So I had a heart-to-heart with my doctor..., and here is what he said... Options

[RoundRobin]

My primary care doctor is treating me for carpal tunnel syndrome and I happened to mention that my menopause symptoms were at an all time worst. 30-50 flashes a day, dizziness, mental fog, depression, can't sleep..

It's been eighteen months since my last period. I decided to be bold and I asked him: Should I go on HRT? His answer: NO. I was shocked he said that without any qualification, or hemming and hawing. He told me point-blank that 10 years ago he would have written me a script for .625 mg of estrogen and sent me on my way. Now, he said he won't go near it. I asked why? His answer: Breast cancer. That's all he said: Breast cancer. Is it me, or is he being a tad irresponsible? I have no family history...but I do have risk factors (and a previous bad scare with a precancerous lesion). Still...I mean, not everyone woman who takes HRT gets cancer, right?

Then I asked "Why are my symptoms getting worse? His answer: It takes 2 years AFTER menses stop completely for the symptoms to go away in some women. He said my body was "stubborn" and wasn't adjusting to the practically non-existent estrogen levels circulating in my bloodstream.

Okay, Bold Question Number Three: Does he know about Bio-Identicals, and will he prescribe them (note, my gynecologist told me she had never heard of them. She must live under a rock somewhere.) His answer: Yes, he's heard of them, and no he won't prescribe them...because "there are no compounding pharmacies in our state." So I asked him what in the world I was supposed to do. His answer: "Tough it out and drink a ton of soy milk." I've tried the soy...in fact, i went on Revival for 3 months and it didn't seem to make much of a difference. However, that was way before my periods stopped.

What do you think of what he said, ladies? Should I go to another doctor? I am absolutely miserable. I think I'm going to give the Revival another go...sorry for the rambling...

I don't know what to think. He promised me that I will, someday, get my life back...that I should "tough it out."

[davinci817]

I say that is bull hockey. Why should you be uncomfortable? I would most certainly find myself another doctor. He seems to have an excuse for everything.....not a woman so how the heck would he know how bad you feel. Let us know what you decide.

[sybilleruth]

Isn't soy estrogen? So...he won't prescribe estrogen because of the breast cancer risk but is willing to say it's okay to use soy? With soy, I think it is the preparation that comes in question as to it safety.

[Floater]

Tough it out?? subject your self to needless suffering?? Is that what YOU want?? The incidence of breast cancer is seriously not much higher on hormones and other health risks go down. Not taking hormone replacement will cause different problems and presents its own set of risks.

But honestly, Robin, it comes down to quality of life. How long do you want, and can you, go on feeling terrible every day of your life??

Have you looked into estrogel and prometrium, which are both bio identicals, but ones which can be prescribed by a doctor and found at your local pharmacy. I had to tell my doctors what I wanted to take, they would have (and tried) to offer me Premarin. I refused it.

[witsend]

It was my impression that most of the doctors were stepping back from all the scary conclusions made in that study that emphasized the negative effects of HRT --- ummmm, has he been keeping up with the literature? If this was your primary care doc, maybe talk to your gyn?

[FoxyRoxy]

I know of a woman who went into early menopause in her very very early 40s (she's a hairstylist also maybe there is some connection here) and she told me that her theory on it was she didn't really care if she got cancer cos her opinion on it was she would prefer 10 good years to 20 crappy ones. She is on conventional HRT and not bio-identical but it has given her her life back. Now me for instance am reluctant at this stage to go on any HRT as I have family history of breast cancer and I have had a breast lump but I haven't ruled it out entirely cos if it all gets too unbearable that I don't want to go on then what do I have to lose.

And anyway who is to know if the women who got breast cancer while on HRT weren't going to get it anyway. There are so many what if's and maybes....

Rox

[joyceveronica]

My primary care doctor is treating me for carpal tunnel syndrome and I happened to mention that my menopause symptoms were at an all time worst. 30-50 flashes a day, dizziness, mental fog, depression, can't sleep..

