Hormone Questions

Hi Gals,
I am new to this site and think I will like it. I am currently 55 and had a hysterectomy at 27. I have been on Estrogen of one type or another for all these years. A few years ago they quit making the estinyl that I took and they changed me to estrace. My libido has absolutely DIED!!!! Went to a new Doc the other day who prescribed VagiFem and estratest, any feed back on these? I have tried to stop using estrogens on several occasions, but don't do well without it. I do use a progestrone cream.
Taking hormones is a scary thing for me since my Mom had breast cancer at 45. Several other family members have too. Fortunately I have had no positive mammo's
Any input???? Thanks
Janice

Hi Janice

I have not used Estratest myself, but as you probably know, it contains a synthetic testosterone....and testosterone is what supports libido. My libido completely went away after my total hysterectomy 2+ years ago. I now use a compounded bioidentical testosterone creme which does help.

Regarding your family history of breast cancer, I can certainly understand your concerns, however, so far, I have not had to worry about that aspect regarding my estrogen replacement, so I do not have any meaningful input for you in that regard.

What does your doctor advise you regarding your family history of breast cancer and estrogen replacement? I can certainly understand how going without that replacement affects quality of life. My doctor told me I could "safely" stay on my bioidentical replacement for at least 5 years. I shudder to think how I will feel if I have to go off of it

I'm sorry I do not have more input for you, but wanted to pop in and welcome you to Hystersisters. Hopefully you will get replies from other members who have breast cancer concerns.

's

Hi Janice

I've used both Vagifem and Estratest HS (half strength). I used them at the same time before switching to compounded hormones.

Vagifem is used to treat vaginal dryness/atrophy. There are many women who use it and have had success. Initially it is usually prescribed to use nightly for two weeks and then twice a week after that. I only stopped using it because I changed all my hormone replacement to compounded prescriptions.

Estratest is a combination of esterifed estrogen and methyltestosterone. Some women do well on it, others do not. Really the only way to know if it will work for your libido is to try it and see if it helps. I hope it does work for you!

It's good that you're keeping up on having your mammograms done. You are doing a monthy breast exam too, right? Like (((Shelley))) I have no experience with breast cancer myself or in my family.

There are a couple of links in our Resources area about HRT and breast cancer. You might find them helpful.

s