icemama

I'm 49, been taking bcp for past 21 yrs. (Have a 24 yr. old son, & 21 yr. old daughter born by c-sections.) Last time my hormones were tested (about 5 yrs. ago) I was perimenopausal. The pill has been a Godsend in dealing with menopause symptoms. No menstrual bleeding issues ever. However, I take Wellbutrin for the anxiety and feelings of doom. This medicine has been a blessing too. Was a confused zombie with no direction before taking it.

I'm also hypo-thyroid (Hashi's diag. 9 yrs. ago.). Have taken Synthroid all this time with all the necessary adjustments along the way. Always increase, never decrease in dosage. (I still feel not fully at my optimum.)

Saw my gyno last week. Ran some bloodwork & results are pending. However, he most adamantly (even gave me a free starter kit) suggested that I stop the bcp and start on Enjuvia, which are conjugated synthetic estrogens. He says that on this, I will not need Wellbutrin, my energy level will go thru the roof, my skin will become supple, I will look and feel younger, and will gain a whole brighter & positive attitude on life. No one will be able to keep up with me. (Yeah, right!)

I'm not well educated on HRT and would kindly like some feedback from anyone already taking it, considering that it's a fairly new drug barely released in May '06. Perhaps you're on other estrogens and you'ld like to share your experience, I'ld love to hear them.

The estrogens in Enjuvia are supposedly derived from plants (soy). Soy is a
no-no when it comes to hypothyroidism. It interferes with absorption and metabolism of thyroid hormone. My gyno knows that I take Synthroid, wouldn't he know that adding Enjuvia would render Synthroid's effects useless? But then again, isn't the pill partly estrogen, which probably has been affecting my thyroid all these years too?

And another huge question: How do I know if I've gone from peri to meno while on the pill? Is it best to quit the pill and rest without any HRT for a few months? (Don't know if I can deal with all the side effects. Hot flashes are a bummer especially in the office amongst all the rail thin co-workers wearing sweaters while the temp outside is over 100 fahrenheit, and you sit there fanning your face and wishing you could put that darn thermostat to 50!)

Holy, moly! What direction should I take? Anybody know how I can rev up this whole episode and end post menopausal asap? Only the ones who've lived thru this can understand what I'm trying to make sense of.

Thanks for listening girls!