It's been eighteen months since my last period. I decided to be bold and I asked him: Should I go on HRT? His answer: NO. I was shocked he said that without any qualification, or hemming and hawing. He told me point-blank that 10 years ago he would have written me a script for .625 mg of estrogen and sent me on my way. Now, he said he won't go near it. I asked why? His answer: Breast cancer. That's all he said: Breast cancer. Is it me, or is he being a tad irresponsible? I have no family history...but I do have risk factors (and a previous bad scare with a precancerous lesion). Still...I mean, not everyone woman who takes HRT gets cancer, right?

Then I asked "Why are my symptoms getting worse? His answer: It takes 2 years AFTER menses stop completely for the symptoms to go away in some women. He said my body was "stubborn" and wasn't adjusting to the practically non-existent estrogen levels circulating in my bloodstream.

Okay, Bold Question Number Three: Does he know about Bio-Identicals, and will he prescribe them (note, my gynecologist told me she had never heard of them. She must live under a rock somewhere.) His answer: Yes, he's heard of them, and no he won't prescribe them...because "there are no compounding pharmacies in our state." So I asked him what in the world I was supposed to do. His answer: "Tough it out and drink a ton of soy milk." I've tried the soy...in fact, i went on Revival for 3 months and it didn't seem to make much of a difference. However, that was way before my periods stopped.

What do you think of what he said, ladies? Should I go to another doctor? I am absolutely miserable. I think I'm going to give the Revival another go...sorry for the rambling...

I don't know what to think. He promised me that I will, someday, get my life back...that I should "tough it out."

My dear friend'round robin'
You do not have to tough out anything!If that insensitive Doctor,or any other male,for that matter had to walk in our shoes they would all be on HRT and it would be the largest dose available

I have been on HRT from age 39 till now at 57 and they saved my life.We also have no history of immediate Cancer in our family but lets be honest ,millions of poor ladies develop breast and various other forms of cancer and have never taken more than an Asprin.

For me the quality of my life"In the Now"is what is important.I don't know how long or short my life is going to be but am not going to live in misery and suffering.My Gyno.is a man and is happy for me to contiue HRT as long as I see him every six months for regular check ups.If I forget he calls me to remind me to come in.

All blood test,cancer markers etc.are perfect.Breasts are normal-just wish they were bigger but as my huband says"More than a handful is wasted"

Note that my HRT is also synthetic as we do not have the availabily of Bio-identicals so keep screaming till you find a sympathetic Gyn.who will prescribe for you.You are always very sensible and pro-active so don't give up.

Good Luck
Love and Blessings
Elizabeth
P.S.A lady I know 68 years young and looking great!has been on HRT since age of 40 and says she will probably pop the last one on her deathbed so she can die looking "Sane"!

[XIII]

That, RR is the million dollar question.
I just feel angry that in this day and age , we women have been left, abandoned in this scary forest, with no definitive answers.
I visited my GP for a similar consultation to yours and he practically forced HRT onto me!
I left the surgery thinking, that man doesn't care a toss about my welfare he just wants 'a satisfied customer' to free up space in his surgery.
The dilemma remains.
How can we interpret the truth?
Is your doctor an uncaring male bigot who finds women who complain of menopausal symptoms rather an unecessary bore or is he a wise and tremendously safe pair of hands, caring deeply for your personal welfare?

I just don't know........................


Regards,


Kathy.

[kar4242]

Robin,

I have been struggling, as you are, for almost 3 years now. I did try HRT a few times but, unfortunately, they didn't work out for me. The short time I was on them most recently the did rid me of the hotflashes and I do believe some of the terrible anxiety I have. It's been a nightmare. I thought I would share the following with you. I wrote to a Dr. about HRT and Post and here is what her response was to me:

A lot of women are afraid to use hormones as a result of the data from the Women's Health Initiative that came out in 2002. This study compared health outcomes in post-menopausal women--none of whom were ever on HRT prior to the start of the study and many of whom were overweight, hypertensive, smokers, and diabetic--randomly assigned to hormone therapy or placebo. In particular, the study was designed to see if HRT could prevent heart disease as was widely believed at the time. The average age of the subjects was 63; some were in their 70s and more than 20 years past the menopausal transition.

