I just got the call from my gyno that my blood work was in. My thyroid is fine and my hormone tests says yes, I am in meno. I had been taking bcp;s for two and a half years, so I went off for a 5- weeks to get a better reading. I am going to make an appointment to discuss the options. I am so confused about what to do. I thought I would just go without anything. Yes, the night sweats are very annoying as well as hot flashes, but overall I feel ok, not great, but ok. My sinuses are problematic, but I had that on bcps too. Right now, I am battling a rough back situation. The past 3 days have been really bad with the pain. I may have aggrevated it at work, painting houses for a few, weeks and then raking leaves Friday. My jaw (TMJ), fingers, osteo in knees, feet and ankles really hurt too. I wonder if bhrt would help all of this. I read that it's better for your heart, but not your breasts, better for uterus too. I am so confused about the best options, it's sort of picking which thing you would rather have, heart problems, or breast. I am also so dry everywhere if you get my drift and would like to have some sort of sex life again and feel bhrt would help that as well.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening.

I think that is a personal decision. I myself am not taking anything, but I have a family history of breast cancer, so my doctor said I could go on hormones but it would make my cystic breasts worst along with my migraines, so I opted not take them. But I have read several posts from women on this board that do very well on them.

So, I don't think there is a one size fits all, you know? You could always try them and go on a very low dose and see how it goes??

I am sure you will get alot more advice...

Take Care~

I don't think anyone can advise you either way. It has to be a totally personal and individual decision based on your life and needs. The jury is out scientifically. No-one seems to be able to reassure us that its effects are completely beneficial or assure us that they are not dangerous over long periods. There is very little evidence that they increase heart health or prevent mental degeneration and they do not help the uterus particularly. Obviously breast and uterine malignancy are risks. I do think that oestrogens would help with any dryness in sinuses and vagina. Then there is the problem that some women find them very difficult to tolerate. Beware of anyone who tells you that they are the answer to everything, they do come with a price. That said, many ladies here feel good on them and fully accept the inherent risks.
You sound as if you are doing quite well without them. If you felt as though you were not coping you could do a little trial on them to see how they affected you. Any HRT has few risks if you take it at a low dose for the shortest possible amount of time.


Take care,


XIII

Thank you both for answering. I appreciate that you took out the time to give me some advice. I guess I could make an appointment and see what options I have and then go from there if I feel I need them. YOu gave me lots to think about and that's a good thing. Good luck to you both as well.