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[BlueButterfly]

Okay, so having breast cancer in the family, endometriosis and now confirmed clotting factor gene.....oestrogen has been ruled out for me. At the moment, that seems "okay" as tests show I'm oestrogen dominant at the time....but I wonder what my options are now? I am using a progesterone cream that so far, so good. I don't expect it to be long term. I'm going to be asking about the mini-pill as the endometriosis growth needs to be kept under control right now. I'd like to at least get into my 40s before having everything removed and a hysterectomy.

To those who can't use HRT, what have you done to control the symptoms of peri/meno?

For me, right now, the worst are the heart palps, anxiety, aches and pains everywhere. Honestly there's so many things going on I don't think I could list them all...but need to start somewhere.

[CLKD]

Could it be delivered into the body by patches rather than orally?  Quality of Life is important. You're State side?

[BlueButterfly]

yes state side. Oestrogen is looked at the same whether it is added transdermally or orally....still warned against for blood clots. I see my doctor on wednesday to talk about the clotting so I'll be able to ask more about hormone therapy then as I only got the nurse today. Oestrogen is on the high side (low-ish but...) compared to the progesterone at the moment but I know that will change as I progress through peri. I'd like to ease the transition as much as possible so was hoping for maybe some naturally suggestions as I know SOMETIMES they can really work for some people. If the last few months of feeling like I got ran over SEVERAL times by the peri-truck is any indication of how things will go for me, I'm very nervous for the future of this.

[Taz2]

Hi BlueButterfly. I was tested for clotting factors which came back negative but I was told that if positive then patches or gel would be ok but not after the age of 60. Women on here with endo still seem to be able to use HRT but you will have to use the search facility to bring up relevant posts. As regards breast cancer advise is that you need at least two close female relatives, mum, sister, aunt, grandmother with oestrogen receptive cancer for it to impact on your own ability to use oestrogen - in the UK that is. I'm not sure on your personal circumstances though.

Taz x

[BlueButterfly]

Just one aunt with breast cancer, yes because of oestrogen. I will ask more about transdermal options or a referral to someone more knowledgeable regarding meno/hormone treatment.

I know with the endo that it's very important to keep the oestrogen in check with enough progesterone....so I think that'll still allow me to use some oestrogen....if they will regarding the clotting risk. Luckily everything else seems good with my tests....my body is working as it should to keep clotting issues away...at least, the best I can tell right now.

It's all just frustrating (but a relief at the same time. At least I know WHY I've been concerned about that).

I may just finally attempt using the evening primrose oil. My aunt raves about it helping her and my mother, when she uses it, finds relief from her hot flushes and such. That is mostly what they deal with though. I find my flushes not such a problem. I just get very hot and red but don't have a sweating problem so just deal with it. But I've been dealing with that since late 20s!

I'm also considering Vitex/Chasteberry/Agnus-castus. Anyone have experience using this?

[CLKD]

How big is the clotting factor in all this?  One has to weight up benefits as well as risks.  Difficult.  Go with your gut instinct?

[BlueButterfly]

My gut has been telling me for many years to worry about a blood clot....but I was also on a CCP for about 7 years prior to this. (I felt like I needed to get off, clotting being one reason) so I'm not sure. I guess right now, my kids are still young and I want to be there for them...so I want to keep risks as low as possible. When they are grown, things might be different. Just part of the challenge of being young with it all I guess.

[BlueButterfly]

Thanks Birdy,
I'll check out that book. yes, it is definitely about keeping the hormones in check. I worry when the oestrogen starts dropping more if I'll be able to handle it all. Thankful that right now, progesterone is what I need and it is helping...but protecting my heart and bones.....things I do need to worry about for sure.

[BlueButterfly]

Hi Jari,

I can't say I eat lots of garlic. I take a garlic supplement each day though. I'd love to eat more but I have to feed the family as well and they don't love garlic as much as I do. 
I take an omega 3 supplement, eat almonds when I can buy them, B12 and D3. (Magnesium, Biotin, a probiotic and Vitamin C as well) I need to find a good B Complex vitamin.
Sometimes I take some low dose aspirin, but not often. I was taking half a pill after my fall down the stairs. Still never got a bruise from that.. but I hit my knee recently and got a bruise from that! I don't recall it being a very hard hit and it's taking awhile to heal it seems so just cut out the half an aspirin.

I have Evening primrose oil sitting around, waiting to add. I take so many things each day, I'm not thrilled to swallow another pill. not sure if that affects the blood.

I've seen you mention a few times that you are trying a hormone balancing diet. Would you mind sharing what you are doing with that? I've read about it a bit.

[CLKD]

We eat a lot of garlic and ginger in our diet.  Initially it gave me indigestion but now I miss it in recipes.

[Droopeydrawers]

I also recommend Dr Rangan Chatterjees book The 4 Pillar Plan you can use in conjunction with Marilyn Glenville and both have solid down to earth approaches than I really think not enough people know about.
I've persevered with hrt for over 12 months and although it started off quite positive the last 6/8 months have been dreadful for me.ive had every pill patch gel spray available even importing what I couldn't source here in the hope of finding one that would help my body and not cripple me with all the side effects that these consultants and specialists said couldn't happen.well I know different.ive been completely off hrt for 12-16 weeks now and I couldn't feel happier or healthier.I no longer cry myself to sleep with breast pain or lie unable to turn in bed my digestive issues bloating cramps pain in tummy ribs and burning up my back are no more, my oil slick skin has gone along with the spots that accompanied this.my burning mouth and open sores on my tongue month after month, since April, are gone.my health anxiety now is non existent I've just finished triple therapy for hpylori. I couldn't even consider taking one antibiotic previously as my fear was so irrational.Hrt created too many negatives for me so I did my research and opted for another path.because it doesent work for you doesent mean failure or no hope it just means you have to work that bit harder at finding an alternative and they are out there so don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. Follow your instincts.Go with other people's recommendations if you struggle ask questions on the forum there's help here for the asking DD😘

[BlueButterfly]

Thank you both. I'll have to get those books. I know I need to do everything I can to protect my bones and heart. I know exercise will be good for that but know I need to eat better as well. I hate that I'm starting all this "fun" so young. But hopefully I can get myself figured out and healthy so my body can cope with things better. I looked at the Marilyn Glenville site and gave it a quick read over. I like that it is a very common sense approach.

I do worry about the future and what the lack of oestrogen will do to my body. Right now, the progesterone cream seems to be helping most issues and hopefully others I'm not aware of. I miss my old body...it wasn't great or perfect but it didn't feel like it was falling apart...well not as much anyways. I just really need to take care of myself better.