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Hello, how are you? I have quite honestly been feeling utterly rubbish! Emotional and anxious ... the past 3 months I have been in a gradual decline of returning menopause symptoms, but it took me a while to realise something wasn't right! It's only when you lose something you realise just how important it was! I had been successfully on a steady dose of Oestrogel (4 pumps) since 2019 after I spent 2018 feeling a bit fed up and working out that I was very sensitive to progesterone and having to navigate my options, but ... The first really obvious symptom to return was a frozen shoulder* (also known as adhesive capsulitis) but now looking back I can see that other symptoms were lurking too, but typically like most menopausal women I didn't link them all together. They included a return of sore, dry eyes, dry skin, heart palpitations, anxiety, brain fog, low mood, volatile emotions, serious overwhelm and lack of focus. Finally I made an appointment to see my GP and she requested a blood test. My results confirmed what my symptoms had been shouting at me for weeks but I had ignored. My oestrogen had dropped to 97 - the ideal level is between 400 and 800. No surprise I was feeling rubbish then! *Although frozen shoulder isn't listed as a symptom of menopause, from talking to other women and listening to their experiences, I am absolutely sure it is, and my doctor agrees!  Rebellious Hope T-Shirt from In The Style designed by Dame Deborah James aka @bowelbabe 100% of profits donated to @bowelbabefund Oestrogel or SandrenaI visited my private consultant in London on 21st January and due to the difficulties in obtaining Oestrogel he suggested I might like to swap to Sandrena. Perfect I thought! And off I went to pick up my prescription, smug that I had an uninterrupted supply of my beloved oestrogen! At first I was delighted, Sandrena comes in small sachets, it was easy to apply, less messy, dried faster and my aura headaches disappeared. I wrote a blog post about HRT Gel Reviews and thought I was sorted. But it appears that my enthusiasm was short lived and over the next few months, the oestrogen in my body disappeared and I was feeling nothing short of rubbish! My shoulder was so sore it was exhausting to do anything physical, my mood was so low I felt that I couldn't cope with everyday life, my emotions were all over the place but the overwhelm and brain fog was off the scale and getting unmanageable. And I had never had anxiety in this form before, the heart palpitations took over, day and night. It was such a relief to get my blood test results and be told that 97 was exceptionally low and that clearly Sandrena wasn't working for me, my body obviously does not absorb this particular gel. I had been in this position before when I first started HRT and was prescribed the patches, similar thing happened, my symptoms did not go away and it was concluded that I do not absorb oestrogen from the patches. I have been back on Oestrogel for 4-5 weeks now and very very slowly I am seeing an improvement in my symptoms. I am on 4 pumps per day and I decided to split my dose, to 2 in the morning 2 in the evening. I am not there yet - life is still challenging me. This past weekend, the long Jubilee weekend, I was still pretty debilitated from the anxiety. But now that I look back over my list of symptoms I can see there are improvements, my eyes are no longer sore and watery, my skin is less dry, my focus is returning and my mood is beginning to lift. I am fighting back! My frozen shoulder has now had a steroid injection and I am waiting to see the physio to help me with doing the right exercises.  The Rebellious Hope T-Shirt seems very appropriate! I hope to be on HRT for the rest of my life!What I learnt , if I was ever in any doubt, is that I do need oestrogen to feel like me. That I am not willing or ready to live without this essential hormone. I have always said I plan to be on HRT for life. I want the protection oestrogen provides ... from heart disease and possibly dementia and from brittle bones. But I also want to have healthy hair, strong nails and healthy skin, I want to feel like I can cope with life, that I can get back up when challenges knock me down a bit. That I can continue to look after my family and my elderly parents. That I can be strong, resilient and feel young! I am not afraid of ageing but I do want to feel my best while I do it! I came off my testosterone when I learnt that my oestrogen was too low, Any testosterone is converted into oestrogen if that is what you body needs. So I knew there was no point in taking it while I was so depleted of oestrogen. But I will be reintroducing it in the coming weeks, I find it really helps me with brain fog, concentration and yes libido too!  