Who prescribes HRT?

Who typically prescribes HRT after a hysterectomy?

My surgeon doesn't deal with this, but my OB/GYN said she would. Is that typically the physician most use to get hormones?

They also said I would prob. get estrogen and progesterone.....but I have read that with uterus and both ovaries removed you typically get estrogen only? They said they just start on the lowest dose of estrogen and work up from there. Is this what most do? Also, they said they do not do testosterone, which disappoints me.

I am guessing with a bioidentical place, I could get testosterone also, but have no idea if that would be covered by insurance, like a regular GYN.

So.....what do you guys all do?

My surgery is Nov. 14th.
Hysterectomy/BSO
Mesh bladder sling/Cystocele repair
Rectocele and Entrocele repair

My gynecologist prescribes my hormone therapy but if he wasn't knowledgeable about it, I'd seek out another doctor. I used to be on estrogen, progesterone and testosterone but over the years I've gradually eliminated the progesterone and testosterone and I'm doing well without them now. I definitely felt better on them earlier in my post-op life.

There are doctors (and others) who say progesterone isn't needed after a hysterectomy but that doesn't mean it isn't beneficial for some. When you think about it, women who have had a hysterectomy but kept their ovaries still benefit from estrogen, progesterone and testosterone so why wouldn't someone without ovaries who has had a hysterectomy not also benefit?

Generally it's easiest to start out on estrogen only and then add other hormones, one at a time, if necessary for hormone balance. Plan on keeping a symptom journal which you can share with your doctor to help find what works best for you.

If you have the option of keeping your ovaries, consider doing so.

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Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!

Thanks!
I will ask my doc about testosterone.......only actually talked with nurse so far.

My ovaries are going b/c I also have pelvic congestive disorder due to pelvic vericose veins.....the hope is removing the ovaries will also relieve this.

I got a lot going on down there! Lol.

Thanks for your help.

You're very welcome! Let us know what your doctor has to say, okay?