r/femaleHRT

I just started using Estradiol patch 0.0375mg and taking oral progesterone 100mg. The progesterone is making me very drowsy till the next day. I can't function like this and really want to stop taking it for 2 days until I hear from my doctor on Monday. I have only taken the progesterone for a day and absolutely can't tolerate the brain fog, depression and extreme tiredness that comes with it. Wonder if I can stop taking since I have only taken for a day.. Id like to hear your thoughts.

I’m 35, F, in surgical menopause (no uterus or ovaries now) and I’m about 6 months post op. After a struggle with public health doctors only prescribing me the patch and then only 1 mg estrogen pills, I’m now doing HRT with a private clinic (since last week) and am on a regimen of 2mg estrogen pills/day, 200 mg progesterone/day, and 2mL testosterone cipionate via injection 2x week. Im also one week in to the application of vaginal estrogen cream.

This new regimen has helped with my hot flashes considerably. My breasts are still pretty deflated, which I don’t love, but I can worry about that later.

My biggest concern right now is that my vagina doesn’t get “aroused.” I can still get kind of wet, can still orgasm, but the genital engorgement and blood flow isn’t happening like it used to. It’s so depressing. My partner touches me and I feel no response. I think about sex all the time. I want to have sex. But it’s like there’s a disconnect between my pussy and my brain. My pre surgical response was swelling and sensitivity, wetness, and that “omg please touch me” feeling. Now… I have to try really hard to convince myself I want to be touched at all, even if it was my idea.

I’m so depressed about this. I can’t really find resources about this phenomenon either. I can still feel sensation on my genitals despite a little nerve damage on my inner thigh.. just the blood flow and engorgement that I associate with being aroused doesn’t happen. Anyone else experiencing/experienced this? Please tell me there is hope? It’s bleak to think of spending the rest of my life in this condition. I know I am still early in my new regimen and I am hopeful but.. should I be adding/asking about something else? Do hormones even affect this?

So I restarted a low dose of testosterone (about 5mg a week, or less than 1mg a day.) And my Doctor mentioned that I may notice that I need to increase my Oestrogel dose after starting...because they both use the "same receptors." She said I would notice this once I start. I am only about 6 weeks into using the testosterone and on day 23 of my cycle and have noticed some night sweats and hot flashes coming back. I also feel more intense "period flu" leading up to my bleed. A lot more than I ever usually feel. So yes...I definitely noticed and am going to increase. I read online that it's not the same receptors that estrogen and testosterone use, per se. But that they compete for SHBG. Did any of you notice this when starting testosterone? Is this a common thing? Or have any of you noticed this or been told this by your doctors?

TL:DR Why alternate HRT gel between thighs and arms?

I've been prescribed a low dose HRT gel. When in the Drs surgery discussing the differences between the patches and the gels the DR mimed squirting 2x pumps onto the hands, rubbing them together and spreading the substance onto the outer thighs.

On receiving the prescription and reading the instructions I find it's one pump per hand alternating between inner thigh and shoulder / outer arm, avoiding genitals/boobs.

I get the avoiding genitals/boobs and this isn't a criticism of the DR, she mimed how simple it was to apply not the specifics.

Does anyone know the science/ logic behind 1. alternating and 2. inner thigh over outer given that they are closer to the genitals and presumably at higher risk of transfer.

As I said, this is a simple curiosity as I can't find any explanation on the packaging or insert.

Hello, I’m 44 I was prescribed Intrarosa today to be taken vaginally (only available vaginally in Canada) on top of the estrogen patch and progesterone I already take. I had asked to get some testosterone for my zero libido and low motivation but because my blood platelets are a little higher than normal, she didn’t not want to prescribe me testosterone until we know what is causing the high blood platelets since adding testosterone can increase blood clots risks. That’s what she told me, don’t know if it’s true or not. Anyway I just wanted to know what has Intrarosa done for you that’s been great! I was told it won’t do much for my libido but will help with my energy🤷‍♀️ thanks!

So before I take it up with another doctor, can I get some insight from the collective? 46 year old mom here, tubes removed in 2021. Periods stopped fully two years ago & since then fatigue, mental health, hot flashes sx compounded. Longtime ADHD diagnosis managed with stimulants, Lexapro for mood, pregabalin for all of the above. I am pretty sure I have baseline high testosterone- have always been wiry & muscular, kinda hairy, very strong for my little self (5'2", 100 lbs soaking wet) ...plus a little bit gay. My NP prescribed Climara patch based on symptoms but it's way out of my price range. I jumped on the Winona wagon in a weak moment (dammit Instagram ads) and was sent the estriol 50/50 cream & DHEA 25mg - which I will NOT take after further research. I realize the next logical step is medical with a provider who knows what they're doing but in the meantime, I know there's knowledge & wisdom in the sub. Appreciate any tidbits & your time. Soldier on, women of reddit. Thank u!

Any of you take progesterone for sleep issues and is it recommended post menopause? I am 62F post meno several years but have always struggled with sleep issues. I’ve never been on HRT. I have a Dr appt next week to talk about this. Any negative side effects to taking this?

Hey everyone, so I had my hrt check up yesterday and I decided to switch to injections after almost 5 years on pills. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a carrying case for all the supplies to be in one convenient please.