help with hormones

I had a TAH with both ovaries and tubes removed April 11. I've been using the Climara patch .06 daily dose since day 1, and I use progesterone cream daily. But I was reading in Dr. Lee's book about progesterone that you should discontinue use of the progesterone and hormone for one week then start again. I'm nervous that if I stop using my hormone for this next week I will get severe menopausal symptoms. Will that happen? I figure my body needs all the help it can get to heal and not be under the stress surgical menopause brings on.

Hi, 123clm!

I wouldn't stop your hormones for a week. You're in surgical menopause, which is very different from natural menopause. Most literature you read that involves cycling hormones is directed to those in natural menopause. Those of us in surgical menopause don't usually cycle our hormones.

You can check with your doctor to be sure, but be assured that there are many, many women who take their hormones each and every day and are doing very well!

Best wishes as you continue your recovery.

s