Aching on Vivelle Dot .1- should I lower the dose?

I have been on the Vivelle Dot (.1 mg) since my last remaining ovary was removed in Oct '05. I have noticed an abdominal aching (intermittent but sometimes really intense) and was wondering if this might be related to the HRT and the amount of estrogen I have been getting. I tried going off the patch as a test, but only lasted 3 days before horrible hot flashes set in so I went back on . I was thinking about asking my doc if I could try a lower dose, maybe .05? I am 44 years old. I don't know if this amount of estrogen will be sufficient or not. I do have endo, however, my surgeon said that it was "old" when he did a LAVH/LSO in Jan of '05. He did not mention the HRT exacerbating it. Any advice?

Lauralis,
I had stomach cramps when I first started on Estraderm 50 patches, but these have now stopped, occasionally i will get the odd twinge. As i understand it can be a side effect of some hrt in the early stages of taking it. If you are that uncomfortable, can you not ask your Doctor for a change, see if it helps.

Hi

Estrogen of any kind either from your own ovaries or from HRT can stimulate any remaining endo.

I have never heard that endo is "old" so I am confussed by what that means but using unopposed estrogen without progesterone is not a good idea if you know you have endo.

It may be helpful to read about using some natural progesterone cream to help inhibit the growth of endo and counteract the negative effects that estrogen has on stimulating the endo.

Have you talked to your doctor about the abdominal pain? It may be nothing to worry about, but I think it may be wise to give your doctor a call and let them know waht you are experiencing.