Hormone therapy - Menopause Message Board

Chantal231 · 09-26-2008, 04:37 PM

Hi everyone,

How many of you are on hormone therapy (HRT)?

If so what are you using and is it working for you? Any side effects?

I started out on the Vivelle Dot patch and oral progesterone (Prometrium) which really tore my stomach up.

Dr switched me to Climara Pro patch. My stomach is some better and I'm sleeping better but feel tired and out of it, like a "space cadet". My breasts are also tender.

Please share your experiences. I was doing fine on the bcp but Dr wanted me to go off of it.

Chantal

Tracey2205 · 10-03-2008, 11:07 AM

Hi there,

I'm 38 and had a hysterectomy 3 years ago due to chronic pain with Endrometriosis, last year I started suffering with hot flushes or tropical moments as I call them, sleeplessness, night sweats, aches and pains, depression, the shakes, anxiety attacks, and every other symptom you can think of without the period.

I didn't want to go on HRT as I was scared of all the reports I read regarding cancer etc, it took me a while but I realised, that at the end of the day HRT was just like taking penicillin or any other drug the doctor gives you.

I'm only in Perimenopause and have another 5-10 years (if anyone can put a time limit on it).

I started Tibolone (brand name - Livial) and am not looking back. I had to have this one due to my endo.

I do still have minor hot flushes but no where near as bad as I did. As for putting on weight - I've just changed my diet to be healthy and I exercise - and to date haven't put weight on at all.

If you aren't happy with the HRT you are on, then just keep going back to the doctor until you find one that helps you.

Good luck hun

camnyc1 · 10-14-2008, 12:12 PM

Hi, I am 48 yr old, had a total hsyt when I was 27 yr old and took Premarin until I was diagnosed w/micro-invasive breast cancer summer '07. I stopped the Premarin, had a lumectomy, radiation, started Tomaxifen and am fully recoverd and healthy.

Here is my situation. Since I gave up my Premarin one year ago last month, I have gained about 10-14 lbs and am having extreme hot flashes. I did get approval from my Surgeon and GYN to go back on Premarin 1.25mg/day.

Those of you on HRT, how long did it take to see some relief of symptoms?
Also, when you started Premarin, did you see weight gain?? I don't want to gain anymore weight by taking it!! I am hoping to LOOSE weight by taking it!

Thanks so much!
Chris

younggranny · 10-16-2008, 07:05 AM

chantal , I was just wondering why the doctor wanted you to get off of the birth control pill..I am 49 and have been on the pill for a long time due to hormone problems and i have said to my doctor that i thought it was time to get off of the pill also but she said that i could stay on until 50 and then see where my hormones were at...if i was in menopause then i could start HRT. Did you have side effects from getting off the pill..were you on the pill for along time. Thanks

Chantal231 · 10-18-2008, 12:20 AM

Hi,

I am 53 and had been on the pill over 20 years.

I started having panic attacks, BP spikes and a very fast heart rate. The Dr. felt it was time for me to stop and go on HT.

I will be honest with you: going off the pill is NOT easy esp. after being on it for so long. Your body is very used to the hormones and the rhythm. In fact since going on HT if I get a period it is always the same day or nearly the same day that I would have started had I still been on the pill.

I have wanted to go back many times as it has been a rough ride. I've been off now since June so I guess I'm going to stick with the HT I'm on as my Dr. feels it's more appropriate for a woman my age.

Chantal