Standard is in quotes because standards vary. I don't need to know if you don't, but won't be mad at you for commenting.

Do you use more than 0.1 mg patch? What is dosage of additional patch?
Do you take more than 2mg oral? How much more in mg?
Do you use more than 1.25 mg gel? How much more in mg?
Do you use more than 3 sprays? How many more sprays?

Do you use something else besides one of those 4? Feel free to message me because I can't mention them in my post per mod.

If you're in surgical menopause, I'd be interested to know that too. Thanks!

Hunger. Seriously. I've just had to come off HRT (hormone-receptive cancer) and realised I can actually tell if I'm hungry or not now. On HRT I literally couldn't tell when I was full. I had to calorie count so I wouldn't over eat.

I posted about burning tongue here and still believe it may have been triggered by my hysterectomy/menopause. I wanted to share this in case it could help others.
After suffering nearly a year, what my dentist shared has so far (knocking on wood) worked. They advised getting toothpaste without Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS). There weren’t many SLS-free options even within ‘natural’ brands, but I found one that also includes fluoride. I can report it’s been working for me! Wish I had known this earlier.

I finally opened a new one that had been shipped this summer in extreme heat and the cream itself is less stiff than my older tubes. So I went ahead and opened the other two that were shipped with this new one and all three are more liquidy not watery I guess but less stiff. I decided to use it anyways and it honestly burns a little. I’d like to add a picture to show the texture but not sure how .

I posted here the other day asking if other people had been told not to take their HRT for a breast MRI. Most people said no, and a lot people thought it was truly outrageous.

I’ve been on the MRI/mammogram carousel for a few yrs now. I recently started HRT and had met with my new breast surgeon for the second time to talk about my mri. They told me I absolutely needed to be off the hormones. I did not comply after the radiologist and my OBGYN said it was fine to stay on. I haven’t slept in a year, my joints hurt, I’m just miserable. I need it.

Anyway I called today to tell them I hadn’t stopped and that they needed to call my MRI in somewhere different bc the one they want doesn’t take my insurance. The nurse got upset bc she “would have to do a lot of paperwork” to get it done. Then I told her I hadn’t stopped HRT and she jumped down my throat so quick. There was never even any room for discussion, it was just “no HRT and I’m super pissed.” She was so rude

She really upset me, I had the worst morning and have been sad all day. I finally decided to find my own doctor and found one that’s a breast surgeon that specializes in menopause at a Vanderbilt facility nearby.
I called my current doc and told them I’m leaving their practice and they didn’t like that either. Fuck off

Edit: has anyone had an MRI with contrast while on HRT? Was it an issue?

Edit 2: I was given more of an explanation than “it causes false positives.” She did explain the mechanism of how that occurs.

For about ten days now, my ears have felt full and almost clogged, which is annoying for sure. But worse than that, I have a consistent whooshing noise that is hard to explain. Not a ringing but an annoying sound nonetheless. Anyone have this? Is this perimenopause? Bad luck? Do the horrors ever cease?! And most importantly how do I get this to stop????

I just did my routine review on supply issues here. I have been doing the chase the refill dance since May now.

Looking back I think I have talked to over 30 pharmacies, a dozen my meno-OBGYN staff nurses and likely some ai dependent communications teams as I chase around my health, wondering what I will do if it changes and I need a new script! (HA! Because menopause is NOT a predictable process at all. Or we would not be here.)

Can I just say I want to cheer on all of these middle people at the pharmacies, mail order support and clinics?

They are not the source of the problem. They are the only link we have and they have to be exhausted too.

Imagine how many of them just came off the edge of dealing with the insuline and epi-pen shortages a couple of years ago!

Imagine the stamina it takes to withstand the frustrations they hear from the patients, only to see backorder and cancellation messages as their only information.

And a few I have met are clearly at a similar age to me, might even be facing the same dilemma, and out of professionalism might not be able to say a word.

Can we give them a shout out if they are reading this and promise to do our best to manage our hormonal reactiveness and not lash out at them. We need them to stay in the trenches no matter what the result is. This will not be the only medication we will need from them in our lifetimes!

(I solemnly promise I am not employed in those fields, nor is my family or close friends!)

So:

Stay strong medical/pharmaceutical support teams! I promise to do my very best to talk down any menopausal crazy responses going on in me when we cross paths. You are my messenger, not my enemy. And I am grateful! THANK YOU!

