Like to hear from those going cold turkey without hormones

You know, I've been trying some herbal remedies and they are helping a lot! Try Black Cohash...it really reduces the hot flashes..for me. I think we're all different in this manner even though we're kindred sisters in this journey.

Also, has your doctor talked to you about Cenestin? This is an all vegetable HRT and the estrogen levels are more like our body would create. You can really get a lot of help on this topic from Menopause without Medicine. I don't usually read these self-help books, but have gained a lot of useful knowledge from it. I bet you can even check it out of a local library.

Good luck!

I am 5 days post-op. I have had both of my ovaries removed. My doctor said that for at least the next 3 months I cannot have any hrt...and perhaps none at all because my endometriosis was so severe. So far I have had about 4 hot flashes, but nothing too bad.

Hi,
Just wanted to reply to you. I do not want to go on HRT. I am almost 4 wks post-op and had a TAH 10/3/5. Just a week ago I started a multi Vitamin with minerals, selenium, etc., and also started Primrose Oil and a soy supplement w/optisoy. Since then, my hot flashes are less and I am actually feeling more human....crazy, huh? My insomnia was horrible but now it is a lot more rare....this immediate menopause is scary. I want to take care of myself, you know? Like we all do but you have to research every single thing. Good luck.

Hi, just have a quick question. If you have full hyst with both ovaries removed, do you have to take hrt?

No, you do not have to take HRT if you had a total hysterectomy with both ovaries removed. I had a TAH/BSO and am not taking any HRT due to a high risk of breast cancer. I am 43 years old and was not even starting menopause at the time of my surgery. So far I am doing o.k. without HRT, with the exception of trouble sleeping. I plan on discussing options to take care of this specific symptom with my doctor at my 6 week follow-up.

I'm terrified because I don't know what to expect. I'm 32 and thought I be like 80 before anything like this came up. Any words of inspiration out there for a big chicken?

Gail,

I am sorry you are going through this, but you found a great website. I didn't find this website until after my surgery. Are you scheduled for a hysterectomy or have you already had one? When? If you are scheduled for one, the pre-op forum offers lots of great advice on how to get ready, I wish I had know about it before my surgery. You can get a lot of good information here, and lots and lots of emotional support. The sisters are the best. To take or not take HRT is a very personal decision, once that should be made with your doctor. Unfortunately for me, my doctors were absolutely against it because I have a high risk of breast cancer, other sisters are not taking it because of endo, and still others choose not to take it because they aren't comfortable with it, but many sisters are on HRT and are doing better because of it. I know it can be a very scary thing, especially at your young age, but I cantell you that my imagination made everything worse than the reality. My hysterectomy was not nearly as bad as I imagined it, and my recovery is going very well, even without the HRT. If you are afraid, come here and vent and talk about your fears. One thing is for sure, you will always find someone here who has gone through the same thing you have and can offer comfort or advice when needed.



Karen

Drink lots of water,eat foods like sardines,fish,lots of green vegetables ,soya milk(choc or strawberry is really good)and fruit.I had Premarin for 3 wks but because I have fibrocystic breasts its not recommended.Am about to take Estroven but a lot of the discomfort has gone and its really just the joint pains that bother me.

Well You Are Gonna Like This Im Over 4 Months Post Op And Have Took No Hormones No Nothing To Help And I Feel Fine I May Get A Hot Flash Now And Then But They Are Getting Less And Less So I Guess It Just Depends I Personally Will Never Take Them