Oestrogen Reviews UK - I am so pleased to get my Oestrogel back! Oestrogel shortage in the UKIt does seem that the oestrogen supply problem is slowly easing, I don't think we are back to normal yet but we are getting there. I certainly got my prescription fulfilled with no problem. The Boots Prescription Checker is a great online tool if you are having issues! I am sure Sandrena is successful for many women but if you are taking it and don't feel that your symptoms are getting better or you have swapped to it and are still feeling rubbish, then it may be worth checking your oestrogen levels or chatting to your menopause specialist for a review.  Why do I share my story? Because I hope it helps others to understand what they are going through Reflecting back on 2 years of a pandemicAfter the challenges of the last 2 years, yes pandemic I am referring to you, I really did not need this to derail me. I thought things could only get better! I was looking forward to a normal summer! When I look back and reflect on life since March 2020 I cannot quite believe what has been happening and still more keeps coming along to challenge us; the war in Ukraine, the ongoing squabbling in Government, the cost of living crisis and having had a wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka in 2018, I am horrified to read about their current economic crisis too. Sri Lanka rely heavily on income from tourism and the pandemic stopped all travel but now they are unable to accept visitors due to this new crisis. It is devastating and a huge worry in a country that already has a vast number of people living in poverty, I think we all need to start being more honest, and learn skills to strengthen our resilience, we can't keep acting like life is perfect when it isn't. I am determined to empower myself to take responsibility for my own happiness ... to believe that I can cope. I have such a lot of love and empathy to share with others but some days it feels like a mountain to climb, I guess we need to remember to put our own oxygen mask on first! And talk! Open up and be more honest. Just writing this blog post feels positive, my focus and confidence have been so battered in the last few weeks, I have really doubted myself and my abilities. So take my oestrogen away at your peril! I am hanging onto it, even if I have to fight, kicking and screaming. Fortunately the tide is turning and there is more knowledge about the huge benefits or replacing our lost hormones (with natural body-identical oestrogen and progesterone). We can have it until we die! And it is never too late to start either, don't be put off if you are over 60+ just find the right advice and go for it. Do visit my Menopause Resources page where I have shared links to the best information I have found during my own research.  Waiting and having patience, two things I am not very good at! Hope ...I love the message from Dame Deborah James 'Rebellious Hope' - how can I possibly complain when she is fighting so hard for every extra day with her children, her husband and her family. The problems in the world around us do make us realise how lucky we really are. I have lots to look forward to and get excited about ... this week it is my wedding anniversary and we are going up to Bath to see our daughter, it is the Norland College Heritage Day and we will be able to see all the work they have completed over the last three years. So a final word of wisdom ... “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” ― Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose Love from Michelle xx Did you miss ...? World Menopause Day 2019 | 10 Tips for Managing Menopause The best duvet for menopause and night sweats The benefits of radio frequency treatments for skin tightening and skin rejuvenation Disclaimer: this is my personal experience of HRT, I am not medically qualified in any way but I am happy to answer any questions or point you in the right direction for further advice.  Pin it for later!
