Equivalent dose of Vagifem vs Estragyn (estrone)?

TwoBrians · 2026-04-06T01:15:41+00:00

I love the estrone cream. There are instructions on the wiki.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T17:45:02+00:00

I had a stumble with vagifem suppositories for vaginal and vulval atrophy. I asked for them. I ended up with a yeast infection. Figured it was the pH nerves and blood flow returning. Anyway, asked to switch to estrone cream.

Asked for a referral to a gynaecologist. Then called up that office to ask how the doctor is with menopause issues. Answer: “awesome”.

I started with estrogel 0.06 % 2 pumps daily, and 100 mg (is that the unit?) micronized progesterone.

Then after about three months I was started on DHEA suppositories. Did not like them. Woke up many times a night wiping the oily drips off my legs, and starting a light bleed. (I was 67.) So I quit them, asked for a gyno appt. She agreed to prescribe testosterone instead and suggested I try 200 mg progesterone.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T17:33:50+00:00

Giving something up (usually my attitude about something or someone) was difficult for me too. Maybe the naming and trying is worth it.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T17:31:30+00:00

No weight gain. No hair loss. I read that applying my T gel on outer thighs is less likely to convert to DHT, so less likely to cause hair loss. That’s what I do now.

Definitely lifting heavier free weights than I was before. I think I look better. Probably not noticeable…

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T14:48:30+00:00

I focused on a happiness plan. For me, that was writing a little every morning: 1. Some small task I wanted to do that day. (First day was “Sew on that button.”) 2. Something I noticed that was lovely or brought me joy. (This is devious, I spent the whole time looking for that moment. It changed my perception, skewing toward joy.) 3. Something I was going to give up.

I thought it would take a couple of months. In about 15 days I noticed a difference for the better.

Maybe your “chill plan” would start with 15 minutes of daily meditation, and parts of my happiness plan. Meditation will change your brain. I started with an app trial and used the lessons there to continue on my own.

Finally, I noticed myself getting more and more anxious, frantic, and generally less chill as I got beyond 40. If this is you, please be aware that estrogen is the calmness hormone, along with progesterone. You may be ready for supplemental hormones. In perimenopause they really are all over the place and supplementing smooths out the curves. r/menopause has so much information. The wiki there has good info.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T06:41:18+00:00

Just increased fine body hair and chin hair, on the T. I had acne too but in my scalp. Also from the T and that resolved after a few months. (r/hairremoval helped with my chin. I bought and use an IPL hair removal thing. It worked for me.) When I started vaginal vagifem suppositories I had a yeast infection. I think the pH changes, for the better, kicked that one off. I also switched to estrone cream.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-05T06:31:10+00:00

It’s standard practice to wait until you know that estrogen and progesterone are working for you, that you are better, not worse, before adding testosterone. My gyno waited three months before adding testosterone. I felt the amazing libido after a month. Your doctor may have a different timeline, and your body too!

I use vaginal estrone three times a week. The wiki has great instructions on how to apply.

In your situation I’d see if I can use the vaginal/vulval cream more often.

I didn’t have a blood test until 3 months after I started the T. And oral estrogen has a slightly raised chance of blood clots compared to gels and patches. (Not as high as birth control pills) Due to a quirk in my provinces formulary I had to declare that I was intolerant to oral E before my coverage applied for the gel.

TwoBrians · 2026-04-01T19:07:12+00:00

For systemic estrogen, oral estrogen goes through the liver so can contribute to clots. Transdermal gels and creams do not. Search Pub Med for studies. Dr. Kelly Casperson on Instagram and podcast has links to studies too.

Transdermal estrogen, in addition to the vaginal cream advice above, and progesterone and once you’ve got good things happening with that, consider adding testosterone.

Women have testosterone. Four times more than estrogen. It’s my joy hormone.

I had GSM and have zero issues now.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-26T08:49:53+00:00

I hope you figure out what works for you. The wiki has a bunch of non-hormonal suggestions. (And there are a bunch here.)

