suze
11/9/2022 12:09:19 pm
Thank you Michelle I have asked GP but she said she will refer to menopause specialist as you know it’s months. I can’t stand the joint pain at all I’m never I’ll and feel utterly rubbish. I don’t t think I could stand it for 3 months to stop the pain taking the gel. Do you think I should up it and once I take utrogestan in a weeks time may help.
Michelle Green
12/9/2022 06:53:12 am
Hi Suze, I can understand the wait is very frustrating! My understanding is that the correct dose of HRT for you is the one that controls your symptoms and at the moment you still have some really debilitating symptoms and maybe your GP is not knowledgeable enough to feel confident upping your dose. If you do decide to up it then let her know so she can increase your scrip or you will soon run out. This is a really good factsheet from Dr Louise Newson https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/hrt-types-and-doses-factsheet/ where she explains how everyone is different and that you do need to try out different types and doses until you find what is right for you. As I said earlier, one pump really is very low and most women start on 2 pumps at least - I have varied from 3-5 pumps. I hope you feel better soon, love Michelle xx
Jean
15/11/2022 10:46:34 pm
Hi all- great to have the support network of you all. Life can be a challenge! 16/11/2022 09:38:12 am
HI Jean, lovely to read your comment and so glad you found my blog and the comments helpful. I am so glad that others sharing their experiences can help many women. I am so sorry to read it took you so long to get HRT - I am sure it should have been prescribed immediately after your ovaries were removed but sadly the info just wasn't so well known then. My own mum had a full hysterectomy (and ovaries removed) because of endometriosis (probably 30+ years ago) and she was fortunate to get HRT (oestrogen implant) but then ended up coming off it (after the media scaremongering about breast cancer risk - now disproven) - she now has alzheimers and I am absolutely sure if she'd stayed on it things might have been different. I think you are right to come off the patches, let your body return to normal and then start on the oestrogel and progesterone - I presume you still have a womb?? It does seem that some women will bleed initially on this regime but then it settles down - the best source of information that I always recommend is the Balance website from Dr Louise Newson - I will copy below a link to her factsheet about bleeding in peri and post menopause. If you can't copy the link into your browser, please email me and I can send it to you or you can search yourself for 'bleeding on progesterone' - also her Balance app is very good for keeping records of your symptoms and bleeding pattern. See how you get on and let me know if I can offer any further information. Love Michelle xx. https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/vaginal-bleeding-during-perimenopause-and-menopause-factsheet/
Caroline
5/2/2023 02:20:39 pm
Hi 16/2/2023 10:26:03 am
Hi Caroline, I am sorry to read you are having problems with feeling so tired - I know this was a week or so ago, how are you feeling now? Has it settled down a bit? There is no reason why you could not apply the get in the evening, many women do, including my friends, quite successfully. Love Michelle xx
andrea
20/2/2023 04:39:15 pm
Hi Michelle 24/2/2023 04:08:00 pm
Hi Andrea, I am sorry you are feeling emotional and anxious, it does take at least 3+ months for symptoms to settle down and any side effects to get easier too. Are you taking the progesterone at night, it can have a calming effect and many women report that it helps them sleep so might be worth trying. If you feel the progesterone isn't agreeing with you, you could try taking it as a vaginal suppository instead of as a tablet, Dr Louise Newson has a very good fact sheet about progesterone intolerance on her website. But regarding any issues with Oestrogel yes it does take a while to really feel the benefits and you might need to up your dose if you are still having symptoms. Keep talking to your GP or menopause specialist and hopefully you will start to feel better soon. Love Michelle x
Sul
20/3/2023 10:09:08 pm
I am 55. 24/3/2023 10:50:34 am
Oh Sui, please don't be scared of the side effects, most women are absolutely fine and taking HRT can be life changing and so positive. One pump is very low so start slowly and build up as you feel more confident about it. 3 pumps is more average I think. But getting HRT right takes time and adjustments. HRT itself won't cause weight gain and usually once you are established on replacing your lost oestrogen your motivation goes up and exercise and eating well is easier. Oestrogen will be positive for libido and if you do find it isn't so great you can always ask about testosterone. Go easy on yourself but look forward to the benefits! Love Michelle x
You are my story but I have a little bit more. 26/3/2023 06:04:05 pm
Hi Bridget thank you for sharing your story, firstly I do wonder if 1-2 pumps of oestrogel is a little low? Are your symptoms controlled on that - because often if your oestrogen is balanced your tolerance of progesterone is better. My consultant is Mr Michael Savvas at the London Menopause & PMS Centre, he is very understanding but expensive and I have to have a pelvic scan every 6 months but we are still trying to find a way for me to cope with a little progesterone. I will email you his contact details. Love Michelle xx
Julianne Dix
26/5/2023 07:22:03 am
Could I also have your private specialist contact details please?