36 Comments
Hons
8/6/2022 06:09:46 pm
Hi Michelle. I’m so sorry to hear that your symptoms have returned. Lots of ladies have said the same and it’s such a shame that we have this additional stress of shortages. As if menopause is not bad enough as it is, we have all these additional worries but I loved Eckhart Tolle’s quote above. It resonates alot with me. You helped me so much last year with amazing support and advice when I was going through terrible symptoms of menopause. I was in such a bad place and you helped me and gave me guidance. So I pray the same for you and I know you will bounce back Michelle and feel wonderful and beautiful again. X 8/6/2022 08:50:23 pm
What an absolutely lovely kind message, thank you Hons, I am so glad you are feeling better and that I was able to help a little. I agree, we really should not have to be in this position, fighting to get a medication we so desperately need. And paying for it! I read a post today that with the cost of living crisis some women may have to forgo their HRT if they can't afford the prescription costs. But yes Eckhart Tolle really does sum it up with that quote and my overthinking brain needs that reminder at the moment. I am slowly beginning to feel better, at least I understand now what it is and that the oestrogel will do the trick soon! Love Michelle xx
Niki Wilson
10/6/2022 08:31:32 pm
Thanks for sharing I found your blog when looking for articles about issues absorbing Sandrena gel. Ive just been switched to Lenzetto so I’m hoping to see some changes 11/6/2022 08:50:50 am
Hi Niki, so glad you found me, do let me know how you get on with Lenzetto, I'd love to know. Michelle xx
Emily
26/7/2022 05:29:09 pm
Thanks for this post. I’m so stressed about HRT. I started it last October after reaching rock bottom with many many symptoms - also the frozen shoulder - but anxiety and palpitations were the worst and sent me into a depression. I was given Ostrodose and on one pump it was like a miracle had happened. I felt more normal than I had in years. Then I was given Oestrogel and all my symptoms came back in one go which was horrific so I was moved into Lenzetto which again worked for a time but then as I increased the dose to three sprays all the sumpmts hit me like a train again. So I was then moved onto Sandrena. I am on 1 sachet of the 0.5mg so the lowest dose and again all was ok after it settled down but again my symptoms are coming back however each time I increase my dose by even a tiny amount the palpitations and surging anxiety and panic are enormous, terrifying and debilitating. My specialist just keeps saying I need to increase my dose but I can’t cope with the anxiety and heart symptoms it’s brings with an increase. I just don’t know what to do. I have a review next month and blood tests this week. I feel like I’m sensitive to oestrogen but she says that’s not a thing. Any ideas/advice you could give? I’m so fed up of feeling so awful most of the time. 26/7/2022 07:54:54 pm
Hi Emily, gosh I am so sorry to read that you are having such a difficult time with getting your HRT right. Oestrodose is the Parallel Import and in fact I (and a lot of women) don't get on with it although it is supposed to be identical to Oestrogel. I would say that 1 pump is very very low - realistically starting on 2 pumps is best then slowly work up. But it is interesting that you have found as you increase your dose (of any product) then you get your symptoms back. So Oestrodose and Oestrogel are supposed to be interchangeable - you are just given a scrip for estriol and you can be given either. I now have 'no PI' on my scrips so I am only given oestrogel! I do sympathise with your symptoms - frozen shoulder like me and the anxiety and heart palpitations too. It does make daily life a constant battle. Are you taking progesterone too? It might be that that is causing the problem not the oestrogen? Having blood tests is a sensible next step certainly. Your oestrogen level should be between 400-800 ideally. Let me know about the progesterone, you can email me at michelle@fiftyandfab.co.uk if you prefer. I can then send some more info I have a few thoughts that might help. Love Michelle x
Michelle Green
2/12/2022 05:12:45 pm
I started Oestrogel ….was fab, then given Oestrodose & terrible breast tenderness & swelling 😫awful….thankfully back on Oestrgel but breasts still sore??
