Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Molly on September 30, 2022, 12:34:50 PM
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Hi girls,
I am just starting to wonder long term what I will do when it comes to being post menopausal(very soon) and having to take progesterone 100mg everyday for the guts of 15 years.
I find the thoughts so upsetting as I feel I cant live without estrogen but my mind and wellbeing drops so much I feel like life just isn't worth living.
I know having played with progesterone, taking 200mg is completely out of the question as I just cannot leave the house due to the state is puts my body in. 100mg is not as bad but its like I go around with a black heavy cloud over my head trying to put a front on and trying my best to hide how I feel from EVERYONE. I feel I have turned into this moanbag, no I have.
So its got me thinking, get rid of my womb and just take estrogen.
I know this is not a simple opeartion and weeks of healing but long term would it be better for my health?
Has anyone done this? Id love to hear. I think there can be a knock on affect on the hormones due to the womb being removed. Any info on this would be great.
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Hello Molly, I've not experienced this situation, but I do recall some months ago someone who had finally had it agreed to have a hysterectomy due to progesterone intolerance. She had struggled for years with HRT due to progesterone. She was well on oestrodiol alone . It was about her quality of life in the end. Think she was 58 years at the time. I have tried to find the thread but sorry not been able to. Perhaps someone else can recall or perhaps the person can come back to you direct. (Ive tried HRT 3 times now and have thought about this myself if I find its the progesterone I cannot tolerate.)
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thanks a mil ange63 for your reply.
Yes that blasted progesterone, my consultant said its aften known as the devils medicine, great name for it.
I am turning 50 soon and really do not want the rest of my life to be like this. I know i need help in the oestrogel which is helping for sure, but I dread dread the days I have to take the progesterone..I googling and googling trying to find alternatives.
recently my consultant has suggested 10 weeks oestogel and 10 days 200mg progesterone but I CANNOT do these 10 days. impossible. S now Im thinking to hell with it, whip the womb it and be done with it .
i just read another person in the uk getting a prescription for Duavive, met look this up now and see if we can get this in ireland. I am willing to try anything. Oh to be a man .
how are you managing now ang63, are you taking anything at all? x
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its real nightmare!! I stopped last lot of HRT and had bit of a bleed so have had to go for scan - got a cancellation and was done this week . All appears ok and lining is thin so thats good. See if gynae clinic want to see me for anything. I am really struggling with the digestive problems at the mo - acidreflux/GERD and IBS type bowel issues. Its really knocked it out of me and cannot even go for walks any more as it causes abdominal cramps and pain..... Insomnia is back again too and this makes me feel so unwell. I generally always feel unwell and am so tired and feel weak..... really does take it out of us all of this..
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Hysterectomy is major surgery and some form of HRT may be required after.
However: many are progesterone intolerant and opt for surgery. What made you take HRT initially, has it helped any symptoms?
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I wonder with the state of the nhs whether progesterone intolerance will be considered for hysterectomy. Also, it is major surgery + your womb holds your organs in place. There was someone on here who ended up in a terrible state after hysterectomy.
Another thing is someone else posted about losing the ability to orgasm after hysterectomy as you no longer have the same muscles.
Food for thought x
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What about trying 100mg for only 10 days per month? Some women use it like this, myself included although I use it only every 6 weeks as on a very low dose of oestrogen. You could have a scan now and then to see how you are doing on this protocol?
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Periinowpost - I think that the Member U R thinking about had several surgical problems which are unusual.
Cassie's idea might well work.
Regardless of the state of the NHS if surgery means less GP visits etc., it is important that a GP refers patients appropriately. Some GPs won't refer due to it costing the budget.
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CLKD couldn’t remember the details just her struggle. I do suspect cost will come into it though, and manifest itself in the GP not taking it seriously x
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Hi molly, I had a hysterectomy at 43 for different reasons to you thinking about it, just to say absolutely it's a last resort but if it's something you end up needing don't listen to horror stories, many ladies have an hysterectomy without complications, I have never had problems with orgasm or muscles in that area, in fact everything is much the same as it was before, I retained my ovaries and I think that makes a huge difference in outcome to those who have them removed, I use estrogen only and there has been no knock on effect with hormones, hysterectomy is considered major surgery but is no longer as bad as it used to be I had vaginal hysterectomy, and was home the next day x
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Nothing wrong with my orgasms!!
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Hello Molly
I have no answers here but am sort of in the same boat thinking the same thing.
The estrogel for me is life changing and i am so scared to have to give it up.
The progesterone.. mine was cyclogest vaginally really really put me at risk mental health wise.
I am on 16 weeks or oestrogel then 10 days (two a day of cyclogest)... this time i made it to 4 days and stopped.. I dont know where to turn next or what to try and came on looking for info on hysterectomy and found your thread.
So i will sit here , nod and say you are not alone.
