Life lately ... and how I am getting on with the HRT implant

Life lately has been busy, full on, exhausting but all good ... we had a few days away in Tarifa in Spain (you can read my post about it here) which was a welcome few days of sunshine and downtime. 

​I am busy planning a road trip to Scotland, we are going to do (most of) the NC500!  The North Coast 500 is a 500+ mile route around the tip of Scotland, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful road trips in the world!  And I can't wait! We are going in late April so should be spring weather, expect lots of Instagram content and of course a blog post when I am back.  I had a mini panic last week, I really want to visit the Castle of Mey and we are staying in that area until 31st April but I found out it doesn't open to the public until 1st May!  Changing the itinerary was going to be difficult because accommodation gets booked up very early and part of our trip is a PR invite ... so I emailed the Castle of Mey and found out they are open for private tours!  Phew, all booked!

​So having been super-busy I've not had as much time as I would like to write on my blog, but I decided I needed to make time.  Taking up a lot of my headspace right now is the refurbishment of our 'spare room / my room / the dressing room' and my husband is working very hard to put in new fitted wardrobes (using the viral PAX hack from IKEA) and decorate. 

I am working very hard planning all the soft furnishings and choosing paint colours - pretty good deal, no I don't decorate!  The Cotswold Company has just opened in Marlow and it is gorgeous, I remember many many years ago dreaming of. being able to furnish my home from The Cotswold Company and although a complete re-furnish isn't in our budget, I am loving choosing my accessories, cushions, candles, pictures, baskets and more!

Enjoying the amazing sunny days we had last week! Outfit details below!

My HRT update

It has been ages since I shared an update on my HRT and menopause journey,  honestly I thought by age 58 I'd have it all sorted!  But clearly not!  

​Some women do not absorb oestrogen effectively from transdermal HRT, such as gels or patches, due to factors like skin permeability, metabolism, and individual variations in hormone processing. Skin thickness, hydration levels, and even differences in fat distribution can affect how well oestrogen is absorbed into the bloodstream. Additionally, some women metabolise oestrogen too quickly, meaning standard doses do not provide sufficient symptom relief. In these cases, a higher (unlicensed) dose may be needed to achieve adequate blood levels, or an oestrogen implant, delivered as a small pellet under the skin, can provide a steady and more consistent release of hormones, bypassing absorption issues. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the right balance and symptom control.

I am one of the women who don't absorb well, but because I have (a) a very supportive GP menopause specialist and (b) can afford a private menopause clinic, I was able to try a higher dose of gel but to be honest I got really fed up with the fluctuations and needing to apply 5 or 6 pumps every day.  I wanted consistent oestrogen levels, especially as I struggle with progesterone intolerance and I knew that getting my oestrogen balanced was the first step in being able to tolerate the Utrogestan.

I'd had yet another huge dip in oestrogen, I know when it is happening, I get super tired, the brain fog worsens, and I feel very low, anxiety increases and I get many more headaches, my sleep is generally poor anyway but it gets even worse!  And of course if my oestrogen is low I am not getting the benefits for bone density, heart disease and probably brain health (Alzheimer's and dementia).  Blood tests usually confirm my suspicions and back in October 2023 my blood results were showing as 97 - oestrogen levels should ideally be around 400-800 if you are on HRT.

The HRT implant

I went to see my consultant and it was agreed I would try the HRT implant, I'd been toying with it for a while but as I am unable to have one on the NHS I was resisting the expense (£600 plus the consultation)!

The HRT implant is a small pellet containing oestrogen, and sometimes testosterone, that is inserted under the skin, usually in the hip or buttock area. It slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream over several months, providing a steady and consistent dose. This can be a good option for women who do not absorb oestrogen effectively from gels or patches, or who require higher doses to relieve their symptoms. The usual dose for oestrogen implants is 50–100 mg.  The implant is replaced approximately every 6–8 months.

But the first one I had (50 mg of oestrogen plus testosterone) didn't work!  So I went back after about 4 months and had the higher dose (75 mg) which worked but my oestrogen went too high!  But like I always recommend, perseverance with HRT is key, don't give up at the first hurdle because getting the dose right takes time.  It isn't uncommon for the first implant not to work, the body needs time to adjust and I clearly needed more time.

The higher dose worked but too well, and I had really sore boobs for several months and they increased in size!!!  Not a bad thing you might think, I am not exactly big, but I hated it and had to buy different bras and wear one at night too.  But I also gained weight which is so uncomfortable and I am still struggling to lose it, 

​When oestrogen levels are too low or too high, it can contribute to weight gain due to its impact on metabolism, fat storage, and insulin sensitivity. Oestrogen plays a key role in regulating body fat distribution, and fluctuating levels can lead to increased fat storage, particularly around the midsection. High oestrogen can also cause water retention and bloating, making the weight fluctuations more noticeable.