Katharine
19/8/2023 08:58:05 pm
I had so much pounding palpitations and heart arythmia and it's so terrifying. I think it's about balance and checking that your progesterone is OK not too high or low. It's easy to focus on estrogen. I wish you the very best in finding your way through as I am trying to do. Thanks to the wonderful lady that runs this site xx 21/8/2023 10:07:09 am
HI Katharine, thank you so much for your kind comment. Love Michelle x Hi Michelle I stumbled on this after a very bad day. I got to the door at work and came home again in tears. My work is increasingly pressurised and one person in particular is causing anxiety. That's another story. I started on anti-depressants for the flushes as cancer is in the family and it was working ok but I thought I would try HRT as everyone I know was raving about. Two pumps of oestrogel and one utrogestan in evening. First 3 months fantastic but bloating. 4th month two periods and full on bloating which is not going. Cant get into my clothes have to plan each day what will cover my stomach. I assume from others experience it is the progesterone that I cant tolerate. Affecting my life to the point I don't want to go out as I cant fit into anything. Docs examined stomach, blood tests(awaiting results), then I guess on to plan no.3 which I am not quite sure what it is yet. Coil suggested but not keen, not sure whether to try patches or back to anti-depressants. Its a minefield for sure.. 15/11/2022 02:19:01 pm
HI Sarah, thank you for finding my blog and for getting in touch too - you are not alone, I get that anxiety from time to time too - back in June I was supposed to attend an event in London, I travelled there but could not face going in, I got really upset and in the end just got a taxi back to the station, complete waste of money and effort to get there! But it is even harder when you are working ... I hope you feel better soon. So yes the bloating is probably the progesterone - are you taking it as a vaginal suppository (it is the same tablet - but you can actually half the dose if you take it like this and taking it this one often means that side effects are better). Dr Louise Newson has a fact sheet about it. I will paste the link below, hopefully you can copy it and bring it up to read. So that could be Plan 3 ... you may also find you benefit from upping your oestrogel dose as two pumps is still quite low and often our oestrogen needs to be at optimum levels for us to tolerate progesterone. Are your menopausal symptoms under control would you say - the right dose for you is the amount needed to control all your symptoms. Have a further read and do email me if you need any further info. Michelle xx https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Progesterone-Intolerance-March-22-update.pdf
Joanne
1/12/2022 07:20:20 am
You mentioned sensitivity to progesterone. 31/1/2023 10:32:12 am
Hi Joanne, I am so sorry I missed your comment and for my late reply, I think xmas and junk mail messed up! How are you getting on now? It does take some time to settle down and many women are able to tolerate progesterone. My symptoms were extreme low mood and very bad bloating. Please do email me if you are still struggling. Love Michelle xx
Michelle Shellhorn
9/12/2022 09:20:31 pm
Just starting my journey with the gel, picked up my prescription tonight. I'm hoping this will work for me as I'm really struggling now 😔 31/1/2023 10:33:18 am
Hi Michelle, I am so sorry for my very late reply to your comment, I think my notifications were going into junk mail. How are you getting on with the oestrogel? It does take a while to settle down and work, usually 3-4 months so be patient! Love Michelle xx
Lisa
19/12/2022 07:36:02 pm
Hi, reduced Estrogel to 2 pumps gradually from 4 due to heavy bleeds as I have a thick womb lining.. just recently had a hysteroscopy to check all ok and reduction did help with last period, it was much lighter. However today I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.. suddenly been hit with terrible anxiety and panic.. ringing ears, heart palpitations and cannot get it under control. Do you think it could be the reduction kicking in? 31/1/2023 10:36:11 am
Hi Lisa, I am so sorry I did not see your comment, I think my notifications have been going into junk mail. How are you feeling? It is possible that the reduction is too low and your symptoms are returning but keeping a healthy womb lining is so important. The advice is that the right dose of oestrogen is the one that keeps your symptoms at bay and manageable, but obviously that has to be balanced with the importance of protecting the endometrium. I hope your GP is supporting you. Please do email me if you are strill struggling. Love Michelle xx
Jules
29/4/2023 08:30:45 pm
I've been on tablet form for 2 years,lately the brain fog,anxiety,severe leg 'aches' tiredness and chronic headaches have made life pretty unbearable. 30/4/2023 02:45:41 pm
Hi Jules, I am so pleased that my post has reassured you. Oestrogel is definitely the gold standard in HRT so it is good you are moving over to it but be patient and remember it might take a few dose changes to get it right. Good luck and let me know how it goes, love Michelle xx
