Estradiol Anyone?

Hi,
I am new to posting on this site, but have been reading posts since before my Feb. 2003 TAH, BSO surgery.
I have a question for anyone else who is on Estradiol. I was originally put on Femhrt after my surgery and have done well on it, but like many of you, I too have no sex drive, which has changed tremendously since before my surgery. My DH has been very understanding about it but I finally called my doctor and he has changed me to Estradiol 1mg. My question is, one of the side effects that is listed, is the "preganancy mask" or dark splotches on the face, have any of you experienced this with this hormone. I have not started on it yet and am kind of concerned about some of the side effects listed in the pamplet. Can anyone tell me if they've experienced anything unusual on this hormone before I start taking it? I really would like to stimulate my libido again but am not sure if the side effects are worth it. Thanks for any input you have. This entire website has been a blessing to me. <><

I had a LAVH on 6/13, and started on Estradiol immediately after. I haven't seen any dark splotches yet. Then again, I haven't been on it that long. I was on it a few years ago for meno symptoms, and didn't notice anything then, either.

hi and welcome to the jungle! estradiol is the main estrogen used for menopausal symptoms and the risks and benefits of using it are way to long to list here. there are some great articles at www.hormonejungle.com click the link on the right that says articles. i had the pregnancy mask when i was on birth control pills, but i don't have it on estradiol..some women get it and others don't. i would suggest you read alot here in the jungle and research hormone therapy pros and cons, so that you can make an informed decision for your body. for me...i wouldn't trade my hrt for anything! good luck hon and here's some 's for you.

I've been on 2mg of estradiol since my TVH BSO 3 months ago. I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor SOON to see if I need even more! I've no sex drive, I feel like I've been "sand papered" after sex due to dryness, and have occasional hot flashes. I'm experiencing a lot of moodiness, perhaps because I'm also bi-polar...UGH! I also have fibromyalgia, and I'm skinny too. From other post I've read I may need a LOT more estrogen!!!!!! No pregnancy mask or other real side effects. Hope you find a good dose and can deal with any side effects. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

I've been taking Estradiol (1.5 mg) since my surgery almost six months ago and I love it. I had been taking Loestrin (BCP) for a couple of years prior to my surgery to treat perimenopause symptoms. During that time I developed a couple of dark splotches on my jawline, but the Estradiol hasn't had any effect on that.

I had no sex drive either after the first couple of months so I started taking Estratest FS (briefly stopping the Estradiol). I hated the daily dose of Estratest so I went back on the Estradiol and began alternating that with Estratest. I'm happy to report that my libido is alive and kicking, but I waited a good six weeks before I really noticed this change!

So for now I will continue taking Estradiol 1.5 mg for one or two days and taking an Estratest FS every other or every third day because I can't argue with the results. My face is much less oily, I have fewer breakouts, no facial hair, no hot flashes, no trouble sleeping, and a healthy sex drive.

Life is good!

I have been taking 1mg Estardiol for almost 2 weeks now. The only skin side effect I have had is dryness so I am using lotion ALL the time. It has helped with sleeping, hot flashes, and mood swings.

I've been taking depoestradiol since my surgery, almost 2 years ago and I lost my sex drive along with my sanity and my figure. It's different for everyone. I actually just switched from the shot to the patch (vivelle dot) it's supposed to be more consistant. I have my fingers crossed

I have been on Climara patch .1mg since the day after surgery and I haven't had a moment's problem!

My sex drive is what it used to be, no hot flashes, the patch stays put, can't say enough good about it.

hope it works for you!

Thanks so much for all of your valuable input about Estradiol, your replies have put my mind at ease about, at least trying it for the 3 months he has prescribed for me. I liked hearing that the skin dries out more on this, as I feel sometimes like a teenager still with the oily skin. I was hoping the other hormone would help but didn't do much for the skin. Again, thanks to all of you for replying .

Hiya

Im on the estradiol patch the lowest dosage. It stopped my night sweats and headaches immediately and no dark splotches on the face! Unfortunately it hasnt helped my libido at all and i also use the estradiol cream inserted vaginally and that hasnt woken me up either!