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Oestrogen reviews | how I learnt that I really do need my HRT!

8/6/2022

42 Comments

 
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!
woman in garden wearing the bowelbabe rebellious hope white t-shirt
Rebellious Hope T-Shirt from In The Style designed by Dame Deborah James aka @bowelbabe 100% of profits donated to @bowelbabefund

Oestrogel or Sandrena

​I 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.
fifty and fab in the garden wearing rebellious hope white t-shirt with black leggings
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!
fifty and fab in a red dress holding the bottle of oestrogel oestrogen gel
Oestrogen Reviews UK - I am so pleased to get my Oestrogel back!

Oestrogel shortage in the UK

​It 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.
quote don't be afraid of your story it will inspire others
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 pandemic

​After 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.
quote don't dress don't lose hope don't worry
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.
Oestrogen Reviews UK
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42 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

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Michelle Green link
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

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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

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Michelle Green link
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

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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.

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Michelle Green link
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 [email protected] if you prefer. I can then send some more info I have a few thoughts that might help. Love Michelle x

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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??

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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

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Michelle Green link
21/8/2023 10:07:09 am

HI Katharine, thank you so much for your kind comment. Love Michelle x

Joanne
1/12/2022 07:20:20 am

You mentioned sensitivity to progesterone.
How did that manifest in symptoms for you?
I’ve just started taking it after 3 weeks on estrogen gel and my symptoms are awful. Hot hot flashes, lethargy, etc. I’ll try to read the link about that you posted!

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Michelle Green link
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

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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 😔

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Michelle Green link
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

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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?

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Michelle Green link
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

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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.
I revisited my doctor who has taken me off the tablets and prescribed the gel, I am due to start this tomorrow,I was extremely apprehensive until coming accross this blog, so thankyou and I'm looking forward to hopefully feeling more like myself real soon.

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Michelle Green link
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

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Sally
3/6/2023 07:48:13 am

Hi, I was pleased to find your blog - I have the shoulder thing too!

I am about to start HRT, I finally spoke to a female Dr on the phone who prescribed it. No Blood pressure check etc! I had been asking for HRT for months but was fobbed off by my male GP, telling me it was "just" anxiety albeit my anxiety is all consuming and I have been zapped of all confidence. He sent me for 3 FSH blood tests l, basically to shut me up each time I mentioned HRT. I finally declined he 4th and said at aged 48 FSH is irrelevant as levels fluctuate so. Why don't they test oestradiol?
I should perhaps get the test privately.
I am due to start the oestrogel soon. I am waiting for my period so that I can start on day 1 of my cycle. I feel very nervous! I think moreso for the progesterone tablet stage on days 15-26!
I am worried about feeling worse! Did you feel nervous about starting HRT or just excited?


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Michelle Green link
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

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Sally
3/6/2023 03:56:54 pm

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.
My post was a little 'me, me, me' and I didn't even ask how you're getting on. I hope that you are well and that your hormone levels are well balanced at the moment.
I felt very anxious mid-afternoon so it's possible that my period will arrive today or tomorrow.
On days 15-26 I plan to take the testosterone at night so I was thinking I would also apply the oestrogel before bed too. What are your thoughts on this? Maybe morning would be better for the gel part? After a shower / bath.

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Michelle Green link
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

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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

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Michelle Green link
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

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Alexandra
30/7/2023 09:42:46 pm

Hi Michelle,
I've only just found your website and wanted to say thank you so much for your frank and informative menopause posts.
I've been using Oestrogel and Utrogestan for about 4 years; I had no idea how to apply the gel correctly and had been rubbing it in but will now follow the guidance you linked to.
Re the Utrogestan; I too have problems with progesterone intolerance which seems to fluctuate from day to day. I'm struggling on with it but some days I feel awful on it. I'm hoping that might improve if I start using the Oestrogel correctly. I'm only on 2 pumps a day of Oestrogel so I might have to look into upping it. I'm worried about the supply issues of both at these days. Been told it's almost impossible to get hold of Utrogestan at the moment!
Thanks again for your extremely helpful information on these matters!
Alexandra

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Michelle Green link
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

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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

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Michelle Green link
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

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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.

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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
I had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed back in May. I’ve just turned 40 and feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.
I’ve tried patches they didn’t work so I am now on 4 pumps
All applied in the morning but by 3pm I am so exhausted , I can’t get motivated to do anything. This is not normal
For me. The hospital told my doctor to do a blood test should the gel not work for me and then depending on results up the dose to 5-6 pumps.
Should I be trying anything else along side. Don’t get me wrong it’s helped the night sweats but that’s it.
I’ve been suffering with headaches since July and still waiting to see the doctor about them. So frustrating I’m at my wits end - any advice welcome

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Michelle Green link
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 [email protected] Love Michelle xx

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Carol Tedds link
1/10/2023 01:07:43 pm

Hi Michelle
I had a full hysterectomy eight years ago and have been on hrt for 7 years. I am taking the gel and am currently taking four pumps a day as per advice from a hormone specialist. I increased four weeks ago and am experiencing severe body aches and anxiety is this normal. Thank you any advice would be gratefully received x
Carol x

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Michelle Green link
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 [email protected] if you prefer, love Michelle xx

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Michelle Green link
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 …

There does seem to be a problem with the new style bottles and a lot of women are saying that the measure they dispense is not accurate so they have resorted to buying jewellery scales form amazon and weighing the correct amount! I have certainly noticed a return of my symptoms since I’ve had the new bottles and I did do a yellow card report but they asked so many questions I didn’t pursue it. Not sure what the answer is! I had the implant about 9 weeks ago but I am still using the gel to top up until the implant starts working properly.

I wrote a little bit about it here https://www.fiftyandfab.co.uk/blog/self-care-journal-menopause-depression

Maybe chat to your doctor about upping your dose slightly?