By the time American women are in their 60s, especially those with risk factors such as elevated blood pressure or blood sugar, many already have atherosclerotic changes in their arteries but are not yet displaying any symptoms of coronary artery disease. We knew then and we know now that estrogen has beneficial effects on arteries that have no cholesterol plaques, causing dilation or increased blood flow through them. In contrast, estrogen's effects on diseased arteries are detrimental, raising levels of triglycerides, inflammatory molecules such as c-reactive protein, clotting factors, and a bad actor called matrix metalloproteinase. The latter causes breakdown and ulceration of cholesterol plaques which leads to clotting and obstruction of diseased arteries. These effects are most notable when the estrogen is given orally as it was in the WHI study in the form of Premarin. Transdermal patches such as Climara Pro do not have these effects.

So no surprise that the at-risk population of the WHI (older, hypertensive, overweight, etc) who were placed on oral hormones started having increased rates of heart attack and stroke in the first year of the study. Interestingly, those who survived their first year on hormones (perhaps indicating their arteries were healthier to begin with) had lower rates of cardiovascular events in the years to follow. We did not hear about these details in the press releases that followed the termination of the study.

Estrogen promotes cellular growth and division in most body tissues. This is a good thing in brain, bone, muscle, skin, connective tissue, and healthy arterial walls. This is not such a good thing in breast and uterine tissue. The effects of estrogen on the uterus can be balanced by the use of progesterone in women who have not had a hysterectomy. We do not yet know of a way to balance the effects on breast. So the downside of hormone therapy is an increased risk of breast cancer that starts separating those on HRT from those not after about 4-5 years of use. In a population of postmenopausal women not on HRT, 3 in 1,000 will get breast cancer in a year. On average, in a similar group of postmenopausal women on HRT, 4 in 1,000 will contract breast cancer.

The use of HRT is a weighted decision. You've got to weigh how you feel now, your personal health history, your family history, your health goals, and your worst fears to make the decision. It's possible that whatever you consider this year may change in the years to come, and you may, therefore, change your mind about HRT.

Her personal equation currently weighs in in favor of HRT and she is actually on it herself.

I hope all of us suffering feel better soon.

Hugs,
Karen

[RoundRobin]

Great answers...thank you ladies. My doctor seems to think that bio identicals means plant estrogens. Is he wrong?

To answer one of the posters, he has always been a great doctor...caring, compassionate, thoughtful, great bedside manner. On the downside, he is young (40), always overbooked and too busy, and I think he gets a lot of his drug knowledge from whatever rep visited him that day. He once gave me samples of a drug that was soon recalled.

My endocrinologist concurs with him on the HRT debate...she herself is in menopause and won't take it. My gyn hands out HRT like candy. Ugh!!!! So confusing!

[XIII]

Hi Karen,
I think the response from your doctor was pretty spot on. In essence she says that HRT gives no real protection from heart disease, as was once thought. So if we are thinking elixir for eternal youth, forget it. It is no longer the treatment of choice for preventing osteoporosis and used at minimum doses for a short period, it is remarkably safe. Used for longer periods the risk increases and those who have relevant, known health problems need to be more careful about embarking on treatment. If a woman's life has been wrecked by menopause, I think that the benefit outweighs the risk factor.
My main difficulty is deciding if I have reached the point where I most definitely need help. It is a bit like climbing a mountain via a winding road. I keep believing that round the next bend I will reach the top. Perhaps I am just kidding myself and I am merely chasing the Holy Grail.
Like you, I am very intolerant to most forms of medication and I suspect that taking HRT would just muddy the waters and cause more problems. I have decided to wait for another 18 months and if my situation does not improve or indeed deteriorates further I will re-evaluate my need for supplementation of oestrogen.


