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I am 35yrs. old and have had a hysterectomy a few years back. I have one ovary left (that is still working)...I had blood work done recently due to multiple symptoms and I was told that my thyroid was very low, my estrogen and progesterone levels were also (along with a slightly low testosterone level. I am now on a thyroid medicine (my levels are now back to were they need to be) and I take estrogen, progesterone and testosterone creams. IS THIS ALL SAFE? My friends and I do NOT agree on this and I am beginning to worry that I made a wrong decision. I am feeling better - but is this doing something to my body that I will regret in the long run?
Sincerely,
Shannon
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Shannon - Thanks for your question and welcome to EmpowHER. You've asked a good question, but that's just the start. Your friends are correct in that questions have been raised about the safety of various forms of hormone therapy. You can easily find news stories on this topic and we also have several articles on EmpowHER. You may also find it helpful to look up information on a site like drugs.com to learn more about the known side effects and long term effects of the drugs you're taking.
It's not clear to me if you are self-medicating or under a doctor's care. Your personal and family health history is also a very important consideration in this, as hormone therapy creates additional risks in women with a family or personal history of breast cancer. There are also risks associated with a history of cardiac disease. In other words, there is a whole lot that needs to be taken into consideration for the sake of your long term health, and the answer is not a simple yes or no.
There's no need to panic, but there is a need to do some research and make sure that you are personally comfortable with any medications or supplements that you choose to use. Hope this helps! Pat
September 6, 2010 - 6:52pmThis Comment
Thank you for the info and websites...I would like to answer some of your questions. I am under a doctor's care and based on my family history and my personal history of health, am at the dosage that I am at now. I go in about every month to every other month and have blood work done with my doctor who is caring for me. She orders detailed/lengthy blood work on me. It amazes me how complex just our blood is!
Sincerely,
Shannon
September 7, 2010 - 7:03amThis Comment
Hi Shannon - I'm glad you're under a doctor's care and your blood's being monitored. Now I feel better about your health! There are a lot of hormone products sold over the counter and in health stores that can be harmful and misleading. You're in a tough spot due to your age, but with help from your doctor and by doing your own research you will be able to figure out what's going to help you stay healthy for the long term, no matter what.
Yes, our blood is very complex. I was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago, and have had to learn a lot! I have multiple blood tests on a regular basis, complete with very long, detailed reports. A website that I've found very helpful may also interest you. It's run by lab professionals and helps explain test results in lay language. http://www.labtestsonline.org/
Take care,
September 7, 2010 - 5:10pmPat
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