Anyone have favourable reports of taking ostrogen only orally?

[Pushpins40]

Just that. I don't seem to be absorbing transdermal estrogen, so considering my options. I hate the idea of taking it orally but interrogating it before dismissing it.

I've been taking oestrogen only oral tablet since hyst few months ago, I started on 1mg but that wasn't controlling sweats so now on 2mg and all seems well. I chose tablets since I take other meds daily anyway and didn't fancy a patch! No noticeable side effects so far. My understanding of hrt is that it can be trial and error and pretty individual as to what works.

Thanks Noim...what one are you taking? So pleased it's working out for you. it's SUCh a minefield.

It's Estelle solo I think the negatives of taking oral hrt are mainly if u have combined hrt so no womb an advantage!

I have a womb but a mirena coil in for progesterone

what type are you using- patches /gel and dose?

I am on tablets too, I don’t like the idea of patches and I cannot find estrogel, it is not available in my country. I think that pills work ok.

I tried patches but I absorbed nothing. I'm on 3 x Estrogel pumps a day and still absorbing nothing.

I don't think it was always like this - been on HRT for 18 months - but it is now

I've used gel for 11 years. Just some ideas for you to try:

1 How do you know you're not absorbing? has your dr done a blood test for your estrogen level?

2 Have you tried exfoliating the area where you put the gel (use a loofah to get rid of dead skin cells)

3 Have you tried changing the application site? ie if you use upper arms now, try inner thighs and vice versa.

4 Are you applying thinly over a wide area to increase absorption?

5 leaving it to dry before dressing?

I started using gel 18 months ago. 1-2 pumps a day. I really liked it. After about a year I didn't know if it was still as effective, switched to patch. Had a blood test, that showed very low levels of oestrogen still.

Saw a consultant. Went back to gel x 4 pumps a day, then dropped to x 3.

Three months on, I've had blood tests. Oestrogen range (from doc) is 48-545 and I'm showing at 54pl!

So something is not working. I've changed sites - thighs to upper shoulders and back again - consultant suggested shoulder and upper arm. I've shaved legs daily - only ever waxed every now and again before

Not sure what else I can do - but love gel so would like to stay on it

Do the 3 x pumps in one go at moment as at night I felt overstimulated

But perhaps as my levels drop that won't be the case

I spread and wait before dressing - work from home so often sit at desk with trousers down for ages!

Hmm I can see your problem!

I can only share what I do which is upper arms- start at my elbow and go up to my shoulders, but avoid the inside edge of arm nr the breasts.

I only use 1.5 pumps a day. So I use one in the morning- pump into my palm and sue half on each arm , spread thinly. At bedtime I use around half a pump, follow same process.

Obviously- am sure you know- you can't use body lotion etc before and the instructions also say don't use certain shower stuff too before applying- I ignore that as it seems to make no difference.

Dr Louise Newson is quoted as saying you can apply anywhere - not breasts- so you could try tum below waist, or bum.

Yes, I don't use any other lotions. I'll try dividing up the pumps again and trying new areas. It's worth a go before I throw in the towel.

Everyone quotes Dr Newson - she's the new meno guru (quite rightly. At least her website has a 21st century flavour).