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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2024
- Dr Renee answers the questions she gets asked most often on HRT and menopause.Covering things like how to use progesterone, why to use it, will HRT make you put on weight, can you have HRT if you have had a DVT/PE/Stroke and many more!
This is the book from Avrum Bluming that discusses breast cancer and HRT:
www.amazon.co....
All women deserve a wonderful Dr. And guide like you! Thank you so much.
Carolyn McCollum that’s lovely, thank you. And they do!
Gosh, your vlogs are so useful. I lost my mother as a child and have no other female relatives (or older friends) to discuss menopause/HRT with, so your advice is invaluable. Thank you, Dr Renee! 💜
I think that’s one of the loveliest comments ever. Thank you x
🧡
Exactly what I was looking for
I managed to lose 30 pounds by eating higher protein lower carb and medium healthy fat and strength training but I did struggle to lose fat on the tummy as menopause hit. HRT seems to be helping me to not put fat on my tummy as much as I was.
O my god your such a beautiful caring doctor 🙏 great help thank you bless you 🙏
Thank you.
The best thank you, please do more.
Thank you this has been most helpful. I've just started HRT low dose as have completed my early menopause. I have been struggling all week feeling fatigue and generally unwell. My Menopause doctor has advised to use my Oestrogen gel x 1/2 pump am then pm instead of 2x pumps once a day. Im to try this for 2 weeks so fingers crossed. I didnt realise you could insert the Progesterone capsules into vaginally to prevent side effects. But you have answered so many questions I have not thought about yet lol. Thanks again! 🙂
Dr renee also how do we know if we are on the right dose of oestrogen as they don't do a blood test for this at my surgery. What symptoms would you get if it was too high ?
I'm ready to try anything I suppose it's easier to have the coil fitted so I don't have to keep remembering to use the tablet , I'm in my seventh year of menopause and it's not getting easier , hot ,cold flushes ,tiredness brain fog , mood swings etc..
Thanks for great vlog! I took systemic HRT for 5 yrs started age approx 51yrs. Now 64yrs and still experiencing hot flushes, mostly at night, horrible joint pain, particularly shoulders and knees. Brain fog, poor memory and mood swings. Is HRT ever represcribed? Is it worth me talking with my GP, no point if they say NO you’ve had it once.
Love your work madam blessings
I'm 67 and still symptomatic. I know that HRT use early on is beneficial and that after 60 it carries less benefit. But would it be dangerous for me at this age? And is that because I have less estrogen receptors and my body would have a problem processing, or something else? I WISH I'd known about the benefits 20 years ago! Thanks for your blogs, they're so helpful and easy to understand :)
HI. Its not absolutely out of the question that you can't have HRT at your age but it needs to be done after a risk assessment of your cardiovascular health. This is because women tend to only develop their heart disease after menopause so if you are more than 10 years past menopause you may have developed heart disease and oestrogen can disturb any plaques you have developed and . if dislodged these become dangerous. So your doctor would need to assess you carefully and if starting, use the lowest transdermal dose.
@@DrRenee many thanks! I had a cv test last year because of palpitations. These have gone now and I'm doing much more exercise than before. The result of the test was that I should remain 'monitored'. Armed with more knowledge, I'll contact the doc again and see what their view is. I did see a menopause specialist and she said she'd be quite happy to prescribe a minimal dose for a short time to test the results. Thanks Dr Renee.
Wow, a very informative video. Thank you.
dam mar It’s a pleasure.
Transwoman, attempting a DIY transition in my 50s. You and another TH-cam menopause doctor, Barbie Taylor, have been far more helpful than any doctors in the transgender community, and certainly more helpful than IRL medical professionals. Should I be taking progesterone and estrogen sequentially, to mimic a woman's monthly cycle, or take them both fulltime? I am using transdermal creme
Thank you. That was so helpful
Does the risk assessment for heart disease the same as a 60yo for a 70yo who is thinking of doing HRT? Thanks,
Hi Dr. Renee, your info is very helpful. I've decided to give hrt a go. I'm on it 4 days now and I'm feeling very anxious, distracted and not sleeping well. Do you think it's just that my body is adjusting. I'm just gone 58 and haven't had a period for 8 years. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I love your no-nonsense approach to menupause and practical advice.
Best of luck!
Excellent video, thank you. I have a bulky womb due to fibroids (apparently I have a fair few) and have really heavy periods. It’s usually only very heavy for a day and a bit and then settles but I bleed for around 9 days. I am under a gynaecologist for this problem and as of yet a concrete decision on how to treat the fibroids has not been made. I have just been started on HRT due to symptoms, I still have periods (I’m 51) so I’ve been told to use 75mg of a 100mg Estradot patch twice a week (I’m to cut off a third and move up in dose if/when needed) and 200mg of Utrogestan. I’m worried about the fibroids growing and wondered if continuous might be a better option for me? Can I still take Utrogestan vaginally with fibroids and is there any reason considering what I’ve mentioned here that I might do better with a different form of HRT? I apologise for so many questions, I’ve received conflicting information from my healthcare providers regarding HRT and I feel really lost with it all.
Hi , is it OK to stop HRT without weaning off it ? I'm 60 and have been on it 10 years but want to see how I am without it .
