HRT has changed my life Options

[manyboys]

What form of estradiol are you taking??
So, you don't have your uterus? If you don't, you do not have to take P (luckily one less thing to mess with....;-)

I don't think you're going to kill yourself with E, but you may not have any luck sleeping if you take it at night.

Switch it up and use it in the morning. You'll notice the difference right away.

In my opinion, E can be very good for you if it's used properly and for the right reasons.

Take care......

[katyq]

What form of estradiol are you taking??
So, you don't have your uterus? If you don't, you do not have to take P (luckily one less thing to mess with....;-)

I don't think you're going to kill yourself with E, but you may not have any luck sleeping if you take it at night.

Switch it up and use it in the morning. You'll notice the difference right away.

In my opinion, E can be very good for you if it's used properly and for the right reasons.

Take care......

OOPS did I say I dont have a uterus...? I DO still have everything (sometimes wish I didn't)

I don't really know what kind of estradiol it is. Not sure how to find out either. I know this Dr a couple of yrs ago wanted me to go on Premarin and that's all changed. I actually had to talk him into giving me this. I felt like it's my last chance.

My regular Dr has me on everything...He put me on Zoloft which I hated...I'm on BP med, water pill and cholesterol med now...Geesh...and I hate to take medicine too. But I do already feel more pep.

But I often wonder if I should do the bio thing like all my friends but it sure sounds confusing to me.

[Jan677]

OOPS did I say I dont have a uterus...? I DO still have everything (sometimes wish I didn't)

I don't really know what kind of estradiol it is. Not sure how to find out either. I know this Dr a couple of yrs ago wanted me to go on Premarin and that's all changed. I actually had to talk him into giving me this. I felt like it's my last chance.

My regular Dr has me on everything...He put me on Zoloft which I hated...I'm on BP med, water pill and cholesterol med now...Geesh...and I hate to take medicine too. But I do already feel more pep.

But I often wonder if I should do the bio thing like all my friends but it sure sounds confusing to me.

Hi katyq,
I'm not an expert on HRT/BHRT by any means but I do know that as long as you have an intact uterus, you should NOT use estrogen by itself. You should be taking some progesterone along with it. I'm not sure why your Dr. "doesn't believe" in BHRT when he "believes" in HRT. The B route is so much better and safer than the synthetic that his bias is quite puzzling. For the record, I'm not taking either but am thinking about BHRT. Perhaps you should search around for another Dr. who DOES believe in BHRT. You might as well be taking what works better and is safer. If you haven't already done so, try asking Pete the pharmacist at Bellevue Pharmacy if he can recommend someone in your area. Good luck and keep us posted on how you do.
Jan

[Iradan]

I take it at night time. Maybe I should change that around.

I don't take progesterone...something about having a uterus? Not sure why but my Dr said no...he also doesn't believe in bioidentical hormones.

I'm just very concerned...about me.