Regards,


XIII

[skiergirl]

Robin,
I think your situation is a little different because you are younger than the average post-menopausal woman. I think you mentioned you are 46 or 47? Most women your age still have functioning ovaries and are still producing plenty of estrogen. I know I'm going to take my chances and keep taking my hormones--I just turned 48. (I may change my mind though after my breast ultrasound today.) Like Floater says, there are plenty of options for bioidentical hormones (plant based and identical to the hormones produced by the human body) other than compounding pharmacies.

[Armadillo]

HRT is not the panacea it once was. However, it is not deadly poison, either. The danger of HRT comes from long term use. At least that's what the take home message seems to be these days. The major symptom that is relieved by HRT is hot flashes. All other symptoms, like brain fog, palps, etc..... have no direct physical evidence that HRT is totally responsible for making them go away. All they can measure is the frequency and duration and intensity of hot flashes. The other symptoms depend on direct reporting from women, so this information is considered anecdotal and will be different for every woman.

Like everything else, you yourself have to choose the lesser of two evils.

Me? I opt for a shorter, pain-free life, than a longer, miserable one.

[gevalia]

Dear Robin,
I am sorry your symptoms have escalated. I am new here and would love to try to be of some help. I would like to point out that the WHI study used an estrogen that is foreign to a women's body. Premarin is a very strong equilin estrogen that is much stronger than the estrogen our ovaries made. I believe that the risk of using hrt is relative to the type of estrogen used and the method it is delivered to your body. Our bodies have hormone receptor sites that work like a lock (site) and key (hormone). The receptors like it when the key is an exact fit. Premarin is so much stronger than the 17-beta estradiol that our ovaries make. Why not give your body exactly what it is missing. There are many good options out there that are bioidentical, made from soy or yams. The way the estrogen is delivered to the body also is important. Transdermals allow for miniscule doses compared to the oral route. The estrogen patches come in .025 mg, .0375 mg., .050 mg., .075 mg, and 0.1mg. Trandermals do not tax your liver or GI system as they enter the bloodstream directly. There are many good options for someone considering the transdermal route: estrogel, patches, femring and http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/styl....gifsublinguals (drops or troches).

My advice would be to get ahold of Dr. Elizabeth Vliet's book Screaming To Be Heard or Natural Hormone Balance by Dr. Uzzi Reiss if you are considering hormone replacement. Don't leave this decision in your doc's hands.

[gevalia]

Dear Robin,
I am sorry your symptoms have escalated. I am new here and would love to try to be of some help. I would like to point out that the WHI study used an estrogen that is foreign to a women's body. Premarin is a very strong equilin estrogen that is much stronger than the estrogen our ovaries made. I believe that the risk of using hrt is relative to the type of estrogen used and the method it is delivered to your body. Our bodies have hormone receptor sites that work like a lock (site) and key (hormone). The receptors like it when the key is an exact fit. Premarin is so much stronger than the 17-beta estradiol that our ovaries make. Why not give your body exactly what it is missing. There are many good options out there that are bioidentical, made from soy or yams. The way the estrogen is delivered to the body also is important. Transdermals allow for miniscule doses compared to the oral route. The estrogen patches come in .025 mg, .0375 mg., .050 mg., .075 mg, and 0.1mg. Trandermals do not tax your liver or GI system as they enter the bloodstream directly. There are many good options for someone considering the transdermal route: estrogel, patches, femring and http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/styl....gifsublinguals (drops or troches).

My advice would be to get ahold of Dr. Elizabeth Vliet's book Screaming To Be Heard or Natural Hormone Balance by Dr. Uzzi Reiss if you are considering hormone replacement. Don't leave this decision in your doc's hands.

[RoundRobin]

I'm going to research this one as much as possible...but I need some help here. Are ALL bio-identicals made from plants?


I've tried low dose BCP before, and it didn't do anything. BUT, I did try, about a year ago, one week of a high dose of estrogen, and I never felt better in my life.

