Following my total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, I was told definitely no HRT as it could cause the cancer to return. Now, after 1 year, I am being told that as I am high risk of suffering a heart attack, brittle bones and cholesterol, they want to put me on HRT. I'm at a loss and at age 52 (almost 53), I hope to have some good years left! I can't seem to find any information out there for my condition, at my age.
Well, here's the best I can offer. Studies are showing that early intervention (starting HRT within a few years of menopause) does help with heart health. There seems to be a window of time for this issue.
Bone density is also effected by estrogen. Many authors have written about this topic. If bone density is an issue for you, I certainly would consider using estrogen to improve (and in some cases reverse) this issue.
Cholesterol is yet another problem once we lose our estrogen. Some authors suggest that that if cholesterol is an issue, you may get better results by taking it orally (pill form) However, I've also seen experts who say it doesn't matter and you can reverse bone density issue with transdermal estrogen.
There are so many different ways you can take some estrogen, patches, pills, creams, sublingual, injections, pellets. Each and every delivery method carries it's own profile of risks. i.e. studies have shown that pills carry a high risk for blood clots, while transdermal don't. Yet many women do fine on pills and prefer them.
And then there is the whole world of synthetic estrogen. Premarin being the most well known brand name. While some women have issues with it's origin (horse urine) other women wouldn't chose to live without it.
Since you no longer have a uterus, you don't/won't have to use progesterone as well. But please know that recent research is indicating that breast cancer is not an issue taking estrogen only.
Good luck and I hope you find a good fit for your needs.
Thank you so much for your response. It's the medical profession that has caused this turmoil and confusion as they have done an about turn on the subject in a year and my 3 monthly check-ups have all been fine.
We can become victims of medical ignorance. These days we have to do our own searching of research, print it and present it to the offending dr - or find another who may have brought themselves (fairly) up to date instead of sticking to old flawed research and knowledge.
28 years ago, I had the same surgery because of a low grade cancerous tumour on the outside of my uterus. I was also full of endometriosis. I was immediately put onto estradiol pellet implants. Best thing since sliced bread. I have had to change to patches and gels when the pellets became unavaible but have since found a compound chemist who makes the pellets for implant. So I have been using oestrogen for 28 years. Never tablets. As gailannie says, research indicates that transdermal estradiol is safer. Not only that but research has found that removal of the ovaries and uterus reduces the risk of cancer of the breasts. And of course, you won't get cancer of the uterus or ovaries anymore.
I have encountered drs who still stick to the old myths. One I nearly punched in the nose because he was in my face so much making all sorts of threats about my health. I never saw him again. I had to educate my current gp - now she is (nearly) all for it. Wait till she becomes menopausal. Also the effects of surgical menopause and natural menopause are different, and should be looked at differently. Yes, we get the same symptoms but they are full on suddenly. They don't creep up on us like natural menopause.
You don't say that you suffer from other miserable forms of menopause symptoms which might have sent you to chasing a resolution of these problems.
Read medical reports on it as much as you can to assure yourself about it instead of taking our and your dr's word for it.
Good luck.
You're welcome.
I've done a ton of research and reading for decades on menopausal hormones. The WHI study can not be taken seriously for numerous reasons. But unfortunately it caused many women to stop their hormones.
Newer study are changing how things are viewed.
Please continue to ask questions and see what works for you.
Thank you so much Sherly.
I have suffered most of the symptoms though. The day after my surgery brought with it serious flushes at the rate of 3 per hour, every hour, 24/7. I could not sleep, suffered achey joints, particularly hip bones and lower back, memory loss, tiredness that I have never experienced before, continued water infections and of course an unbelievable low which almost cost me my marriage.
I researched and found a hospital in London who specialises in my cases (I did this because the hospital Doctors said no HRT, go see your GP for anti depressants) and I contacted them and asked them to take me as a private patient. They said they couldn't and could only see me as a GP referral. Unfortunately, my GP wouldn't refer me as he stated he could do everything they could (which obviously he couldn't).
I researched some more and have taken a combination of 369, evening primrose oil & cod liver oil and an assortment of other vitamins for a year now. I can honestly say that my miserable symptoms have eased somewhat. I haven't had the dreaded 'dark blanket' for a week or so and my flushes, well they just do what they want - I could have 3 in an hour and then not have one for 3 hours! I've started to sleep a little better, although still up 2/3 times a night but my tiredness has got worse which is seriously affecting my job. I am now considering giving it up as I'm just struggling with it (I have a good job that I love and can't really afford to stop working but feel I have no choice).
I have grown another tummy but have not suffered vaginal dryness.
I've always been active but can no longer walk any distance. I started swimming which I have found very beneficial but fitting it in between work and free swim times is a bit of challenge.
Have just read Medical News Today which contradicts, again, Doctors advice:
Benefits of HRT
Effectively treats many troublesome menopausal symptoms
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Lowers colorectal cancer risk
Risks of HRT
Raises breast cancer risk
Raises ovarian cancer risk
Raises uterine cancer risk (cancer of the womb)
Raises coronary heart disease risk
Raises stroke risk
HRT slightly accelerates loss of brain tissue in areas important for thinking and memory among women aged 65 and over