randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I'm 66. my new obgyn wants to put me back on hormone therapy. c'mon at 66....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I will be on hormone therapy until the day I die.
The question is: Why does your doc think you need it?
My brain needs it. That is based on how my brain malfunctions without it. My doc said that the brain has many estrogen receptors in it. That shows that the brain needs a certain amount of estrogen.
My body is no longer making any estrogen at all, so I need the hormone. I take twice the amount as a typical patient my age. If I try to lower it, I get numerous physical symptoms right away--like pain, etc.
So, tell us his rationale and I'll tell you what I think of it.
I feel like my normal self on hormones. I am not normal at all without them.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
TF, are you on bio-identical hormones with higher estriol to estradiol? I ask, because I used to be on bio-identicals like that, but switched a long time ago to generic estrace, which is estradiol
from soy (low dose) and progesterone from wild yam. I switched because insurance wouldn't cover the compounded rx. Plus, I never noticed a difference.
But now I've been diagnosed with breast cancer, so had to go off everything. And have been suffering with sweats, plus other symptoms.
Of course, the hormones are not the only reason it happened, I'm sure. The infections are huge. Plus, lack of exercise, due to extreme fatigue from Bb, etc., etc.
Sorry, didn't mean to highjack the thread. It's a tough one, isn't it, Randi? (I don't know your doc's reasoning).
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I take estradiol for estrogen replacement. I also take a progesterone replacement since I still have a uterus.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
dry skin, vaginal dryness, fatigue, loss of hair, itching, list goes on. she knows I have Lyme. it would be premarin. but since I disagree with the making of premarin I want something else.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Sorry, buy my gyn said that any doctor who is still giving women Premarin is in the dark ages.
Why would you give pregnant mare's urine to a woman when we can give her something identical to the estrogen her body makes?
May as well give pig insulin to a diabetic.
That is what my doctor said.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
I'm against premarin and told her I wont take it. she said she'll give me something else. its animal cruelty and should be banned.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I'm post-menopausal but have been bleeding every day, not heavily, for a few years. I did have a cancer test done and it was negative. A DNC was recommended but I don't think there is a guarantee that it will stop the situation.
My LLMD says that lyme effects hormones and I'm assuming that is the cause and so that is where my focus is.
I read a book by John Lee. He says that women after menopause likely should not be taking estrogen, but perhaps progesterone. Also, estrogen should not be taken without progesterone. He says there is an increased risk of cancer on estrogen.
dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
When you say a cancer test, did they do a culture of the blood? My mom had daily vaginal bleeding too and it turned out to be uterine CA, which was detected by a D & C.
Sorry to have to give you this advice, but I would get that D & C done and get a biopsy at the same time. BTW, my mom ended up having a hysterectomy followed by radiation and has been cancer free for 25+ years.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Randi, to cure vaginal dryness, tell your doc you want Vagifem. It is a tiny estradiol pill that is inserted in the vagina and basically affects those tissues only. The amount of estrogen is very small.
You use it daily at first until things improve and then a maintenance dose. No muss no fuss.
Do not accept any vaginal creams. They are a total mess to deal with.
Consider getting a new gyn or a second opinion since your doctor has offered you a med that is in the dark ages.
Are your symptoms severe?
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
You should be on a balanced bioidentical HRT, like Bi-Est or Tri-Est, to balance the estriol, estradiol and estrone. OR herbs and essential oils.
I was given improper proportions years ago and ended up with dangerously high estrogen levels, had to go on tamoxifen for weeks to reduce it.
I don't need to take this anymore, I just take herbs especially Chi's Myomin and wine helps. Balance with essential oils as needed.
Posts: 532 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2004
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
You can also use Estring for 3 months vaginally. It's a silicone ring that is worn internally for 3 months that gives out a tiny dose of estradiol that is only absorbed locally. The company that makes
it has coupons that you can get online, so you only pay a small co-pay, instead of a larger co-pay with your insurance.
With your symptoms, this is why the doctor suggested hormones. But not Premarin!! Ask if he/she would rx Estrace (or generic) + Prometrium (progesterone from wild yam, also has a generic). Those
are regular meds, so I can't imagine a gyn wouldn't rx that. Then again, doctors . . . well, we all know! But I would ask for that, plus the Estring.
Menopause was NOT invented by a woman!! Yes, it's nice not to have periods, but . . the symptoms---awful!
Right now, I can't do any of the above, due to breast cancer!!! I'm suffering!
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
You definitely don't need Tri-Est at age 66. Probably not even Bi-Est. I use estriol only and 1x a week to get my levels in the normal range per blood work. I also take Progesterone 1 x day at a very low level even though I have no uterus because without it I show symptoms of estrogen deficiency. I found that by taking DHEA at 25mg/day I could get my testosterone onto the bottom of the chart without taking any. Don't take hormones unless you can test your levels, it's risky otherwise. I was way over when I started them and each are a cream and I'm using 1/16th to 1/8th tsp at the above rates!
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