To HRT or Not to HRT?

I have a wonderful doctor in Scottsdale that does my hormone therapy and is also my gynecologist. Her name is Dr. Jennifer Simone. Maybe a 2nd opinion would be worth it.

I am 32 and estrogen dominant, have seen mant drs with no result. Frustrated!! New Dr has me on 200mg of prometrium days 16-25. anyone have good results with this. Desperate to feel better!!!!
Thank you
Stacy
Scottsdale az

nanajones: not sure what your comment means. Can you elaborate?

Diane: I have not had any issues with depression or anxiety. But the women that I know who do and are on pellets say they help tremendously, as in it goes away.

NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been 5+ years on the pellets and I still love them! I can go about 5 months between inserts. I know about 50+ other women on them and they all say they are the best form of BHRT they've ever used. I feel better and more sexual than I've ever felt in my life.

Just an interesting side note to this previous discussion on menopause symptoms. Since dealing w/ night sweats, fast heart beats, flushes, etc. in 2008, I learned I had arrhythmia problems in both atrium chambers and I had an Ablation procedure in May 2009. The Ablation procedure eliminated most of my tachycardia but not all.

In July, I found out I have a chronic form of leukemia, called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which is attacking my red blood cells and causing Anemia. I started chemo on 8/3/09 and had a RBC transfusion on 8/18/09. When that raised my counts no longer making me anemic, my night sweats disappeared, the fast heart beats and pounding heart beats subsided along with other symptoms.

So be sure when you are looking at one health issue that all symptoms affecting you are investigated b/c you never know what is doing what or what is causing what. Our bodies are indeed complicated!!!

Katharine,
This is great news! I am so glad that your symptoms have decreased by 50-75%, and are still decreasing. You mentioned that you were prescribed bioidentical hormones, tincture of sage and black cohosh...and that your doctor said over time, your body's receptors will decrease their demand of estrogen needed, and you can decrease the amount of hormones you need to take.

This is great information for women, who (my interpretation!) seem to be told that their use of hormones, HRT, pellets, bioidentical hormones...whatever...is an "all or nothing" choice, and it is empowering to hear that we can make choices for ourselves now to help lessen symptoms, with the understanding that our body's needs will change, as will the prescribed "drugs". Thus, our choice now might not be the same choice we make in a few months, or few years.

How long is the "over time, the demand by your receptors will decrease"?

Can you explain what the tincture of sage and black cohosh are for? Can you tell a difference if you take all three in combination if one of these "drugs" are working and the others are not?

Again...great news!

I initially posted my issues back in May and am pleased to report fantastic improvement. I found Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (http://www.scnm.edu/index.php) which has a teaching clinic located in Scottsdale, AZ and I went there in June. First you see 2nd & 3rd yr students then their supervising physician; the exam is detailed and thorough.

My flashes and sweats were diagnosed as severe and my hormone levels non-existent. I was prescribed very low doses of compounded bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, tincture of sage, and pharmaceutical grade black cohosh. I was told to be patient for results and come back in 5 weeks. At 4 weeks I noticed little change but in the 5th week miraculously my symptoms began to decrease. At my appt. the doc said my improvement was terrific since I was so severe. Dr. Marchese also said I would continue to improve.

Now in my 6th week, my symptoms are 50-75% improved and decreasing rapidly. I'm at around 5 flashes a day (down from 15-20) and most are mild to moderate w/ flashes of heat but little sweats and no more chills. This is fantastic!!!! My life is nearly back to normal and I am no longer sleep deprived.

Dr. Marchese (mar-kay-zee) explained (my interpretation) that the estrogen receptors in the blood vessels searched for estrogen when I stopped HRT (after >20 yrs) and when not found the flashes takes place. Then the thyroid says WOW! your are too hot and tries to cool the body rapidly through sweat. By introducing the low level of bioidentical estrogen my body has calmed down. Now over time, she explained demand by the receptors will decrease and I will slowly lose need to take hormones.

All I can say is God Bless SCNM! It is VERY affordable and they know their business. If you live in the area, do not hesitate to use this clinic. Meanwhile, thank you to all who answered my plea. I hope the above info will assist someone else to get back on the road to feeling better.

Peace!
Katharine

Are they for older women as well? I am 61. Will I have to go through withdrawal again if I stop the pellets? I guess at my age I should just go natural.