Thanks for the bloggs. I have been lucky with obviously symptoms of menopause like hot sweats and have not had a period for about 6/7 years. I’m 53. However my memory is bad and my skin is ageing prematurely will HRT help with these? Thanks
Many thanks. Really great and informative advice and answers to our many questions.
Thank you. It's a pleasure.
This is an old post but my question is to do with migraine an hrt?..... I am 56 now only five months post last period have had a nightmare with health an symptoms for years.... Now getting lots of aura migraines.... Also started antihypertensives two months ago... Bp is much better.... Gp has prescribed estrogen gel an utrogestetone as continuous because of migraine..... Am bit anxious bout it but so fed up with awful symptoms.... Anxiety over last few years has been a big symptom.... Worried re progesterone an??
THANK YOU!!! This video SAVED my life! May God bless you, your heart, and your GUTS!!! Feel free to contact me if I can help in any way! (Given the advanced technological society in which we live it is incomprehensible how "Menopause" is still so misunderstood and taboo ... even by medical professionals here in San Diego, California!!! Where are the Women's Rights advocates, the feminists, the Progressives!!?? Menopause is the real LAST FRONTIER. The TRANS-community is elevated and defended while us real Women are debilitated, dismissed, and suffering in private. ❤️
I have a few questions please................I read or saw something that said you should not change location of patches ie if you put them on thighs don’t switch to abdomen or backside ..and vice verse? Also said backside absorbs the patch contents quicker or something like that ....and i know you said they can go anywhere.....but are they more and less effective in different body locations? ........also how strict should you be on the exact time of replacing the patches? ..eg.....if i replace them 1pm on Monday do i have to replace the next one on 1pm Friday how close to the exact hour does it need to be please? Thank you for the wonderful help and advice you give xx
Can HRT raise blood pressure? You are awesome and I live your channel. Such great information!
Weight gain at menopause can raise blood pressure so there is a good argument for HrT to prevent this. If you have very high blood pressure you can get it controlled and then start HRT
@@DrRenee Thank you so much for responding. I’m on medication so now it’s controlled but I do feel like me having a difficult time getting rid of around 15 probably isn’t good for my blood pressure. I also have itchy skin, hard time sleeping and irritability so I’d love to try HRT if I safely can 😊
Hi Mary. If it’s controlled there is no barrier. Obviously your Go can do your individual risk assessment but if you think they are not up to date, I would have a read and print off the NICE Menopause Guidance 2015. X
Dr Renee do you also take HRT? if so which ones? Thank-you.
Thank you. I've only just found your channel. I have a question. If my Oestrogen is increased, should I increase my Utrogestan? I've only been on hrt for 2 months and my doctor is going to test my blood for levels and for testosterone. I am currently on Everol 50 patches but may need more. Why do some women take 2 Utrogestan as opposed to 1? 😊
The difference is about having periods or not. So if you are still having periods you take 2 x utrogestan for 12 days a month, if no periods 1 x utrogestan every day. So no need to increase with increased dose unless endometriosis or fibroids a concern,
Thanks for your reply 😊
Are patches better than tablets? I started on the tablets (Premarin)and it was like magic, my joint pain, brain fog has disappeared, but then I developed a cyst which disappeared when the GP changed to patches. However the patches don’t seems to be doing anything and all my symptoms are back. The cyst was seems by a specialist who confirmed that was nothing to worry about. Is there any other tablets that can help? Thank you. Telma
Tablets have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than gel but similar to patches and also a very small risk of DVT/stroke that patches/gel do not have. The risks are however very small; 4/1000 extra breast cancer cases over 5 years and slightly less than this for DVT/stroke. The patches/gel have no risk of DVT/stroke. I think its down to your choice for lifestyle and understanding the risks. I explain the risks to patients and then let them choose and some choose tablets.
Thank you for your help.
@@telmasilveira3873 Always a pleasure.
Hi I had a gap of 3 months from estrogen topical cream ,do I need to apply it daily again for 3 weeks ,or can I just use it as needed.
I just started experimenting with HRT about a year ago but would never stick with it more than a couple of months because of weight gain and just plain feeling tired. I think it was just my body adjusting. I’ve started back on biodentical cream (Estrogen 2.5 mg, Progesterone 60mg, Testosterone 1mg). I’ll be 58 in April and I’ve almost been 9.5 years since my last period. I have a wonderful doctor that prescribed it for me, however, today I saw my endocrinologist and she seemed not to be for me being on HRT. She really scared me talking about them increasing my risks for strokes and heart attacks. I’ve done my research and know all about how misleading the WHI study was years ago. It seems that some doctors are just not as educated on the subject of HRT and the many benefits. I was considering trying a patch and progesterone pill. Did I understand you correctly to say that you could insert the progesterone pill in your vagina? I had considered Mirena IUD but really don’t want to go that route. Would inserting the pill lessen the side effects of the Progesterone? Thanks in advance for your help 🙏
Yes it can be inserted vaginally but is off licence that route.
Some women find it causes less side effects that way.
soooooo taking the progesterone making me feel bad defeats the whole purpose of taking the BHRT pellets to feel better. Will the benefits of HRT out weigh the feeling of the progesterone?
