anyone ever on estrogen?

[ohiolady]

I fear breast cancer as a result of taking ERT but I would have 0 quality of life without it.  What about my theory that as we get older we should be able to wean down?  Any thoughts?  Of course, I'm 54 so I am older:)

Confused, I use the Vivelle Dot and change every 3 days and I use the highest dose.  I found I got the best results this way.

Anna

[Katybarstool]

Hi Anna

I'm 52, but had no signs of the menopause at 48 when I had the hysterectomy. I have tried reducing the oestrogel by one quarter, but I started getting very low mood, so increased it again.

I have six monthly reviews of the hrt, and we always discuss the risks. To be honest, I would rather take the risks and have a good(ish) quality of life. That's just my opinion of course.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Kathyx

[ohiolady]

Kathyx,

I feel the same way.  In fact, if it wasn't for the fear of breast cancer, I'd take for the rest of my life, without question, it improves my quality of life tremendously.  Glad to know there are others that feel the same way.

Anna

[Katybarstool]

Anna

Yes. it's a tough one, but just one of the choices we have to make.


Kathyx

[Dolly Dimples]

  I have a friend who has been on HRT for at least 20 years .

    Her doctor stoppped it when she was about 65, and she is still working as a cleaner!!

   I stopped after 2 years , then got all the dry issues... Dolly

[kathyl]

Kathyx and Anna,
I totally agree with you.  I went through menopause in my mid forties.  I made the decision that HRT might give me breast cancer but without it I might kill myself so I'd live longer on HRT.  And if I get cancer I will have had a much better quality of life these past few years.
KathyL

[Katybarstool]

Hi Kathyl

That certainly puts risk into perspective, doesn't it?

Hugs

Kathyx

[lesmom]

I had a complete hysterectomy 4 years ago at the age of 31. I decided that HRT was the way to go because otherwise my body would be lacking and then who knows what or how I'd feel. It took over a year and a doctor change for me to find the right balance. I'm on Estratest HS and Progesterone 2.5mg, Without the progesterone my headaches NEVER went away. The doctor that did the surgery said that because I no longer had a uterus, I no longer needed that hormone. Phooey. Your body still reads that hormone whether you have all your pieces parts or not. So I went back to the dr. that delivered my boys. I am still on the HRT and have no plans to stop right now even though I was "warned" by the intern at the neurologist that 5 years is the MAX a person should be on it. I'll be honest- I'm really afraid of how I'll feel not taking it. I already feel pretty darn rough from the SJS and Raynauds that I'm afraid not having those hormones on board I will really go down hill. It will be interesting to hear what the rheumy says about it. I'm not ready to feel or look any older than I already do.

[Katybarstool]

Hi Lesmom

I'm sorry you had to go through all that at such a young age. There is a really useful site for woman with hormone concerns after hysterectomy. If you google Surgical Survivors Guide to the Menopause, I think you will find it helpful.

Kathyx

[lesmom]

Thank you, Kathyx
I haven't been on the hystersister website for a really long time, but I did find good info on there. I will certainly look the site you suggested up. I think theres just a lot that is overwhelming healthwise right now and I get to be a chicken about alot of things.

I appreciate the understanding and the concern.