Hi Ladies,

I'm postmenopausal, haven't had a period in 17 mos now. I Just started BHRT in January of this year but have been reading that many women go off after they become postmenopausal. another questionI have is, will my body become dependent on BHRT to such a degree that I won't be able to get off of it when I want to? I no longer have symptoms except some difficulty sleeping but I understand BHRT protests heart, brain, bones, teeth, etc. I have developed osteopenia, so I want to make sure my bones are protected. I'm 58 and of average weight 5/5 1/2" and 135 weight.

Thanks for any help you may give.

Ethan's Nana

For me personally, I took Estradiol for two years post and then quit. Threw me into withdrawals for the next five years and experienced all 34 symptoms at one time or the other. I have come to the conclusion that HRT just puts everything on hold until one stops and then what is "peculiar" to every woman kicks in. Some to a lessor degree than others. Some women don't even recognize they have symptoms, like my sister who just chalks it up to old age. She is 59. Old age!!! I had it rough but especially the hyper-response/sensitivity to any symptom that fell on my lap. imagined or I just read about. I had it all and it took a lot of energy to "cure" it all. (health anxiety to the max) Still not right but 110% better. I should be happy! I even managed to stay employed during all of this; a lot of women couldn't. Loads of self talk! Claire Weekes helps tremendously if one is able to concentrate on what she was sharing. There were times I couldn't.

One thing I know for sure - it does get better. Still have to contend with the "power surges" and the "going crazy" every once in a while but even those are tempered.

I quit hrt for two months after being on for 4 yrs (became post menopausal sometime during these years.). For me it was the worst thing I ever did. Many symptoms hit me. The worst were insomnia, bladder problems, panic, anxiety, & depression. I just went back on and don't ever plan on not taking again. It's been a living heck!

I have older sister who has never been on hrt but has been on antidepressants for years. She claims that other than anxiety and bladder problems, she's fine (actually she has osteoporosis).

It's such an individual thing. You won't know what if any symptoms you'll have until you actually stop. Take care.

IHello,

thanks for the responses. Would you take estrogen to protect bones if you were 58 and just diagnosed with osteopenia? I wonder if estrogen will help. Also, no libido or feeling in the nether parts Will estrogen help this problem?

I'm 58 and just got to menopause. It hit me suddenly and I just stopped periods after being regular until age 57.

Ethans Nana,

I wouldn't take estrogen unless I can take progesterone as well. There are lots of other things you can do for the osteopenia.

I am on bioidentical estrogen and progesterone and if I could stand the symptoms I would really prefer not to be on them but severe symptoms kept me from functioning.

Plumeria

Hi Plum,

I thought of having the NovaSure endometrial ablation since I'm on estrogen but can't take progesterone. What is good for osteopenia? I'm taking calcium 1500 mg. Vit D 800 mg. per day and trying to walk 1/2 hr. per day and do some light weight lifting. Anything else? Also, the liido issue. I understand estrogen will help.

thanks,
Ethan's Nana


quote name='plumeria' date='May 11 2007, 04:24 PM' post='169858']
Ethans Nana,

I wouldn't take estrogen unless I can take progesterone as well. There are lots of other things you can do for the osteopenia.

I am on bioidentical estrogen and progesterone and if I could stand the symptoms I would really prefer not to be on them but severe symptoms kept me from functioning.

Plumeria
[/quote]