I’m not really sure what you mean. BHRT is HRT dressed up in a fancy name to make you feel it’s tailored. Biocide tical HRT is available via your Gp and if you are a uterus must include both progesterone and oestrogen. The oestrogen sorts the symptoms, the progesterone protects the uterus. You can take both on several ways but for both to be bioIdentocal they need to be via the skin for oestrogen and as a tablet (utrogestan) for progesterone and that can be swallowed or used vaginally (off license but can avoid side effects for women who are less tolerant).
my only issue is itchiness of skin, and i feel emotionally ...drawn to somebody, i don't even know if that is a peri side effect lols. but i do have issue with swelling. i was given dianne45 a long time ago for my acne but it was terribly difficult coz i swell on my legs i feel heavy and even the soles are painful. I'm thinking if the hrt will do the same. plus i'm scared of clotting since i have b blood which they say is very thick blood and prone to clotting. Another issue is the cancer since my grandma had lung cancer, her niece had breast cancer, and one of my aunt had breast cancer. me, my dad, my mom, my bro had cystic tumor removed. i also have pcos on right ovary.
Thank you a lot for detailed talk on HRT
I am in the UK, do you do consultations?
Do you have an email I could possibly contact on?
Kind Regards xx
I am on day 6 of 2 x pumps of Oestrogel and 2 x 100mg Utrogestan (Utrogestan taken days 15-26) I’m 57 and haven’t had a period for approx 7 years and I’m confused as to why my GP hasn’t put me on continuous. I would prefer not to have a period if possible.
Oh goodness your GP has chosen the wrong regimen for you. It should be 1 x 100mg utrogestan every day and the. You won’t return to periods.
Please speak to your GP immediately.
@@DrRenee I will do thank you for your reply. Would I be able to start taking the 100mg of Utrogestan daily straight away?
@@soulie64 I an't tell you what you should do individually I'm afraid. Only tell you the correct regimen for a woman who has been without periods for a year and they would be started on both meds, utrogestan and oestrogel immediately.
@@DrRenee thank you, I did query this with her before I started taking them as I’d watched many vlogs on here from you and The Menopause Doctor but my GP said if I did have a bleed it probably wouldn’t be much of one 🤷♀️ I’m so worried now. I rang them 30 minutes ago but they were about to close so I have to ring back in the morning.
I am post menopause and have all the symptoms of whacko lack of estrogen. I know that I need more estrogen! Progesterone seems level. Doing vaginal estrogen several times a week for horrid vaginal atrophy. Have a chronic embedded uti. I believe it is from dryness.
Thank you. Great, informative vlog! I started the gel 4 weeks ago and almost immediately saw some relief in symptoms (mood/depression/anxiety). However, i do feel like I am heading in the right direction, but wonder if 4 pumps, instead of 2 will make it even better? The instructions from my gp were two pumps continuously for 1 month then increase to 4 if necessary. I am nervous that this is a big jump in the dose. Should I stick with the two pumps and be happy with the relief that I am getting or go for it? Also, it hasn’t really helped with my sleep issues. I don’t have a uterus so I take Estrogen only. Is there anything additional I can ask my gp for that will help, with no nasty side effects?
Thank you, Paula
Hello Dr Renee many thanks for your blogs I have found them really useful, I started the perri menopause when I was 42 , Iam now 57 , I started taking HRT a year ago, but I don’t know when I went into full menopause, is this safe for my heart as I didn’t have an assessment I am not sure if I’ve been in menopause for longer than 10 years .
Can I also ask is the body identical Everol 50 the same as the estrogel as a friend told me the gel was safer and they are not the same . Many thanks for your time it’s really appreciated
Apologies for the late reply. Thank you. Yes they are the same and as safe as each other. She is likely thinking of the combined patches with progesterone in them which are slightly less safe.
Dr Renee Thank you so much , you have truly been amazing with all your advice, I wouldn’t have know about body identical if it hadn’t have been for you , on Jo good show , it’s turned my life around.
Many thanks Stay safe Jackie
@@jackieabrahams8335 Ah its a pleasure. Thats great to hear and we can't wait to get back to normal shows! Thank you for your lovely comment. x
Thank you so much for this. It has clarified a great deal at just the right time where I was becoming overwhelmed and confused surfing the internet. I do have some questions remaining which I am sure you must have addressed before but this is my first time watching. So 1. I have been prescribed 2 pumps of 0.1 percent gel and 200 progesterone. My French GP still believes that one cannot take HRT pre one year period free and for a maximum of five years. My last period was eight months ago but I have told my GP it was a year ago. She gave me the choice between having periods or not.
So 1. Is there a benefit in taking progesterone cyclically rather than continuously to minimise the side effects? 2. Would a dose of 100mg progesterone work just as well? 3. Can one continue to take progesterone cyclically indefinitely?. I realise you cannot give me advice on what I ought to to do but I would love to hear the facts. Many thanks,.
