Hi, my name is Lynette,and im 41 and had total hysterectomy on march 26th.Was unexpected and quite a scare of advanced ovarian cancer.Thank god it was all non cancerous.But i wasnt aware of anything to do with what to expect with hormones and symptoms and such.The doctor didnt even want to talk with me about it before hand.Then afterward i was told because i smoke that there were no options for me.Jeeeze i sure would have liked to know that before i couldnt handle any stress.since ive been reading the boards and trying to figure out stuff and sometimes i feel more confused than ever wether or not id even want to take hormones.I also have diabetes and hypothyroidism,so i just dont know.My symptoms so far arewaking feeling very hot and sweaty,anxiety,some depression,irritability,crying out of nowhere,and insomnia.I have couple of friends who had this done and they say it hasnt hit me yet you just wait.Can that be?And of course that scares me even more.Others have said it only lasts a year or two and then your normal after your body adjusts.I guess with this forum im hoping to get some idea of what to expect and what i should really consider.Anyone who can help would be much appriciated.

((((Lynette))))) It is true if you smoke you are probably not a good candidate for hormone replacement HOWEVER that your Dr. didn't explain all this to you is just unbelieveable!!!

HRT is a very personal decision. It has literally saved some women. You will also find women that wouldn't touch it, and have managed symptoms without it. You have to weigh your quality of life with the risks. Not an easy thing to do.

Because of the hysterectomy, hypothryoidism, and diabetes, you really need to find a good endocrinologist. If I were you, I'd search out recommendations from family and friends who might know of a good one. I would also call my Dr. and let them know that feeling this way is not acceptable and you need HELP!

It can be so confusing, and there is so much conflicting information that the task can daunting!! I'm sure some other ladies will chime in here offering some advice.

Hi Lynette

Surgery to remove ovaries seems to be the one surgery where the cure makes you feel sicker than the disease!
I did have cancer-endometrial-three years ago and I had already been having a dreadful time in peri.
However no-one prepared me for what lay ahead after the surgery which was a TAH and BSO. My ovaries, although healthy had to be removed.
The surgeon told me I would have a few hot flushes after the surgery and my doctor told me things would settle down after a year. I was not allowed HRT because my cancer was hormonal so I had to go cold turkey

Well I had a dreadful time and to an extent it is still going on now because I find I cannot tolerate HRT. I am beginning to feel better now but it has been a long hard road! I still get hot flushes and anxiety. I also find I get dizzy spells if I do things when overtired, but on the whole I am much better.

Thank goodness that you did not have cancer and that there is a possibility that you can have HRT.
What your friends have told you could be true. Not necessarily, but, yes it can be really awful.

I would suggest that you look into HRT and find out how it would fit into other your health problems so that if your symptoms become too much you have something in place.
I hope you can work something out

Good luck

janet c