December 1, 2005 12:45 PM GMT
Thanks Kristelle!
I investigate a lot before taking any medicaments, because I still haven't found a good endo, but I've been reading your posts and you seem to be a quite knowledgeable person
, so I'm going to take your advice.
Lucy is also right, it's about time to think of increasing the estrogen dosage (Ginatex here in AR). I know it's safe but it's also a tad on the expensive side
. Also, it comes with a dosificator that pumps 0.5mg for each application, that means 8 pushes for 4 mg -- I would end up all covered in gel!
I've got to find another way. Looking in a vademecum I found Ronfase or Estrofem 2mg comp x 28 but that means orally. I could take 2 tablets/day. Or combine gel with tablets. What do you think?
Regarding Progesterone (AR: Progest), I think I could start right away. Do you think I should wait? How long?
Water, I'm drinking about 2.5 litres daily (0.6 gallons) sometimes a bit more, is that OK?
Thanks for your advice, Kristelle and Lucy!
PS: For reference:
All the products containing Estradiol I could find on pharmacy are here:
http://www.prvademecum.com/PRData/NEWPrincipioActivo.asp?D=1600
And Progesterone:
http://www.prvademecum.com/PRData/NEWPrincipioActivo.asp?D=1033
December 1, 2005 2:50 PM GMT
Daniela, I use Oestrogel (from globaldrug.net) which delivers .75mg estradiol per pump, so I do 4 of those a day to give me 3mg plus another 4mg taken orally (sublingually actually). I’ve experimented over a period of time and this seems to be working well for me, better than just 6mg taken orally for example. So I think combining Estrofem (what I take) with a gel is probably a good idea.
Am I right in thinking that Progest is a progesterone cream? Maybe orally would work out cheaper, and I'm sure safe to take (make sure it’s micronised progesterone). I take 100mg for 10 days every month, and am very happy with that.
Rhia, I do think that with 4mg estradiol you could at least cut your dosage of spiro to 100mg, and after a few more months you might find you don’t need it at all, The only benefit from spiro is that it reduces testosterone, and estradiol will do that for you on its own.
Emotionally, I’ve found I have less of a tendency to get down, but I honestly can’t say whether that is the hormones or my greatly improved personal situation over the last year, maybe it’s both. I have heard that progesterone can help with depression, but don’t know if that’s scientifically backed-up.
xx
December 5, 2005 11:25 AM GMT
Kris and Lucy:
OK! I'm taking Ronfase 2mg (17-B-Estradiol), and keep with the Ginatex (idem), 2mg daily. I'm swallowing the tablet because it tastes awful!
Why do you recommend taking it sublingually?
I keep with Aldactone-A (Spironolactone) 100mg and I added Progest 100mg/day (Micronized progesterone). Progest here seems to come only in tablets, not cream, so don't worry. And for the drowsiness/dizziness --- don't tell me about it, the first time I looked like I was on booze!
I'll keep this regimen for two months then we'll see what happens
.
Thanks again girls, you're so sweet
December 5, 2005 2:20 PM GMT
Estrofem just tastes sweet, not at all unpleasant. There is some debate about whether taking estradiol sublingually has any added benefit, the thinking, in simple terms, is that more of it is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, as when taken orally the liver metabolises a large percentage of estradiol in the “first pass”. Of course Daniela, if your tablets taste disgusting then it’s not an option!
Your regime sounds like a sensible progression, good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Kristelle, thanks for the extra clarification about the spiro, I took it for a year and didn’t notice any adverse effects when I stopped so I don’t plan to go back on it. I’ve never suffered from fluid retention, in fact have a tendency to become dehydrated (despite drinking 2 litres of water a day, more when I was on spiro), so I don’t think it’s for me. It may well be beneficial to others of course, but do observe the cautions about drinking extra water and avoiding excess potassium in your diet.
xx
December 5, 2005 4:44 PM GMT
If this is the case, Kristelle, there shouldn't be that much of a difference between gel/patches and oral administration ? But is it really possible to make a reasonable estimate, of the amount swallowed vs that entering the bloodstream ?
Linda
December 6, 2005 8:18 PM GMT
Thanks, Kristelle. I'm still on my 100mcg patches, but I'm trying to find out as much as I can, just in case. It does seem, however, that the patches could be enough - if only I could have twice the dosage I'm on now. After six weeks on 50mcg and another six weeks on 100mcg my breasts show some clear signs of growth and much heightened sensitivity. (exhilarating at times...)
This makes me wonder what results I could have with optimal medication. I'm clearly not on that now. And it's not too clear when I will be.
Still, the recent development does give me some hope.
Linda
December 7, 2005 12:24 AM GMT
Yes, Kristelle, it is great news. But, as you're saying, at some point, and quite soon, the dosage must be raised. On some other thread I think you mentioned the question of desensitivisation of the estrogen receptors. I really don't know, but perhaps a slow raising of the dosage could be of some "added value" ?
I'm seeing my therapist tomorrow, and my TG doctor the day after. So, I'll keep pushing them...
Linda