Glad it has helped. There is no issue taking either preparation, its not dangerous. Its just that if you take it continuously and you still have your own background hormones cycling you may bleed erratically, hence the 1 year rule for changing to continuous. If I have patients who have been less than a year period free but really don't want periods I recommend either mirena coil plus gel or a trial of continuous and see how it settles over 6 months. You have to have 200mcg of progesterone if only taking for half the month and 100mcg if every day. There is no other alternative dosing that has evidence to support it. So in short yes you can take cyclical for ever, if you are happy having periods. Personally i find continous at the 100mcg progesterone is the best for minimising side effects.
Dr Renee thank you very very much for taking the time to reply and for such straightforward advice. Kind regards
From what I have read the drop in estrogen as we age makes women a bit more insulin resistant, so wouldn't adding some estrogen back in help diabetic.
Amazing 😊🙌🏻😊
Thank you!
Hi, Dr Renée can utrogestan put weight on ? I've put on since been on the tablet and oestrogen patch but not on the patches, my weight is normally stable as I go to the gym five times a week and do cardio for sometimes two hours !I'm on thyroxine which has been fluctuating but I'm told it's within range now .
Does taking hrt postpone inevitable so that when you stop say at 65 the menopause symptoms masked have to be gone thru or you can have dodged them. Is it possible to become addicted to oestrogen?
Hi again. NO it does not mask or postpone menopause. Some women come off and find their symptoms have ended but some women find that they come back. Fior this latter group they would still have had symptoms at this point and some women never lose the symptoms. For these women HRT keeping the symptoms at bay and preventing suffering, whilst at the same time protecting heart, brain and bone. No, HRT is not addictive.
@@DrRenee thanks for your responses. I appreciate it.
I will be on HRT forever!!! I love it! I wouldn't want to live if I ever have to feel like I did before bringing this video to my doctor (OB/Gyn Specialist) & demanding HRT! It was almost 2 years that I was brushed off and placated by my doctors (in San Diego, California!) It took ONE DAY for the Estrodiol patch to pull me from the black hole, lift the fog and restore my sanity. I am "me" again! (Only after HRT did others tell me how concerned they had been. The world depends on us mother's/women to hold the fort. Talk about MENOPAUSE MADNESS & get us help!!! ❤️🙏🏻
New to your channel. Thank you for the great info. Question: in USA Prometrium (brand name) on back order so I received generic form of progesterone 100 mg oral form nightly. Have been getting paresthesias in both legs and feet since starting. All Neuro/ lab testing by MD is normal and no other symptoms so it seems like it’s the progesterone systemically causing paresthesias per MD.
Can generic brands of 100 mg progesterone be used vaginally every night? Or only the brand name prometrium progesterone 100 mg oral be used vaginally? I am hoping that switching to vaginally I can eliminate the systemic symptom. Otherwise the other option is Crinone 4% vaginal progesterone gel for HRT which is quite expensive. Thank you.
Hi Dr rennee , miss you on talk radio with Kevin o sullivan Thursdays . Is it true a finger prick blood test for oestrodial is not accurate and can register as higher ? I had one done that said 597 mmol , I'm 58 and been on hrt about 8 years and am on a 50 microgram patch and mirena coil . My gp won't do a blood test .
Hi Debbie. That’s lovely. Am on Sundays now at 4.30!
Yes we have found some discrepancies with the finger prick test at the moment. It is being investigated. Your Gp shouldn’t refuse to do one. Just insist. A good treatment level is 400-650.
@@DrRenee thank you for replying xx
Thank you for your advice. Can you tell me if I can take bio identical hormones if I have an endometrioma cyst in my ovary? I’ve finished my periods . My gynaecologist said it will probably shrink now and it’s benign. Will taking the hormones increase it’s size ?
Thank you
Thank you so much for the very helpful info. I take the transdermal estrogen as well as oral progesterone 100 mg each night (prometrium)- can I take this progesterone preparation vaginally? Not sure how this differs from the eutrogestin you refer to. If possible to take the progesterone vaginally do I need to take every night or 3 times a week?
Hi. Yers it can be placed in the vagina but same dose as orally and it is off license when used this way. I can't advise you personally on whether this would be acceptable for you, for that your doctor would need to be consulted.
Hi had topical estrogen cream tried it for 10 days ,but stopped for a couple of months because of personal reasons, can I go back on it only when I need it ,can't get a appointment with my doctor until February to ask x
As long as your doctor has prescribed it, then yes many women use it as and when they feel they need it.
@@DrRenee I very much appreciate your prompt answer, you are really helpful x
Hi. Im 39 and have to have a hysterctomy because of cancer. Im very nervous about surgical menopause at such a young age. Can you recommend any resources for surgical menopause paitents?
Informative videos, so ty for that.
Does hormone therapy increase a woman's risk of cancer?
Is there any upside to progressing through menopause without meds?
I prefer not to take meds, but I am suffering here. Thanks for any guidance.
What would be a situation that would make you want to bleed monthly? I heard it's better for you to do cyclic
There is no difference in terms of safety either way but if you are not 12 months period free, and you try to go continuous (period free) your own hormones cycliing erratically in the background can cause breakthrough and unpredictable bleeding. SO generally cycling before full menopause, continuous after.
Could I ask, have you heard of ocd/anxiety suddenly becoming much worse after menopause and is it worth trying hrt? I’ve had CBT and understand how it all works but still struggling. Keep wondering if it’s hormone related. I have no real reason to be anxious in my life. Happily married, no money problems etc. Thank you.