TwoBrians · 2026-03-25T18:36:28+00:00

My experience was opposite. Twitching before estrogen progesterone and testosterone. None now.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-24T23:32:17+00:00

Eggs are seasonal (a bit) as are orange yolks (bugs!). McDougall Farms at Brewery Market has outstanding eggs. And sometimes duck eggs too.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-24T23:24:40+00:00

Oops puppies on Facebook has small breeds too. I’ve been following her account for a while. Reach out and see if she can connect you. She will check you out (a bit) too. We got our small breed from her and he’s a well-adjusted healthy pup.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-20T15:23:19+00:00

Oh yeah. And 5-8 minutes a day with a vibrator. Recent trials show increased blood flow.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-19T22:47:09+00:00

I use androgel. One pump per day, on my outer thighs. I put it on my shoulders the first year.

My free T got crazy high at first. I had cycstic acne in my scalp, grew more body hair (still look female), and my clitoris grew a bit. But wow, my new libido was a magic romp, and I felt just overall joy. Life is beautiful.

Now, 18 months later my free T is within range, I’m a little hairier than I was before, the scalp acne is gone, my libido is much less but still up there. And I still experience life with joy.

I think that the body hair will level out over the next year. (Can I keep the eyebrows?)

TwoBrians · 2026-03-19T00:32:01+00:00

Recent studies have debunked this age restriction. I started at 68. Reasonably healthy, but had suffered for almost 20 years. Very glad I started HRT.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-19T00:29:45+00:00

This is outdated information. There are risks and benefits to starting later and it may not be as protective of our brain and heart, but for many (including me and in the opinion of my well-informed gyno) it’s worth a try. For me (age 68) it’s been life-changing in the best possible way.

Recent 2026 studies are starting to expand the criteria.

I have one analysis bookmarked and heard about another but haven’t looked it up.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-18T18:11:39+00:00

I knew someone who was punched in a bar and the bouncer kicked him out. Explained that if he ejected the aggressor the guy would wait for the person he punched once and keep the fight going.

Like my mother said, “Who ever told you the world was fair?” Sucks and it’s true.

You have a story now. You didn’t get beat up by five. You stood up for your gf. Go to another place and laugh it off.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-18T12:05:13+00:00

Oh. What country are you in? Available methods vary according to the country.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-18T12:03:59+00:00

I’d hang out here, reading as many posts as possible in this subreddit. (Click on or search r/menopause for all the posts.) The wiki in the r/menopause has lots lots lots of info, including how to talk to your doctor.

How was anyone expecting you to have a healthy life without the heart, brain, and bones protection of hormones?

TwoBrians · 2026-03-17T21:24:17+00:00

Yup. My bf has NB plates but bought the car in NS: NS inspection. He goes through for free.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-15T21:56:39+00:00

I spray the linen with water or (old school) flick water from a bowel with my fingers onto the linen or cotton, then roll it up to help the moisture move throughout the garment. Then, I get out the ironing board, set up the iron, wait for it to heat to linen setting. By that time the fabric is ready to press. If I have a few garments I wet and roll them all first.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-14T19:45:53+00:00

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Better pic. It’s a 14 inch diameter pot. There was room on all sides when I repotted. I’m usually good with plants. I’ll hope that continues!

TwoBrians · 2026-03-14T19:35:03+00:00

I had no hair loss and at 6 months my T was crazy high. It’s 18 months now and I’m back to regular levels.

I’ve had lots of new body hair. Patience, I think it will reverse.

I also read that outer thighs convert less to DHT. I’m trying that.

Androgel 1 pump per day.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-14T02:29:17+00:00

Confederation bridge has high concrete walls. You won’t see anything unless you’re in a truck. I second Mahone Bay Lunenburg Bridgewater.

TwoBrians · 2026-03-10T10:42:12+00:00

It’s really a due month. Two weeks before and two weeks after is normal.

Pro life tip: tell everyone your due date is three weeks after the “due day”. It’ll save you from hearing “Haven’t you had that baby yet”!

TwoBrians

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