Menopause Community

Hi 2Sad4me:

I had the samething happen in Dec. 2004...what a complete NIGHTMARE!! No one and I do mean no one told me that it would be like this!!

Anyway, there are a bunch of different creams you can use to calm the symptoms; however, you may want to start taking the dermal estrogen. I take Elestrin .06...I rub it on every morning. Now here is the part...they say you should only need two or four pumps and then rub on. I need 6 pumps in order to stay sane, and to sleep at least 3 hours a night....no estrogen...no sleep...hot flashes...sweat the whole deal. BUT with the Elestrin it really does work. I don't know if your doctor told you but since you do not have a uterus you do not have to worry about the side effect HRT as much. Now of course if you smoke your side effects go up and the percentages of bad things happening...etc. But if you are not a smoker and exercise moderately to not at all...HRT is not going to hurt you...any more than maybe crossing the street. I really pray things get better for you!! I work in HR and I know SO MANY people who suffer through menopause and do not express to their employer what is going on. So maybe you could have a private conversation with HR to tell them you are working out the kinks in this process...and tell them you need just a little time. When I first had my surgery I went back to work after 6 weeks and cried at my desk for two months before I had to quit so people would not think I was a nut case.
YOU ARE NOT CRAZY!! YOU JUST HAVE MENOPAUSE!! So go back to your doctor and if you are NOT getting the right kind of help from him or her....go get another doctor. YOU ARE GOING TO BE JUST FINE!! I know it doesn't seem like it right now....but with just a little estrogen you should be okay. If that doesnt work try the creams....GNC makes a couple of good ones. I know my girlfriend used one too...I will get the name of it and report back.
Best wishes to you....it will get better!! Hang in there!!
priceyangel

Thanks so much for responding. I have felt so alone during this process, like i am going in circles because no one understands what i am going through.

Hi 2sad4 me

i'm with priceangel on this, i have been through my pre since 2 years ago, maybe little bit over, believe me i feel you, those roller coaster, is overwhelming, you are not alone, we all are here, take a deep breath, when you start feel overwhelm, think aabout people you loves, find someone in family that you are close to, and going through the same thing or already done, this is the people who understand how you feel, try meditation, light yoga, take a walk to clear your head, fresh air help me when i start feel overwhelmed.

hang in there ok, again you are not alone

So sorry you're going through this! I've also been in hell and living a nightmare since my hysterectomy in 2006 (gyn removed everything but should have only removed an ovarian cyst or one ovary).

I'm on HRT and have no plans to ever stop it - can't imagine living in a hormone deficient state with all its issues. HRT brought me out of the post-hyst suicidal depression and anxiety plus has helped all the classic meno symptoms. Just wish I could feel alive and love life again!

It's my understanding that oral HRT has higher risks than transdermal or transdermal-like (e.g., sublingual, transbuccal, vaginal) since oral has the first pass through the liver hence the clot risk. However, I've read that this clot risk normalizes after being on the HRT for 1 or 2 years (can't remember the exact timeframe). Also, estrogen-only therapy appears to be safer than combined therapy (estrogen progestin) regardless of delivery route.

Did you know that you can take (oral) Estrace or its generic (a $4 Rx) transbuccally (between cheek and gum) to avoid the first pass through the liver? I've used it this way and it worked well for me. You would only use about 1/2 the dose of oral.

I was on the patch the first year post-op and felt like crap - still couldn't sleep or function. I also had horrible body odor whenever I perspired. I didn't try a different brand patch which is usually recommended before abandoning patches altogether. Other forms of estrogen have suited me better. HRT is very much trial and error so sometimes you have to try several and at different doses to find the best one for you.

Hope you get some relief soon!

Thanks again ladies! I feel a little better knowing that i am not alone and that someone understands. I haved learned a lot from reading through your posts and i will try your suggestions.

Don't give up and keep talking to people you trust. I have yet to find a support group to meet with locally but since so many women have these issues why not establish one where women can meet for support and help.
A total hysterectomy is a life changing experience for all of us who have to deal with the bad and good of it. I had my full hysterectomy in Dec 2009 and have experienced many issues I
could never imagine. I'm still looking for answers. Keep yourself informed and updated. Don't be afraid to ask your Dr. or research for better ways to cope with and find answers for yourself. If you aren't happy with your Dr then find another who will help. I'm in process of doing this myself. It's a journey and I have had many ups and downs with this. Hang in there. Also what I have found that is that you have to accept your body is different now and going forward is to look to all avenues and keep an open mind. No resignation to this either I have been there too on that. I won't believe that either.
Have you been to your family dr? Surely on sweating/odor there is special rx that could help. Have you checked you vitamin D levels. Lab work could help determine levels. Mine are low and I'm beginning additional d now. I also have thryroid checks (labs). I don't rule anything out with my experiences. As far as sleep goes I heard melatonin can help. I haven't tried this but I used it for a brief time for my son. It helped him. Take care and all the best for you in your journey

How are you gals doing? Any changes?