cold turkey

I went to my gyno for my six week check up after having a total histerectomy. I had a problem with the climara because of the headaches so he switched me to primarin which gave me a burning sensation down there, and one episode of shortness of breath (maybe anxiety) when I told him this he basically told me that he has never heard of such symptoms and would not give me anymore estrogen. What do I do? I was on .06 of climara. Can you just stop it? I am so freaking out about this. I have been crying all day because we are so close to the Holidays and I don't want to ruin it by raging out of control. Can I be without estrogen? Please someone help!!!!

(Kimmico) so sorry to hear of your experience. Going cold turkey is possible (I've stopped taking Climara cold turkey before), however be wary of the hot flashes, headaches, and all those things that go with hormone fluctuations. I would get a second opinion if I was you. And thoroughly do your research on hormone influences on your body before you go to your new doctor so you are armed with facts. I can email you some links if you'd like to get you started.

I have had shortness of breath with different forms of HRT, as well as anxiety and a ton of other issues. I hate it when doctors make light of our complaints. Going cold turkey may cause you some serious symptoms. I know for me, I will feel great for a few days and then crash and burn so fast I don't know what hit me. Did you try cutting your Climara patches in half and just trying that for a while? You may want to cut them and just gradually lower the dose if you want to get off altogether. It will be easier on your body that way. I would get a second opinion, and perhaps a different doctor.

I don't know what to do. The gyno took the patch that I had on, off of me today. I still have 2 left ( he doesn't know that) I made an appt with a new gyno, I will see him in 2 weeks. This monday I go to my family Dr. and see what she says. Should I put the other climara patch on untill I see my physician? I am so freaked out right now, because I don't want to go crazy.

Hi Kimmico, I wish I could tell you what you should do, but it is a very individual decision. I know it is so hard to get the answers you need, especially in a difficult time like this. I had a similar experience and I almost had a nervous breakdown trying to get the right answer. And I found there is no 'right' or 'wrong', it choice. And I am an advocate of informed choice. Check out all the resources here and do a google search for the Survivor's Guide to Surgical Menopause. It's an easy to follow site about HRT. Good Luck with your new doctor. and hope you find the answers you need.

I couldn't use the patch due to rashes with the adhesive, plus I seemed to have some symptoms of anxiety. Doc switched me over to a low dose of Estrace (I use the generic) and I've been fine for two years.

Talk to the doc and see what he/she recommends.

I would talk with your PCP as well as your GYN. Be cautious about heart disease and blood clots. The hot flashes can be horrendous, I feel for you because I am going thru it right now.