Topical estradiol cream felt systemically

[Anonymous]

I am 49 and recently asked for and was given an rx for estradiol (estrogen) cream to use, er, down there. It has been very effective for its intended purpose. I know it is just topical but I am positive it is affecting me systemically in the following ways, and I am not even using the full dose:

Pros:
- I sleep better the nights I use it (though with weird vivid dreams)
- I can feel a positive mood shift the next day or days

Con:
- My hair is shedding

Anyone else experience similar?

[Anonymous]

Get a blood test to check for inflammation. ESR

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a blood test to check for inflammation. ESR

Why?

[Anonymous]

I’m a little confused confused by this post. Aren’t all estrogens topical these days? Patches are topical, too.

Progesterone is oral, but my understanding is that they no longer give oral estrogen (I believe bc estrogen that passes through the liver increases clotting risk, but topical doesn’t).

My HRT is 3 parts: oral progesterone, topical estrogen gel, and vaginal estrogen cream.

But I’m glad it’s working for you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Have appreciated intended effects. Have not experienced unintended side effects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a little confused confused by this post. Aren’t all estrogens topical these days? Patches are topical, too.

Progesterone is oral, but my understanding is that they no longer give oral estrogen (I believe bc estrogen that passes through the liver increases clotting risk, but topical doesn’t).

My HRT is 3 parts: oral progesterone, topical estrogen gel, and vaginal estrogen cream.

But I’m glad it’s working for you, OP.

I have no idea how it is normally delivered. I just wanted to see if others were experiencing the same suspected systemic side effects I am. I’m not complaining about the side effects either. Maybe the hair loss.

[Anonymous]

My hair has started growing on HRT. My hairdresser noticed I had a ton of baby hairs that recently started growing. I’ve been on it about a month.

[Anonymous]

I was prescribed vaginal estradiol today due to 2 episodes 10 months apart of feeling like I was rubbed with sandpaper down there. I asked about side effects and the Dr. said "none". I asked how long I should use it and was told "forever." I'm not sure if I will start it yet, but I will definitely start if I get that sandpaper feeling again. Has anyone used this long term? Any affect on blood pressure?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was prescribed vaginal estradiol today due to 2 episodes 10 months apart of feeling like I was rubbed with sandpaper down there. I asked about side effects and the Dr. said "none". I asked how long I should use it and was told "forever." I'm not sure if I will start it yet, but I will definitely start if I get that sandpaper feeling again. Has anyone used this long term? Any affect on blood pressure?

I posted a link in another thread (the one for geeks) to a podcast where two physicians discuss HRT, but there’s a lot of talk about vaginal estrogen specifically. The podcast is long, but listen to it. The vaginal estrogen is incredibly low risk and the benefits are enormous.

[Anonymous]

OP you only list hair loss. Maybe focus on just restoring that. Lots of threads here discussing minoxidil, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was prescribed vaginal estradiol today due to 2 episodes 10 months apart of feeling like I was rubbed with sandpaper down there. I asked about side effects and the Dr. said "none". I asked how long I should use it and was told "forever." I'm not sure if I will start it yet, but I will definitely start if I get that sandpaper feeling again. Has anyone used this long term? Any affect on blood pressure?

I posted a link in another thread (the one for geeks) to a podcast where two physicians discuss HRT, but there’s a lot of talk about vaginal estrogen specifically. The podcast is long, but listen to it. The vaginal estrogen is incredibly low risk and the benefits are enormous.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a little confused confused by this post. Aren’t all estrogens topical these days? Patches are topical, too.

Progesterone is oral, but my understanding is that they no longer give oral estrogen (I believe bc estrogen that passes through the liver increases clotting risk, but topical doesn’t).

My HRT is 3 parts: oral progesterone, topical estrogen gel, and vaginal estrogen cream.

But I’m glad it’s working for you, OP.

I have no idea how it is normally delivered. I just wanted to see if others were experiencing the same suspected systemic side effects I am. I’m not complaining about the side effects either. Maybe the hair loss.

There aren’t systematic effects which is why it’s ok for women who have had hormone positive breast cancer.

[Anonymous]

I haven't started the estrogen inserts but I probably should, right? I am only on the patch and oral progesterone, but have a prescription for the former.
I thought it was odd that I am supposed to do it 2weeks, daily, and then 2-3 times a week

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you only list hair loss. Maybe focus on just restoring that. Lots of threads here discussing minoxidil, etc.

I didn't just list hair loss. I also listed the pros. "They" say that the cream doesn't affect you systemically but IME it is. I wanted to see if others had similar experiences.

There aren’t systematic effects which is why it’s ok for women who have had hormone positive breast cancer.

But my experience is proving otherwise, which is why I am posting.

My hair has started growing on HRT. My hairdresser noticed I had a ton of baby hairs that recently started growing. I’ve been on it about a month.

HRT as in the vaginal cream? FWIW I am hoping this hair loss is a precurser to the growth.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised by the hair loss. Don't most people get the opposite? I mean I had super thick hair during pregnancy when estrogen was high. I though menopause and the drop in estrogen was what caused hair loss.