New to oestrogel

[didireallysaythat]

Dear wise ones

You gave me great advice and your experiences with oestrogel. I've now had my mirena replaced, a quick smear test while I was there (as my GP pointed out, in three months time when it's due the practise might not be doing face to face appointments), a really good chat about options, doses, side effects etc and I feel like I might be regaining control of my life. So firstly thank you all for reinforcing that I should do this.

The GP suggested there would be a template with the pump pack to help me with how far to spread the gel. There isn't (and I'll let him know for the benefit of the next women he prescribed it to) so can someone give me an idea of how far to spread it?

He also suggested I start with one pump and the benefit should be apparent almost immediately. Having read the patient notes it would seem that 2 pumps is the norm and I shouldn't expect to reach steady state for a week or two. Any advice here?

And lastly, I'm doing the weight loss, exercise more, drink less alcohol and caffeine thing as well, but having broken my first bones ever about 2 months ago (toes mainly - I fell over my foot!) I was slightly shocked at how easy it was and I'm wondering if I should be thinking about some kind of supplements. I discussed with the GP who listened carefully but thought it not necessary as I'm at low risk (no family history) for oesto issues. However I have a poor diet and I'd really rather know I've got it cover with a vitamin or something than chance it.

I'm trying to taking back control and it feels good. Thank you all. May you have plenty of cool nights of unbroken sleep.

2 pumps is the norm but it is variable so you need to use what helps you to stop all the symptoms. There is no virtue in using less if you aren't getting relief.

The template is in some packs but not others. Basically, you spread the gel on each inner thigh or upper arm , covering an area roughly the size of your hand.

When have broke your toes so easily, you ought to have been offered a DEXA scan to check bone density- this is pretty much routine for women in their 40s and 50s who have breaks after minor falls- so really push your GP for this! Family history is not always the point- I had almost full osteoporosis at 48 (not yet menopausal) and no family history at all. I found out as I had a private scan as part of my own 'wellwoman' watching!

Why is your diet poor, by the way? what do you mean by that?

Thanks @JinglingHellsBells - I really do appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Sods law I'd already applied the stuff before I checked my messages so I probably spread it a bit thin. Tomorrow I'll do better.

I got x-rayed at a small injuries clinic that amazingly had a radiographer on duty on a Sunday morning. The nurse who reviewed the x-rays didn't think it was worth referring me to the fractures clinic at Addenbrookes - I got the impression their approach was just to get people out as fast as possible (although I was the only person there on a Sunday - no waiting at all !) The GP said he didn't count toes as breaks worth flagging as they as easy to snap (!). I did think a bone density scan would be a good baseline measurement but again I'm not sure Addenbrookes is doing this at the moment.. Do GPs offer some kind of wellness appointment when you get 40 or 50 or something? I'm sure I read something about it but I've never had one. I do have private medical insurance so I could try that route ?

By poor diet I mean that I'm lazy. I love vegetables, oily fish, etc but when it comes to cooking I'd rather just have a bowl of shreddies. I used to be anemic but the last time I was tested (10 years ago, last pregnancy) I was find. I do eat dairy (currently obsessed with yoghurt for breakfast), I have one of those fuzzy b vitamin tablets in the morning (maybe placebo but I think I feel better for them), and I've been taking vitamin d for the last 3 years (I read something about clearer thinking). I know I don't have a good and balanced diet but don't have any evidence that I'm lacking in anything (I don't get I'll often - I'm always tired but that's because I don't sleep!)

I think I'd suggest using your private medical cover for a DEXA scan. You will need a referral from your GP though unless you can find somewhere that does them without a referral (Nuffield Cambridge might but all depends if they have the scanner.)
I paid for my first one privately out of interest (friend was diagnosed at same age almost with 'almost' osteoporosis).

Not sure about toes! Another friend was referred for a DEXA scan at age 50-ish after breaking her ankle in a minor fall.

You need to get your 5 a day because fruit and veg help your system to me alkaline which helps bones.

@JinglingHellsBells I'm curious how does an alkaline diet help? Prevention of calcium chelation? I can't remember if that's the issue with vegetarians who eat a lot of tofu or if that's zinc? I don't know if the phosphoric acid thing is true or not either but I've always tried to avoid it just in case

@didireallysaythat The acid/alkaline thing is true- I read about it on the Royal Osteoporosis Society website (well worth a look.) Evidently if your food creates an acidic environment, it can leech calcium from the bones. Phosphoric acid (in Coke/ Cola etc) is one of the worst things of all and the recommend women avoid fizzy drinks with it in. I wouldn't get too hung up on it other than trying to get as much veg and fruit into your day as you can- I aim for 5-7 portions a day.
1 at breakfast (blueberries and sometimes other berries/prunes on porridge)
1 snack of an apple etc
lunch- often soup or salad -

dinner- at least 3 veg and another piece of fruit