What should be my next move?

Hi All

I'm in the UK, and having a nightmare with the menopause, I'm 32 and had surgery over 7 weeks ago.

I am currently on an oestrogen patch 'Estraderm' but even though I am on the highest dose that they can give me, I am still having the following symptoms:

Night sweats (not every night!),
Hot flushes (mild - as soon as I notice that I am getting hot, they pass),
Lactation,
Insomnia, (sometimes only sleep for an hour .. a night!)
Mood Swings, - Up & Down all the time!,
Itching - Everywhere - and when I scratch I get 'raised lumps'

So, I have spoken to my GYN/OB & he thinks that I've got a major 'hormone imbalance' thing going on. I go to see him tomorrow for a hormone test & pro-lactin test BUT I'm really unsure about what I should do next ...

I've heard that in the UK, we can't get testosterone cream .. the only way to get testosterone is to have the oestrogen implants .. but I had a bad experience with the 'norplant' contraceptive 8 years ago so I do not want to visit that again ....

I liked the idea of the patches - only have to change them twice a week ...

I don't like the idea of taking a pill everyday for the next 20+ years SO I'm asking you .. any ideas on what my next move should be ....

I know that I have not found a 'miracle' cure yet for these menopause symptoms, and the are really getting me down & making me rather desperate I JUST WANT MY LIFE BACK !

Hope that you can help

Toni xx

Toni,
By your symptoms it doesn't sound like you need testosterone so I wouldn't worry about getting the implant. Keep in mind that not everyone needs the same hormones, so even though you may see some women here using testosterone that doesn't mean that you will need to use it.

You are still really early post op and many of the symptoms you are having now are not that unusual at this point in your recovery. Unfortunately for some of us hormonal balance does not come overnight.

The only thing I would suggest is maybe bumping up your dose to see if it helps with the itching. If the itching is not an allergic reaction than it could be a sign of low estrogen.

Thanks for that information Kim .. the only problem I have, is that I am on the maximum dose of patch that the GYN is legally allowed to put me on (I've got a patch on each 'butt' LOL) my only option is to change the way that I am getting the oestrogen into my body (I don't think that transdermal is suiting me) .. and this is what concerns me .. do I really want to be popping pills for the next 20+ years? I wish there was so magic cure ...

Also, do you know what the average 'time' range is for getting hormonal problems addressed after surgery, to a state where the woman feels more 'settled'?

Thanks Toni xx

Hi Toni,

Sorry to hear about all your going through. I wish that I had all the answers for you. I am post-op for aboout 9.5 months aand unfornatuely my hormones are not under control yet. I went back to the doctor today and on Monday he is going to start me on hormone injections. I kind feel like you that I am on an emotional roller coaster that want stop. Maybe if would help if you expressed all your concerns to your doctor if you have not already. Just remember you are not alone and have the same faith that I have that this to shall pass. I wish I had more answers for you but I felt like I need to let you know that you are not alone. I wish yoou the best of luck!!!!!!!!!!!