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[maelynn]

Hi everyone, I'm in my late 40's and from the U.S. so hopefully it's ok to participate here.

I've been in the menopause probably just over one year based on labs (uterus removed 10 years ago) but didn't get treatment for several months and had a vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism as well all at the same time! I'm finally starting to get everything normalized since the spring.

Reading all the posts here has been helpful, enlightening, educational and encouraging to say the least!

My biggest issues at the moment are VA and POP. My bladder is involved as well.

My current regimen is vagifem tablets, estriol cream, oestrogel, rephresh moisturizer and 10mg dhea/pregnenolone combination supplement. This has all helped tremendously although I'm surprised how many different things I need! It's taken many months to get everything fine tuned but it's definitely been worth it.

I suppose at this point my main goal is to halt the progression of the POP, regain some pelvic floor strength and control my symptoms so I'm able to continue work and function normally.

The hirsutism isn't too excessive and I've had it off and on my whole life so I'm pretty used to it. I was excited when it started reducing after I started the oestrogel though and that made me wonder if my estrogen had been low longer than I realized?

I was wondering if anyone knows if women without a uterus need progesterone too? My current doc says no but I've been prescribed it in the past so I'm completely confused. I have to admit I didn't feel good taking it so hopefully I don't need it.

Thanks, maelynn

[babyjane]

Hi maelynn, of course you can participate, the more the merrier and you are very welcome.  You must have had your uterus removed in your late 30s then?  So did I, I was 38 when I had mine out and I have never missed it, blimmin' thing caused me nothing but trouble (apart from nurturing my 3 babies very nicely.)  I also was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in my late 30s and am fairly well stable now with fine tuning.  Unfortunately in this country treatment for thyroid disorders can be very hit and miss.

As far as I know from reading on here you don't need a separate progesterone if you don't have a uterus.  Hopefully someone with more knowledge of the HRT will confirm that for you.

what's POP please?

Browse round and join in,  .

[dazned]

Hi 

Good to have you join us.

You will be glad to know that you don't need to use the dreaded progesterone which the part most of us struggle with 

[maelynn]

 Wow! Thanks for the quick replies babyjane, dazned and Hasty!

POP stands for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

I'm so thrilled I don't have to worry about progesterone.

[babyjane]

thanks for that, I did google it but just got lots of entries about Pop 

[CLKD]

   browse round, make notes.  Join in.  Nothing is taboo on here!

Vagifem 'tablets' ……. I use Ovestin 1mg which is a cream, inserted with an applicator, how often do you need your regime to keep things comfy down there?

Do you have access to a Physiotherapist?  Someone who can advise about gentle exercises to ease the Prolapse? Or will it require a surgical 'tuck' in the future?

[Annie0710]

Hi and welcome

I belong to HysterSisters (sure the majority are from US) so that could be helpful to you

As far as I understand progesterone may be needed if there was endometriosis involved as apparently there could be fragments left there

I didn't suffer from it but sure I've read that x

[babyjane]

vagifem is a vaginal tablet in an applicater that is inserted 

[CLKD]

   every day is a learning curve ;-)

[maelynn]

Thanks for the replies CKLD and Annie0710.

I belong to hystersisters too and read there but never post. I think I'm Meli45 on that site. This site seems more user friendly for some reason. My family was originally from England so perhaps deep down I'm homesick!

I'm trying to avoid surgery but I realize at some point it may be necessary. The medical system is in turmoil right now so even basic care is out of reach for many working people including myself! It's ironic that I work in the field and can't really afford basic care anymore.

I'm doing some exercises recommended by a physio (P.T. in U.S. lingo).
So far the POP isn't worsening with exercise and hormones.

[Annie0710]

Yes you're not the first to say HysterSisters isn't easy to navigate round.  I go there, start browsing then give up.  It's a shame because the concept of the forum is ideal for me

I had my hysterectomy because of total prolapse when I was 32.  I sometimes lately get the feeling the bowel and bladder may have prolapsed further but I really don't feel up to any more surgery if I can get away with it

X

[maelynn]

 ;DI wanted to clarify a couple of things.

 One is that I did have endometriosis prior to my hysterectomy. They actually found the healed scar tissue during my surgery although I was never diagnosed when it was active.

I'm actually using replens not rephresh as I posted initially.

Good day! Ha ha ha, I'm trying to sound British!

[Annie0710]

Haha !
Are your parents British ? Where in uk is your family from ?

Check out about the endometriosis, better to be aware of the possibility some uterus was left , I'm guessing it wouldn't require much progesterone but I do remember reading it

X

[maelynn]

Anne, my family came over in colonial times so pretty far removed but I still feel like England is my motherland. My maiden name is Eldridge.

IIRC The genealogy said Sussex?

My in-laws do business with Loyds of London and are traveling across the pond soon. OH How I hope to get there one day myself!

[daisie]

hi maelynn...i was told that after hysterectomy you still need progestrone if you are taking estrogen to balance both the homones out i cant say how true it is but that was i was told x