gyn taking me off Estrace and putting me on Vivelle patch

Called my gyn today to ask him about increasing my Prometrium and adding some Testoterone. He called me back about 9:30 p.m. and we had a nice long talk. I read him an artical about estrogen binding and he really listen to me I really like my He told me no increase on the Prometrium, but he said we would change my Estrace to Vivelle patch. He said that might help free up the Testoterone produced by the adrenal glands. I also asked him about DHEA. He talked about doing some blood test on my Free Testoterone and DHEA levels. He said about my PC doctor doing the test and I asked him since he is handling my hormone issue could he order the test. He told me to call his office tomarrow and talk to the girl that handles the insurance issues and talk to her to see if my insurance would cover him ordering the blood test. If my insurance coveres him ordering the blood test then I am to ask what day for me to come in. I really do not see a problem with him ordering the test since he is my primary gyn. I hope he was able to get my Vivelle patch called into CVS. I thought I gave him the 24 hour Rite Aid phone number it turns out I gave him the number to CVS they close at 10:00 p.m.
I will call CVS tomarrow before I call his office about the blood test and if Vivelle patch was not called in I will have them get a message to my gyn, he is in surgery all day on Fridays.

Any sisters that are using Vivelle patch tell me how they are doing on it and does it help with there libido. My gyn feels that taking oral estrogen is what is giving me the problems with my libido and that using the Vivelle patch may help with that. He said that after a couple weeks if that does not work than he will put me on a combenation estrogen and Testoterone.

Once I have Testoterone and DHEA test done my gyn said it will take about ten days to get results back and what ever the test show we can start from there.

I really like my gyn!! We may not always agree, but he takes the time to listen and explain everything to me

I also had trouble when I was on oral estrace with things being bound up. I now am on Vivelle patch, prometrium and testosterone and still have libido problems.

I'm better on a transdermal gel than I was on Premarin, but then Premarin is hardly natural estrogen! I think testosterone can play a big role but from what I've read I'd go for the creams not the synthetic. See if the patch improves things, but you will have to give it a full 3 months to see the full effect. Hopefully you'll get benefits before then but sometimes it can take that long to have a full therapeutic effect.

My did get my precription in on time to CVS. I called this morning and the girl said it was ready for pick up.

I have another question. I took my Estrace this morning. Should I wait till tomarrow to start the Vivelle patch? When I talked to my gyn yesterday he told me the best place to put it would be my tummy or butt. Does that sound about right? Are there any other places were it can be put so it will stay on? I am very new to the patch never wore one before

I will be going for my two blood test this afternoon. I knew my insurance would cover my gyn ordering the blood test. I asked the nurse that will be taking the blood about the thyroid antibodies test and she told me that my dr will have to order before I can have that test done I left a message for him to call me Monday about that test. I do not even have to pay any co pay. The girl said that it is just for blood work and is not concidered an office visit. I liked hearing that!!

What kind of side effects will I have using the patch if any?

Pattyaks,
Sounds like you have a wonderful doctor! I think he's a keeper

I've heard with the Vivelle patch that the tummy or buttocks is best. JMHO I would think that the hip/buttocks area would work better adhesive wise. I've not used the Vivelle, but I was on the Climara patch immediately post op and I used to alternate hips.

I don't know if there's any specific symptoms to be on the look out for, other than maybe fluctuation in your levels as your body adjusts to the new hrt.

Good luck Patty! Do let us know how the patch works out for you.

Pattyaks,
I use the Vivelle Dot .1 and .05 (yes, 2 patches!) I was initally told to only put it on my tummy, but it tends to make me break out in a rash on my tummy. Asked about putting it on my butt and DD told me to give it a try.......no trouble so far. I alternate between butt and tummy. I also change ever 3 1/2 days. Tuesday night and Saturday morning. Keeps me more even keel, if you know what I mean! I went to two patches when I broke into tears over Toy Story 2....You might want to start the patch when it would be time to take your Prometrium, and then work from there! And yes it did seem to help my libedo

Kim & Robby

Thank you both sooooo much for the replies!!

I got the Vivellee Dot this afternoon. I have not started it yet. When would it be the best time to start it in the morning or evening? I take my Prometrium as of now in the evening, but if I have to I can start taking it in the morning. A couple a weeks ago I took it in the morning when my increased my Estrace to 2 mg. I just started taking the Prometrium again at night.

The Vivellee Dot that I have has 1.56 mg in the patch. My brother and sister-in-law are giving me a birthday party tomarrow and I am wondering if I should wait till Sunday to start the Patch. My birthday was Tuesday. The BBQ is not until after 6:00 p.m. So what do you sisters suggest? This patch is all new to me. The reason I am woundering about starting it on Saturday or not is I would like to have one to toast my birthday and one year anniversary since my surgery which is the same day that my birthday was.

Kim you are right this gyn is a keeper!! I went and had my Free Testosterone and DHEA blood test this afternoon. I did not even have to wait. That is something new to me. No waiting!! I can go for that all the time!! I did not even have to pay any co pay. Can't beat that. He was in surgery all day to day so, I left him a message for him that he will get on Monday about doing a thyroid antibodie test.

Getting these hormones figured out can make any one go in

Patty,
JMHO I would start it now. With the patch you are bypassing the liver so I don't think having a would be a problem. It's just my opinion that if you don't take anything you may have more problems like hot flashes, etc.

A belated Happy Birthday to you! And Happy Hysterversary to you too!

Kim

Thank you soooo much for your reply!!

I will start Vivelle patch tonight when I get home or tomarrrow morning, as I have already taken my Estrace 2 mg this morning. Taking it now after taking my Estrace may be too much estrogen

Thank you for the beleated wishes!!

I hope you are feeling better after that test

Here is a I hope that puts a smile on your face and makes you feel a little better than you do.

Sending you a lot more :Hug:s

Patty,
Thanks for the , it did make me

I think you're right, if you've already taken your estrace today I wouldn't slap the patch on. I'd wait until your next dose.

I'm doing okay, not wonderful, ie: I'm not but I'm hanging in there. Thanks for thinking of me.

back to you