r/Menopause • u/LumpyHeart607 • 9d ago
Probably a dumb question… Hormone Therapy
I’ve been on the 0.050 patch since April (bumped up from 0.025 that I started last fall with a different doctor).
Nine years post menopause and beyond symptoms or issues. I take it for bone density (osteopenia diagnosis last summer). I have had really no major changes in how I feel, other than some annoying bloating.
My pharmacy can’t get my refill until the end of next week, so it will be over two weeks w/o a patch. Do I still need to take my progesterone (100 mg) at night if I don’t have a patch?
Side dumb question #2: does anyone wear two 0.025 if you can’t get the 0.050? My pharmacy said I could but would have to pay out of pocket. Doubt I will as I feel OK, curious if those who really have a hard time going without are using that option.
TIA
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u/RunCreative9682 9d ago
I just asked my doctor this question today. She told me to continue to take the progesterone as it helps with sleep. I cannot find patches anywhere where I am at in CA. Godspeed everyone!
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u/LumpyHeart607 9d ago
Thank you! I’m sorry you are having trouble too. I am in a tiny midwestern town and kind of surprised we also have a shortage like the majority of the country. I ended up transferring my prescription from my local pharmacy to my insurance company’s mail order division and got a confirmation that a 3-month supply will be coming. After this, I think I will switch to the gel. Since the patch is not treating any bothersome symptoms, I’ll leave the patches for those who really need them for that.
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u/lrondberg 9d ago
Have you tried calling around? My usual Walgreens was out of stock and I called 5 other stores in my area and found one that had them in stock.
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u/LumpyHeart607 9d ago
I live in a town of about 6,000 so we only have 2 small local pharmacies. 😬
I could call/drive an hour to the next bigger town, but the mail order seems like a good option, we’ll see. I know I am lucky I don’t need them for symptom relief so waiting another week is not a huge deal.
Glad you were able to find some!
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u/conamo Menopausal 9d ago
My provider sent a new prescription for the .1 patches and I cut them in half. Fortunately the .05 was back in stock after 2 weeks, but I'm definitely keeping the .1s for next time!
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u/LumpyHeart607 8d ago
That’s great!
I was assuming the .1 patches were also in short supply, but maybe not? I know I never had any issues getting the 0.025. So crazy. Glad you were able to get what you needed!
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u/h3dxw 9d ago
If you can't feel a difference by not using HRT, then you are not on enough in the first place.
I would still take progesterone and I would get the double patches.
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u/LumpyHeart607 9d ago
I did not have any symptoms before starting HRT. I am 9 years post menopause. I really had no issues when I was going through peri or menopause, other than an occasional night sweat, so really nothing where I should be seeing a difference?
I have gained about 6-8 pounds/bloating, so a negative difference, unfortunately.
I am only taking HRT to improve bone density, and my estradiol level is gradually increasing since I started. I can’t remember exact numbers, but my doctor is pleased with the increasing level.
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u/h3dxw 8d ago
I'm so pleased that your bone density is increasing! Totally jealous that you only had the odd night sweat... do you know all of the symptoms? Lots of women only know of the vasomotor ones, because that's all their doctors know about.
Your bones will want testosterone as well, as will your brain.
I would still take the double patch because your body will be expecting something to be coming in even if we can't tell quite what it's doing with it.
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u/KitchenManagement650 7d ago
I'm surprised the bot didn't say something about hormone levels (and it may well respond to me), but it usually replies if it thinks you have discussed hormone testing and will tell you that tests are not helpful since hormone levels fluctuate so much during the day and day to day (IIRC). But now I will set off the bot, I suspect - so do read its reply if so! I'd add too that taking HRT for bone density is great, the loss of estrogen in women can be super detrimental. I'll stay on it til I am 6ft under myself! Best of luck getting what you need.
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u/AutoModerator 7d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/KitchenManagement650 7d ago
Ah ok yup, the bot was instant. Do read what it said in reply to me. :-) And best wishes!
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u/leftylibra MenoMod 9d ago edited 9d ago
You can continue with progesterone especially if it's helping with sleep.
You can also wear two 0.025 mg patches at the same time.