Question/Comment:

After hot sweats and irregular menstruation i discovered that i have fibroids and that i'm menoausal so i had an hysterectomy with both ovaries removed in June 2008. I started using oestrodode gel 1g/day plus decalcit (for the next 5 years according to my doctor). No more sweats i feel normal but i'm concerned about gaining weight. what can you recommend? what is the percentage of having breast cancer on the long term

Question/Comment:

I am a 16 year old female that was diagnosed with P.C.O.S. (Poly Cistic Ovarian Syndrome) and my estrogen levels are about 12 and 14 instead of between 100 and 250. My doctor put me on Estrogel recently to help raise my levels because an estrogen patch and birth control have done nothing. It basically made me go crazy. I gained 6 lbs. in one night and I could not connect my thoughts with my words. I had really bad, blurry vision and people kept asking me if I was drugged. I had DRASTIC mood swings and could not even recognize I was having them. I HATED this product. I don't know if it just had to do with my young age, but I have never had such severe reactions for such a constant period of time (one week) with a medicine. It was extremely icky.

Question/Comment:

I had a complete hysterectomy at 29 after unsuccessfully trying every other method to get my endo under control. 18 years later, I do not regret the choice to go on HRT and will continue to take it as long as I can stick that little patch on! I agree...don't listen to what your neighbors, friends or family say! Make an educated decision for yourself. When my mother developed Stage 3 breast cancer at age 64, I did the research all over again and sought the advice from a hormone specialist. After careful consideration, I opted to try and lower my dose from the 1mg patch to the .05. It was a bit rough for a month or so, but my body adapted and I feel I made the "right choice" for me. I'm proud to say that Mom is a five year survivor and so even if I do get it, I know I can be treated. My quality of life is as important to me in my late forties as it was in my late twenties. I've been able to keep my weight steady with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, so I'm an advocate of HRT without reservation!

Question/Comment:

I am a 60 year old female who had a hysterectomy when I was 21. I have been on hormones ever since, either Premarin or Estradiol. I only had side effects in the beginning, when the doctors were trying to adjust to the proper dosage for me. Since that time, I have maintained quite well with no side effects. I only have side effects, like sweats, etc. when I do not take the medication.
I am in good health with arteries, etc. all in good shape.

60 year old female

Answer/Reply:

I had a hysterectomy when I was 35 and was put on estradiol immediately after that. I am now 38 years old and I have had no menopause symptons (night sweats and etc.) since I have been taking the estradiol. I am pleased with the results of estradiol. But recently I switched to a different doctor and he seems to think I should try to get off of my estradiol. I really don't want to and I just called my previous doctor to make an appointment to see him about this. So I was just wondering what you would suggest I do?

Question/Comment:

I was told that I had fibroids and had to have an hysterectomy at age 28, with both ovaries being left. Within a couple of years they quit producing properly, just enough to remind me that I did have somewhat of a cycle (tender breasts, monthly water retention). Four years after the hysterectomy I was put on Premarin. At that point it was $2 a month, as of this year the insurance wants to charge $80 for three months - couldn't afford that. Estradiol is $4 a month. So asked the pharmacist and doctor about the differences of estradiol. Both said estradiol would take a bit of adjustment for my body as it was a more 'natural' estrogen versus a 'conjugated' estrogen. So far, it is working well. Have gained about 10 pounds that I am working to take back off. But have had problems with weight gain on Premarin too. As long as I take the pill every night, I 'stay under the porch & don't come out to bite' too often.

So far no osteoporosis - do have mild osteoarthritis due to an old injury, do have asthma, IBS and GERD, migraines; have had two MI's due to arterial spasm - after the second MI had a heart cath they said the arteries were clear as an 18 year old's. No blood clots.

I stay as busy as I was in my 20-30's, active at church (pastor's wife), active in clubs and community, play piano, drive handicapped son to jobs, etc.