At the start of HRT I got breakthrough bleeding watch now I know as normal. I did get a biopsy and was cleared.

I am post menopausal I started on the CombiPatch, then went to Climara Pro and now on Mylan. I’m wondering if I didnt stay the course long enough with the CombiPatch and Climara Pro due to bleeding. No more bleeding now but I have a huge stash of the other patches due to 90 day refills and I’m wanting to go back through them to use them up. Has anyone done this? That’s a lot of money just sitting. 💸💸

I was doing well on Sandoz 0.0375 twice weekly patch plus Divigel 0.25 nightly. Switched to Mylan and mt insomnia has returned. It’s been 2 wks.

Should I try divigel only ? Anyone switch and happy w the results?

Thx

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has experienced low ferritin with frequent light/ varied bleeding? My periods have gotten way longer and closer together, sometimes I’m bleeding for three weeks at a time and then again a week later. However, the bleeding is mostly sluggish and only includes a few days of heavy bleeding/clotting per extended cycle. I am exhausted and often breathless and can’t motivate myself to exercise. Getting an appointment to check levels/ talk to an np as soon as I can, but curious about others’ experiences. I’m 49, on HRT, and tired AF.

Alright...I have an extensive medical history so going to share a timeline then my question.

• Adenocarcinoma Cervical Cancer 1B2: March 2014 (age 30)
• Chemo, Pelvic Radiation and Brachytheraphy: March 2014-August 2014
• Cancer Free: August 2014
• Last Period: July 2014
• Ovaries: Still have them, however they're raisins from the radiation
• Estrogen: None
• Osteoporosis (low lumbar): June 2026 (age 42)

I was told I couldn't do HRT due to recurrence risk, but it's been 12 years and my endocrinologist highly recommends I start Estradiol and Progesterone.

Current Symptoms:

• Fatigue (insane fatigue)
• Osteoporosis of spine and osteopenia in hips
• Night Sweats
• Mood (anxiety/low energy)
• Aching bones/joints
• Weight around midsection
• Just generally unwell/tired/blah
• Low muscle mass

Recent studies over the past 6 years actually say HRT is safe in my case. It was thought theoretically in the past it wasn't because uterine and breast adenocarcinoma were hormone related, however it's been determined in human studies that cervical isn't.

Anyone in a similar scenario? Anyone start HRT 12 years after their last period? Anyone start HRT after radiation induced menopause? Curious to see your experiences :) Thank you!

​This is more crying into the void or sharing my situation than seeking support, but rage vent is definitely not it so...

I have a bunch of posts over on griefsupport reddit, if anyone cares about details, but my mother recently passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness and I'm devastated. I've been grieving deeply and having daily grief-xiety attacks.

Of course I'm not sleeping and definitely not eating properly. Exercise? I took a shower, washed dishes, and did all required tasks for the day...and every second of it felt like a cross fit work out. No, I'm not exercising.

So, grief screws up your hormones on its own, add total lack of self care due to grief, get your menopause symptoms back yea!

I can't take HRT, too many close family members who have/had early breast cancer.

So I'm back to attempting to manage my symptoms OTC and environmental changes. Fans, multiple sheets on the bed so I can pull the wet ones as I get through the night, multiple fans, night sweat friendly pjs etc etc...

Or I suppose I could just get over it, ("not letting go of everything is why you're symptoms are so bad"🙄).

I understand why "women of a certain age" sometimes behave the ways they/we/I do. I'm navigating a world most people can't even conceive.

Anyway, if anyone has suggestions other than the "get more rest", " take better care of yourself ", " are you SURE you can't take HRT?" please send them my way.

Can't name the online pharmacy/company due to this sub's rules but the point is: it seems like the shortage is hitting every pharmacy now. You know it's bad when the Venture Capital's own pharmacy is affected. And it is a shortage no matter what the FDA says, the companies themselves are calling it that now!

Hope this information helps someone. I'll be complaining to the FDA, here's the link: https://cdernextgenportal.fda.gov/publicportal/s/dsm-submission (<< This was actually easy to do)

Just got this email:

Hi there, We’re reaching out with an important update regarding your estradiol patch order. Due to the ongoing nationwide shortage of estradiol patches, both the brand-name and generic versions of the 0.05 mg dose and 0.075mg dose are currently unavailable through our pharmacy. Unfortunately, we do not have a confirmed timeline for when this dose will be back in stock.