Sally
3/6/2023 07:48:13 am
Hi, I was pleased to find your blog - I have the shoulder thing too! 3/6/2023 03:25:59 pm
Hi Sally, thank you so much for finding my blog, and for saying hello! Sadly your story isn't unusual, it is so frustrating and unnecessary, if we can educate ourselves, why can't our GPs do the same!!?? I was fobbed off with just anxiety etc and spent too long taking anti-depressants when actually what I needed was HRT. Your female GP should be able to ask for an oestrodiol blood test but tbh after age 45 they shouldn't be used for diagnosing peri-menopause. Diagnosis should be on clinical symptoms and trying HRT, if you are successful on it and it controls your symptoms then there is no need to do bloods unless you need to assess dosage etc if your symptoms aren't controlled completely. Starting on HRT is the best step for you, I am so pleased you have better support now. Try not to worry about it, most women don't have any problems with Utrogestan and if you do, then there are options - you can pop back or email me and I can point you in the right direction. i think by the time I started HRT I was so excited I didn't get nervous, I just wanted to feel better! But be patient as it takes time to work and get the dose right. Don't start too low! GPs can be too cautious and suggest 1 pump but 2-3 is more realistic. I hope it goes well, stay in touch. Michelle xx
Sally
3/6/2023 03:56:54 pm
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. 4/6/2023 11:39:12 am
Not at all Sally, my blog shares a lot about me, I am very happy to be supportive to my readers. I am doing okay though, I seem quite settled on 5 pumps of oestrogel (I am not good at absorbing it so my 5 pumps might be the same as someone elses 3 pumps - this is where blood tests are sometimes needed). Do you mean take Utrogestan at night? Yes take it at night, if you are able to take it orally then it does often have a nice sedative effect too. I split my 5 pumps, so 3 in the morning and 2 at night - it is entirely personal choice - just make sure that you apply it properly, it actually needs to be spread evening and thinly over the skin but don't rub it in too much, leave it to dry before getting dressed or getting into bed - probably 5 minutes. You can apply to top of arms or inner thighs. Try not to worry too much or overthink it all and if you do find you are having problems with the progesterone part then let me know but usually it all settles down once your oestrogen levels are optimised. Love Michelle xx
Debbie Mcdermott
24/6/2023 09:35:08 am
Hi, i had been on oestrogel for just over a year on 4 pumps. I had blood tests done which showed my oestrogen was in my boots apparently. I’ve now been put on 2 sachets of 1mg sandrena. I’ve been on that for a month now, i feel more tired, my skin is itchy and sore breasts too. Just not sure if i’m absorbing the sandrena. Just nice to read i’m not alone in feeling like this. Only just turned 50 and go gym 3 times a week but just feel exhausted now. Thanks Debbie 21/8/2023 10:06:22 am
Hi Debbie, sorry I think I missed your comment! How are you getting on with the Sandrena now? It might be that you are not absorbing it or that you need a higher dose, I hope you managed to get it sorted out! Michelle xx
Alexandra
30/7/2023 09:42:46 pm
Hi Michelle, 31/7/2023 09:29:58 am
Hi Alexandra, I am so glad you found my blog and that my posts have been helpful. I share my own story in the hope that it helps others to find what works for them. Sometimes just chatting it over and hearing others experiences can be reassuring. Yes it may be that if you up your oestrogen and get that fully optimised and working for you that the progesterone will be easier to tolerate, well done for not giving up though. I would absolutely have a chat to your GP about trying 3 or even 4 pumps but getting the application right will also really help. The supply problems are so ridiculous and very frustrating for us all, it isn't as if the manufacturers don't know how much it is needed! Some women have tried alternative progesterone (provera for example) and found it works well for them but it isn't body-identical. Have you tried the NHS prescription checker, it allows you to search around for stock without physically having to visit the pharmacies. Good luck with getting it sorted for you! Love Michelle xx
Claire Whiting
10/8/2023 05:45:42 pm
Hi I’m just wanting to check in and see if anyone else has noticed a return of symptoms (that had been easing) since Oestrogel (Besins) has been dispensed in a cylindrical pack instead of the wider bottle in your photo. I read some posts saying oh what nonsense it’s the same product just in a different casing. But a lot of women said they’d noticed a difference and I think I’m going to say yes me too. I upped from 3 to 4 pumps last Month and started feeling improvements. Then the new bottle started and 3 weeks in I’ve been tearful, anxious, sleeping even worse, cold flashes, cold feet, vertigo. I have another 2 bottles to get through! Should I add another pump - is it weaker? Feeling desperate tbh. Plan was try an extra pump of oestrogel for 8 weeks then add my 1st try of testosterone. This journey is so hard to navigate. I just wanted to reach out hope you don’t mind xx 11/8/2023 03:37:25 pm
