Hrt

I am one week post op with a complete abdominal hysterectomy where the ovaries were taken. At what point do you start on hormones? I have lost complete faith in my oncologist and am waiting to hear whether or not my regular gynecologist will take over where the oncologist left off. The only problems I am currently having is nightmares and insomnia. Thanks!

Some women are started on HRT while still in the hospital, some a few days or weeks later and some either farther down the road or not at all. If you feel that you need HRT now or might in the future, you'll definitely want a dr. who will listen to you and work with you. I'm betting that an oncologist might not be the best person for that, although they'd need to be in the loop. Were you diagnosed with cancer? If so, have any of your dr's discussed your ability to take estrogen?

I am 41 and this is the second cancer scare. Once when I was 24 and 3 weeks ago. My mother is a breast cancer survivior. Her problems began with breast cancer when she started HRT.

For me, I knew I had to have a complete hysterectomy and was given the option to have it done now or in 6 months. Regardless I had to have surgery immediately to remove the cancer. It would have been hard on my children to have to deal with 2 surgeries in one year so I chose to have it done all at once. I had little time to do ANY research that was helpful or useful or that I understood and my Dr. has been MIA since my surgery. I will be replacing him with another Doctor. I did have them take my hormone levels before the surgery because a friend suggested it. I have NO idea what I am doing or what I am supposed to be doing at this point. I am relaxing and taking it easy!

~hugs~
I am sorry I have no advice about HRT. Just wanted to add some support!

I'm sorry that you've had to deal with cancer both for yourself and for your mother. I know how stressful and frightening it can be.

I've just finished a book called "Sudden Menopause" and found it very helpful in terms of what to expect, HRT, natural remedies, etc. I'd highly recommend to anyone, regardless of which direction they choose to go.

I'm handling the menopause symptoms really well so far but here's what I'm using:
Estrace vaginal cream (vaginal atrophy scared the wits out of me, so this was a must for me)
Flaxseed oil
Vit E
Multivitamin
Calcium supps (osteoporosis also scares the wits out of me)
Vit B Complex (just started this based on the recommendations in the book).

What I'm doing may not be for everyone, but the book gives some good suggestions depending on what symptoms you're experiencing.

I hope you can find a dr. who can help you wade thru all the information and make some decisions.