Part of my confusion is that my doctor is really holding out a carrot on the end of a stick...he told me that, with 18 period-free months behind me, relief is just around the corner.

Another question, if you girls can stand it: What will happen if I use progesterone cream--JUST progersterone cream? Is it dangerous, in the absence of supplemental estrogen??

Lord, this is like a big maze, isn't it?

[stoneberry]

My primary care doctor is treating me for carpal tunnel syndrome and I happened to mention that my menopause symptoms were at an all time worst. 30-50 flashes a day, dizziness, mental fog, depression, can't sleep..

It's been eighteen months since my last period. I decided to be bold and I asked him: Should I go on HRT? His answer: NO. I was shocked he said that without any qualification, or hemming and hawing. He told me point-blank that 10 years ago he would have written me a script for .625 mg of estrogen and sent me on my way. Now, he said he won't go near it. I asked why? His answer: Breast cancer. That's all he said: Breast cancer. Is it me, or is he being a tad irresponsible? I have no family history...but I do have risk factors (and a previous bad scare with a precancerous lesion). Still...I mean, not everyone woman who takes HRT gets cancer, right?

snipped

I don't know what to think. He promised me that I will, someday, get my life back...that I should "tough it out."

Go to a doctor specializing in menopause for another opinion. Sounds like you have toughed it out. You need some relief.

[RoundRobin]

Stoneberry (by the way, I love your username!): I would LOVE to find a doctor who specializes in menopause. In fact. I wish this specialist had it's own name. But I live in a tiny state (the tiniest, in fact...Rhode Island) and so far I haven't been able to do any better than an ob-gyn and/or endocrinologist. Regarding the latter, I couldn't find one that was even remotely competent. So my endo is in Boston; she is excellent, and treated my thryoid when others simply refused. She doesn't "believe" in hormones (I don't really know what that means and she's the one of those doctors you cannot have a casual conversation with...too busy and rushed all the time.) In terms of gynecologists, I go to an all woman practice, and they will give me all the HRT I want, but claim never to have 'heard' of bioidenticals.

Is there another speciality I should be looking at?

There should be medical practices devoted completely to menopause!!!!!! Does anyone know of one? I'll fly there if I can!!!!

[Floater]

There is a menopause clinic in Edmonton, Alberta....you can stay with me if you would like.

[gevalia]

Robin

If you are willing to travel, you might check out bodylogic.com. I believe they have clinics in New Hampshire and Connecticut. I can't vouch for them as I have never had any personal experience with them so ask for referrals. You might also check out the National Menopause Society for physician referral lists.

[stoneberry]

Stoneberry (by the way, I love your username!): I would LOVE to find a doctor who specializes in menopause. In fact. I wish this specialist had it's own name. But I live in a tiny state (the tiniest, in fact...Rhode Island) and so far I haven't been able to do any better than an ob-gyn and/or endocrinologist. Regarding the latter, I couldn't find one that was even remotely competent. So my endo is in Boston; she is excellent, and treated my thryoid when others simply refused. She doesn't "believe" in hormones (I don't really know what that means and she's the one of those doctors you cannot have a casual conversation with...too busy and rushed all the time.) In terms of gynecologists, I go to an all woman practice, and they will give me all the HRT I want, but claim never to have 'heard' of bioidenticals.

Is there another speciality I should be looking at?

There should be medical practices devoted completely to menopause!!!!!! Does anyone know of one? I'll fly there if I can!!!!

It's funny you bring this up...I went to an excellent doctor 10 years ago for terrible endometriosis. I live in a large metro area and couldn't believe how difficult it was to find a skilled surgeon that knew anything about endo. (I didn't want a hyst. and would not take Lupron) I found the best doctor in New Orleans and I had good insurance, but I shelled out a lot of $$ to go out of state for surgury. He gave me my life back.

I looked him up the other day and found that he is now in Northern California. He has devoted his career to women's reproductive health, infertility and pelvic pain. His name is Dr. Andrew Cook. He receives patients from all over the country and internationally. I'm very tempted to call him and go to see him. I was so sick and the care was so good and I felt completely understood from the first phone call. I can't speak highly enough of him.