Hi I'm a CBT therapist and I find my clients symptoms often worsen around pms time so it would seem hormones would influence anxiety conditions. I have not done research on this but you could Google this to see if there have been studies. I recommend an exercise called open focus to my clients and some find this helpful. OCD generally needs professional treatment but it is quite treatable. Wishing you the best!
I had fem seven conti patches and they worked then they discontinued them because of them not sticking properly, I then had evoril Conte patches and tablets and they didn't work so I'm going to have the coil fitted and I've read horror stories on here about how painful it is ! GP told me the progesterone tablet can only be swallowed and not used vaginally as I'd rather to this with an oestrogen patch .
Debbie Taylor you can use the utrogestan tablets vaginally, sane dose as orally. It’s off license. Supported by British Menopause Society
I read you should put patches away from waistband....... is it safe to wear leggings over patches please....also i was wondering iyou can wear those rather tight shapewear tights? ...as i heard you must not cover your patches with tape as yit can interfere? so surely wearing something tight over it would be similar? Xx
My doctor gave me HRT to stabilize my period and help with painful skin. I was bleeding far too much.
Hi
This is fabulous amount of information thank you
I am perimenopausal and 54 and get once a year period should I be taking sequencial hrs ot continuously I hv been taking one pump estrogen gel and progesterone tablet orally..so far no bleeding but breast tenderness and bloating what should I do and i have been using the gel on the inside of my tbighs is that too close to the genetals please?
I was told to get Nanoscience HRT, but cannot find it. I've been on Estradiol 25 years and have tried to get off, but I totally fell apart. How long can menopause go on? Is it possible alcohol can create perpetual menopause?
Hi Dr Renee, I have a question. I have just been given Utrogestan 100mg and the estrogen gel(not started). how much soya does the Utrogestan have? and is it GMO? Also if your 49 coming up to post menopause if you have gone through most of the unpleasant symptoms with lifestyle changes (under control with diet & exercise). Not had any hot flashes thankfully other than joint pain and some palpations. Therefore do I really need to start HRT if I have come through the other end for the sake of my Bone health, joint aches and pain after exercise heart attacks etc.? Thank-you. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Hi Doc, I have just started on HRT (Oestrogel and Utrogestan). I have introduced the progesterone on day 15 of taking Oestrogel but on day7 I have started a period. I thought I would start a bleed after the 12 days. Is this normal to bleed whilst taking Utrogestan Thankyou
When you start any new HRT you can have erratic bleeding for 3-6 months. We always tell patients to expect this and persevere. If the bleeding is ever very heavy or unusual for you then speak to your treating doctor.
Thank you.
Hi Dr renee. Could you need to increase oestrogen patch as get older. I'm 57 and still get sweats but I recently tapered off of sertraline which was very hard and sweats/ chills and was told this could last month after discontinuing them. I heard they effect the hypothalamus that controls body heat so I don't know what it is . I've been on 50 mg patch for a long time. Also coil but after smear they can't find strings so have to have scan ! I had a lot of trouble getting it put in as cervix was closed.
Hi Debbie. No your sertraline was likely controlling the menopausal hot flushes and now you have taken it away and exposed your need for a higher oestrogen dose. So you can add an extra half/whole patch or ass some oestrogel. Hope that helps - please do this under the advice of your doctor.
I'm 53 and have been taking Evorel Conti patches (are these bioidentical?). I've just had a Dexa scan and been diagnosed with osteopenia . Should I take more estrogen? Thanks
Hi , what is the normal oestrodial level post menopause I'm on hrt and.it.is.1374 pmol/ L
Dr. Renee,
Hi! Thank you for all of this great information! I started taking progesterone a couple of months ago, my blood was tested and I have very low progesterone but very high estrogen. I am 44 years old. Still having my periods. I am also prone to heart palpitations and I was having a lot of them. The progesterone has eliminated my heart palpitations! I was very happy about that, but then I started getting gastrointestinal issues, constipation, bloating, and acid reflux. Should I lower the dosage of progesterone? Is there any way to get the help from progesterone for my heart palpitations and also ease these symptoms? Should I take the progesterone at a different time of the day like in the morning? Should I use another form? It seems that I do need it in my bloodstream to stop the palpitations. I would appreciate any help that you could provide. Thank you!
Why was I put on just estrogen nó show of anything in bloods, but few symptoms of pm, I'm 48
If you have a uterus then you CANNOT be on oestrogen only, its dangerous. If you have had a hysterectomy oestrogen alone is fine and better than combo in terms of breast cancer risk. You will have been offered oestrogen if you had any symptoms at all and for many its a lifestyle choice as it protects the bones, heart and brain.
@@DrRenee omg thank u ill take it off now, I'm only on it 2 days, xxx
What do I do please tell me, iv V bad mood swings, pain in all joints 9 years, u are the on ly one that's making sense, I have a uterus, no hysterectomy, just low mood and 8 years of weeping and no answers
@@sineadbenngarryowenlimeric3999 Hey. This may still be menopause but you need combined HRT, not solo. x
@@DrRenee thank u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you Dr Renee extremely informative. I’ve just turned 49 and am still having irregular periods although becoming further apart . I’m taking bio identical progesterone and still feel miserable. Would going on the pill help me at this stage . Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺
NICOLE Defontaine Hi. Yes the combined pull
May help but you can only do it for a year, until 50. HRT would help potentially.
