Hormones

Does anyone know how long it takes to see improvement from hormones? I have started HRT for endo. and perimenopause. I also have a prolapsed uterus. Who knew my little baby pouch could be so annoying? I am three weeks into the estrogen replacement and just started my period. The good news is that the hormones have cut the endo pain in half. My doc says that he will remove the uterus and maybe1 overy when I am ready. I am trying other options but ...

Hi (((ready?))) I'm wondering how your DR has managed to come up with a combination of HRTs that could handle both perimenopause and endo at the same time, superimposed over the hormones your ovaries produce during your cycle? I can't imagine how that would possibly work.

Typically, women with endo are estrogen dominant -- that is, they have too much estrogen relative to progesterone. So, I would be afraid that estrogen replacement, while it might help with some of the symptoms of perimenopause, might make the endo problem worse. That is, unless you are also taking some kind of progesterone or synthetic progestin to balance the estrogen?

In any case, in the absence of fluctuations from ovarian production, it can take up to several weeks for hormone levels to stabilize after adding HRT. I'm not sure what your ovarian hormones will do to that.

What other options is your DR recommending?

s,
-Linda

Yes, well I amconfused. The info out ther is very contradictory. It has been a long time since I had a female check up. I went in knowing that I had a prolapse and perimenopause and pain. I mean somethings you just can feel. Hahaha. The pain only continued to get worse. I went back three weeks later and dr. said he thought I had endo of the myometrium but it could only be confirmed with disection of the tissue. He told me to start the low dose hormone and comeback in 3 months for check. As for the other options dr. has suggested hysto, ablations, pessary...

"Endo of the myometrium" makes no sense to me. If it's endometriosis, it's by definition outside of the uterus. The analogous condition inside the uterine wall is called adenomyosis -- that can only be diagnosed after the uterus is removed, although sometimes MRI can provide a fairly good indication.

Have you considered seeking a second opinion? I would, certainly before considering surgery of any kind. There is just too much that is unknown to make a good decision.

s,
-Linda

On the whole issue of hormones during perimenopause... I am confused.
It's true Linda that if your own ovaries are doing ANYTHING in the way of pumping out estrogen - there are bound to be huge fluctuations with replacement on top of that.... I'm thinking this may be a recipe for trouble for me. It seems my ovaries post-hysterectomy are doing the roller-coaster thing. There are times I'm low in estrogen - times I'm pretty high.... I am seeing a specialist in January and I am suspecting her answer will be some kind of birth control pill that puts my ovaries to rest and will be protective against ovarian cancer. Not sure how she will feel about my breast cancer history though. Ready? have you been on the pill for your condition...or a progesterone "Mirena" IUD device. For adeno I know they use that to control symptoms. I agree that endo of the myometrium sounds like he was explaining Adenomyosis.

I am just beginning to dive into all of these issues, "diagnosis'" and options. I just began a low dose hormone 3 wks ago and also started the worst period in years on monday. I really do not understand how quickly these symptoms have progressed. I cannot try the IUD, dysmenorhea, I have been told by all of my previous doctors that it would bring back the more severe symptoms. Honestly, I feel confused, bloated, and headaches nearly every day so it is difficult to distinguish one week from the next to explain to the doctor exactly what is going on. To end on agood note Christmas was great!