Sienna dress and Soho bag from Saint + Sofia (see below)

Progesterone intolerance

Once I felt my oestrogen levels were back to normal and dropping off again, I had a blood test to confirm it and then went back to see my consultant, we agreed to try again and third time lucky - the 50 mg implant is now working well and I am happy this is a long term solution.  I still need to work on getting my progesterone dose up, I have been doing some research on the importance of progesterone for good mental health and although I am very sensitive to it and it can cause me to feel low, I am also learning that there is a sweet spot and it can really support low mood, anxiety and sleep.

​Balanced progesterone is essential in HRT, not only for protecting the womb lining but also for supporting mental wellbeing. While its primary role is to prevent endometrial thickening in women with a uterus, progesterone also has a calming effect on the brain. It helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep by interacting with GABA receptors, which have a soothing, anti-anxiety effect.  Which is why most women like to take it at night because it helps them sleep.

Low or imbalanced progesterone can lead to symptoms like mood swings, irritability, poor sleep, and heightened anxiety. Some women on HRT struggle with certain types of progestogens (such as synthetic ones in some combined HRT), which may worsen mood symptoms. In these cases, body-identical micronised progesterone (Utrogestan) is often a better option, as it tends to have a more positive effect on mental health.  I can tolerate the minimum dose of Utrogestan as a vaginal pessary, but I am working on slowly increasing it, I'd love to be able to take it as a tablet to get the sleep benefits however!  
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Maintaining the right balance of oestrogen and progesterone is key to feeling emotionally stable, well-rested, and hormonally supported throughout midlife and beyond.  I recently listened to an episode of The Dr Louise Newson Podcast where she chats to Dr Rachel Jones about natural progesterone and it's benefit for mental health, worth a listen!

Austen long sleeve tee from Saint + Sofia (see below)

Back to life lately ... being fifty and fab

I was in London last week, I was invited to the Damart SS25 preview event and the Aspiga SS25 press day.  

I was super-impressed with the new Damart styles, so many gorgeous colours, practical designs but also stylish and accessible for everyone (size 10 to 28).  I picked out a really stunning swimsuit and beach cover-up and take a look at their Wide-Leg Crinkle Trousers, they were so soft, come in three colours (I love the sapphire blue) and I also have my eye on a very stylish trouser co-ord too.  Plus I loved the new colours in their lingerie and nightwear for spring summer!  The event was held at The Greenhouses on Marylebone Road, and we were treated to a spectacularly sunny day!

SS25 from Damart

Then it was onto 1 Hotel Mayfair for the Aspiga press day.  Now you probably know I love Aspiga, their styles form an essential part of my holiday wardrobe, they are such good quality and of course they are well-known for their sustainable credentials, their designs honestly do last year after year.  I loved the new colours and styles, my favourite co-ord I've had for a few years now, comes in new colours and prints and there's a new summer skirt style.  The dresses are amazing and there are more styles in the petite length.  You can get 10% off if you spend over £100 by using my code FIFTYANDFAB10.​

What I wore for a day in London

What I've been wearing recently

I wore my blue Zara coat for my day in London and it got a lot of complements, unfortunately it is last year but still a good reminder to wear colour for a mood boost!  Underneath I wore the Austen crew neck long sleeve tee from Saint + Sofia, my faux leather trousers from Boden and a kitten heel boot.

I've been loving the new styles from Saint + Sofia recently, the Sienna Jersey Dress in Burgundy I am wearing in the first photos is so soft, comfortable and stylish, it is just the right length (I am 5'2") and I favour a V neck, it is more flattering, the long sleeves keep it warm.  And the fluffy ecru faux fur gilet is from Next. ​

Outfit planning for a trip to Scotland

I've been doing a bit of outfit planning for Scotland, I will need layers, practical and must make sure I cater for four seasons in a day weather!  So being sent a couple of styles from Superdry was perfect timing.  I am wearing the Active Full Zip Fleece with the Hooded Fuji Quilt Padded Gilet in Navy.  My boots are the Explorers from Fairfax & Favor and my trousers are from ACAI Outdoorwear.

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Fleece and gilet both from Superdry and I am loving my Explorer Boots from Fairfax & Favor

That's a very quick update from me, but I hope the HRT news was useful, I know many of you email me with your own stories and sometimes questions, whilst I am not medically qualified or a trained menopause coach, I can sympathise with the ups and downs of trying to understand it all.  I am very happy to signpost you to experts, podcasts, books or other info that might be helpful.

​Roll on spring!  Right now my biggest excitement is looking forward to my wardrobes being finished so I can organise my clothes, the plan is they will all be in one place rather than spread across two wardrobes and a lot in storage!  Yes I have too much, but no not as much as many and I am also trying to declutter a bit (and buy less)!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links and gifted items.​

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