Estrogen or No Estrogen... That is the Question

Hello...

My hysterectomy was two years ago. I wonder if anyone else has a variety of symptoms resulting from their hysterectomy.

I healed fine, but about six months after the surgery, I began to feel more anxiety, irritability, and depression than I every had in life previously. I was not depressed about the hysterectomy itself; we have two children and we did not want more.

My problem is that I used to take pride in my analytical skills and ability to work out complex problems... but my memory started slipping, I began to feel like my head was in a fog, and I couldn't understand it. I began to have problems sleeping at night also, which isn't normal for me. The symptoms became worse and worse until I was almost suicidal, with no reason for it. I have a wonderful family and a fulfilled life. I went to the doctor, and they gave me both psychiatric medication and estradiol. I work in the psychiatric field, and I knew my problem was situational and unlike me. I didn't want to get wrapped up with taking psych meds. So, I only took the estradiol. Within a couple of weeks I was better able to think clearly, and I think the estradiol made a big difference.

I took the estradiol for a few months, but grew tired of it. I felt good for about 8 months, before beginning to feel the lack of memory problems and fogginess again. I called my doctor to reinstate the estrogen.

I'm 39 and I don't want to take this medication for the rest of my life. I never knew that all these feelings and memory loss could be related to the hysterectomy, and I still don't have solid answers. Why is it that, since the hysterectomy, I have not had the drive, ambition, or motivation that I used to have? I just want to be my old energetic, mentally sharp self again!

Hi

The brain fog and insomnia symptoms you describe sounds like low estrogen.

Here's a symptom list of too much/too little estrogen

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsa...hp?s=&id=97238

For most of us, the decision to take HRT boils down to a quality of life issue. There are no guarantees in any medication we take, and the jury is still out on long-term effects of a lot of HRTs. You are still quite young, IMO, to be going without. I was 49 when I had my hyst, and my doctor told me she feels I can safely take HRT for 5 years. We will re-evaulate each year at my annual exam.

As far as energy levels, some of us have found that also adding a bit of compounded testosterone creme helps with those issues.
Also, are you taking vitamin supplements? Here is another good are article re: supplements which I think it valid regardless if we take estrogen or not:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsarticle.php?id=97237

Hope some of this helps.

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Thank you so much Shelly2 for your information! Being informed has always helped me feel much better about a situation. I'm printing out the info right now, so that I can read it at my lunchbreak.

Speaking of vitamins, I found my self in a vicious spiral; brain fog = lack of ability to think straight = not the best food choices = weight gain frustration and lack of vitamin consumption. I guess that once I start taking the HRT again, my head can clear enough to begin to make better choices with food and vitamins.

Out of all avenues (doctors, nurses, friends, etc.), Hystersisters has been absolutely the most helpful to me throughout this process. Thank you so much for being here. What would I have done without you?