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Taking hormones versus no hormones
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05-24-2011, 02:50 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 11
Hysterectomy: March 25th, 2011
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Taking hormones versus no hormones
I am going through pelvic radiation after a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. I am very sad due to the fact that my doctor had left my ovaries and now they will be damaged from the radiation and I will be going through menopause at 44. I know it wasn't that far off, but I just wasn't ready to deal with that on top of my cancer journey. My question is about hormones. My radiologist at <admin> told me that they try not to prescribe them anymore due to increased breast cancer risk. However, I've also heard that estrogen without progesterone can be very good for us... and especially our menopausal symptoms. Then, add in some testosterone and the sex drive is back. So.... What to do? My <admin> doctor says no, which is where I am insured; and an outside doctor says, "oh gawd YES!" She said that the <admin> docs are behind the times on this issue. Do any of you Goddesses that have gone before me have any words of wisdom. Hormones versus no hormones??
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05-24-2011, 03:24 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4
Hysterectomy: June 17th, 2010
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
"Taking",
I'm not sure about your specific case.
I just had bioidentical pellets implanted after a year of hell post- hysterectomy and trying everything else.
Several doctors expressed concern as my Mom had breast cancer (age 60) and I have 2 maternal cousins who are in their mid 40's and final stages of breast cancer.
I really felt it was this or a psychiatric hospital.
Less than a week after insertion and I feel 2000% better. No headaches since day 4; no hot flases in 2 days; breast swelling has gone down;
I may even be able to wash my face soon without fear the skin will fall off...
My ovaries were also left intact. I sort of cursed this as I was having the worst PMS in My Entire Life....
Now maybe that will go away too....And maybe I can lose the 20lbs I put on this past year.
I feel that the bioidenticals, if they keep working (the research says optimal benefit is reaced around the third week)...at four weeks blood work and reevaluation/stabiliztion of levels begins)..I can't even imagine how I will feel six months from now.
I have much of the European research (they have been using them for many years and have long-term studies) as well as the US research information/opinions on the pellets and while I will not comment directly on your case, will say it would be good if you did some research on this topic and went in knowing the information inside and out when you see the doc again.
Be well, Best Wishes and let me know if you'd like any links to info i searched.
Cathy
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05-24-2011, 07:54 AM
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Posts: 12,392
Hysterectomy: October 15th, 2009
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
You may find different Drs in your ins (I'm guessing an HMO?)May still have different views. I know at mine they vary a bit. Also if you have symptoms it may change their approach. At my HMO it seems only certain symptoms warrant HRT and not other concerns. Try to feel out the policy so you know which symptoms to be sure to report, if you get them. It's frustrating to work it all out. Good luck getting the balance you need.
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05-24-2011, 03:34 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4
Hysterectomy: June 17th, 2010
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
I don't have an HMO...Actually it's what's considered a "cadillac" healthcare plan. Covers everything, well almost everything.
Bioidentical pellet therapy is not covered. This specific for of treatment, I have found, is not covered by most insurance.
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05-24-2011, 04:12 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 172
Hysterectomy: March 31st, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
There are a # of OTC options you might want to try. That is what my doc suggested--so far I haven't, but I might at some point.
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06-30-2011, 10:15 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4
Hysterectomy: May 28th, 2010
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
I am one year past a LAVH where I kept my ovaries only to lose them to pelvic radiation. The symptoms from no hormones are not fun, most specifically the lack of libido, bone loss, joint pain and hot flashes. Although I am almost 55, I am considering low doses of bioidentical hormones even though I get mixed opinions from the docs. Had my ovaries been spared, yes I would have gradually gone into menopause, but I would still have some degree of hormone production. With no ovaries and pelvic radiaition, a recent hormone test resulted in "unmeasureable" meaning pretty much non existent. Any replies?
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06-30-2011, 01:31 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4
Hysterectomy: June 17th, 2010
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Taking hormones versus no hormones
Hi,
I am 8 weeks post insertion of Scotte Pelle Bioidentical hormone pellets. I can't tell you how much better I feel already. And my levels, except testosterone are still "extremely low" at my last bloodwork. No headaches since week 3, sleep stabilizing, joint and other pain greatly improved, dry skin is nearly resolved, even my libido has returned in the last week. I can't wait until my next insertion 9/7. I feel like I have been given a second chance at life.
BTW my ovaries were left. I had gone thru early menopause, age 40. My hesterectomy threw me back onto a ride I had never wanted to go on again. I have only been married less than a year (9/10) and am 13 months PAH. My husband has been a saint, but I know he is quite releived "we" are getting better. I so look forwad to this time next year when my levels will be stabile and my body adjusted to having the correct hormones circulating.
The treatments are a bit costly as my insurance is not paying for the pellets, only the insertion process, but I will give up anything else to continue these treatments and get my life back. I have now met several other pellet patients in my GYN's office and they also report miraculous results. I hope this helps.
Cathy
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