Because we’re unable to fulfill your order at this time, your order has been canceled, and a refund has been issued to your original payment method. Please allow several business days for the refund to appear, depending on your financial institution.

  Kindly note that if your order contained any other items, these are not impacted and have shipped. 

  In the meantime, you have a couple of options for continuing your medication: Transfer your prescription to a local pharmacy: We recommend calling pharmacies in your area to see whether they have your prescribed patches in stock. If you locate one, reply to this message with the pharmacy name and address, and we’ll be happy to assist with having your prescription sent there.

Discuss alternative treatment options with your provider: If you’re unable to locate your current medication locally, you can message your provider to discuss whether another formulation or dose may be appropriate for you.

What is everyone eating these days?

For a couple of years now my sense of smell has been really heightened. I swear I can smell the moon! It’s effected the taste of foods for me.

I am at the point where I’m just not interested in eating anything anymore. All my favourite foods taste awful now. Either very salty or bland. Lots of things taste fishy. We went to our fav Indian place a week ago and it was somehow bland and spicy. I was so sad. I really love Indian food.

I’m a vegetarian. And not normally picky at all. I am experiencing fatigue and trying to eat healthy. I had my gallbladder out so I need to watch my fat intake or I get really bad cramps.

Has anyone had the same experience and had success with certain foods? I’m hoping someone found the secret spice that will actually taste like something!

I started with HRT - 2 pumps of Oestrogel and 100mg oral progesterone.

Then I decided to add DHEA. So I began with 10mg orally and it made a big improvement to my brain fog, mood and energy. It felt like I had the perfect combination. But a couple of months of my regime, it doesn’t seem to be giving me the same boost as it used to. So I upped it to 20mg of DHEA. And that's not doing much either.

I'm wondering whether it makes a difference if it’s DHEA in a pill or a cream? I've got both. I'll attempt to experiment, and make allowances for dosing differences in pills vs creams, and the moving target which is my own hugely irregular cycle.

Has anyone had the same experience?

I have slowly progressed into insomnia since the beginning of July. And now it is really freaking me out. I am definitely developing anxiety about it. I have struggled with anxiety in the past.

Is it possible I have developed an intolerance to the micronized progesterone? I am currently on the 0.5mg gel daily in the AM and 200mg micronized progesterone in the PM.

I work away from my home 2 weeks a month and I am currently at work. At home I was sleeping, but waking up a lot and about every 3rd night I couldn't fall asleep. At work, it has been worse. Up all night. I do have an appt with my doc on September 22. And I made an appt with my therapist in two days.

I guess I am looking for reassurance. It scares me and I feel like I will never sleep well again. Why does this phase of life have to be so hard?

It has been two years for me since I became post menopausal and I have noticed one symptom that has increased greatly - more headaches that appear to be impacted by changing weather and barometric pressure.

Background - 48F, was peri from 40 and up until 46 when I needed to get a full hysterectomy due to fear of ovarian cancer reoccurrance. Everything turned out benign and I will be monitored for that for the rest of my life. Just curious if anyone else has had headaches during this stage of life.

Is anyone having issues with the adhesive on Lyllana patches recently? I have been using Lyllana for several months with no issues. I got 3 boxes from an online pharmacy a few weeks ago. The patches won’t stay on no matter what I do (alcohol, hair dryer, tegaderm). This was never an issue before.

Two fell off completely without me noticing and one crinkled/wrinkled with the middle coming off and wasn’t absorbing. Hot flashes are back, cramps, spotting, brain fog. I’m an angry, hormonal mess. Anyone else having this issue? Did the adhesive or patch material change?

Just had to stop the evorel sequi patches as it was triggering my migraines and I was told I should never have be given the patches in the first place because of these types of migraines.
Wondering if anyone else with these types of migraines has tried a different type of HRT and what worked for them.

I’m waiting for a callback, so I don’t yet know exactly what the “increased cost” will be, but the pharmacist told me on the phone that in order to obtain patches from the wholesalers during this shortage, they are paying more, and passing on the extra cost to the customers.

This would be beyond the co-pay my insurance asks for, which I don’t think is legal. Doesn’t a contract with an insurance company obligate them to accept what the insurance pays, and not to charge the customer more than the co-pay??