He is a reproductive endochronologist (sp?).
(his website is not a sleak as it needs to be, but don't let that deter you.)

Cooled off from EW - sorry for getting so sharp.

[stoneberry]

Go to a doctor specializing in menopause for another opinion. Sounds like you have toughed it out. You need some relief.

(i'm responding to myself)

I knew the moment I sent this post that finding a "menopause" doc was a gross overstatement. It's astonishing how misinformed so many doctors are.

suggestadoctor.com may be worth checking out. There are over 118,000 doctors recommended and over 5,000 recommendation postings. You can search by state only, area of practice only or combination. I just found it.

Thanks RoundRobin for bringing this up, maybe we'll find some docs within reach - hope this helps others.

[stoneberry]

(I posted this in another forum and thought it might be helpful here too.)

i've been thinking about something all evening and thought I would post a few thoughts related to anger (and other impossible symptoms of meno.)

A lot has been discovered recently about how the brain experiences the loss of certain chemicals such as alcohol and drugs from addiction and/or dependency (not all dependency is from drug abuse.)

The brain goes into starvation mode and reacts as if it is being starved. I have seen a few comments on PS from women having taken Prozac for years having a difficult time coming off them.

So if it stands to reason that the brain reacts negatively in these situations (when it's chemistry is changed), wouldn't the same thing happen when it is deprived of estrogen and progesterone? Our brains, not just our bodies operated with these hormones.

I'm not sure of the exact point I want to make here, but it's an important observation about what is happening to our brains. In many way, our symptoms feel like withdrawal to some extent. <---- I qualify this last statement in case anyone reading this has experienced the terrible experience of withdrawal from substance abuse or otherwise.

Prednisone is another case where the paitent has to be weened off carefully because of emotional fall out.

Would this not make the case that some level of HRT is warrented to assist women in this transitional phase? Only recent generations of women are experiencing menopause from beginning to end due to extended life spans. I read an interesting article (study) that mentioned women w thaere experiencing menopause differently in recent years due to drastic changes in their perception of menopause. The perceptions have changed due to the perception women have of themselves today verses 50 - 100 years or more ago. Therefore, the way we experience menopause has drastically changed. Women's lives, value, productivity and contributions to the world are more dynamic than ever before.

I find this reassuring that I am not "overreacting" to the changes I experience in my brain and body, but also reassuring that it is not unreasonable to expecg real relief. This becomes for me an issue in further recognizing women and our needs. Maybe the HRT that is out there isn't the best it can be, maybe the research is severely behind, but that doesn't mean we cannot insist on the best care, understanding, information and treatment.

[skiergirl]

Robin,
I don't think anyone answered your question about the origin of bioidentical hormones. Yes, all bioidentical hormones are plant based. You can't assume though that just because a hormone is plant based that it is biologically equivalent to human hormones. I think Cenestin is an example of a plant based estrogen that is not bioidentical. I think the Menopause Center sounds like a great idea.

[gevalia]

I agree with skiergirl that a Menopause Center is a good place as hormones are their concentration...it's what they do.

Dr. Vliet touches on the meaning of Natural and Synthetic in "Screaming To Be Heard". She says that the source for natural hormones are plants such as soy and yams. They undergo a systhesizing process in the lab to convert them into a chemical molecule identical to the one produced in the human body. The final product determines if the product is bioidentical or not. An example of an estrogen that is bioidentical would be the Climara patch (soy) and vivelle dot (yams). Both are plant based and both are turned into 17-beta estradiol, which is exactly what the ovary and adrenal glands produced.
Estrace and Gynodiol are both made from yams or soy and are turned into 17-beta estradiol, so they are bioidentical as the end product is the same as what our bodies produce. Cenestin is also plant based but the end produce is equilin and estrone. So it is not bioidentical as equilin estrogen belongs in horses, not humans. It can be confusing but to put it in simple terms-it is the end product that is important.

