How to decide what HRT to take?

Hi Ladies,

I was very happy to get scheduled for a hysterectomy, but then I got really nervous. My biggest concern about the whole thing is hormone replacement, and how to adjust after. My question for anyone - how did you decide what hormone replacement was for you - as far as what type and how it was administered? I am scared that I will become the "wicked witch of the mid-west," and I don't want to put myself or my DH through that.

If anyone would like to put their input in on what has worked for them, I would appreciate it . I have read some posts about a few of them, and one that stuck me as quite a few liking it was Estrogel.

Thanks,

Rae

Scheduled for TAH/BSO for endo, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia

Rae,
I didn't decide, my doctor did. I didn't have a clue about hormones before my surgery. I did luck out that my doctor opted to start me on a bio identical hormone patch. Ultimately, it wasn't the hrt for me, but it did get get me thru the initial post op period.

Unfortunately, hormones are not one size fits all. You will need to find what is going to work for you. The only way to do that is thru trial and error. Do keep in mind that what you see here in the jungle is mostly from those whom are having problems. What you don't see is those that aren't having problems as they don't have a need to post here. There are women who take their hrt and have no further problems.

Rae,

Sometimes doctors may have their own agenda for you regarding hrt based on your medical history (such as smoking, history or risk factors for cancer or blood clots, endometriosis, thyroid issues, etc...). You may want to talk to your doctor ahead of time to see what the plan is for you (so there won't be any major surprises ). I know with endo different doctors have different strategies. I think it is great though that you are taking a proactive stance and doing some research ahead of time! It will make things a little easier for you in navigating through the hormone jungle. I thought I would give you some links to read that may help you in planning for surgical menopause and hrt in general.
http://www.earlymenopause.com/hrt.htm (describes many of the hrt's on the market, what's in them, delivery system, and pros and cons of each)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ight=molecular (thread that discusses bioidentical versus synthetic hormones)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_menopause.htm (general article about surgical menopause, hrt, non herbal support, and balancing)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsarticle.php?id=97238 (list of symptoms of too much/too little estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=65842 (thread from Hystersisters regarding top ten questions to ask your doctor about hrt)

I hope this helps! Like Kim said, we are all unique and what works for one may not work for another. It really is a process of trial and error. Some of us will have an easier time getting balanced than others. I wish you the best with your surgery and hope that it is a smooth ride for you!

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it. Thanks for the helpful links too. I had read a couple, but there were a couple I hadn't seen yet.

Naturebound - I see that we are from the same neck of the woods. Don't you just love MN?

Rae

Wow, I totally missed that! How nice to see a sister from the great north woods of Minnesota! I have been to Grand Rapids several times and that is a nice area. I love the wilderness up here!

Good luck with your surgery!

I think the best advice is to not give up. We really are all different. I did quite a bit of research and wasn't prepared for the way my body reacted to the bio-identical estrogen that my doctor prescribed.

Though it can be quite frustrating, you'll eventually find the right drug and dose for you.

My Dr wanted to start me on Premarin but my gut instinct and extensive 3inch file of research told me that is not what I wanted to take. I suggested Cenestin and have not had a bit of trouble with it. Of course, it's still pretty early but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Everyone is different and what works for me may not for you. I suggest doing your homework. I spent hours looking up every kind of hrt known to man. I also asked everyone I knew their opinions. That's how I heard about Cenestin.

My doctor decided for me as well! I like the fact my doctor uses mostly "plant" and not animal deriverated. I started on Climara and almost three years later switch to Vivello Dot and now trying Estrasorb. You might want to look into Compund Therapy to see what it is you need.

Good Luck!