Re: Hormones

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad you're better now.

I have a similar story. I ended up needing surgery in 2019 for uterine polyps after being on HRT for a few years. I was on the highest dose of HRT because I was having 20 or more hot flashes a day. The HRT really helped diminish those, but I started having intense abdominal pain in my lower abdomen. After the polyps developed my gynecologist made me stop taking HRT because there would be continued risk of more polyps.

I am in my early 60s, and I still suffer from hot flashes daily, but, thankfully, not as many as before. My doctor suggested some over the counter supplements to try, but so far, they've been no help. She says there are a few non hormonal new meds I could try, but I really don't want to take any more prescription medications. I take enough already for other health issues.

So, I am managing best I can. Even in the winter I sleep in very lightweight pjs without a blanket. I sleep with a small fan nearby which has a remote that I can switch off and on as needed. I have a pretty folding oriental paper fan I carry around with me. My hot flashes are intense and my worst menopausal symptom.

Best Wishes to You and Everyone reading and posting on this thread. May 2024 be a good year for us all! 🌈

Love to Run · ‎03-22-2012

Personal experience and science aren't the same thing.

I suffered horribly with hot flashes and night sweats. I'm a runner and I eat a healthy diet. I too was afraid of HRT based on the previous research. My doctor started me on Lexapro, it reduced my flashes by about 50%, but that was still at least once an hour. My friend told me Veozah works for her, but it's not covered by most insurance. Well I finally got my Rx through the assistance service and took my first tablet last night. I slept through the night and haven't had a flash all day. Bayer is also working on a drug for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. It's frustrating that these drugs take so long for insurance coverage when they are so life-changing.

While I was waiting on my Veozah I began to review the latest HRT reserach thinking that may be my only option. There are so many different types and delivery systems that making blanket statements about their safety just isn't possible, or responsible.

"The good thing about Science is that it's true, whether or not you believe in it."
Neil deGrasse Tyson

lgfan · ‎10-19-2012

Luckily I am over menopause. I spent most of my 50's with hot flashes. As the years went by they lessened and eventually stopped. My doctor at the time suggested the natural supplement black cohosh for the hot flashes and it helped. I was offered hormones but refused because of the possibility of getting cancer. I also was prescribed calcium with vitamin D tablets. I was told by my doctor that the calcium helped in avoiding getting osteoporosis after menopause.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

taking hormones caused my breast cancer--took HRTs for menopause issues --did that for a few years and then was dx in 2012---of course that was 12 years ago and now hormone therapy is very much changed. I suggest doing alot of research first---my cancer was hormone positive so also had to take anti hormone meds for 10 years. and those caused some issues too.

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

@curlygirl13 wrote:
OK, I have to tell you my experience. I went into full-blown menopause 2 years ago. Decided to do HRT and did it compounded with bio-identical hormones. Fast forward, I woke up in March 2023 one morning bleeding like I was hemorrhaging. It turns out all the hormones created so many polyps and cysts in my uterus and my uterine lining I had to have surgery. My doctor made me stop everything. Now my GYN is not the doctor who was managing or prescribing my hormones. I went to a hormone specialist for that. It was a nightmare. I'm off everything now and it's been hard but mine is a cautionary tale. I was very sick. Everyone is different but be careful. I was using progesterone and estrogen.

My story is similar. I began compounded HRT around 50 years old. I never noticed a physical benefit. I took it for bone and brain health and also to keep things lubricated, if you know what I mean. It never helped me in that area at all, nor libido. Anyway, I had to have a trans vag ultrasound yearly. I ended up bleeding profusely, too. It seems the estriol activated fibroids and caused them to bleed. I also had severe breast pain and tenderness while on them. It was like being in menstruating years again. Bleeding, IMO, is never a good sign. Either is pain.

I went off after perhaps 7 years of this. I have never looked back. I am sure it works for some. As for me, I couldn't tolerate even the lowest dose.

Oh, and it isn't the fountain of youth as far as facial aging either.

This is my experience FWIW.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

SandGirl · ‎03-09-2010

@CelticCrafter @Shelbelle I would love to hear more about how you managed your menoopause and also how are you doing bone wise and heart wise?

The hormone push is HUGE right now, its like we are scared to go on the hormones but told all the risks we will have if we don't.

I just want to hear from some women that are doing good health wise even w/out replacing hormones.

The videos I've been watching say "if your thyroid is low, you take thyroid medication" - they say it's no diff. for Estrogen, if your body is low you should replace it to remain optimal. It's all so very confusing. My aunt (moms sister) and my dads mother both had breast cancer. My dads mom had it and it spread and she passed from it, my aunt is still alive.