Combined HRT question..

Hi I'm new here,
I'm 37 and have had cervical cancer (now recovering well) but the radiation has resulted in early (I suppose kind of surgical) menopause.
The gyn/onc said I could have HRT patches, (I don't do pills well) but my GP has prescribed me the combined HRT, only available here in pill form.

My ovaries are useless since the radiotherapy, so why do I need the progesterone as well as the oestrogen?
I did ask the GP and he said that both hormones would work for me.

It says on the info sheet that I may have monthly 'bleeds' again, but that care should be taken if I have fibroids (which I do, or did pre cancer).

I'm concerned too about the possibility of developing another tumour (breast, ovary etc) as it says on the info that they are a risk, is my risk increased if I've had cancer already?

The gyn/onc suggested HRT to minimise risk of osteoporosis, but also to combat the hot flushes & awful insomnia.
I'd have prefered to go without, but the sleepless nights are making me ill.

Hazel

Hazel,
I was reading thru some of your previous posts and it appears that you still have your uterus. If one still has a uterus than combined therapy is recommended. Unopposed estrogen can lead to uterine cancer, the progestin in combined therapy helps to protect the uterus. There is a patch that has combined therapy, Climara Pro. While I have seen a few posts here regarding these forms of hrt, it is not the norm for these forums, as the majority of the women here no longer have a uterus.

Best wishes to you. I hope the hrt will help with your symptoms.