[Juppygirl7]

Roundrobin
I saw my doctor yesterday and also want to scream.... I have started on Estradot 3 weeks ago by my Gynae doc and in combination its starting to work and I feel better than I have for ages. When I asked him for a new script, he said that he needs me to ask in March when I go back; how long I will be on the patches for!!!!! He wants me on them for the minimum time citing all of the stuff above, I replied I am not coming off it come hell or high water after 2 years of hell and I am making an informed choice (I am a nurse). i feel at the moment that my current quality of life is more important than longevity and I am doing what I can to reduce the risks.... why do they have to be such hard work to deal with...it took me 2 years to see the gynae chap after a lot of insisting and them stalling in the first place!!!!!!!! ;-(

[Juppygirl7]

Roundrobin
I saw my doctor yesterday and also want to scream.... I have started on Estradot 3 weeks ago by my Gynae doc and in combination its starting to work and I feel better than I have for ages. When I asked him for a new script, he said that he needs me to ask in March when I go back; how long I will be on the patches for!!!!! He wants me on them for the minimum time citing all of the stuff above, I replied I am not coming off it come hell or high water after 2 years of hell and I am making an informed choice (I am a nurse). i feel at the moment that my current quality of life is more important than longevity and I am doing what I can to reduce the risks.... why do they have to be such hard work to deal with...it took me 2 years to see the gynae chap after a lot of insisting and them stalling in the first place!!!!!!!! ;-(

[Sariah]

So if it stands to reason that the brain reacts negatively in these situations (when it's chemistry is changed), wouldn't the same thing happen when it is deprived of estrogen and progesterone? Our brains, not just our bodies operated with these hormones.

Actually, this is exactly what happens. Progesterone binds to the GABA receptor, which is the same receptor benzodiazepenes bind to (xanax, ativan, etc.) And estrogen is known to increase serotonin levels. Just as we experienced heightened anxiety and depression when suddenly stopping the benzos or SSRI's, we experience the same symptoms when our hormones drop quickly and our bodies (for whatever reason) are not able to take up the slack enough.

This could be due to adrenal fatigue, since the adrenals are supposed to produce the hormones in much smaller amounts than the ovaries in meno but with adrenal fatigue they are unable to take up the slack. Since going on low dose hydrocortisone (a bioidentical form of cortisol) I am doing much better. When I added a tiny amount of estradiol it was the perfect combo.

[stoneberry]

My primary care doctor is treating me for carpal tunnel syndrome and I happened to mention that my menopause symptoms were at an all time worst. 30-50 flashes a day, dizziness, mental fog, depression, can't sleep..

It's been eighteen months since my last period. I decided to be bold and I asked him: Should I go on HRT? His answer: NO. I was shocked he said that without any qualification, or hemming and hawing. He told me point-blank that 10 years ago he would have written me a script for .625 mg of estrogen and sent me on my way. Now, he said he won't go near it. I asked why? His answer: Breast cancer. That's all he said: Breast cancer. Is it me, or is he being a tad irresponsible? I have no family history...but I do have risk factors (and a previous bad scare with a precancerous lesion). Still...I mean, not everyone woman who takes HRT gets cancer, right?

Then I asked "Why are my symptoms getting worse? His answer: It takes 2 years AFTER menses stop completely for the symptoms to go away in some women. He said my body was "stubborn" and wasn't adjusting to the practically non-existent estrogen levels circulating in my bloodstream.

Okay, Bold Question Number Three: Does he know about Bio-Identicals, and will he prescribe them (note, my gynecologist told me she had never heard of them. She must live under a rock somewhere.) His answer: Yes, he's heard of them, and no he won't prescribe them...because "there are no compounding pharmacies in our state." So I asked him what in the world I was supposed to do. His answer: "Tough it out and drink a ton of soy milk." I've tried the soy...in fact, i went on Revival for 3 months and it didn't seem to make much of a difference. However, that was way before my periods stopped.

