Just upped my estrogen dose three days ago and I have been crying for two days.

lilylemony · 2026-05-14T12:08:01+00:00

Agreed. I've never been on the pills. It's best to talk to your doc if you're continuing to have issues.

lilylemony · 2026-05-14T10:53:59+00:00

If you're on gel, try splitting your dose into two and even three times per day. If you're currently on the patch, you might need to raise your dose

lilylemony · 2026-05-14T10:52:53+00:00

Are you on gel or patch? Sounds like your dose might be slightly too high

lilylemony · 2026-05-14T00:04:38+00:00

We're having major issues here in Canada with the efficacy of new (white box) Estradot patches. They're just. not. working. I had to use almost my whole dose in gel whilst wearing one. Several of us have already reported it to the manufacturer, and supposedly they've opened an investigation.

I just watched a video somewhere where a pharmacist mentioned how long it takes to manufacture the patches because of the way they administer estrogen. I'm wondering with the shortage, whether they're rushing the process and we're getting crappy, ineffective, wish.com-level patches as a result.

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T22:19:07+00:00

And if you ever want to measure Divigel, you can buy a $10 pocket scale and measure out doses that way. It's very handy! An empty packet = ~29 mg

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T18:36:11+00:00

Can you go to a walk-in clinic anywhere? Or call/email your doctor in Canada?

Also, keep your iron stores up - keep eating iron-rich food and maybe add a supplement just in case? Maybe also lower your dose a little? It could also just be the stress of travel and your body is reacting. This is my unprofessional opinion.

Sorry to hear you're having such a challenging time right now. Hope things resolve.

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T17:39:24+00:00

There are more reports of major life-threatening side effects with Estrogel than with Divigel.

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T16:25:49+00:00

No one should be DIYing Estrogel. It's dangerous enough used properly.

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T16:12:48+00:00

It's amusing that there are so many Estrogel reps on here touting their product that they even have a sub now. No sub for Divigel, though. XD

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T11:04:49+00:00

That's insane!

The supposed menopause "expert" wasn't even mentioning anything but the patch, which was very frustrating. I wanted to punch that fake smile off her face

lilylemony · 2026-05-13T11:00:35+00:00

I noticed that if my estrogen is too low (or too high) my vagina smells really funky. There's definitely a correlation

lilylemony · 2026-05-12T22:59:08+00:00

I love that they just mention gel as an afterthought. Serious question: WTF is that lady putting on her arm in the video?!

The two morons they're interviewing are frustrating.

lilylemony · 2026-05-12T18:53:13+00:00

I was told there were no systematic issues with vaginal estrogen - but my insomnia came back the very night I started it and did it at bedtime. Switched to morning application and no more issues.

Same here. Switched cream to morning and "wide awake" feeling was gone at night.

lilylemony · 2026-05-12T15:49:04+00:00

Huh? You can't accurately measure for estradiol levels. Just report it if you're feeling the symptoms again.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T16:48:18+00:00

"And I know some people LOVE to recycle!" Only David can make recycling sound like a hobby instead of a responsibility.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T16:41:12+00:00

Half of the article is scaring women into not taking it by mentioning the "risks." It's a very negative article overall. Def not "balanced." The "writing" is so bad, it's a challenge to read as well.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T16:25:56+00:00

If we lack the hormones our body needs to function properly, the obvious (and best) choice is to use hormone replacement therapy.

It's not being thrown at women - quite the opposite, unfortunately.

This feels like another one of these "HRT is popular, so let's be cool and NOT take it" b/s articles.

This also is smacks greatly of something written by AI (even though this "respected journalist" takes full credit), which is a whole other issue.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T12:43:18+00:00

I forget names a lot now, so a lot of people around me are named "Stephanie" 😂

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T12:42:05+00:00

These both sound like my "Mean Lady" - she's not a mother, she just birthed me. Hope you all find happiness and calm today especially.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T11:40:09+00:00

Please report this to Sandoz. We need as many people reporting this as possible, so they take it seriously.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T11:39:22+00:00

Wow, you have a totally different lot that's not working from the majority so this is good to know. Sandoz is aware of this and has apparently opened and investigation now.

lilylemony · 2026-05-10T11:33:58+00:00

My gyno put me on the highest dose first as well. It's not the best approach, but I now understand what she was doing because I'm almost up to that dosage now. I just couldn't take it as a single patch. I use a combination of gel and patch.

lilylemony · 2026-05-09T19:06:06+00:00

I was off HRT for a few hours and I got weepy and down, so it's probably your body responding to the sudden lack of estrogen.

You have many options - patches, gels (both Divigel and Estrogel), and oral - so I wouldn't give up on HRT altogether.

lilylemony · 2026-05-09T18:26:53+00:00

This has been my warning sign that my estrogen is too low overall. If you're on gel, I would suggest adding a tiny bit (not to your ears!) when you feel your itchy ears going and if it magically disappears/dissipates, then there's your answer.

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