HI Claire, I don't mind at all! I actually picked up a new prescription last week. Long story, the pharmacist gave me the parallel import (Oestrodose) and I didn't realise until I got home, fortunately he was happy to exchange but not after being determined to argue that it was exactly the same product - I said it may be but a lot of women are having problems with it and I am not prepared to take the risk - don't mess with a menopausal woman and her hormones). So when I went back I got the new bottle of Oestrogel. Of course they should contain exactly the same product and it would seem a bit ridiculous that symptoms can return just because the bottle has changed. I've only been taken new bottle since Saturday so too early for me to say. However we know our bodies and if something doesn't feel right then it is up to us to speak up. There is every chance that you are just at a stage where you need to up the dosage and are you sure you are applying properly and making sure it is dry before getting dressed etc? It is a difficult journey and is a constant tweaking of dose to get it all balanced and right. Maybe just review your application technique and keep going with the 4 pumps for another few weeks before speaking to the doctor. I don't have any easy answer I'm afraid. If you do still feel it might be the product then make sure you complete a yellow card with your concerns, the details are on the gov website. I hope you feel better soon, love Michelle xx
Jill
2/10/2023 07:42:39 pm
Hi Claire, I am in exactly the same position. My last 6 bottles have been the cylinder and I have slowly been seeing my symptoms return: anxiety, low mood, aching joints and for the past couple of nights have had night sweats. Thinking of asking for a blood test. I have been on three pumps one day and four the next for about two years with no real issues. I just don’t feel myself.
Louise
6/12/2023 03:34:34 pm
Hello, I have just found this website and all the very helpful advice and discussions. And I am very curious to hear about the new shape Oestrogel bottles......because after 5 very successful years of HRT (4 on tablets and 1 year on Oestrogel) and almost no symptoms during that time, I am beginning to experience symptoms again after 2 months using the new bottle shape - hot flushes, aching hips, dry skin, fatigue....could it be that the product is not actually the same / as effective ? I would be really interested to know if anyone has any further info on this ?
Lilly McBearderson
19/9/2023 02:56:36 pm
Hi 23/9/2023 09:26:07 am
Hi Lily, I'm so sorry to read you are feeling so bad, I was back at the GP this week and we have requested more blood tests, for some people the gel and / or patches simply don't absorb properly (she said maybe I have thick skin)!!! So my 5 pumps might be the equivalent of someone elses 3 pumps if that makes sense. My next step is to have the implant I think (my mum had the implant for many many years after she had a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed at 40 too) and it was very successful so maybe that is an option? Tablets not a good idea with headaches. What I would say is please do persevere, you need your oestrogen after a hysterectomy and you are still so young. Mum came off hers during the last media breast cancer scare (the irony is that the scare was over progesterone not oestrogen so she could have stayed on it and not been at risk) (risk is very very low anyway - backed up by much better research now) and she was never the same after stopping, I wish I knew then what I know now. Please do let me know how you get on, are you under the right specialist - often the gynae isn't experienced with HRT and you need to see a menopause specialist. Do email me if you want to chat it over more michelle@fiftyandfab.co.uk Love Michelle xx 1/10/2023 01:07:43 pm
Hi Michelle 2/10/2023 04:58:46 pm
Hi Carol ... I am sorry you are feeling so anxious, did you feel you needed a higher dose or was this simply because your specialist recommended it? The right dose is the one that controls your symptoms, it isn't a one size fits all approach even after a hysterectomy, do let me know a bit more and I might be able to help you ask the right questions of your specialist, you an email me on michelle@fiftyandfab.co.uk if you prefer, love Michelle xx 6/12/2023 05:35:07 pm
Hi Jill, I couldn’t seem to reply to your comment so I am emailing as well as adding a comment further down the section … Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Michelle ...Welcome to Fifty & Fab, a lifestyle blog to inspire you. I am a blogger with a passion for writing about health, menopause, fitness, beauty and style with a focus on the over 50's. 
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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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