Estrogen withdrawal

Hello Sisters! I am nearly three years post op (April) ,and I am facing a very difficult problem concerning ERT. For the first 6 months after surgery, I took 1.25 mg of Premarin. I then had to start Depo-Estradiol injections because the pill form was not being absorbed by my system. Now, I am being weaned off of the injections and am feeling horrible! I knew there would be withdrawal symptoms, but I had NO idea it would be this bad! The mood swings and hot flashes are driving me nuts! Has anyone else been through this? I could really use some help with this one!

Why is the doc weaning you off the injections? Have you discussed using a low-dose trandermal estrogen (like the v dot)?

Dorrie

Dear mizjunglejane,

Oh my gosh, yes! I went through hormone hell for a year and a half so I can certainly relate. Following my TAH/BSO I went into hormone shock which caused blood disorders, strokes, heart problems and more. None of my local doctors knew what to do and mistakenly, they wouldn't let me have any hormones at all. An act that in the long run, was causing more harm than good, (actually causing the problems) and may have even killed me if I hadn't been advised to go to a large, teaching hospital in a nearby city. There I learned that the doctor I needed to see was an endocrinologist.

This wonderful doctor had me feeling better within 24 hours! I too am super sensitive to drugs (a fact that made my TAH/BSO contraindicated in the first place, but was ignored) and have many allergies. I am happy to report that there are naturally compounded, bio-identical hormones in available in topical cremes that can be prescribed for women like us. I did have a few minor problems in finding a medium (creme, gel or other application) that I could use but my doctor and pharmacist worked together to find a solution.

I will never be the same as I was before the surgery, but the difference these hormones have made is astounding. The key is to go to a doctor who really knows what he/she is doing. This is why I recommend an endocrinologist. One that specializes in infertility, menopause or androgen related disorders. (Often they began as gynecologist before getting more specialzed training.)

Good luck!

Thank you for your response Dorrie and Lucille. Reasons for weaning off the Depo-Estradiol injections are two-fold. I have been on the maximum dosage of ERT for almost three years. I have in this time also developed diabetes, high cholesterol and high tryglycerides.Sounds lovely,yes? The doctor seems to feel that new avenues should be explored because of mounting health risks. I am in agreement,so far. This doesn't really help that "falling apart" feeling.I feel as though I don't know enough about the different ERTs. Any more suggestions?

Yes! See an endocrinologist and a cardiologist that specializes in women right away. (see my post in "Stopped Estrogen") All your problems (diabetes and lipid panel) are typical post hysterectomy complications and you need to be checked by someone who really understands hormones as soon as possible. (endocrinologist)

When my doctors (above) got my hormones back into balance, my lipid panel (cholestrol, triglycerides) corrected themselves within weeks. I am convinced I would be dead if I hadn't gone to these experts. My gynecologist and family practitioner were in way over their heads.

Take care,

I have had the same thing. High cholesterol and lipid panel. HIgh titer counter (ana) heart palpitations, snycope. When I use any type of patch I can hardly walk (severe ortho static hypo tension which causes my blood pressure to drop and my heart rate to elevate to 154 beats per minute then i pass out from oxygen not getting to the brain (looks like a seizure but is called autonom ic dysfunction. Im such a mess i hate this

Thank you for the information Lucille. I read the other thread you suggested and will definitely bring this up with my doctor. I am glad that you have found what works for you. I pray daily that I will as well. This road is much harder than anyoine told me it would be! I am SO glad the Hyster Sisters are here! Hello to you as well SweetRyn. Sounds as though you are having quite a few difficulties as well. So sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish that I had words of wisdom for you, but I am groping around in the dark hormone jungle too!