Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[abbyH]

Ps. post-op they found I had adeyonisis... which would definitely have had an impact on my health before hand so hysterectomy was always going to be an option for me

hope that all helps!

Abby

[Loubylou48]

Abby, thank you so much for your reply. I do think I'm leaning towards keeping my ovaries - it just makes more sense to me.

[doolou]

Hi Tempest
Thanks for all that I will have a read, I expect I will have questions as to be fair I'm a bit confused by everything to do with menopause & hrt!! Yes I'm in Yorkshire, in the East Riding!

Hi Yorkshire girl.  I am also in the East Riding of Yorkshire.  I've just had an appointment with the menopause clinic in Hull. You will need to be referred though,  so maybe ask your GP or gynaecologist x

[sweettooth]

A great thread tempest you are great at involving people!

 On hrt since 40 to help perimenopause prescribed by very understanding lady doctor) I was also prescribed venlafaxine 75mg whic was great as I was in a terrible state.

I had my womb out aged 46 for prolapse, already unbalanced hormones got even more unbalanced! Headaches depression etc. Went to prof studd prescribed 4doses estrogen plus testosterone which wasn't any better as I was already on 100mcg patch so finally tried option of switching off ovaries by injection as a trial to see if it would help the nausea and headaches. 

I found a bit of improvement and I was so desperate that I finally opted to have ovaries removed 2010 and just add estrogen.  Well it did help with nausea but I am now 55 and still struggling.  I had to stop estrogen 2014 due to estrogen positive breast cancer and am having to take estrgen blocker arimidex.  I am on venlafaxine 150mg and feel I need to up it as I still don't feel myself....some days worse than others tears, sweats, headaches low motivation fatigue etc.  I really am at my wits end as I cannot touch estrogen!

Sorry to go on but I just don't know what to do, why am I still getting these dreadful symptoms?  Surely I don't have much hormone if any to still be causing probs.

Thanks x

[katebird]

Hi all

Thank goodness for this website!! And this thread.

I had BSO and Fallopian tubes removed back in October. I have been on HRT since but the wrong kind...as I found out on Tuesday as I finally got to see an HRT specialist.

My symptoms are similar to yours! And I don't understand why none of us were hooked up with decent discussions about HRT BEFORE the op?! Surely that would make sense.

If any of you are in the Manchester area you can probably demand to be referred to Dr Seif at St Mary's. That's who I saw and he was very good. He's an HRT specialist and very sympathetic although there's bound to be a wait unless you kick off and say you want a cancellation appt.

Best of luck to us all

KB x

[Hurdity]

Hi sweettooth

Sorry to hear you are still struggling. I remember when you first joined a few years ago.... The thing is the flushes are caused by reduction in oestrogen. Some women get them just during peri-menopause when hormone levels fluctuate wildly, but others continue to get them when oestrogen drops to a low level. Unfortunately it may well be that you are one of these.  it is not the hormones that cause the problems - but lack of them as you are finding. For women who cannot take HRT there are prescribable non-HRT preparations but they are not all proven to work for all women. Sounds like you are on a high dose of Ven... - not sure what the usual dose is?

Have you tried any of the others listed here if that one doesn't seem to work:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/prescribed.php

Also have you been tested for other conditions eg thyroid etc? There are other things that can help to reduce the impact of hot flushes - maintaining healthy BMI - if overweight, flushes are worse, taking plenty of exercise, reducing caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods . There are also behavioural techniques that can help women cope with flushes even though they do not reduce the incidence of them.

I am sorry I can't help any further but just wanted to sympathise with your plight...

 

Hurdity x

[doolou]

Hi everyone,  thought I'd give an update on my journey.  So, I went to the menopause clinic on Monday,  it was eventful to say the least!  After checking my obs, etc. my bp was a bit high probably due to taking my work boots off and on first for weight, and I was pretty anxious about the appointment anyway.  Went to see the specialist,  who after a quick resume on the last year gave me a patronising 15 minute lecture on smoking,  including stating that all of my symptoms are more than likely smoking related, and that it ages skin (as she gazed at my face).  When I asked her about testosterone regarding libido etc said it would turn me into a man, and that feeling sexy wasn't just down to hormones,  also that being paralised from a stroke isn't very sexy anyway!  I asked her had she ever smoked, and her reply was that she did at university,  but she is a cognitive adult, and stopped.  How my partner kept quiet,  I'll never know.  I understand she has to prescribe treatment based on my body/lifestyle etc. but didn't bother to ask about anything else.  Anyway.......she's given me estrogel 2 pumps a day,  which I picked up today, and said I didn't need progesterone in her opinion.  Am now hoping for some progress after going hrt free for the last three weeks!