I am 43 and think it might be time to start talking about hysterectomy.. surgery terrifies me. It has been mentioned as an extreme solution previously but we dismissed it. All i know is at this moment in time the progesterone for me isnt an option again.. too much of a risk to life from mental health.
holding your hand
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I have been on various forms of HRT for the last 4 years and have had heavy painful bleeding with every regime. Tried the mirena coil but again lots of bleeding. I was at my wits end as GP said he could not increase my estrogen because I would then need more progesterone....as so it goes on
Last week I paid out to see a private consultant who told me my womb was now bulky and that my estrogen levels were very low for someone on HRT. He has recommended that I have a hysterectomy as he could not see any other way forward to stop my bleeding. Either that or come off HRT completely. He said this way he could increase my estrogen and I should be able to start enjoying my life again.
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Nothing wrong with my orgasms!!
I think it depends on what type of orgasm you had before. Mine, apparently, included strong uterine orgasms which obviously disappeared post hyster. I still get the other ones but they are not the same. This is quite informative http://www.hormonesmatter.com/sexual-function-hysterectomy/
Taz :)
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Are you on a sequi regime you can cope with now? If so perhaps just carry on with this in meno. You are at slightly higher risk but many women including me prefer this to continuous progesterone. The vast majority of hysterectomys are successful but there is always a risk, it's obviously something you have to decide for yourself but perhaps explore other possible options first.
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If anything mine are stronger than before - I put this down to the testosterone though!
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If anything mine are stronger than before - I put this down to the testosterone though!
That's good to hear. I just miss the uterine ones. Maybe they're what caused the prolapse ;D
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Can you even get a hysterectomy for those reasons? I wanted one for years as I was sick of the diarrhoea and migraines and pain that accompanied every period but I was told that I might change my mind about wanting children (nope, never did) and no one bothered trying to figure out the problems I was having. Female friends with much worse problems were also refused.
Fortunately the pill I'm on has stopped my periods and the migraines now seem to be on the way out too. I just find it infuriating that a couple of childless male friends got vasectomies when they asked, none of that sexist, patronising "you might change your mind" nonsense. I know vasectomy is less complicated and much cheaper but even so.
Sorry for derailing, women's health is a bit of a bugbear of mine.
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Have you tried a mirena coil, Molly?
Low dose slow release progesterone, directly to the womb.
Does utrogestan really make you feel that bad, just for a few days each month?
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I just find it infuriating that a couple of childless male friends got vasectomies when they asked, none of that sexist, patronising "you might change your mind" nonsense. I know vasectomy is less complicated and much cheaper but even so.
Sorry for derailing, women's health is a bit of a bugbear of mine.
Is it because vasectomy is contraception and the female equivalent would be sterilisation rather than a hysterectomy? I'm sorry you've had such a horrible time but glad the migraines are getting less. As an aside my male friends who have had NHS vasectomies were given quite a
grilling as to whether they were sure or not. A friend who had his done privately wasn't asked at all.
Taz x
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thank you wonderful ladies for all your replies and taking the time to respond and helping me make a decision.
Well I think I am seriously considering this. Alot to weigh up I know, but I dont want to be 60 and till struggling. I need some sort of quality of life .
So I am going to investigate If I can actually get this done on the HSE and on what grounds.
Amazing grace, you story was very hopeful. I know it might not result like this for everyone but its nice to hear a positive outcome. How long did it take for you to feel back to normal. Did you have much bleeding. You are the first person I have heard of that has had a vaginal hysterectomy, sounds way better than the alternative.
Taz2, thank you for the link, Im def going to look into that. Im learning alot at 49, never knew tbh where my orgasms were coming from, haha those uterine ones do sound good. I certainly dont want to loose the ones do I rarely have ha.
Mandss what have you decided to do? will you go ahead with the Hyst?
Armadillo, and ange63 how are you? We sound very similar in our problem, Flipping struggle isnt it.
I never know on daily basis what way I will be when I wake up. Today I feel dizzy and lightheaded, why I dont know, is the 2.5 pumps of estrogen too much today? is my own estrogen up atm? is it the weaning off of the progesterone ? minefield the lot. Im hear whenever you need a chat.
unfortunately naz, i cannot try the mirena as even the pill when i was younger affected me so badly I couldnt go on it after trying everyone of them.
I think for the moment I will stay on 7 to 10 days of progesterone every month until I can manage to make a decision. thanks cassie, and clkd I cannot do the 200mg this is 100%.
Thank you all for your advice..I will keep you updated. x
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Molly If it’s any consolation peri is the worst part of meno (or so I found anyway). Also I too have never known where my orgasms are coming from but thanks for the great article Taz.