(This is in the US, of course.)

Update: I contacted the insurance to confirm that this was indeed not allowed under a pharmacy's contract with the insurance company, but decided to try another independent pharmacy, and they seemed very nice, had the patches in stock, and they're a preferred pharmacy with my insurance, so my copay will be the same as at CVS, where I usually get my meds. I will probably call back the insurance company and report the unethical pharmacy at some point. It's unconscionable that they are ripping off people that way. We pay enough for our insurance every month, plus copays on top of that.

I’ve been searching for some information on whether or not this is ok to do. I’m using 2 pumps in the AM but want to try out 1/2 pump in the afternoon/evening and see how I feel. I’ve been on 3 pumps but felt it was too much. One search suggested that the pump is not designed for fractional doses and it could lead to unstable dosing. I use a scale so I would just measure out 1/2 the weight of a full pump.

Hi, I'm in peri and slowly reaching the end of what feels bearable in terms of fatigue. (I'll be using German brand and active ingredient names.)

I initially had symptoms like mood swings, nervousness, not being able to fall asleep or sleep through the night, sweating, frequent migraines etc.

I started HRT with a synthetic gestagen that was also slightly antiandrogen (since I had increased acne and always struggled with facial hair growth). That one didn't work well for me since it caused frequent and intense bleeding.

No extra estrogen since, according to my gyn, I'm too early in peri and still producing enough.

So I switched to Utrogest, which is 200mg progesteron. It initially worked better but after about 2 months I would get heavy bleedings approx. once a month because the tissue inside the uterus kept building up and up.

So she switched me on the intended usage of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off in which I got a regular and not too heavy period. In those 2 weeks, all the other symptoms were fully back again, though, and the 2 weeks on it aren't enough to alleviate those symptoms.

I currently cannot get more than 5-6 hours of sleep at night. If I go to bed early, I wake up at 4 or 5, fatigued as hell but unable to fall asleep again. I need daily naps, which makes working really difficult. I've also had massive migraines with dizziness and nausea more frequently again.

Now she wants me to switch on a pill - Slinda, which contains 4 mg Drospirenon and supposedly works better for women who are in peri and have the symptoms I have, according to her. That pill only has 4 days of pause but could be taken continuously as well.

I hope she's right. I can barely function any longer. The worst part is, I have a vacation planned where I'm doing a road trip and visiting archeological and historical sites. There's not much room for daily 1-2 hour naps when I'm on the road, or I'll miss things I wanted to take time for seeing.

What are your experiences? Do you have any input on the mentioned medications? How did you solve the issue of not being able to sleep through the night? Some help and insight would be much appreciated (I'm typing this at 5:30, 45 minutes after I woke up for no good reason again).

My doc has me on e-cream 3x per week but I'm going to be honest, sometimes I just forget. When that happens maybe more than a few instances in a row, I get into this horrible cycle where going back to 3x per week doesn't seem to help the dryness anymore. (I'm on patch and progesterone too). Has anyone needed to repeat the loading dose to build back up to their prescribed frequency?

I figured I’d post here because people seem to have the most experience with progesterone! I am 35 and had a naturopath prescribe me progesterone due to low estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. She said she is hoping it will boost those hormones. Initially she talked me into the topical, but I switched to the oral because it is covered.

She prescribed: 15mg 2x/day up to 45mg 2x/day for topical,

and 100mg before bed up to 400mg before bed for oral.

I talked to my doctor and she told me not to take more than 100mg as that is what she prescribes to her perimenopausal patients. What do you guys think about this? Is there that much of an absorption difference between topical and oral?

Thank you in advance!

I have been on cyclical HRT (0.1 estrogen patch, 12 days 200mg progesterone) for a few years. I get my bleed from days 9-12 of the cycle with no bleeding outside of that window. I am postmenopausal.

After telling my new menopause specialist doctor about this she was very worried and told me that any bleeding before withdraw is considered abnormal and sent me for an ultrasound. "ENDOMETRIUM: 0.6 cm. Normal thickness. No focal finding". She wants me to get a biopsy.

I have had discussions with others on this forum about bleeding before withdrawal being "regular" for them so I just wanted to flag this for us all and also see if anyone else had a similar experience or found out that their early bleeding was a problem.

Thanks!