How long does it take to work? Ive been on everol patch for 6 weeks and have not noticed much difference. I know it can take about 3 mo ths to work so trying to be patient.
Diana Mutlu usually hot flushes stop quite quickly and other symptoms a little longer. We always suggest waiting for three months but it may be hat you need a higher dose.
Do the evorel conti patches if placed on abdomen give you abdominal pains or make you feel nauseous please`?
How do I know if im on the right hrt, and if on the wrong one would it make you bleed
I sent this to you a month ago and didn't get a reply, I would not want to be pushy but desparste for an answer pretty please? I read you should put patches away from waistband....... is it safe to wear leggings over patches please....also i was wondering iyou can wear those rather tight shapewear tights? ...as i heard you must not cover your patches with tape as yit can interfere? so surely wearing something tight over it would be similar? Xx
Hi. Firstly I am sorry that i have not responded to you; these videos are for information only, and I am not a doctor acting for any individual. If you are frustrated or have an urgent question you need answering, please speak to your prescribing doctor. More generally, the patches should be on your buttocks or hips and its fine to wear things over them.
Dr Renee ....oh no so sorry i didn’t realise that, ...thats pretty embarrassing! I thought you were kind of available for questions and I always have many! And don’t like to badger my doctors....at least I thought on here by you answering my messages might at least help others who may have the sane query! But thank you for replying and thank you for all the information you have given us all .....keep up the amazing work! Xx
What are the risk of hrt and dvt?had an embolism a few months ago, plus been diagnosed bcra2
Transdermal oestrogen does not increase your risk of DVT at all, over and above your personal risk. So it does not add to you being at increased rusk due to history.
I wish I had a doctor like you ☹️ we have only 2 doctors at my surgery and the odd locum. My main doctor is not easy to talk to as he doesn't want to hear if you've done research and then try to tell him what you've learnt .
Gosh...Don't struggle with a doc , U cannot talk to.Change ur doctor.It's like being abused and staying .U have choices...always.Report this doc to the medical council.An uncaring doctor does not deserve ur support..
Are HRT tablets as good as I've read the patches are ?I'm not on hrt only local estrogen ( Vagifem) for VA but that's because I'm worried I won't get prescribed them and vagifem and because I have thyroid disease and possibly RA ( waiting for app to see specialist so not on any drugs) . I feel I've got a lot going on so not sure what's menopausal symptoms or what's thyroid or RA related ? I sleep quite restlessly ,I do get hot flushes but not the wet through kind and my mood swings are getting worse . I'm worried about going to my doctor's because of past visits where I don't feel they really listen .I'm 54 and had a blood test a while back saying I'm in the menopause even though I have spotting and irregular periods x
That's an impossible question to answer because everybody reacts differently. The tablets work well but they are metabolised by the liver so you get some not so good oestrogens. This doesn't happen with patches as the hormones go straight into the bloodstream and miss the liver. It is very hard unpicking menopause from thyroid treatment and my advice would always be to only treat one at a time. If you are hypothyroid, this won't cause hot flushes. Thyroid can affect mood. Good luck.
if i havent had menstration for over a year should I take progesterone daily or just 10 days per month?
Dr Renee, I have the coil and was on oestradot patches 100 mcg but can't get them now . They gave me oestraderm patches which are big and they don't stick properly and dry up quickly , is there still a shortage of oestradot ? My symptoms are coming back and I can't handle that !
Hi. This is a common problem. Ask your GP to prescribe oestrogel 0.06% pump. The normal dose is 2 pumps per day, rubbed into inner thighs until almost dry. However the dose is anywhere from 1-4 pumps and woman are able to adjust the dose to the lowest dose that keeps symptoms away. This is also what makes the pump superior to the patches in my opinion; it is much more dose flexible. Please don't let your GP say that they can't prescribe this; they can, but may not be familiar with it but it is body identical oestrogen and the safest form of delivery. Hope that helps.
Thank you for your quick reply xx
How about women who have migraines with aura? Is transdermal permitted? Thanks 😊
Yes. The BMS guidance is the lowest dose to control symptoms.
@@drrenee1300 Thank you for replying
Hi Dr Renee, there's heart disease and stroke in family, can I still take hrt, many thanks
Wendy Hale You can on the basis of yo individual risk assessment. And if you take it through the skin there is no risk of stroke. X
Hi, I know someone on kilovance , is this a safe hrt ?
Had Premature Ovarian Failure aged 39
Was put on HRT
Brilliant.
Still on them at age 56
Intend taking them till the day I die
Sorry to hear that but also pleased to hear that you got the right treatment!
Dr renee are oestrogen levels lower in the mornings ?
Why am I finding that the gel works brilliantly but the patches gave me migraines and didn’t alleviate any symptoms?
Alex Rutherford Because we are humans and don’t follow the medical rule book. You must absorb and/or metabolise the gel better. Perhaps the adhesive in the patch interferes for you.
