Vagifem & Estrogel

[silverstarsandhearts]

Have been prescribed both of the above, 1 pump of the gel every day and the vagifem tablets for 6 weeks every day, then 2-3 times a week. Also have the testosterone tablets, Utrogestan which I start taking on the 1st Jan for 2 weeks…
Having read some of the posts on here, I am wondering if 6 weeks is a bit over the top for the vagifem, a 2 week loading dose seems to be the norm? It also says this in the vagifem leaflet.

I'm only on my second day and I had the most horrendous bout of PMT-like symptoms this afternoon and started sobbing which is shit because I haven't had PMT for ages (and I'm not even due on!). I felt a bt dizzy and nauseous and still feel really low.

I'm 51 and my periods have just started becoming irregular and I have other symptoms. My doctor has been great and so has the consultant at the menopause clinic I was referred to but I am wondering whether I need estrogel AND vagifem? A bit confused...hope someone can help!

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

Vagifem is usually prescribed as a two week load, and then a maintenance dose that suits you, i need it daily. Is the VA bad, am wondering if that is why you have been prescribed six weeks unless an error has been made when prescription was written.
Vagifem will only sort out VA and bladder issues, you need the Estrogel for other symptoms.
When i started Estrogel i did feel a bit nauseous but that passed after a few days, it shouldn't make you feel like you have PMT though, progesterone does that, i would guess that you feeling PMT like is due to a period coming along.

[JinglingHellsBells]

As above- they are for 2 different things.
Vagifem will only work on your vagina. two weeks is the minimum starting dose, to start reversing hcanges in the tissues and you don't have to do daily for 6 weeks. Guess it depends if your dr examined you and decided you had serious atrophy (?)

Neither Vagifem nor gel will have given you PMT symptoms- they do the opposite- so it will be your own hormones because, as you say, you have irregular periods.

If the gel makes you feel nauseous, reduce the dose to start with- one pump not 2, and if you go up to 2, use one pump morning and another in the evening (that sorted the nausea for me and I've been on it 12 years.)

[silverstarsandhearts]

NK I haven't been examined at all. I was told a few years ago I have a small prolapse and I am having some vaginal dryness and also a bit of bladder incontinence but nothing that bad for my age. I have also just finshed a period so am surprised to be feeling so hormonal. Although I had 2 periods in the space of 3 weeks so obv my hormones are all over the place.

Jingling I have been told to use the Vagifem every day for 6 weeks and then drop down to using it 2 to3 times a week. The gel, I am only using 1 pump at the moment.

I literally don't know what to do about getting advice....it took 2 months to get the consultation at the menopause clinic. I suppose I could try and speak to my GP but she will probably tell me to follow the advice of the clinic...

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

As you are having bladder issues, vaginal dryness and a prolapse i would get on the Vagifem asap, do a 2 week load and then go onto a maintenance dose, although it won't do any harm to use it every day for six weeks.
Peri does really weird things, i had periods just 10 days apart.

[JinglingHellsBells]

Vagifem is so weak it really isn't a big deal however much you use. The dose is (usually) 14 days every day then 2 x a week. However some women need more and do 3-4 times a week.

NHS menopause clinics are not always all they are made out to be, sadly. Some are staffed by 'ordinary' GPs or even consultants who don't really know everything about meno. I've read so much incorrect advice given at meno clinics on these forums.

[silverstarsandhearts]

Thanks again for the replies, feel a bit more relaxed about the 6 week dose now.

Jingling - actually the doctor who saw me at the clinic was very good. I had done my research before I went, I listened to the Meg's Menopause podcast and read all the info on Dr Louise Newson's website. This doctor said she had done the same training and she basically repeated everything I had heard and read, so I felt quite confident when left.

The main thing is not having anyone to call up or ask if there are issues with the medication. My follow up appointment is 4 months away which seems a very long time at the moment!