I went BHRT toute and the exprience was very unpleasant to tell the least, I went to another doctor, and he does not believe in BHRT either, thinking mini pill is much better for perimenopausal women that still cycle, as i do.
For what I understand, the estrogen is not major concern, the progesterone is. Natural progesterone as bioidentical, when not balanced with plenty of estrogen, can increase androgenic and mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) hormones and this can lead to further imbalance and serious cardio vascular complications if ignored. The type of estrogen is least imporant than the type of progesterone, the best seems to be progestines that don't have androgenic proprties but offer same protection for the uterine lining.
Problem with menopause and peri-menopause, is that when estrogen starts to decline and drops dramatically, we barely need any progesterone, if no symptoms present.
The adrenals, if healthy, will take over, the liver, kidneys, fat cells will aromatize estrogen and everything should be peachy, ideally.
In reality, ovaries don't not shut down overnight, and while anxiety, hot flashes, and other nasty symtoms are due to wild fluctuations of hormones, the rest of the issues linked to estrogen difficiency, not easy to correct with ADs or BZD, supplements, vitamins, and healthy lifestyle.
I did my home work, tried to figure out why BHRT made me feel so bad, and it seems because of progesterone, that blocked the small amount of estrodiol I supplemented with, and gave me anxiety, depression, suicidal thought, fatigue, indigestion, weight gain, etc.
Now I understand why some doctors don't believe in BHRT, becase of the eash body unique ability to convert natural P into adrenal hormones, which causes majority of symptoms.
BHRT if used, it has to be at least, 2 g of estradiol for small amount of progesterone, to feel normal and prevent mental issues and vascular constriction that results in chest pain, heaviness, heavy heart beat, etc.
I read more about European HRTs, seems all formulation contain bioidentical estrodial and one of the syntetic progestines. Prometrium oral and vaginal gel are used mostly for short term, as fertility treatment, and to resolve medical conditions, as heavy bleeding, fibroids, etc.
Hardly it is used as routine and long term HRT with high rate of success.
I seem to get worse anxiety when my own progesterone spikes, as I have low estradiol when checked via blood test, once P drops, I feel much better and calmer, also more energy and less moody.
HTH,
I.

[sarahs]

I tried everything--and I mean everything--with no good results. Then I saw a dr who put me back on plain old prempro--but with a difference. He recommended a few weeks off to clear my system (yes, it was rough!) and then going back on starting with 1/8 of a pill for a while. Raise dose by 1/8 pill every few weeks til I felt right.

Guess what--lovely on only 1/4 pill!

[Interactive]

I went BHRT toute and the exprience was very unpleasant to tell the least, I went to another doctor, and he does not believe in BHRT either, thinking mini pill is much better for perimenopausal women that still cycle, as i do.
For what I understand, the estrogen is not major concern, the progesterone is. Natural progesterone as bioidentical, when not balanced with plenty of estrogen, can increase androgenic and mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) hormones and this can lead to further imbalance and serious cardio vascular complications if ignored. The type of estrogen is least imporant than the type of progesterone, the best seems to be progestines that don't have androgenic proprties but offer same protection for the uterine lining.
Problem with menopause and peri-menopause, is that when estrogen starts to decline and drops dramatically, we barely need any progesterone, if no symptoms present.
The adrenals, if healthy, will take over, the liver, kidneys, fat cells will aromatize estrogen and everything should be peachy, ideally.
In reality, ovaries don't not shut down overnight, and while anxiety, hot flashes, and other nasty symtoms are due to wild fluctuations of hormones, the rest of the issues linked to estrogen difficiency, not easy to correct with ADs or BZD, supplements, vitamins, and healthy lifestyle.
I did my home work, tried to figure out why BHRT made me feel so bad, and it seems because of progesterone, that blocked the small amount of estrodiol I supplemented with, and gave me anxiety, depression, suicidal thought, fatigue, indigestion, weight gain, etc.
Now I understand why some doctors don't believe in BHRT, becase of the eash body unique ability to convert natural P into adrenal hormones, which causes majority of symptoms.
BHRT if used, it has to be at least, 2 g of estradiol for small amount of progesterone, to feel normal and prevent mental issues and vascular constriction that results in chest pain, heaviness, heavy heart beat, etc.
I read more about European HRTs, seems all formulation contain bioidentical estrodial and one of the syntetic progestines. Prometrium oral and vaginal gel are used mostly for short term, as fertility treatment, and to resolve medical conditions, as heavy bleeding, fibroids, etc.
Hardly it is used as routine and long term HRT with high rate of success.
I seem to get worse anxiety when my own progesterone spikes, as I have low estradiol when checked via blood test, once P drops, I feel much better and calmer, also more energy and less moody.
HTH,
I.