Hi, I had a blood test privately for oestrogen levels because I wanted to know I was on right dose of gel , only been in it one week ,was on patches. The result came back very high , why would this be ?
Difficult to say but possible that you still have levels of your own oestrogen cycling or you are one the super absorbers. Switch to gel and use half a pump even alternate days. BUT if your levels are very high you do need to be investigated for other causes which is important as it can include malignancy. Good luck.
Thank you , I realized I only started gel the day I did a test I was on 100 mg patch but thought it wasn't high enough because I still didn't feel right . I had coil fitted last September and hysteroscopy which found a few polyp and was ok . In malignancy what do you mean , ovarian cancer ?
@@debbietaylor20 Yes ovarian. Rare but needs to be ruled out if very high.
I had total hysteroctemy and oopheroctemy last year sept,2021.l taken estradiol tablet ones in a night ,now i have a problem vagina driness,not feeling anything during sex,no libido ,then what i have to do please prescribe me
Hi., Two suggestions; 1. A higher dose of oestrogen 2. Vaginal oestrogen, both vagifem and ovestin are okay to use together if needed and with HRT. I usually start with ovestin as it spreads more easily and doesn't need natural moisture to dissolve. Additionally you may need to add testosterone to HRT for libido and energy. Please speak to your doctor about the above.
Hi! I'm 47 years old..After menopause one year stops my period, i use hrt patches still now and after 3 weeks start bleeding and stay 2 weeks,..my question is. . 'starting bleeding is normal for hrt patches womens '
Mahmuda Afroze yes you can get irregular bleeding for 3-6months after starting new HRT. After this time however you shouldn’t bleed.
Can you have HRT after having endometrial cancer?
Hi , I had mirena coil fitted last week in hospital as my cervix was closed and also a hysteroscopy and polyp removal and after a week had spotting , is this normal
Debbie Taylor it’s not unusual to get spotting after mirena fitting for up to 6 months. However, if you feel unwell, pain, unusual discharge seek medical help.
Or fever.
Dr. Renee which is the best HRT to take if you have hypothyroidism, Hashis.
Maybe I can help ..I’m not a doctor but I also suffer with hashi/hypo .....I believe the estrogen gel(or patches) and progesterone tablet would be the best option as tablet form can increase tbg (thyroid binding globulin)so there’s less thyroid hormones available for the body as it’s bound...it actually says thyroid levels need monitoring closely if on thyroxine on the info sheet inside the hrt box)I believe transdermal doesn’t have that effect .All medications and/or supplements should be taken a few hours away from thyroxine so good to take that in the morning and hrt at night,hope that helps :)
@@lozzer6644 Thank you, I will try and ask GP again for transdermal and gel as have been given tablet form twice two different types and have suffered as a consequence with low energy, painful joints, burning head, and excessive hair loss.
frances lawless it could be you are low on thyroid.....testing tsh is not enough you need to have good levels of t4 and t3 especially t3 to feel well ....generally gps only test Tsh and t4 if you are lucky ....(I pay to get mine done privately and when I’m low on these(t4/t3) I have excessive hair loss and fatigue but of course it could be menopause related .I think gel and progesterone tablet will be best for you but I’d make sure thyroid is well medicated too .Also check b12/iron/folate and vid D ....these also can cause hair loss if low and tend to go along with low thyroid....like I say I’m not a doctor but have learned these things along my journey,good luck .
@@lozzer6644 I have had much lower levels of T3 and T4 without any hair loss, endocrinologist has checked them too.
frances lawless just because t4/t3 were low without hairloss before doesn’t mean that should always be the case .It could be the cause this time ....that’s my experience...when I was first diagnosed (10 years ago)my levels were extremely low but I didn’t have hairloss ....however over the last few years if I’m under medicated (low t3/t4)or over medicated (high levels )I get hairloss.Thats me ....we are all different but if your happy that your thyroid is optimally medicated then I’d be looking at the vitamins /minerals I mentioned above if it was me as low levels of those can cause fatigue/joint pain /hairloss .
Hi, I've been given oestrogen patches and utrogestan vaginal capsules by my doctor. Can I take the capsules orally ?
Lindsey Davies No. your doctor has given you the wrong thing. The 200mg vaginal capsules are for fertility not HRT. They can only be used vaginally. So you should have been prescribed 100mg capsules and these can be used orally and vaginally (off license). If you need 200mg then you use two.
@@DrRenee thanks for your reply. I was so confused when I saw what shed given me. Because of my brain fog I thought I'd not listened properly. I will go back tomorrow.
Can i just keep adding new patches and also keep the old ones on?
Michelle Connor not really and why would you? They run out of hormones and you will run out of places and get skin irritation?
I have had my oestrodial patch upped to 100 mcg because my energy is so low. I am just wondering what is the highest amount of oestrodial that would be given in hrt. I have really been struggling with fatigue and whilst I hope this will be enough I am interested to know how high a GP might prescibe. Would it go past 150 mcg normally? I am assuming the dangers increase with upped dosage. Is there any way to help absorption of patches. I suspect this might be the problem. I cant afford to go private and get blood tests which I assume are the only real way of knowing how much I am absorbing.
Thank you so much for these videos - your expertise has helped me so much.
