Stella

[Lovemybunnies]

Has anyone used the Stella app with Tesco. I was with Newson clinic but it got too expensive. My GP was prescribing my HRT but has cut my dose right down and I am aching and exhausted. Just wondering if it is worth trying Stella and if they are prepared to prescribe higher doses.

Who or what are they? Is this an online doctor? If I were you I'd be looking into who is behind it, their qualifications etc.

I'd also consider speaking to your GP again about why they have cut back your dose. Was it considered high/ dangerous? What was the reasoning behind it?

Newson clinics are expensive. Some of their fees (including repeats etc) are more expensive than the most respected menopause consultants in London.
Maybe worth considering other private specialists rather than jumping to a remote online service?

@Lovemybunnies It's too late to edit my post now. I have though looked at the app. I assume you have? It's a consultation linked with Tesco pharmacies and they use a GP with menopause training. Only one is shown on the website but is that all they offer? Don't know!

If your situation is complicated you may find they aren't experienced enough or willing to prescribe unlicensed doses.

What dose were you on?

There is some concern about very high doses of estrogen unless matched with the right amount of progesterone. The BMS suggests considering a different route or type of estrogen if the maximum dose ( 4 pumps of gel/ 100mcg patch) isn't working. Or looking at other reasons why the symptoms are continuing, beyond just hormones.

Thank you for replying. I know why she reduced it as it was much higher than GP’s can risk prescribing for insurance reasons. I know about the risk of breast cancer etc from high levels. It’s just something I have to balance with being beyond exhausted if I don’t have it. I was on 175mg oestrogen and was reduced to 125. I think Stella looks good but just wasn’t sure if they would prescribe higher doses. I think it says if they can’t help they don’t charge you. I think it must be subsidised by Tesco.

The evidence shows that as far as is known, the dose of estrogen does not affect breast cancer. It's the addition of progesterone and the type of it that is linked to BC.

However, the BMS does say that no one should need to amount of estrogen you were on. They suggest that other lifestyle measures should be looked at and also other possible health reasons why an already high dose isn't working (ie your experience of feeling exhausted.)

Have you had a full blood test looking at everything else like your thyroid, Vit D, iron, Vit B12 etc?

For a high dose of estrogen beyond the licensed dose the guidance is that progesterone is also increased. How were you doing that with a patch? Were you using a combined patch or adding more progesterone separately?

Thank you that’s very helpful. I take two 100mg progesterone and have had a recent scan which shows the lining of my womb is fine. I have had full blood tests and am supplementing to try to get B12, D and iron up. I had some thyroid antibodies but GPs are not interested.

Is that 200mcg daily or for 2 weeks per month?

It might be worth considering reducing the estrogen if you get the minerals/ vitamins sorted and maybe push your GP about your thyroid? Ask to be referred to an endocrinologist?

Daily. Thank you I will try that.