I'm 38 and had a total hysterectomy 7 years ago. I've been on either pills or patches ever since. I ran out of patches last week and since they are so stinking expensive I've decided to try the natural route. I've been w/o a patch for about 10 days and have just started getting a few hot flashes, not to bad though.

Went to GNC today and got progesterone cream, flaxseed oil, and some other supplement with tons of stuff for menopausal women. I would like to hear from anyone that is having success with this.

Thanks,
Julie

Why are you using the progesterone cream? It seems if you had a hysterectomy, you'd be low on estrogen. The more your hormones are out of balance, the more menopause symptoms you may experience (like too much progesterone and not enough estrogen). Is this something your Dr. recommended?

If you're looking for a natural product you might want to look into Estroven. It's an all natural OTC product. Best value is getting them at club stores.

I wouldn't do it. Not on purpose anyway. I stopped taking the pill cold turkey on Dec 2. Started getting hot flashes then stopped. Still getting my cycles but it is my intent to get my hormone levels tested and start natural hormone therapy. Your natural hormones are what keep you youthful and protected from diseases.

If you do a search you can find a board that devotes itself to natural hormone therapy. You can find out lots of info there.

Read the book, "The Sexy Years" by Susanne Somers. It will explain most of your hormone problems.

I have read a couple books about natural hormone therapy written by doctors. Although I am completely convinced natural hormones are the only way to go, my understanding on the subject is that women with a total hysterectomy need a stronger dose than you can't get at the healthfood store. I have several friends that are in the same situation as you that go to a doctor that supports natural hormone therapy. A compound pharmacist formulates the creme for them. I'm not sure if this is any cheaper than buying the chemical version.

There are a few good books on the subject-one by Dr. John Lee,
Suzanne Somers, The Sexy Years, and also one by Dr. Uzzi ****s
about natural hormone replacement. I have been on the compounded
hormones since my hyst 6 years and just had an evaluation done
by my pharmacy. My levels were all out of whack which I knew because
I never feel good. My estrogen was too high and had negative
progesterone and no testosterone. They changed my prescriptions
and I am now taking progesterone, bi-est and testosterone all in the
cream forms and for the first time in several years I am starting to
feel great. More relaxed, sleeping better, calmer and libido is coming
back. The reason for the progesterone when you have a uterus is
to protect the lining from cancer and the reason for using it when you
don't have one is that you have always had this in your body your whole
life, so why not now? I am glad I finally tried it. If you read any of the
above books they have alot of great information on the subject of the
natural biodentical hormones.