In a pickle . . . so to speak Options

[oranges]

Hi there, I am new here and boy do I have alot of questions. My sisters both had breast cancer and they have no idea what I am talking about when I ask them a question. There are 3 of us girls, I am in the middle. About 1 and 1/2 years ago, I started taking Black Colosh thinking I was going thru menopause. I read on the label to take it no more than 6 months so that is what I did. I have been period free now for at least 2 years and I don't take a thing for it. But . . . here are my problems. In the mornings I get sick after I drink my coffee, like morning sickness or something. I have NO sex life because it hurts too much and I mean it hurts. I have gained about 15 pounds, and to top it all off my ears have started ringing. I still have hot flashes or at least I think I do. Those are just a few of my problems, the big ones. I went earlier this month for my pap and mamogram and told my doctor about my problems, She said to use KY Gel for sex and that was all she said. Last Thursday, I went to a ENT doctor for the ringing in my ears and he said my estrogen was too low and to get it up and my ears would stop. Help me please, do I go back to my doctor for HRT or what. I am afraid to use HRT because of the cancer with my sisters, but I want the ringing to stop and I would love to have sex with my husband again. What do you girls do or do you have any problems like me? Thank you in advance.

[zjsurfer]

Hi there, I am new here and boy do I have alot of questions. My sisters both had breast cancer and they have no idea what I am talking about when I ask them a question. There are 3 of us girls, I am in the middle. About 1 and 1/2 years ago, I started taking Black Colosh thinking I was going thru menopause. I read on the label to take it no more than 6 months so that is what I did. I have been period free now for at least 2 years and I don't take a thing for it. But . . . here are my problems. In the mornings I get sick after I drink my coffee, like morning sickness or something. I have NO sex life because it hurts too much and I mean it hurts. I have gained about 15 pounds, and to top it all off my ears have started ringing. I still have hot flashes or at least I think I do. Those are just a few of my problems, the big ones. I went earlier this month for my pap and mamogram and told my doctor about my problems, She said to use KY Gel for sex and that was all she said. Last Thursday, I went to a ENT doctor for the ringing in my ears and he said my estrogen was too low and to get it up and my ears would stop. Help me please, do I go back to my doctor for HRT or what. I am afraid to use HRT because of the cancer with my sisters, but I want the ringing to stop and I would love to have sex with my husband again. What do you girls do or do you have any problems like me? Thank you in advance.

Check some of the other sections on this board for alternatives for Estrogen replacement. Also, you could consider Estrace cream to help the "pain" problem - if your doctor doesn't think it would be dangerous for you to have any Estrogen.

[Interactive]

I can't supplement with Oestrogen as I was investigated for a breast lump (benign thankfully), suspected ovarian cyst and have fibroids. For vaginal dryness my doc recommended something called Phyto Soya Vaginal Gel which contains soya isoflavones. You apply it inside the vagina twice a week. It says with use, the vaginal mucous membrane regains softness and elasticity. I've found that it really does help. I'm not sure whether it's available in the US however. It's by a company called Arkopharma.

In the section here on skin and vaginal dryness there are others who have posted about things that have worked for them. It's really worth having a look.

My hot flashes seem to be controlled now by use of a combination of natural progesterone cream, soya isoflavones in Estroven and a Red Clover supplement.

I really don't have any idea what would work for the ringing in the ears though. You poor thing. I hope it's temporary. Many of these things we experience in peri and at menopause are.