Should I increase oestrogen or do I need something else

[Iusedtobecarmen]

Please help!
Started on HRT 6 months ago
Initially prescribed oestrogen 2 pumps per day and Utrogesten for 14 days(still having periods- although they were becoming infrequent).
I went on HRT primarily for anxiety as it was becoming horrendous. Low, flat mood at times as well(not depressed).

So I gave it 4 months and I couldn't really say that I felt much better. Sometimes okay, other times still the same.
So the end of AUG I upped my own dose to 3 pumps a day. And here I am now 6 weeks later and 6 months in, in total, and the same.

I'm really reluctant to see GP. When I first got prescribed, I spoke to a locum GP who was good, listened and he listened and got on straightaway with prescribing HRT. Second time I got the prescription though, I had an issue as Sandrena was given as no supplies of oestrogen. Not an issue with that, but that was also prescribed wrong. I had to kind of work my own dose to match the oestrogel.
Took a few phone call and visits to reception to put right.

They also, at times,haven't given me the right amount of progesterone. Like one box , per 2 oestrogen, so doesn't tally.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say, I don't have much faith in them knowing what to do, if I ask them.

Should I self medicate with 4 pumps per day as I know that this is okay. Or do I need something else- another form of HRT , or anti depressants alongside?

Same but patch is sooooo much easier.

you can ask for a referral to a menopause clinic on the NHS if you are struggling with your medication. NICE guidelines say that a GP should refer you if you are having problems or they cannot manage your HRT. I’ve used patches for years now with a Mirena( which is fantastic I’ve had one 19 years) and one of my biggest problems was mood and anxiety which I had never suffered from before peri menopause. It helped a lot but it took a while to get the dose right and I did have to increase this and add testosterone over the years. Good luck 🤞

Is it?

It's interesting that you have very light bleeds on your dose.

I have much heavier bleeds than my normal periods ever were and I use 1.5 pumps.

It sounds as if you are not absorbing well.

Can you change where you apply it as an experiment (from arms to thighs?)

Really?
I've never had heavy periods. Never been a problem or bothered me.
Lightish overall. Heavy on say day 2 ,and then becomes light and ends day 5 ish.
Bleeds with HRT similar I'd say. A day of 'heaviest' , then light.
What has happened though is usually I start bleeding before the end of my progesterone regime ends. Usually on about day 9 or 10.

I've always done a combo of arms and thighs for application with the oestrogel. Should I just try thighs then?
And what if I increase to 4 pumps?all thighs in one go?

Patch just slaps on bum and change it twice a week. Simple

OP and JinglingHellsBells sorry, didn’t see you were already on 200mg of progesterone. Sorry to confuse.

I've always done a combo of arms and thighs for application with the oestrogel. Should I just try thighs then?And what if I increase to 4 pumps?all thighs in one go?

Personally, I'd do it gradually which is 'the way'! So 3 pumps for 2-4 weeks, then reassess. If you already do a mix of arms and thighs stick to that.

Heavy/light periods - my withdrawal bleeds are heavier than my old natural periods (which were always very light.) Now, I have 2 days of pretty much-full-on bleeding but it's over with very quickly.

Well I've been doing 3 pumps since the end of August. So at least 6 weeks. So I've tried gradual. Prior to that, I did the standard 2 pumps, from beginning of April till the end of Aug. So I gave it a good go.

Today I've done 4 pumps. 2 arms and 2 thighs. Is that okay do you think?

How much ARE you drinking? Zero judgement but if it's on the heavy side (and actually, even if it's not) then I'd point the finger there for the anxiety and low mood, before seeking to change the medication. Just so you really know what you are dealing with. Is three months of sobriety doable? I highly recommend it.

Sobriety with CHRISTMAS coming. ARGHH!
No seriously, I drink probably a bottle of wine fri night, or just under. Another bottle spread over sat and Sunday.
All this depends on whether or not I'm working though.
Thing is, on drink free days I still feel the same. Even when I have gone 2 or 3 weeks without alcohol. It definitely contributes but I don't know if totally to blame for my anxiety.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'd suggest you look at Drink Aware and assess your behaviour around alcohol. A bottle in one night is classed as binge drinking. The way you react to 'not' drinking says quite a lot.
Heavy drinking is very risky for women re. breast health (lots of stats online about it.)
If you're having 2 or more units a night or over 14 units a week, it's time to think hard about your drinking habit.

Sorry - I'm trying to help you and I think no amount of estrogen is going to help while your body is detoxing itself from alcohol.

Thanks for the advice. But I'm very drink aware.
I said I have a bottle (or just under)on Friday and possible another Sat/Sunday.
The wine I've been drinking is 8 units in a bottle (I've checked)so max 16 units a week.I work a lot of different shift patterns so this only happens on non work days.
16 units isn't great, I admit. Which is what I said at the start in my second post I think.
I don't have say other vices and rarely go out.

And if I am working I'd probably drink less but over more days. So 2 glasses a night over 5 nights.
I always, always have at least 2 consecutive drink free days.
So excusing my drinking, just explaining.