Is it wise to have a hysterectomy due to Progesterone intolerance?

Hi,
I'm 46 and stopped my periods 3 years ago. Just last August I decided to try bio identical HRT due to terrible hot flashes, sleep issues, moodiness...... My doc slowly increased my patch over the year and I am now on Vivelle Dot .1. with a cycle dose of Crinone monthly. My dilemma is that I am Progesterone intolerant and can't stand the way I feel 2 weeks out of the month. Plus I have heavy cramping and quite alot of bleeding. My Dr is recommending a hysterectomy so that I don't have to take the Progesterone. Currently I feel good on the days I only take the Vivelle, however I have gained 20 lbs in just a year. I have done nothing different with my diet or exercise and the Dr thinks it could be from the Progesterone. At this point I want to go off all hormones and see how I feel before I commit to removing my uterus. Does anyone have any thoughts, ideas or input to help me. I'm just not so sure surgery is a good idea just because I'm not tolerating any of the Progesterones. Plus I don't want to be on the patch indefinitely either. Thank you!

I can't advise you on this as I have no experience with this, but I did find a link to an older thread about something similar to your progesterone intolerance. I thought it might help you as this isn't a common issue on this website and your looking for answers.
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...d.php?t=429746

I think it's very wise to question surgery, especially when you haven't exhausted all the alternatives. I don't have much knowledge about progesterone, but there must be other options that would allow you to continue the estrogen and keep all your organs. A different progesterone? A different dose? Read some threads on the hormone boards here and do a search for progesterone to give yourself some ideas. I also think a second opinion from a dr well-versed in hormone therapy might be a good idea.

Well, that's interesting that your doctor would recommend hyst.

I also am sensitive to progesterone and I found out that I ovulated late in my cycle so I'm not 100% in agreement with drs wanting progesterone for a "standard"amount of time each cyle.

I'd say not to do the hyst. Remember, you will go through menopause and the bleeding and cramping will stop. My yonger sister (about your age) had the same issues and she had an old fashioned D&C and it took care of the bleeding.

What I would do if I stll had my parts and knowing what I know now is:

1 - get off all coffee or other caffeine
2 - eat plenty vegetables
3 - take at least 2,000 ius of Vit D daily

Then I would find another way to help with the hot flashes and moods.
Black cohash,5htp, 7keto, St Johns Wort,Estroven.

or even possibly a script.

All I can say is if I knew then, there's no way I'd have had the surgery. Granted dr is saying uterus only but they are now acknowledging that the uterus has other benefits and also many times ovaries shut down afterwards from shock and loss of blood supply.

Thank you ladies for your replies. The more research I do the more I'm convinced that a hyster is not a good solution to my intolerence problem. I have decided to wean myself off the hormones and try and care for myself through diet, exercise and supplements. I have been very consistent with my vitD, calcium, and various other supplements over the past year so perhaps my symptoms will not return or at least be manageable. Thanks again!