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[BGold]

Hi All,

I am hoping that this forum can help me with my detective work.  I am 50, I had a full hysterectomy in my late 30's due to uterine cancer.  I was suffering from extremely low energy (could barely get out of bed), night sweats sleeping troubles, and a host of all issues.  My doctor at the time put me on bio-identical hormones.  I loved them - they were the answer to my prayers.  Well, I switched doctors and learned what those of you have had cancer already know - you are not supposed to have any sex hormone replacement (even plant based) if you have had women part cancer as they can cause cancer to come back.
I was devastated!  I had finally felt normal and now this doctor is telling I can have my HRT anymore.  She is trying really hard to work with me.  Giving me an antidepressant (which is helping with the symptoms a bit) and gave me something for sleep - didn't work (I have since found Benadryl helps a bit but still have the night sweats.
The most debilitating symptom I have right now is lack of energy.  It is slowly getting back to the point where I can't get out of bed in the morning.  I am hoping that someone here has found some answers to help this symptom.  Please let me know if any of you have experienced this symptom and it you have found any solution.  Many Thanks

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM

I would ask to be referred to a specialist gynaecologist for advice on whether you could have oestrogen again. If you have had a hysterectomy, then surely the cancer wouldn't return!!!!???
Studies show that women who have had a hysterectomy are LESS likely to get breast cancer and I  didn't think uterine cancer was necessarily oestrogen based and if your've had a hysterectomy then surely the risks are low???  You need specialist advice.
You could do an email consultation with Dr Currie to see what she advices - it only costs £25!  DG x

[CLKD]

Quality of Life, girl, Quality of Life!  Was the cancer related to hormones?  Not all cancers are.

Do seek an opinion from a gynaecologist or oncologist familiar with menopause.  Not many medics are aware of how devastating symptoms can be!

Get your thyroid function and VitD levels checked by a blood test.  Last Summer I was able to weed R garden for 20 mins the had to sit completely still for 2 hours, I simply couldn't move.  I was low in VitD 

[knorman]

Hello BGold

I take COQ10 to help energy supplies (I have CFS/ME), but the most important thing you can do for yourself, whilst everything else is being sorted out, is pace and rest.  I know this is difficult for someone if they are still working and there are usually children and running a home to take into consideration.  However, if you have the opportunity, at home, cut any jobs around the house into smaller chunks and do it bit at a time, rather than all at once.  Again, if you are able, go and take a proper flat lie down rest with no distractions (I do listen to soothing music as it helps stops my head whirling) for 20/30 mins.  I had to leave work due to the CFS/ME, so I know I am fortunate (although broke!) in having this 'luxury', but those scheduled rests have enabled me, over time, to recoup some of my energy and do far more than I could do 3 years ago. Look at a website by Dr Sarah Myhill.  It is for CFS/ME, but it is all about energy, so much of what she says helps the crashing fatigue that comes with menopause.  As she says, her foundations are  a blueprint for life.  If, when! I recover, I will never live my life like I used to. If you are able to manage those rests....DO NOT FEEL GUILTY...its taken me a while!  I hope you manage to sort out the HRT.

[Dancinggirl]

knorman - really good advice. I firmly believe we have to adjust our lives, as we really can't expect to be able to carry on as we did in our 30s and 40s or even 50s.
I find being organised really helps so, as you rightly say knorman, don't try to do everything at once but priorities all the things that need doing and spread them out. I do Mindfulness and find it invaluable when feeling really fatigued and overwhelmed. Mindfulness does need to be learned and practised to get it right and it doesn't always work when things get really tough but is non the less a valuable 'life tool'
 DG x

[Mary G]

Definitely seek expert advice on this, don't take the word of one GP.

I would put money on Professor Studd prescribing HRT for you and it might be worth contacting him or another menopause specialist to get some proper advice.  Before committing to an appointment and parting with money, run your situation past them or their secretary and find out it they would agree to prescribe it for you.  Most private specialists will write to your GP with their recommended prescription so that you can get your HRT via the NHS.

I would not hang around on this, make sure you get some advice from someone who actually knows what they are talking about.  I'm afraid there is no substitute for oestrogen.

What type of HRT were you on before?

[Hurdity]

I agree that you definitely need the advice of a specialist oncologist and gynaecologist - not your GP. Please ask for a referral. I have looked around the web and apparently endometrial cancer can return (eg at the top of the vagina) after hysterectomy - but perhaps it is very rare? Oestrogen based HRT is absolutely contra-indicated for anyone with suspected or active endometrial cancer but not necessarily if you've had a hysterectomy. One source I looked at recommended taking a progestogen as well as oestrogen (in cases of hysterectomy aftre cancer) in order to prevent any build up of lining (and potential cancer recurrence) from residual tissues. This is a very specialised area and we can't advise you except to get proper advice. There is absolutely no need to pay huge sums of money to go and see Prof Studd just to get HRT. You need proper advice with the most up to date information about what it best for your health. Dancinggirl's suggestion of a £25 e-mail to Dr Currie if funds permit, is an excellent one - and actually we would all be very interested in her response.

Hurdity x