Does a low dose of estrogen help with dryness? Or is it too risky

[Jellyb]

Hi all!
I have a quick question. I had a hysterectomy in 2006, been taking black cohosh but My PCP suggested I go on a very low dose of estrogen. She said besides helping with hot flashes it would also help with some of the sjogrens symptoms, like the dry skin and eyes. Plus help with sleep and energy, and anxiety.

Is it too risky? Are any of you on estrogen? And if so, does it help?

Thanks!

[quietdynamics]

I have had  the O-Ring mentioned to me to help with the vaginal issues, etc.
So when I get around to a thorough work-up this is something I will definitely consider. 

[grammad97]

I had the vivelle estrogen patch for 10 years after my hysterectomy and then docs recommended getting off it. After 10 years off the patch I am using the RX estrogen insert weekly. It has helped a lot.

[Jellyb]

That is good to hear Grammad97. My doc gave me the Menostar patch to try and it lasted 2 days and I got a big red welt from it because I am allergic to adhesives now ( of course I am ) so yesterday she prescribed a 3 mg tablet of conjugated estrogen and I took my first pill today.

I was wary about the breast cancer thing, but I have no family history and I woukd really like it to help with all the things my doctor said it would

[Katybarstool]

I've been using Estrogel for around 7 years. My hysterectomy was 8 years ago, and I, too, took Black Cohosh for probably 6 months before that .

The Estrogel has definitely helped my joints and the vag dryness. It also helps the connective tissue, which is a must for me as I'm very prone to pelvic prolapses and have had four repaired in recent years.

On balance, I will take it as long as I can, as it definitely improves my quality of life.

Kathyx

[adaubrey]

I would research bioidentical hormones/estrogen.
I prefer that over the premarin.
Too much to write here but you can get lots of info a google search.

[Jellyb]

I took your advice adaubrey, and google searched and found what I am prescribed is called cenestin and supposedly derived from soy and yams. It's not a bioidentical though. I am going to talk with my local compounding pharmacy this weekend. Thank you for the advice.

[odie]

I was on Estradot ( a bioidentical estrogen patch) before diagnosis but the only thing it helps in my situation is hot flashes and mood swings.  Doesn't make a dent in joint/muscle pain, dryness, energy or sleep.  I also use Vagifem and it doesn't help with vag dryness.  My gyn knows of my family hx of breast cancer and just told me to be on as low dose as possible to prevent hot flashes.  The decision to play the odds is my choice for quality of life.

There was a renewed focus on the flawed study from years ago that showed women using HRT had increased breast cancer risk.  This new report still uses the parameters from the 2002 study in which women were also using Progestin ( a form of progesterone) which is synthetic and a known cancer risk.  Progesterone replacement is only needed for women with an intact uterus.  For those of us post menopausal women who have had a hysterectomy it's not needed.  Why any women would want to take Progestin and not a natural progesterone is a mystery to me.  Here is a link to that new report
http://www.livescience.com/28317-hrt-breast-cancer-risk.html
I haven't decided how long I want to remain on estrogen but I stay on top of mammos