Hi Iradan

I don't understand what you mean when you say "BHRT if used, it has to be at least, 2 g of estradiol for small amount of progesterone, to feel normal and prevent mental issues and vascular constriction that results in chest pain, heaviness, heavy heart beat, etc.". Are you talking about an individual reaction? I've been supplementing with natural progesterone in cream form (40 mg daily on 21 days out of every 28) for over two and a half years and don't supplement with estrogen at all (although I do take phytoestrogens). I'm 21 months post now but was in the latter stages of peri when I first started using the cream. For me, it took away my anxiety, chest pains (which I think were part of the anxiety) insomnia, adrenaline surges, etc. in a way that conventional HRT (containing a bioidentical estradiol) didn't. I feel extremely well these days and have done for some time. When I first started using progesterone cream, I asked my doctor (who prescribes it) if I needed to supplement with estrogen to balance it. She said I'd have plenty of estrogen. I can only assume she's right, as I've felt so well for so long.

Just puzzled, that's all.

[Becca233]

I am 58 and had my last period mid 04. I was a late "bloomer" at the menopause thing and my friends couldn't believe that I was still having periods! So in 05, lost our daughter in law in car accident. In 07 lost my brother in law, heart attack. same year later our grandson went in for routine allergy shot and is now in a wheelchair unable to speak or initiate movement...2 months ago my dad died...so it's been 4 years of hell...menopause didn't help!

So after 4 years of no periods I had one all of a sudden! My gyn did ultrasound and everything is ok but I have panic attacks, heart palpitations, NO ambition whatsoever. Deep depression and don't want to even be around people.

Needless to say, my husband has complained in the bedroom area also. There are days where I get up but don't even get dressed...or shower...or brush my teeth.

So,,,along comes my Dr...I told him my troubles and he suggested 1 mg Estradiol. I went on it for a month. On followup Dr visit he upped it to 2 mg. I've taken it for 2 days and can't sleep at night...I'm sure it will take a bit for my system to begin to accept this change...

What do you all think? Am I killing myself with estrogen? Oh forgot...my sister had mastectomy post menopausal...My Dr says I'm not high risk.

I NEED HELP...

Wow, I can't even imagine going thru all of that! That has to still be very fresh, how truly truly tragic w/your grandson, as well...

Personally I would give it one more month w/the Estradiol, and then still if no improvement look into other possibilities. If I were you I would get possibly a book on this and/or HRT, there is alot of research out there, and perhaps you may find you answer there.

In addition, hun, you have been thru so much, does you doctor seem to think that w/all the recent stresses in your life could of brought some of this on, and if so has he offered you any help in that area.

Also, as you know being a woman, and though we tend lose that through peri (hope to regain in meno); but as women God has truly blessed us w/intuition, so if you don't feel quite comfortable w/what your doctor is telling you, then ease your mind and get a second opinion....

At any rate, I am sending your prayers, and also praying for your grandson that it is just tragic, and can't even imagine how his parents dealt w/that either... So surely praying for him too... Little ones just tug at my heart....

[JZZ]

I take it at night time. Maybe I should change that around.

I don't take progesterone...something about having a uterus? Not sure why but my Dr said no...he also doesn't believe in bioidentical hormones.

I'm just very concerned...about me.

Estradiol can be bioidentical. It doesn't have to come from a compounding pharmacy to be bioidentical. If you don't have a uterus then you don't need to take progesterone. Some docs and women will disagree on this issue. I have my uterus, an in peri, but supplement with only E while my ovaries are still producing enough P to give me a period. I did take Prometriume (twice with horrrid side effects) and that was a bioidentical fda P from a standard pharmacy. Frankly, my attitude is that I will take whatever works for my body, be it bio, synthetic or compounded. The jury is still out on what is safer than the next. Good luck with all of this. And, yes, I am part of the club that "HRT has changed/given me back my life." Regards, JZZ

[gevalia]

Katyq,

Estrogen will help regulate the sleep cycle, however I would not take it in the evening as it might keep you from falling asleep. If your dose it too high, it can make you anxious. Is your estradiol pill scored-if so you could possibly split it and take 1 1/2 mg. instead of 2mg. After you get the estrogen dose right, you could talk to your doctor about balancing it with some progesterone, which is available in different forms (capsules, creams). You will need to be one some form of progesterone if you still have your uterus to protect from hyperplasia of the endometrium.

