davidsprincess's Journal, 13 Sep 23

Teacher Tracy the pellet is a game changer. I’m so happy I found out about it. My insurance did not pay for it, but it’s worth the price.  

Thank you all so much for weighing in! I'm definitely going to look into it!  

TeacherTracy do you know your test levels on average? I'm thinking i need a little more in my mad science cream. I didn't go with the pellet cuz i read levels can change over the month and it's way more than my compound cream. Do they put Estrogen in it? I needed estrogen to get rid of constant FIRE 🔥 hot flashes... 

jenjabba I get my levels tested every six months. I get testosterone and estrogen in pellet form. Before the pellets my levels were extremely low so this has helped me tremendously. I don’t know exact numbers anymore because I’ve been on them for years, but I trust my doctor to tell me what adjustments I need. It’s important to have a doctor you trust. 

Teachertracy I've been on these for years! And been through a few docs. I have one that will work with me , i was just wondering. Thanks.  

I couldn’t do HRT due to multiple relatives having ovarian cancer. I changed ongyns and got one that listened and did the following 1) got a total hysterectomy so I also would not also follow the family pattern 2) I used estrogen patches for three months then tapered down in the following 6 months to a low dose 3) to control hot flashed I got a tiny spray bottle filled with water and some drops of wintergreen oil (instant cooling), also some rice that I sewed into pouches that I kept im the freezer to tuck into my bra 4 ) got a small frig for next to my bed to have cold drinks, packs and spray for middle of the night flashes 5) gave myself a talk to simplify - batch cooking for the week, drop some of my volunteering, planned more time before getting ready for work/meeting people so I didn’t have to rush 6) asked my family for more help phrasing it that I wanted to prepare them for independence. 7) and when I still felt bad went back to the doc and found I had thyroid issues - a common thing aroumd menopause. Be kind to yourself, listen to advise and be a strong woman and select what works for you. It truly does get better and there is a new peace wisdom that comes (and travel gets easier without having to pack extra emergency pads, tampons and pants). Honestly I wouldn’t trade my younger decades. Best to you. 

I wanted to avoid it but a year of recurring UTI'S and boneloss with a spinal fracture made me change my mind. The UTI'S stopped and I believe I'm on the lowest dose possible. Estradiol cream. I only use a very small amount. My Dr said the cancer warnings are put on everything labeled estrogen but that those warnings are for other forms such as pills. But you definitely should ask if you're high risk for breast cancer. I'd heard if you're younger (meaning you are just starting menopause and haven't been post for years) combine progesterone with estrogen and the progesterone is suppose to stop the cancer risk. But, studies change over the years. So I don't know what they're saying now. I did have one Dr say if you have any heart problems it's not good to take either but I'm not sure why.  

Oh, and the leading cause of osteoporosis in women is loss of estrogen. I NEVER thought I'd be close to getting it because I carried 60lbs extra for about 25 years maybe. I also lifted weights and ran alot for years. But weightloss also contributes to boneloss. It's a tough call. I don't want cancer but I don't want my bones to crumble either! But UTI pain definitely made the decision for me. Ugh! I'm going to be 60 this year though. I hadn't had any problems up until last year.  

Thanks you, Bear. I'm trying an over the counter that arrived from Amazon yesterday. I'll report back in a couple months. I appreciate everyone sharing their info.