I will be having a hysterctomy in less than a month. I am not cocerned about going on ERT -- but I am concerned about being on it for 20 or so years. ( I am 30 now and have endrometriosis.) What are the long term affects of being on ERT? I have fibromyalgia and CFS but those seem to be under control at the monment. Could ERT make those much worse? What are the side affects of ERT? Sorry to ask so many questions about it but I have not been able to find this info anywhere online. I hope I can get some answers here. Thanks!

Welcome to Power Surge Trisha!      You will find a wealth of information on this site.  If you haven't already, be sure to post on the Welcome board near the top of the boards and Dearest will send you a welcome which will help you learn how to get around the site.  Then  using the quick links at the top of the page go to Ask the Experts.   I would suggest you post your question to Dr Erika if you do not find your answer in her archives.  There are many other experts who can help you too.    Good luck!                  ~Helen

Trisha,Since you say you will need ERT, I assume that they are going to take your ovaries. If that's the case, you are a young woman and you really need and should take the ERT. If you had your ovaries, they would continue to make estrogen for the next 20-25 years.  So by taking ERT, you are not adding more estrogen to your body, you are merely replacing the estrogen you no longer make.  From what I have read, there are no problems associated with ERT in  young women who have had hysterectomies. However, I would recommend you take a bioidentical form of estrogen, rather than the horse estrogens or chemically modified estrogens that some doctors will try to push on you. Be firm in this regard.  This site will give you alot of information as to what is available.  I hope your surgery goes well.

Thanks for your help. I have looked around at this site a bit and haven't found what I am looking for regarding information. I will continue to look and search the site. I will also ask Dr. Erica if I cannot find what I am looking for. Yes, My ovaries are coming out along with my uterus. This is due to 6 painful years of endrometirosis. Thanks for your concerns.

Trisha, asking Dr. Erika might be a good idea.  The Power Surge Ask the Experts Page also includes Medical Doctor (Phillip O. Warner, M.D.), Revival Soy Doctor (Dr Aaron Tabor), The Pharmacist (Pete Hueseman, R.Ph., P.D.), The Women's Midlife Therapist (Stephanie Marston), The Anxiety-Panic Expert (Bronwyn Fox), The Relationship Expert (Steven Carter), The Intimacy Expert (Dr. Sandy Scantling), The Weight Watchers Expert (Denise Lamothe).  One of them might have some insight to help you, also.

We also have a great Hysterectomy / Premature Menopause Board here.  The women on there might have some good ideas for you too, although with your fibromyalgia and CFS you would be better off checking with a doctor.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted