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.

Thanks everyone. I've just cried in M&S because I couldn't decide what to get for my lunch. I think I definitely need to speak to the GP.

I'm really surprised they didn't start me off on 50...

They should know that a 25mcg patch is the lowest. They should have suggested a trial of a few weeks and to come back for a review if you needed to, without waiting for 12 weeks. However, that is standard practice- a 3 month trial.

TBH, I started on less than a 25mgs patch- 1/2 pump of gel. I used that for a couple of weeks then gradually worked up to 1 pump and then 2. This was with an excellent private consultant. However, patches don't allow this and you have to go back for new doses.

If it were me, I’d put on 2 patches and see if it made a difference.

That's a good point @PortiaWithNoBreaks
Id forgotten that before I asked the GP to change my prescription from 50 to 75, I started cutting patches in half and using one and a half 50 patches. I could feel the difference and I told the GP what I'd done. She didn't have a problem with it.

@IBlameTheDog next time you change patches, why not try using 2? See how you feel.

I think I will do this!

If the GP doesn't like it I'll go private instead. Definitely can't carry on the way I'm feeling at the moment.

Thanks everyone. Don't know why I didn't think of that myself. It's patch change day tomorrow so I'll pop two on.

I was initially given EVOREL sequi/conti which are combination patches. I noticed a difference within the first month, mostly my sleep improved because it stopped the restless legs issue I was having. Then it gradually calmed by other symptoms down. After a couple of years on that, I was switched to EVOREL 75, and utrogestan for 14 days out of the month. This suits me very well, by that I mean I'm not quite as homicidal as I was pre HRT.

@offyoujollywelltrot

I get the homicidal rage too - along with bizarre episodes of crying so hard I think I'll never stop. What a rollercoaster of a ride this is turning out to be.

Just got back from GP. Got my patches upped to 50 and been prescribed oestrogen pessaries too. Hoping it kicks in soon 🤞🏻

The rage is really quite something isn't it? Whenever I hulk out, when I am exhausted by it I just collapse into sobbing fits. Then I end up falling asleep for hours and wonder what year it is when I wake up. Fortunately I live alone and don't have a man under my feet to annoy me. I think I'd probably eat one if they got too close.

I have also developed a really rather warped sense of humour with all this. I am considering going to build a house in the woods and becoming the creature the village fears the most, Baba Yaga style. I have no patience for bullshit anymore LOL

I’m post meno and was started on 25mcg patches with permission to increase to 50 if I felt it necessary. I felt ok initially but now feel very low and flat again so have just added in an extra patch. I hate the flat feeling but just don’t seem able to jolly myself along anymore.

Yes this was exactly me. Utterly demotivated and can’t find any enjoyment in anything.
I’m really hoping the 50mcg patch makes a difference soon. Hope yours does too 🤞🏻

Fingers crossed for both of us 🤞 For me the low motivation and flatness is one of the worst symptoms. I wasn’t too bad with sweats or aches etc but this demotivated, flat, state of being is just horrible. Ditto, I can’t find enjoyment in anything or that anticipation of enjoyment either. I’m not even that bothered about food although I’m trying to get my nutrition sorted.

I too started on 25, and am now on 75. When I needed to go up to 50, my practice nurse told me that I could have upped the dose myself by cutting a patch in half (this was going from 50 to 75). I had considered this but dismissed it as it’s not my area of medical knowledge.

Anyway, I wouldn’t now hesitate to titrate my own dose, and inform my GP after the fact and ask for a new prescription.

I'm on 125mcg evorel patches, about to add 100mg utrogestan vaginally.

Evorel 100 plus mirena. Blood tests booked as i don't seem to absorb it well, but GP telling me this is the highest I can go

OP whack a second patch on. (I’m not a medical professional)

I started on 25mg Evorel, but my GP said at the time if I didn’t feel a difference in 2 weeks, to stick another patch on to 50mg. This was fine for about a year, then I increased to 75mg. I’ve been fine on that for a couple of years.
I have a review next week, but I don’t anticipate it changing

How are you getting on @IBlameTheDog ?

I was on 100, asked GP if I could up the dose (I'd started on 50), they said no, I would need to try antidepressants as well. So I went to a private clinic, had a blood test then and there, and two days later got a prescription for tablets. Turns out I don't absorb well through my skin (gel or patch). Even with the tablets it's taken a while to get to an effective dose.

There was a Panorama on a week or so ago absolutely slating the Newsom clinic, it was shocking actually so might be worth a watch.

Thanks for asking @GauntJudy

The GP has upped my patch to 50 which I’ve been on now for a couple of weeks. Mood has improved and I feel a bit more like myself.

As for the head pressure and fuzzy/drunk feeling, it hasn’t gone, by any means, but I have started to have the odd few hours here and there where I feel ok so I’m hoping that over time, I’ll start to feel better for longer. Still got very dry eyes/mouth/nose. Not sure if HRT will ever help with that?

Have a google of Sjögren’s syndrome. It’s very under diagnosed and many women of menopausal age develop it. (I have it, and other autoimmune issues).

Sounds like progress @IBlameTheDog!

Maybe give it a couple of months and if the other symptoms haven't improved ask to increase again?

Yes I think that’s what I’ll do. It will be 7 weeks from the new higher dose to my 12 week review so we’ll see what happens then. Have to admit I was hoping for a miraculous fix and it hasn’t really happened - but still hopeful!

How are you getting on @IBlameTheDog