I hope you start feeling better, love Michelle x


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.

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Susan frail Ann Frail
7/4/2024 11:51:43 am

Hi Michelle can I ask were you get your testosterone from plz I'm in the UK and I don't think you can get it on the nhs

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Michelle Green link
9/4/2024 07:53:05 am

Hi Susan, getting testosterone in the UK is possible but not immediately straightforward! Some GPs will prescribe it (mine does) but you will often need a referral from a menopause specialist or the easiest way is to go private! I am happy to explain more if you would like to email me or do take a look at Dr Louise Newson's website as she has some excellent factsheets and also offers private consultations. https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/testosterone-for-women/ Love Michelle x

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Susan Lesley Lowsley
26/3/2025 10:35:54 am

Hope this is OK I'm not in my 50s I'm 66 in June been on hrt about 20yrs was all good when I was 60 I was put on Utrogestan tablet with the oestrogel 2 pumps then reduced to 1 pump but this last 3 months my symptoms have come bk hot flushes Anxiety bloating tingling everything so can not. Believe I'm going bk to all this at my age was hoping it was all finished now and could come off hrt doctor told me to incr bk to 2 pumps but still no I'm provment as of yet so fed up

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Michelle Green link
26/3/2025 02:21:15 pm

Hi Susan and of course it is okay! My suggestion would be to do a bit more research and speak to your GP about staying on HRT, there is a lot of research now that says if you need it you can stay on it for life if the benefits outweigh the risks (I plan to) but as I am not medically qualified I can't advise so please do look up more info on the The British Menopause Society website, or Dr Louise Newson is excellent and Liz Earle talks a lot about staying on HRT long term too. If you need the oestrogen why come off it? This is a good article to read (you may need to copy and paste the link into your browser) https://themenopausecharity.org/2022/04/19/starting-or-continuing-hrt-many-years-after-your-menopause/ I hope that helps Susan but you can always email me and I will send some links over, Love Michelle xx

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Shabira
5/4/2025 06:09:00 am

Good Morning,
It's 5am and I thankfully slept through the wee hours and then stumbled across your website when I searched menopause symptoms and oestrogen!

I think this is the best Q&A on menopause I've ever read...I learnt so much from all the ladies posting their symptoms.

I'm 47yrs old and I've really tried reading and listening to everything on menopause in hope. I've had pretty bad perimenopause symptoms since 41yrs and I feel like I'm going mad. I have endometriosis and my symptoms gotten so bad with onset of perimenopause and no one tells you...you think it will improve with no period! But the endometrium has migrated to my bowel and now my bladder causing me pain and discomfort.

In March 2023 I went on utrogestan and that helped some symptoms until November 2024 when I felt suicidal and depressed on it. I stopped for a month and now take it sporadically when I think I'm low (usually when I can't fall asleep is a sign I need it). I started oestrogen patch in April 2024 and felt like it changed my life the switched to gel in December 2025.

I find it really hard to know how to balance my hormones throughout the month. And I can't find anyone who can help me navigate this journey.
I'm putting in 1kg a month despite exercising 5-6 times a week and having a healthy diet.
I'm bloated ALL the time causing me to go up 2 sizes. I'm usually slender and I look like someone one has filled me with air.

Q- Can you recommend a good specialist?
Q- do you know what days in the cycle I should take progesterone? Is it 11-26?
Q- I've started taking utrogestan marginally and it's helping curb side effects. Have you heard this is ok long term?

Long comment, sorry. Thank you for having this website. You're a darling ☺️

Reply
Michelle Green link
5/4/2025 03:45:43 pm

Hi Shabira, thank you so much for commenting on my blog and for finding me and this post! I am delighted that you found the post and the comments helpful, I agree that one of the most powerful things we can do as menopausal women is support each other and it is often the personal stories that make the most difference, we realise we are not alone. So a few things, obviously I am not a specialist but if you are taking oestrogen please make sure you are taking a sufficient dose of progesterone to protect the lining of your uterus but I completely understand that some women are very sensitive to progesterone (as I am) so finding a good specialist will be essential to help you navigate HRT (and be able to stay on it). I have a few other posts that might help you, if you've not already found them so I wil email you with the links and also details of specialists (I can recommend my consultant but I also really rate the Newson Clinic) - look out for my email and if you don't get it please do get in touch again! Love Michelle xx

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Carol Tedds
19/4/2025 02:14:24 pm

I am 59 years old and had a hysterectomy 9 years ago. I have seen specialists who have said my oestrogen levels are very low. I am on oestrogel and take 3 pumps. My question should l increase the dose or at my age should l be decreasing the hrt. When you look at the symptoms high or low oestrogen they are very similar so its confusing. I am feeling very anxious achy and finding it hard to stay asleep. Any advice would be great fully received.

Reply
Michelle Green link
20/4/2025 08:53:14 am

Hi Carol, I am glad to hear you are on HRT post-surgical menopause, but it is is quite possible you now need a higher dose, often it is a continual tweaking to make sure it is right for you, 3 pumps is quite low so it is likely your symptoms are due to low oestrogen not high. Obviously I am not a doctor or menopause specialist so can only comment from my own experiences and from what I have learnt from my research. I would recommend seeing your specialist or your GP with a view to trying 4 pumps now. There is a lot of info available online dr Louise Newson has some excellent fact sheets and podcasts and look up Diane Dianzibrink from Making Menopause Matter she talks a lot about surgical menopause and offers affordable online consultations. Please do email me Carol if you need any links, love Michelle xx

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    ​Welcome to Fifty & Fab – a lifestyle blog to inspire and empower women over 50. I’m passionate about sharing insights on health, menopause, fitness, beauty, and style, tailored just for you!

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