E Young The answer is more about how much you are absorbing and what your level are. Have an oestradiol blood test (this is the only time blood tests are useful) . Usually a level of 350 will suffice. All women are however different and levels over 1000 are too high and cause the same symptoms as not enough. It may mean that you need testosterone for energy and not more oestrogen.
@@DrRenee I'm on tostron every second day but I don't feel much difference. Could I use it every day ? Thanks
@@DrRenee is there a time in the month it is best to take oestrodial test? I'm still menstruating.
@@eyoung8215 You would need you testosterone level and a discussion with your treating doctor. I can't advise on individual care plans I'm afraid.
Thank you for your quick response, I'm worried my risk could be high as I have rheumatoid and so did my mum, she had stroke at 54 then heart attack at 62, iv been on hrt tablet for a week and made such a difference, will change to patch form as soon as they back in stock
Thank you! Very helpful! I am 47yrs old and have mild peri menopausal symptoms, brain fog, low labido, v dryness, mood swings, I just recently asked for Estrogel and Utrogestan. I am still a little scared to start taking and I am still researching all questions, but do I have to take the Utrogestan at the same time every night? Also where do you rub the Estrogel? And how much do you use?
Is utrogestan bioidentical?
As a gel Or patch yes. Not as a tablet.
I thought utrogestan was bioidentical and didn’t know it came in a gel or patch? I thought that was oestrogen?
@@mentalmuscle It is and it doesn't. Its a capsule,.
Thanks for the reply Dr Renee. Really enjoyed the TH-cam ! I have the utrogestan capsules which I think you are saying are bioidentical. Interestingly, I have been prescribed 2 x capsules nightly, continuously (100mg each). Which seems somewhat unusual but def helps sleep.
@@mentalmuscle yes. It’s the only progesterone. All the rest, in the patches and tablets contain progestin, not progesterone. Progestin is a synthetic progesterone mimic.
Do you have a Facebook menopause group?
I am afraid not. I do answer questions in The Menopause Room once a month and all of the time in The Menopause Support Network.
Hi Dr,
Im 55 years old never smoked do not drink am active and not over weight. In November 2018 i had a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed as i has a uterine polyp that had changed to be grade 1 cancer.
I had low iron and was put on a mini pill as periods had slowed down then bleeding longer.
I had my 2nd checkup last week at hospital all ok.
I asked my gynecologist to go on hrt as im having symptons now my ovaries have gone but he will not prescribe to me as said can get breast cancer or clots.
Has said i can take a antidepressants for hot flushes.
I want something to protect for the long term issues aswell as the joint pain , bladder issues and the other long list.
Am going to see my Dr but think she will go with what they say.
The articles i have read say its less lucky with just oestrogen only as dont have the uterus to worry about
Thanks for any feed back you have
Hi Dr i am on oestrodot 70mcg and realised that it is double dose of the pill. Is this amount of oestrogen dangerous. Im 47 still have a cycle and overweight at moment. Also just wondering if testosterone would help me lose weight. I dont eat much but have gone from size 10 to 16.
It isn't anywhere near as high as the pill. The 70mcg is just what is needed to get a steady release at a much lower dose. The COCP's are a much higher dose than all HRT and that is why you can't have the pill over 50 years age or over 35 if a smoker or overweight, or if you have migraine with aura. None of those restrictions apply to HRT because the dose is so much lower. Im afraid the weight is menopause, slowing metabolism and the only way to crack it is lifestyle change. I follow a no complex carb, high protein diet, smaller portions and lots of exercise. Good luck.
@@DrRenee why do tablets say 30mcg etc? The pill I mean. Sorry I'm not understanding.
@@eyoung8215 Because that is the total amount in the patch but it is not what is absorbed and is also a trickle over 72 hours so the mcg level that you actually absorb and accumulate in the bloodstream is much lower than 70 and much lower than a combined pill which has 30mcg in and you take the whole amount in through oral delivery.
@@DrRenee thanks for replying dr
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Thank you. Great, informative vlog! I started the gel 4 weeks ago and almost immediately saw some relief in symptoms (mood/depression/anxiety). However, i do feel like I am heading in the right direction, but wonder if 4 pumps, instead of 2 will make it even better? The instructions from my gp were two pumps continuously for 1 month then increase to 4 if necessary. I am nervous that this is a big jump in the dose. Should I stick with the two pumps and be happy with the relief that I am getting or go for it? Also, it hasn’t really helped with my sleep issues. I don’t have a uterus so I take Estrogen only. Is there anything additional I can ask my gp for that will help, with no nasty side effects?
Thank you, Paula
I have a few questions please................I read or saw something that said you should not change location of patches ie if you put them on thighs don’t switch to abdomen or backside ..and vice verse? Also said backside absorbs the patch contents quicker or something like that ....and i know you said they can go anywhere.....but are they more and less effective in different body locations? ........also how strict should you be on the exact time of replacing the patches? ..eg.....if i replace them 1pm on Monday do i have to replace the next one on 1pm Friday how close to the exact hour does it need to be please? Thank you for the wonderful help and advice you give xx
So, you can and should move them to a new site each time to prevent skin irritation. The buttocks and inner thighs are best in terms of absorption for transdermal oestrogen.