Oestrogel side effects

[forcedgeneric]

Hi,

I have recently been prescribed Oestrogel for perimenopause, and in addition have been trying to change diet and eat healthier. Shortly after starting oestrogel, I had some fairly intense episodes of reactive hypoglycemia. When I have left it for a couple of days everything seems to go back to normal. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I really don't want to have to stop HRT altogether but the side effects were scary!

Thanks in advance

How many pumps are you using? Could it be that you’re on too many too quickly?

When I was prescribed I was told to start with one pump a day.

How would you know you had hypoglycemia?
Has your GP checked you for diabetes prior to hrt?

Hi,

I was prescribed 1 pump so that's where I started, just 1 pump in the morning after a shower. Blood work pre HRT had suggested close to the prediabetic range (hence trying to eat healthier) so I was using a glucose monitor (free sample) and then checked with a finger prick when I started to feel awful.

It seems to happen considerably more of a evening, it's very strange and I can't relate it to anything other than the gel.

It won't be the gel.

Maybe you should go back to your GP and have more tests on your glucose levels?

Or look at what you have eaten over the day?

The best time to use a finger prick monitor is in the morning before eating but a much better way now is a constant BGM stick on patch like Libre, which links to your smart phone and gives readings 24/7.

Thanks, it's a Libre 2 I've been using and diet has been low carb/complex carbs. No real lows on days I haven't used the gel, frequent lows about 3 hours after food when I do. Very strange. I'll make a gp appointment to discuss

My gp told me to use the gel at bedtime.Maybe that would help you?

@forcedgeneric just wondering if you found out what this was in the end. I have read there's a link between oestrogen and cortisol levels.

@HazelTheGreenWitch not yet, I've stopped the HRT which calmed things down a bit. Had a few more episodes, 4-5 of low blood sugar and a few weird ones with racing HR etc, and seeing Endocrinologist in January. They have been doing bloods for thyroid function, cortisol and fasting insulin. I'll update when I've had the appointment in case it's useful for anyone else.

Hi, I know this is an old thread but just wondering if you ever got a resolution to this as I'm having very similar. I hadn't linked it to HRT but interested to see if you found a link?

Not really unfortunately, they diagnosed reactive hypoglycaemia but no reason for suddenly developing it. So I restarted the oestrogel. Last year I also got a diagnosis of PoTS to add to it - assumed to be post-covid, cardiologist suggested I stop the oestrogel but wasn't really clear why ....... Very odd, and frustrating as I've always been healthy. Sorry not to be of more help, I hope it resolves for you