HRT-spots, facial hair, dry hair etc etc!!

Please help someone!!
I had a hysterectomy last July (2002) and recovered quickly. I also had both ovaries removed.
I was started on HRT immediately and have had no ill effects, i.e. no hot flushes etc.
I do however still have the facial hair problem I had before the op and the spots are still with me! I did think that once the op was over and my hormones had settled down this would all be a thing of the past!
Also now for the past couple of months I am finding when I wash my hair I am losing quite a bit more than usual. Also my hair is very dry and frizzy despite using every conditioner on the market nothing seems to help.
Is this a sign that my HRT is not the right one for me? Like I said the other symptoms you would associate with the menopause
have not happened to me so I considered myself to be extremely lucky.
I am on Progynova (Estradiol) 1Mg.
I hope someone out there knows the answers to my problems!
With Best Wishes,
Sharon x

Hi Shazb

First thing I'm wondering is if you have had your thyroid levels checked? Dry frizzy hair and hairloss can often times be a symptoms of thyroid imbalance. I would start there, by asking your to run a thyroid panel and see how what those levels are.

Have you always had problems with facial hair? There can be a genetic component to that, depending on your heritage. Also, excess facial hair can be a sign of elevated testestorone.

As far as the spots (I'm assuming hyperpigmentation, as in brown spots?)----there is also a genetic factor to that condition, as well as hormonal influence. Estrogen replacement can cause an increase in this condition as well. Your first line of defense is to wear a good sunblock (at least 30 SPF) everyday---and consult with a skincare specialist about treatments that help to fade those spots.

Hope some of this helps.
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Hi Shelley,

Thanks for your reply. No the spots I suffer from are the acne type, not too bad but still at 40 you would think I would be over those by now!
I have this morning made an appointment to see my doctor on Friday and I will ask about the thyroid and also if this HRT is still appropriate for me. I will report back to you to let you know what she says.
Thanks again for helping, its good to know that there are people who you can ask these little niggly questions, it is really appreciated.
Best Wishes from
Sharon (in Sunny Sunderland, UK) x

Hi again!

As far as the acne problem---my daughter has the same difficulty and her doctor has her on a very low dose antibiotic (Minocycline, I think)---and it really helps to keep her complexion clear. Just a thought....

Good luck at your appointment on Friday---do let us know how it goes!

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