Any sisters who can't take HRT? How do you cope?

I am 32 and going without HRT. I have endo/pcos but no cancer risk factors. I had started HRT right after surgery but after trying 4 different methods I decided to stop. My doctor is impossible to get ahold of and I was just tired of the waiting for responses. I'm going to make an appt with a GP soon to discuss what I can be doing on my own. I'm having a hard time coming up with the right vitamins to take and dosages that are best.

I have dealt with the hot flashes since hours after my surgery. After stopping HRT I started getting night sweat and defintely more irritable. I am very short on patience as well. It helps that I've been taking Zoloft since surgery but I know thats not enough. I'll let you knw if I ever figure something out!

hi, sunshine....

another Sister had recommended the arbonne products. i wonder though if this has any effect on a person's mood, as this is my biggest concern right now...? if you could let me know how you're doing in the future, i would appreciate that! take care ~SayAnything89

hi, moonie...and thanks for your input! my doctor, too, is impossible to reach...that's a long story....so the only way i can see him is to make an appointment and pay, pay, pay. frustrating! i just feel so off-balance mood-wise. i have taken anti-depressants in the past....and i always want to think "i'm strong" and can get thru it alone, but maybe i have to get real with myself and get some help? i am doing ok with hot flashes/night sweats...they are annoying, but i can get thru them...right now, it's strictly about mood for me. again, thanks for your reply--- it is much appreciated! ~SayAnything89 -Stephanie

Hi, Stephanie
I do have the mood swings.Very short on patiences at times. When I go back to see my doc. on the 23 I am going to be asking all kinds of ?. Along with the cancer risk on both sides of family my mother also has heart disease. Double wammy here. I have high blood pressure and am on a blood pressure pill thats half water-pill,so that does help prevent some heart ailments. I have for the past year been taking calcium supplements and Vitamin D. I swear I have to get up at 5:30 just to start taking pills I also eat an orange every morning (don't like to drink juice) my doc. along time ago with a previous surgery told me Vit. C helps to heal you inside after surgery. It always seems to help if you double up doses before and after surgery.
I hope everybody here finds some relief somewhere God knows we all deserve it.
Lori

Hi Stephanie!

There's a specialty forum on the site, No Hormone Desert Oasis, designed for women who cannot take or don't wish to use HRT. Please do yourself a favor and read the threads, and join the discussions on this topic there!

Many s to you,

Just a word about the Arbonne products... they do contain progesterone, so please, if your DR has specified that you may not use hormones, talk with him or her before deciding to try it.

s,
-Linda

Just after the surgery I was having clammy skin and sweats.It has resolved itself and now am feeling just great.Was supposed to take Estroven Extra strength but didn't as the symptoms all went away.It is supposed to have excellent results so you can try it and evening primrose oil.Hope you get relief soon

I'm going with no HRT, too. I'm 2 weeks post-op for a total hyst and my night sweats started 2 nights ago so here we go. I had/have (still in my colon) severe endo so I am avoiding estrogen like the plague. I am starting reminifen (sp?) - commercial preparation of black cohosh -tonight. It's an herbal remedy and is supposed to help with night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Good luck!

just wanted to thank all of you who took time to respond...i had no idea that so many over-the-counter remedies existed! i would like to investigate more/talk to my doc, of course. but i also wonder how many of these remedies help with hot flashes/night sweats only, and not mood swings?

i have been lurking on the "no hormones" message boards, reading and learning.

thanks for all your input, ladies!
~SayAnything89 -Stephanie

	Quote:
Originally Posted by gcounselor I'm going with no HRT, too. I'm 2 weeks post-op for a total hyst and my night sweats started 2 nights ago so here we go. I had/have (still in my colon) severe endo so I am avoiding estrogen like the plague. I am starting reminifen (sp?) - commercial preparation of black cohosh -tonight. It's an herbal remedy and is supposed to help with night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings. I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck!

I hear ya! I'm avoiding the endo plague too (I hope!) No HRT now because of that and my doc says maybe in 6 months I could try hormones, but he doesn't advise it. I'm at higher risk for breast and colon cancers and have an occasional irregular heartbeat.

So far, night sweats, hot flashes, joint and muscle aches, some insomnia, and fatigue are my symptoms. I've been very fortunate so far in the mood department, but who knows, that could change anytime. I'm hoping the hot flashes resolve before warm weather arrives. At least for now, I can go outside and cool down!

Best wishes to all of you!