Poor absorption of transdermal oestradiol

[GinJeanie]

Heya

Just wandered if anyone had found that their oestradiol levels were still on the low side despite using transdermal HRT? (have Mirena for progesterone).
In the past year I've used Sandrena gel, Elleste Solo patches 40 then 80 and now Evorel 100. Recently had my bloods done and my level was 109 (apparently slightly "under-replaced"). Have yet to discuss this properly with consultant as am awaiting an appointment.
It's sooo frustrating! Every time I start a new treatment, it works a treat for a month or two then the symptoms creep back (flushes, sweats, aches etc).
Am I the only one it's not working for???

have you considered that it could be the Mirena? haven't got figures to hand but I've read it DOES get into the system. So it could be wiping out the benefits of estrogen. Would you consider a sequi regime to see the difference?

Wow Polly! I didn't know that could happen? Is it a thing??
My consultant did give me the option of Mirena or oral progesterone at my first appointment but seemed to favour the Mirena.
Can I ask you, do you use HRT and if yes, what combination? Am determined to crack this eventually...

Many thanks :)

I'm getting transdermal patches tomorrow, which GP says contain both hormones.

I'm getting transdermal patches tomorrow, which GP says contain both hormones.

Gin it's just a thought :) I know of other women who won't have the Mirena because they say the progestogen does get into your system despite it supposedly being 'localised' by being in the uterus. So it could be you are having side effects from a constant dose from it. Certainly all progestogens can cause PMS type symptoms, higher temp, and reduce the effectiveness of oestrogen.

I was offered it too but for various reasons didn't want the constant (possible) effects of it.

I use Oestrogel (like Sandrena but in a pump bottle) and Utrogestan on a long cycle with Utrogestan 10-12 days every 6-8 weeks. This is under a consultant and I have scans to check the uterine lining now and then. It works for me- so far- but I do feel 'less good' during the Utrogestan phase.

Lineys - Fingers crossed for you that the patches start working soon and you feel loads better! :)

Polly - thanks so much! Glad to hear that the combination you're on is working well.
Am really intrigued by what you've said re the Mirena as means of delivering Progesterone. Was it your consultant who gave you this information? (I can't find anything online so far but maybe looking in the wrong places!).
Apologies for all the questions but would be really interested in bringing this up at the next appointment. Just feel like I need to back it up if she's not heard of it...

I was told by someone (not a dr ) that some of the progestogen is absorbed into the system.
ww.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/m/Mirenaius.pdf
This is what I found online

It talks about serum clearance levels (from the blood stream.) Show your dr?

Thank you, Gin, I have one stuck to my arse as I type.

May I also vouch for the fact that PollyPerky knows a lot more about this stuff than my GP!