What do you think of what he said, ladies? Should I go to another doctor? I am absolutely miserable. I think I'm going to give the Revival another go...sorry for the rambling...

I don't know what to think. He promised me that I will, someday, get my life back...that I should "tough it out."

This is a doctor that just doesn't want to be bothered. Robin, I am going to a Reproductive Endochronologist in December. I'll post about that appt and if the doctor seems willing to treat menopause and treat me like a real patient, not just some worrisome old lady. Keep searching for another doctor. There may not be many where you are, but I'm driving 3 hours to get to mine - it's worth it, if I get results.

[Shebee]

My primary care doctor is treating me for carpal tunnel syndrome and I happened to mention that my menopause symptoms were at an all time worst. 30-50 flashes a day, dizziness, mental fog, depression, can't sleep..


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*I read where carpel tunnel can be induced by with holding vitamin B-6. However, when you do b-6, you should do a multi b. Also, believe it or not Shark Cartilage works nicely. I think that it cuts down on inflamation.



It's been eighteen months since my last period. I decided to be bold and I asked him: Should I go on HRT? His answer: NO. I was shocked he said that without any qualification, or hemming and hawing. He told me point-blank that 10 years ago he would have written me a script for .625 mg of estrogen and sent me on my way. Now, he said he won't go near it. I asked why? His answer: Breast cancer. That's all he said: Breast cancer. Is it me, or is he being a tad irresponsible? I have no family history...but I do have risk factors (and a previous bad scare with a precancerous lesion).

Still...I mean, not everyone woman who takes HRT gets cancer, right?

No.....



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*I keep running across information that show Bio hormones are actually protective. Also, there is a link between lack of iodine and breast cancer. Please start researching!





Then I asked "Why are my symptoms getting worse? His answer: It takes 2 years AFTER menses stop completely for the symptoms to go away in some women. He said my body was "stubborn" and wasn't adjusting to the practically non-existent estrogen levels circulating in my bloodstream.

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*Who wants to lose 2 years of your life? I did! I was miserable and my family, too.



Okay, Bold Question Number Three:




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*Boy..I bet you became his most annoying patient!





Does he know about Bio-Identicals, and will he prescribe them (note, my gynecologist told me she had never heard of them. She must live under a rock somewhere.) His answer: Yes, he's heard of them, and no he won't prescribe them...because "there are no compounding pharmacies in our state."



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*Internet & Mail order is so nice...and you get your bio hormones in just a few days!
Also, you can go on the net and FIND compounding Pharmacies in your area.



So I asked him what in the world I was supposed to do. His answer: "Tough it out and drink a ton of soy milk." I've tried the soy...in fact, i went on Revival for 3 months and it didn't seem to make much of a difference. However, that was way before my periods stopped.

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*I don't know what it is about soy products, but I don't do well on them at all. Perhaps the GMO (genitically modified stuff don't agree with me.




What do you think of what he said, ladies? Should I go to another doctor? I am absolutely miserable. I think I'm going to give the Revival another go...sorry for the rambling...

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* Don't just go to another doctor.....RUN! As fast as you can! Go pick up copies of your records and test...you have a right to have them....take them with you so you don't have to do everything over again. START RUNNING! Changing doctors will be the best thing that you could have ever did for yourself. With the bios, everything has changed for the better for me. My skin is beautiful again, I lost weight, and etc. and etc. I feel like I am 26 again. My kids can barely keep up with me now.



I don't know what to think. He promised me that I will, someday, get my life back...that I should "tough it out."




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*Sure....I wonder if you doc would "tough it out?" With time, my symptoms only got worse. I have wasted a lot of life. I am now feeling wonderful! I am full of energy and joyful.
Don't waste another day. I wish that I would have found this site a long time ago.

If you are going to do bios, do Est., Progest, and TESTOSERONE (if needed). Pull some of my post on BHRT; some of them contain vital information....and keep reading.~

*best wishes,
Shebee