Perimenopause and constant vs cyclical symptoms?

[rosemaryc]

A bit of a general question at this point as I have my follow up appt to get test results on Friday.

I have a massive list of symptoms and have no ideas if any are hormonal. I went to see a specialist as, whilst I am never well, I get worse at certain times of month, or rather I have about a week a month when I feel maybe 50%well. So my question to those who have taken Hrt of any form at this point in your life is;
Did it just help with cyclical symptoms or did it help with others that were more constant?
Thanks

Hi - no sorry the bleed wasn't related to the T! I'm on a long cycle HRT so just finishing the prog part of it and started the withdrawal bleed before I'd finished the course - and the only thing that's different is the T - I know it can alter the balance between oestrogen and T - I think some (oestrogen) can convert to T in the body but I'm a bit hazy about that! I do tend to get migraines on the prog part. I haven't had one since late May so maybe I'm having fewer? Too early to say as have only been a couple of months on the T. Keeping a headache diary though to see how often they come and what might be the trigger - so don't despair yet! MY GP thought the headaches could be caused by low oestrogen but I am loath to increase as would rather stick to a long cycle to keep the prog to a minimum.

Hi Bellaciao,
Hope you are doing better again. I think some T can convert to oestrogen - I was going to ask NP re that at some point.
My period is due and I'm on my 2nd migraine in 4 days so disappointed , though I know the T was unlikely to have an impact in less than 2weeks.

I wanted to ask you re the dose. I know you said you use a pea size, which is what I was told but I am worried I am under dosing. Prescription said 0.5-1ml per day. Tube is 5g and pharmacist implied that is same as 5ml and therefore it should last 5-10 days? I am on day 12 and not finished yet. Is your brand similar?
Thanks

Hi Ballaciao sorry another question! Did you have any problems with muscle pain with the T? Seems to be getting worse and oddly it's a similar reaction to the problems I had with thyroid hormone ????

Hi rosemaryc - sorry I've been away and going again in a week for two week holiday!

Mine is testogel 50 mg (T) contained in 5g gel (in sachet). Specialist says 5 mg T per day so sachet lasts 10 days. Mine lasts longer this so maybe I'm not taking enough either but I'm taking it ever so slowly - really don't want facial hair as some have experienced (seen on other forums)!!!

Can't quite understand your prescription - what brand is your gel? Maybe there are other brands of different concentration? I know there is also testim and another - can't remember the name.

Muscle pain - no definitely not - in fact I think it may have reduced ie muscle pain and extreme exhaustion after exercise. T should help with that as it helps to build muscle. Maybe if you have a thyroid problem too then there could be interaction ie T tries to build muscle but thyroid is implicated here too? It is all so complex and I don't know enough about it - which is why an endocrinologist is needed ( but someone who understand the role of T in women as well as thryoid and oestrogen!)

Sorry can't be of more help

Thanks a lot Bellacaio - prescription sounds the same - letter just received from consultant says 10 days for the tube.

The muscle thing is v frustrating as yes it should be helping it not making it worse :-( Going to try to give it a bit longer but there is no doubt it has got worse in the last week or 2 :-(