Sorry it's a bit long winded,  and thanks for listening.  Oh, and I totally agree with katebird, it seems that we jus have to get on with finding our own way.  This situation happens to every woman on the planet at varying degrees.  It makes me want to scream that our struggling is dealt with so nonchalantly.  Feeling really crap today,  so sorry again for ramblings.  Hugs to you all x

[Tempest]

Hi, doolou!

Well I'm so glad you did manage to get the Estrogel! What an experience! Can I ask - have you ever thought of taking up vaping? I'm a light vaper now (3mg juice) and it really does make a huge difference! The NHS have now declared this to be vastly better for health than the ciggies (and will be prescribing it on prescription soon too). It really does help cut down the meno. symptoms making the switch - trust me! And  it's easier to step off too - most of the day now I'm vaping 0% juice. My GP is fine with this and the HRT I take - I checked with them thoroughly.

Please keep us posted on how you get on with the Estrogel. And can I say, what utter crap about the Testosterone! Really!!! I can't believe that we still have to put up with this........It makes my blood boil!!!

[doolou]

Hi Tempest, and thank you for your reply.  Yes I have thought about vaping. I currently smoke about 15 a day,  and yes I know the risks,  and my point to the doctor was that I didn't suffer any of these symptoms until I went on to combined hrt then reduced the dose.  I don't deny that it will definitely have some impact,  but she failed to also ask or take into account that I still go to the gym twice a week (even though I am restricted somewhat by my prolapse), eat a healthy diet,  and have an active stessful job!  Sorry,  ranting now! Blood at boiling point too!    Lol. Anyway yes I have thought about it and even made some enquiries last year, but am seriously considering investing in one to give it a go. Any recommendations please?  Don't really know where to start with the best makes,  and strength?  Thanks again,  you're too kind  x

[sweettooth]

Dear Hurd IT you

Thank you for your kind post which I am reading at this crazy time of day! due to meno I am in a phase of rapid heartbeat and cannot fall asleep!   

I have been tried on clonidine and proprananol but no good.  What I am concerned about is that if it's all down to low hormones which I cannot touch, how will it cease or does ones body get used to lower levels?  The mood and headaches are the worst for me and are really affecting my quality of life so I may well need to increase the venlafaxine as there are days I am in floods of tears then it goes again! I did have my thyroid checked and my weight is ok.

The power of hormones are greatly overlooked and I know most doctors would just think I and women like me are just depressed and anxious it's so frustrating!! 

Thanks again it is good to vent and see what others think or advise and surely it has to end sometime.

St x

[Hurdity]

Your body should get used to lower levels at some point but sounds like it is taking a while in your case. Are you able to ask for a referral to a specialist because maybe there are particular treatments for those who have had both breast cancer and surgical menopause? It is very frustrating as you say that depression is given as the diagnosis for what are clearly powerful hormonal effects, but if you are unable to replace those hormones it is tricky.

I do hope you feel better soon....

Hurdity x

[Yorkshire Girl]

Hi Tempest
Thanks for all that I will have a read, I expect I will have questions as to be fair I'm a bit confused by everything to do with menopause & hrt!! Yes I'm in Yorkshire, in the East Riding!

Hi Yorkshire girl.  I am also in the East Riding of Yorkshire.  I've just had an appointment with the menopause clinic in Hull. You will need to be referred though,  so maybe ask your GP or gynaecologist x

Hi Doolou my gynaecologist is not that great, barely said anything at my appt before op!! I don't know whether our doctor's surgery refer to a menopause clinic, it hasn't been mentioned. I've been on hrt estraderm mx25 for 4 weeks & seem to be helping with my hot flushes, the only symptom I've had. Night sweats lasted 2 weeks & stopped before hrt!! Will see when I go back to dr's for review x

[sweettooth]

Yes Hurdity I was referred to meno clinic but they didn't see any point in seeing me because of me not being allowed hrt but they were very understanding over the telephone etc. 

I think as you say it is going to take time and perhaps I may see a good herbalist to help along the way.

How are you hurdity?

Tempest you have been to hormonal hell & back bless you I hope your current regime is working better.

St x

[Tempest]

Sweet tooth, you are so lovely! Thank you so very much for your kind words. 

There are a couple of other ladies here who are BSO who aren't using HRT - Coldethyl and Groundhog (both wonderful ladies too). I know they're not on estrogen blocking medications, but I wonder if you might like to hook up for some support for each other?

I very much hope that the ladies who walk the 'road less travelled' with no HRT feel comfortable to pop in here any time and post - never feel alone! It's amazing the things I come across that may help as I expand my research into life after TAH/BSO - I've just been speaking to 2 ladies who graciously shared their experiences with me who are ovarian cancer survivors. If I can find anything at all that may ease your journey, I'll be so very happy to share it with you (I'm just reading through some notes now, so will post my findings soonest)!

Warmest hugs,

Tempest xxxx

[abbyH]

You're so sweet Tempest!!!
such a great support to all us BSO ladies xxx