Michelle Green
26/5/2023 12:36:36 pm
Julianne, I will email you with my specialist details and a few ideas to help. Love Michelle xx
Jean
24/7/2023 10:00:36 am
Hi all - an update. After failing to manage to talk to my GP - I work long hours and cannot be available when they are ready to call me back- I decided to stop HRT in May - 2 daily pumps of Oestrogel and 1 daily oral Utrogestan - as the too frequent heavy bleeding was wearing me down and I just felt wrong. After a month of stopping I felt amazingly better but sex returned to being really uncomfortable, and I know I need to protect my bone health. 25/7/2023 03:03:59 pm
Hi Jean, thank you so much for sharing your experience. A few things to consider, usually taking your oestrogel in the morning is slightly better for effectiveness but there is no hard and fast rule, just do what works for your routine! Also 1 pump is quite low and you might find it is not enough to control symptoms but you can tweak it a bit and liaise with your GP to monitor how you are feeling and to make sure your progesterone dose is still correct. The supply problems with Utrogestan are frustrating - Utrogestan is body identical whereas Utovlan is a synthetic hormone but many women do get on very well with it so just see how you feel really. Also if you are still finding sex uncomfortable you might need to add in a local oestrogen cream - usually oestrogel is enough but look up Ovestin, you apply it to your vaginal area and it can make a big difference! As it is local it won't help with any other symptoms or bone health etc. Love Michelle xx
Hi Michelle thank you for sharing your story. 4/9/2023 09:48:16 am
Hi Joanne, starting on HRT can feel so daunting and we often overthink it, try to relax if you can. Two pumps is a good starting point and many women feel better very quickly and never look back! But often HRT doses do need to be adjusted and even products swapped until you find the right combination for you. So be patient. I admit the information is a bit confusing and of course everyone responds differently. The advice is to allow 3 months on HRT before reassessing how you feel, keep talking to your GP - and getting your oestrogen back is more than likely going to help with your anxiety. It's a good thing! Love Michelle xx 4/9/2023 02:45:16 pm
Hi again Joanne, personally I would try and get the body identical micronised progesterone (Utrogestan) if you can (and you can use it as an oral tablet or vaginally which often reduces any side effects) but as there have been supply problems recently your GP may have thought it was better to give you the Provera. If you use the Boots online prescription checker you can look up who has the Utrogestan and maybe then ask if you can have that instead. Some women get on better with the synthetic, it probably will come down to personal choice. Michelle x
Jo
3/9/2023 07:13:16 pm
It's so good to read these messages as you can feel so alone when going through this. I recognise a lot of the symptoms too. I have always been a confident person so the intense anxiety has caught me completely by surprise. My biggest issue now though is an internal buzzing sensation at times, often tea time onwards, which is accompanied with a feeling of being really bloated in my upper abdomen. Sometimes so strong it feels like a pulsating feeling and is really offputting and uncomfortable (and scary). When it's really bad, I also wake up suddenly in the night with a banging heart, which I assume is palpatations. And then regularly wake up in the morning with internal tremors/vibration inside. I'm on the merina coil and 1 pump oof oestrogel a day sometimes two. Reading this I think I may need to increase my oestrogel and see if that helps. I have started adding a second pump in the evening as wondered whether my levels really drop at that point. Be interested in your thoughts. 4/9/2023 09:43:15 am
Hi Jo, thank you for your lovely comment, feeling anxious and the palpitations and the buzzing you describe is no fun at all and it is so difficult to know what to blame on hormones and how best to get help. I would certainly talk to your GP about a higher dose of oestrogel. One pump is very low, two is a more normal starting dose. Most women seem to do well on 3-4 pumps. Although there has been a lot of press reports about doses being too high and women self prescribing after talking to friends. My advice is always to talk to your doctor but that tweaking the dose up a little is often necessary - it is important you are getting the progesterone and the mirena will be taking care of that. Generally it is best to apply your oestrogel in the morning (full dose) and there is no need to split it between morning/night. Some women do but this is usually on a higher dose as it takes longer to dry and can be annoying waiting to get dressed. The gel is designed to provide you with a gradual dose throughout the day. I hope this helps. Love Michelle xx Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Michelle ...Welcome to Fifty & Fab, a lifestyle blog designed to inspire and empower you. As a dedicated blogger, I share my passion for health, menopause, fitness, beauty, and style, with a special focus on women over 50. 
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Hi, I’m Michelle and my blog Fifty & Fab is all about my journey into and through my 50s. I started this blog in 2016 with the purpose of helping other women at this stage of life. I’m delighted that my blog has grown to over 13k visitors per month. Visit my Work with Me page and request my Media Kit for details of product reviews, blogging services and social media content creation.
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