Yes do keep us posted x
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Hi molly, I was back to normal at 6 weeks post op, I had very little bleeding after the operation and no complications, even though I had a vaginal hysterectomy the healing inside still takes time it's very important to follow the advice of not doing too much, but I felt absolutely fine at 4 weeks but was told not to do anything other than rest and not lift anything heavy than a kettle up to the 6 week point, to look at my stomach no one would every know I'd had a hysterectomy I had 5 tiny incisions where the vaginal hysterectomy was assisted laporoscopically, can't even see any scars, I asked lots of questions before, because I listened to lots of negative stories and put off having it done for a long time, but I had little choice in the end, I don't regret it, I have no issues with sex or muscles nothing changed at all for me, I also asked my consult about the vagina being made shorter after hysterectomy because I'd read the silly horror stories that this happens he said that absolutely does not happen they do there upmost to preserve sexual function these days, and shortening only affects a woman if its being done for cancer has they have to take the top portion away due to possible cells, prolapse also is considered more of a risk if the op is being done due to that and if prolapse surgery has or is being done at the same time, I'm 5 years post op and have no issues at all, but I had no weak muscles or prolapse prior to surgery, if you consider it ask your Consultant lots of questions, open abdominal surgery is only done if the uterus is too large to be removed vaginally, I had two monster fibroids and a large bulky uterus and he got mine out no problem, I did have a brilliant surgeon, good luck with what ever you decide to do, I hope you find a solution x ps I kept my ovaries because my surgeon said if they are healthy it's much better to retain them.
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Molly If it’s any consolation peri is the worst part of meno (or so I found anyway). Also I too have never known where my orgasms are coming from but thanks for the great article Taz.
Yes do keep us posted x
thank you perinopost, that is good to hear ;) x
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Hi molly, I was back to normal at 6 weeks post op, I had very little bleeding after the operation and no complications, even though I had a vaginal hysterectomy the healing inside still takes time it's very important to follow the advice of not doing too much, but I felt absolutely fine at 4 weeks but was told not to do anything other than rest and not lift anything heavy than a kettle up to the 6 week point, to look at my stomach no one would every know I'd had a hysterectomy I had 5 tiny incisions where the vaginal hysterectomy was assisted laporoscopically, can't even see any scars, I asked lots of questions before, because I listened to lots of negative stories and put off having it done for a long time, but I had little choice in the end, I don't regret it, I have no issues with sex or muscles nothing changed at all for me, I also asked my consult about the vagina being made shorter after hysterectomy because I'd read the silly horror stories that this happens he said that absolutely does not happen they do there upmost to preserve sexual function these days, and shortening only affects a woman if its being done for cancer has they have to take the top portion away due to possible cells, prolapse also is considered more of a risk if the op is being done due to that and if prolapse surgery has or is being done at the same time, I'm 5 years post op and have no issues at all, but I had no weak muscles or prolapse prior to surgery, if you consider it ask your Consultant lots of questions, open abdominal surgery is only done if the uterus is too large to be removed vaginally, I had two monster fibroids and a large bulky uterus and he got mine out no problem, I did have a brilliant surgeon, good luck with what ever you decide to do, I hope you find a solution x ps I kept my ovaries because my surgeon said if they are healthy it's much better to retain them.
Thank you for all that amazing information. The health system has truely come along way to say they can do a hyst like this now, its great to hear.
I think I will definitely keep my ovaries ans just look for my womb to go. I'm nervous as hell but part of me feels like this is the right thing to do.
my friend also had a 5lb fibroid removed with her hyst, hard to believe those things can grow so big ::)
delighted to hear you feel great now amazing grace and thanks again for your helpful response x
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You are very welcome, wishing you the best of luck with which ever route you choose I hope you find relief with your symptoms xx
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The snip takes about 10-15 mins. usually under a local anaesthetic ;). When I was sterilised I expected a battle and was ready so the wind was taken out of my sails when I was told to book an op date ::) ;D
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oh dear, tis a mans world as they say x
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Molly - let us know, there's a lot to process!
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Molly, I've been having quite a struggle last week or so.... I had terrible pain from acid reflux/GERD - cramping stomach and bowels and pain radiating to my back. Could hardly walk. Had a big emotional meltdown. Cannot take PPIs due to severe side effects. So, I decided at 3am to give the Famotidine (H2 Antihistamine) a go. Day 1 brilliant - problems cleared up and could eat and move around easily with no pain but anxiety popped up late afternoon which can be side effect. Slept very well on day 1, got 7 hours which hasn't happened for months.. Day 2 only took half dose just in case anxiety - and early afternoon anxiety peaked again along with odd mood fluctuations and inability to settle at all..... no sleep as I was anxious and restless. Day 3 no Famotidine but still anxious, restless, heavy headed and now constipated. Hoping that all will settle back down again once out of my system. Not sure about HRT now as I have not tolerated 3 versions so far. I did find settling the stomach issues did raise my mood and I felt able to do things again but it was short lived. To be honest I am lost with it all now. I feel like a wreck and its impacting on me and my family as I am so restricted. I have appt this Friday with local GP specialising in menopause - hope I get some good advice about what I can try next.