HRT..should I do it or not?

Planning on having a hysterectomy July 23rd. Trying to do some research on the pros and cons of taking hormones afterwards. My doctor would like to put the patch on me right after the surgery to help. Right now, I am a mess. Have a little night sweats and hot flashes, but nothing I can't handle. I am NOT sleeping well at all and cry at the drop of a hat. I hate feeling this way. I don't think I can handle the symptoms without going on something. Any advice? I know it's a personal decision. I guess I'm looking for the cons of it at this point.

I was having those symptoms before I had my surgery as well. I had them much worse afterwards when my ovaries were removed. I took them for some time when the first few years were the worst. I had horrible hot flashes and sweats. You will have to see how you do. You can wait and see if you want.


There are some good reasons to take HRT depending on your health, family health history, age, etc. Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic on pros and cons. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hor...herapy/WO00046

Hope this helps some.

So much controversy surrounding HRT. New science is out there supporting it. This decision must be comfortable for you and it helps if your Dr.s are keeping pace with the latest findings.
My oncologist agreed with me that HRT benefits outweigh the risks. I was encouraged to keep my ovaries. Endometrial cancer was stage 1A (very early). All removed with no further treatment required. My G.P isn't totally comfortable with HRT but writes my prescriptions for Estrogel and prometreum anyway.
I am a young 73 year Canadian and have been on natural hormones for twenty plus years. So far I have no other health issues that require medications and I like to think it is because I have kept my hormones balanced.
Two months since vaginal hysterectomy and looking forward to a few more years of healthy sex. 😉

Hi,
I think the decision is different for everyone. Mine is about quality of life.

I was on bio-identical HRT about 5 years before having endomentrial cancer that the doctor believes was caused by estrogen dominance. My hormones weren't balanced.

After surgery, my doctor doesn't want me to use estrogen and feels that without a uterus, I don't need progesterone either. I decided I do need progesterone and had to go outside my healthcare to get help.

I am on high dose progesterone therapy and having great results. I feel that I have a safe foundation against environmental estrogens and phyto-estrogens in foods, etc. The higher dosage is helping with many menopause issues ( hot flashes/night sweats, foggy brain, joint pain, over-all sense of well-being and sleep issues). I have read that the progesterone can also help with bone density. I'll know in September.

Not everyone can use progesterone, but it is working for me. It was a good quality-of-life decision for me.

There are many choices and a lot of experimenting to find the right product and dosage. Best of luck to you in your healing journey.