Hi all,

I've been on continuous combined for 4 years (both ovaries removed at 34, 9 years ago). Last year, I began having breakthrough bleeding. After testing and an ultrasound for safety, the doc said this can happen and as long as it (light spotting) doesn't bother me, she would advise me to stay on my current dosages because I feel great otherwise. At the time, I smoked about 25 cigarettes a day and had for years. So I stayed on it and got the spotting every two weeks for another 7 months or so..no big deal.

Five weeks ago, I quit smoking. (YAY!!!!!) Since about 2 weeks into my quit I have had spotting every day, non-stop. I do have an appt. scheduled with my doc next month anyway, but I am wondering if anyone else has had changes after quitting smoking?

Glad for any input and thanks!

Liz

Hi Hanna,
I really can't answer you question because I have never taken hrt, but I just wanted to say congratulations on your quitting smoking.Five weeks that is GREAT.....I have been fighting this battle since March and it is so HARD. Keep up the great job, your doing great. (((((hugs)))))) CATHY

Thanks Cathy!!!

It's really a great feeling - I have craves, but absolutely no thought of going back or cheating... YAY! And you've been quit since March? AWESOME!

THanks for the support,
Liz (HannaV)

Congratulations on quitting smoking!! You should be very proud of yourself. I am in the process of trying to quit, so I know it is not an easy habit to break.

With respect to the spotting you are experiencing, I remember reading somewhere recently that smoking actually depletes estrogen, so, perhaps, now that you have quit smoking, you have more estrogen in your system and that is what is causing the spotting. Just a thought. If you are worried, you might want to discuss it with your doctor. In the meantime, if you google estrogen and smoking, you may find some information (like I did, although I didn't save the information I had found), on the effects of smoking on estrogen).

Good luck, and congrats again.