What strength patch are you on?

[IBlameTheDog]

I was given 25mg which I've since discovered is very low. I've been on it for 5 weeks and not noticed any difference whatsoever.

I can't cope feeling like this for another 7 weeks for my review. Do you think the GP would up my dose at this stage or do I have to wait for review?

I'm so utterly fed up. My mood is on the floor. earlier today I actually wished I could get something seriously wrong with me so I could go to hospital for a couple of weeks and have a rest from home life and work. That is seriously messed up. I'm so annoyed with myself. I've never felt low like this in my life and I'm just overwhelmed.

I'm on EVOREL 75, with two weeks of utrogestan a month.

Yes I'm on Evorel too but 25.

I take Utrogestan 100 every night.

@offyoujollywelltrot - how long did it take you to notice any difference?

I’ve just been upped to Evorel 175. I see a GP at the Newson Clinic but then my own GPs prescribe the medication. My blood tests are still showing low levels which is why I have been increased again. Can you go privately? If I pay for my medication following my appointment it is delivered to me the next day.

You can ask them to review the dose, they do start many women on higher doses - but - many women, like me, benefit from starting on a lower dose. I’ve been on and off HRT several times for medical reasons and every time I find it better starting on a very low dose otherwise I end up having a lot of spotting and bleeding (just had a hystoscopy to investigate this and all okay) so now starting again on the 25 patches!

I didn't even know it went up to that!

I've had a day here and there where I have felt a bit happier but then I go back to feeling awful. I usually keep the patches on for a few days longer than I should, hoping to eke out any that's left!! I've felt quite good for the last couple of days. Took old patches off this morning so left with one, and I literally feel like something horrendous is about to happen.

Also, going privately is good shout. I get it through work.

I wondered if they'd started me on low dose because im post menopausal? I've done 13 months without a period. My friend who still has periods started on 50?

You may be able to buy extra or stronger patches from an online pharmacy (they do ask you some questions though and contact your GP surgery - that said, they were happy to sell me some (I didn't buy them, though)).

I've just started on 50mcg FemSeven Conti. I noticed physical changes pretty much straight away. As for emotional/mental changes, I'm not sure (although I have a thyroid issue that I've just started treatment for so am waiting for both the HRT and thyroxine to really kick in).

I don’t know the reasons to it all. I am 43 but I have been on and off HRT since 37 as I stopped producing oestrogen completely then due to other autoimmune issues.

I started HRT 2 weeks ago on 50.

I do think my hot flushes have already improved, I now have maybe 1 or 2 a day whereas before it seemed hourly (or could the change in weather have affected that??)

I was feeling good, but today my sad and pointless feeling has come back. I'll give it more time before pushing for a different strength.

I'm on 100. I started on 50, then went up to 75, then up to 100. 25 is very low.

I'm just so desperate to find out if menopause is to blame for anxiety which is causing my symptoms (pressure in head, dizziness, nausea, no appetite etc). I've felt ill since before Christmas every single day and I'm so done with it.

I actually go to bed sometimes hoping I won't wake up 😞

Being on such a low dose is incredibly frustrating as it's just not had any effect on me at all.

I think I'll contact my private health GP tomorrow and see if can be increased.

I'd be asking for an increase in your shoes @IBlameTheDog, let us know how you get on.

It's no fun is it but I keep telling myself I'll find the right balance of medication soon and be back to myself xx

You're so right @GauntJudy, I'm wfh on Wednesday so will make an appointment then and try to increase the dose. If GP says no, I'll try private.

I really hope you get sorted soon, it's definitely the most challenging time of my life x

Thanks for replying. I've got three friends who have started HRT this year and they all started on 50.
I've not noticed any change whatsoever, and my mood seems to be getting worse.

I’m on oestrogel. Love it. My friend is on the patches and it took her ages before she felt the benefit. She does now though, it’s changed our lives! Don’t give up hope.

I think 50 is often the starting dose. But maybe that's for perimenopause. Maybe 25 is usual post-menopause.
Either way, please do go back to the doctor and explain how bad you're feeling. I'm hopeful things will start to get better for you soon 💐

I started on 25 but when up to 50 within 6 weeks. Although I think my anxiety has improved with the higher dose, for me giving up alcohol has massively helped with anxiety.

It doesn't go up to 175mcgs - only if you wear several patches.

Do you mean 175 or 75?

The Newson clinic has had a bit of a 'wrist slap' (not actually named but it was pretty obvious they were one of the clinics being criticised) because they are prescribing very high off-licence doses and women were getting or at risk of hyperplasia.

Blood tests are not accurate. My consultant won't do them for that reason and we've had a few conversations over why they aren't accurate. (It's not a cost issue either, as it's private. ) The only way to get an accurate reading is a constant blood test over 24 hours which is impossible.

The only reason for starting on such a low dose is if you are on HRT for the first time and are over 60, when a low dose is the way to go for a few weeks.

Otherwise, it's usually the equivalent of 1mg of estrogen a day- either a tablet, patch (37 or 50mcg) or 2 pumps of gel.

I’m only 50!!

thanks for your reply, that’s interesting

It's not a disaster and in some ways it's better to start low, but with the intent to increase if you still have symptoms after a few weeks.

I am on Evrol Conti as period free and started on one patch from GP then after telephone appointment with NHS consultant I was told to try 1.5 patches for 8-12 weeks then up to 2 if needed and a follow up appointment was made for 6 months time. I upped it to 2 patches after 10 weeks and have never looked back.

Apologies, dosage info didn’t upload.

I am on 75mg but started on 50mg which I think is the standard starting dose. It took me a good 2 months to notice much change but I know some others notice a change very quickly.