Qlaira + Estrogel?

[moremenoquestions]

My question is whether it is possible to ‘top-up’ the estrogen element of my Qlaira pill as I've seen this mentioned on other threads.

I am so delighted that the pill (which I’ve been on for 4 months now prescribed by my GP) has overridden my very short 20 day cycle and reduced high levels of anxiety and intensifying pre-menstrual mood swings and sudden rages. However I still have nightsweats (drenched), aching, some urinary issues and low moods - particularly on days 10-24 of the cycle when the progesterone element is strongest (it is noticeable that I feel best during the first week of the cycle).

I previously tried the Estrogel as part of HRT which suited me very well and made me feel so much better but I could not tolerate the Utrogestan and so had to stop using it. I have a history of PMS which has got much worse in last couple of years along with crushing drop in confidence at work (I'm 45).

Does anyone ‘top up’ the Qlaira pill with Estrogel under medical supervision and if so how much / how often?

I know the Mirena coil is another option but with my history of PMS I'm scared to try it.

I don't know if you can top up. I was on Qlaira and found it worked well at first but symptoms started to creep back. I took the plunge and got the Mirena and estrogen patches and I have to say it's working much better for me than Qlaira did. I had bad PMS too and worried a lot about the Mirena but it was absolutely the right thing for me. Sorry that doesn't really answer your question!

@WhereAreWeNow thanks that does help and interesting to know that the symptoms crept back on Qlaira. Perhaps I just need to get my head around the mirena as the long-term option and take the plunge like you did. In the meantime, if I can’t top up with estrogel, I was thinking I might try Angus castus, plus improving my diet, reducing alcohol and caffeine (she says drinking a strong coffee) and exercise…all things that might also help reduce anxiety, low moods, nightsweats and flushes. I know that diet does affect my hormones as I’ve always been really sensitive to that.