[Iradan]

Hi Iradan

I don't understand what you mean when you say "BHRT if used, it has to be at least, 2 g of estradiol for small amount of progesterone, to feel normal and prevent mental issues and vascular constriction that results in chest pain, heaviness, heavy heart beat, etc.". Are you talking about an individual reaction? I've been supplementing with natural progesterone in cream form (40 mg daily on 21 days out of every 28) for over two and a half years and don't supplement with estrogen at all (although I do take phytoestrogens). I'm 21 months post now but was in the latter stages of peri when I first started using the cream. For me, it took away my anxiety, chest pains (which I think were part of the anxiety) insomnia, adrenaline surges, etc. in a way that conventional HRT (containing a bioidentical estradiol) didn't. I feel extremely well these days and have done for some time. When I first started using progesterone cream, I asked my doctor (who prescribes it) if I needed to supplement with estrogen to balance it. She said I'd have plenty of estrogen. I can only assume she's right, as I've felt so well for so long.

Just puzzled, that's all.

We al different, I guess, my post I believe was addressed to women taking prometirum 100 or 200 mg to balance bioidentical bi-est, or something least potent in comparison to oral progesterone.
I have tried p-cream also, felt as bad as on oral progesterone. Your are one of the women whos body makes plenty of estrogen and can tolerate progesterone well, lucky you.
Every time I use any form of bioidentical progesterone, I become mental case, with anxiety, meltdowns, bad depression, muscle pain, etc.
perhaps, I am still cycling, and they way my body metabolizes progesterone into adrenal stimulating metabolite.
In any case, my expreicen is not unique but rather typical reaction to high dose prometrium in comparison to low dose estradiol.
Since you use only P-cream and feel good on it, then your body uses it for your advantage, mine was not, i first used Rx p-cream for 21 days a month, and after a month, I started bleeding every 2 weeks....
So I had to stop P-cream, then after feeling rotten still, I went on BHRT and did not have bleeding but oral and sublingual P was really poison.
Glad you have found what works for you.

[davinci817]

Hi Iradan

I don't understand what you mean when you say "BHRT if used, it has to be at least, 2 g of estradiol for small amount of progesterone, to feel normal and prevent mental issues and vascular constriction that results in chest pain, heaviness, heavy heart beat, etc.". Are you talking about an individual reaction? I've been supplementing with natural progesterone in cream form (40 mg daily on 21 days out of every 28) for over two and a half years and don't supplement with estrogen at all (although I do take phytoestrogens). I'm 21 months post now but was in the latter stages of peri when I first started using the cream. For me, it took away my anxiety, chest pains (which I think were part of the anxiety) insomnia, adrenaline surges, etc. in a way that conventional HRT (containing a bioidentical estradiol) didn't. I feel extremely well these days and have done for some time. When I first started using progesterone cream, I asked my doctor (who prescribes it) if I needed to supplement with estrogen to balance it. She said I'd have plenty of estrogen. I can only assume she's right, as I've felt so well for so long.

Just puzzled, that's all.

I don't have a uterus and use P without E because I am still making enough E on my own to be in range. I know plenty of women can't take P but I wonder if given it in a method that would not make one dominant even more so would work for them? Still happy with my progesterone even with a somewhat bumpy road when upping the dose. Think I am all balanced out again but it takes a couple of weeks each time. I still haven't had the problems I had before taking it though. Like you I no longer have the anxiety problems, I sleep like a baby, no more adrenaline surges, no more hot flashes or sweats, no more numb tingling extremities or mouth, no more mood swings my list goes on and on.

[SheynaV]

I am so glad to hear this! I started Prempro today. I hope for a "full recovery" of my LIFE.

[Iradan]

I am so glad to hear this! I started Prempro today. I hope for a "full recovery" of my LIFE.

Good luck and please, keep us posted, on Prempro.
I.