Different types of oestrogen?

[YourSpleenIsDamp]

Evening all 😁 Does anyone know anything about taking oestrogen which isn't topical? I'm having a review at the meno clinic in three weeks, but after months of patches, gels, and spray, it seems I'm not really absorbing much oestrogen topically (still symptomatic and blood tests confirmed oestrogen still v low). Doctor said I shouldn't take oral HRT - apparently it's contraindicated in women who have aura migraines because it increases risk of stroke. So I'm a bit perplexed. No idea why I'm not absorbing much - I have psoriasis, but obviously don't apply oestrogen on any affected skin! Maybe my skin's just weird..

The risk with tablets is that they are digested via the liver which can affect lipid levels in the blood and raise the risk of blood clots.

It is still however a much lower risk than the Pill because the estrogen is more natural (and the Pill isn't.) However if you do get migraine, transdermal would be better.

With patches , gel and spray- have you applied them to the best part of your body? And followed the instructions? eg gel- clean dry skin, no residue from shower gels or lotions, applied to inner thigh or upper outer arm?

Have you tried increasing the dose to the maximum?

I've been told several times by a consultant that blood tests when using hrt are not accurate as the levels change over the day. The judgement on whether it's the right dose is based on symptoms, not blood tests.

Thanks Jingling - yes, making sure to follow instructions to the letter, and recently moved up to Evorel 150. I know blood tests aren't very helpful, but I'm having hot flushes, anxiety, vaginal dryness and brain fog. So confusing. Thanks for the tip about oral oestrogen

You sound as if you need topical vaginal estrogen as well as the HRT. Vagifem or Ovestin.

Your gp is correct, how long did you try the types and did you rotate where you put the gel/patches and give it 3 months to settle each dose change. Xx