Sticky, absorption and symptoms!

[pausetheperi]

Hello

I started HRT 7 weeks ago. I am 49. Symptoms crept up and then everything seemed to go wrong at once and the penny dropped. My worst symptom is severe anxious/nervousness and palpitations. Also some hot flushes, hair and skin changes, brain fog and word finding difficulties.

So - I've seen many post's discussing stickiness of patch, some saying they absorb one brand better than another. Discussions on how heat makes the patch dump its load. It's a mindfield.

My question is then as I'm finding after 7 weeks the anxiety hasn't abated. How do I know how effectively I'm absorbing. How do people know this?? I've on Everol 50. My patch sticks fine I think. I swim a lot so now I'm worried this may effect things. I also go into the steam room. Now I'm worried that may make everything absorb at once. Does this mean baths are out too??

How long do I wait to request an increase of dose if my anxiety isn't abating?

Did you have thyroid, iron, B12 etc checked before going on HRT?

OK so you can swim and bath in your patch.

I gave it two months but was soaked with sweat every night so went back (in tears due to the progesterone) and GP immediately increased to 75.

Gave it another two months and went back for another increase to 100.

8 months later and the sweats are back so im waiting for confirmation GP can give me 125.

So I know they say three months but my GP was super supportive.

Yes I have had full bloods including all the ones you mentioned.

Thanks @Leftoversgalore

I shall maybe give it another couple of weeks and head back to ask to try upping things to 75

Hello

Desperate to feel better. Ongoing anxiety/panic with everol 50. Went to GP and decided to increase and go up to 75 mg. By day 5 by anxiety went from crippling to utterly debilitating. Also have propanalol from GP which does ease if slightly for a couple of hours. By yesterday I couldn't take it anymore and after a day of crying ripped off the 75 and stuck a 50 back on.

I have been in HRT primarily for the anxiety for around 10 weeks. So, why did the increase worsen things?? Is this my life now??

I really feel for you. Maybe the preparation isn’t right for you & you need the gel or spray? I started the 50 patch & felt calm within days. My symptoms did start again 6 months later & I increased to 75, which again stopped my symptoms. However, my friend went on like you for months & months, she switched to gel with no improvement. Eventually they tested her estraidol a few times & it was consistently 100, when it should’ve been over 250. She wasn’t absorbing so takes an oral pill now & is fine.

I guess I'm worried that HRT has, overall increased the anxiety. I'm on oestrogen only. Is that possible? Or can symptoms worsen before they improve? It's not helped in 10 weeks anyhow and has worsened with an increased patch dose......