How long before the estrogen kicks in?

I had an abdominal hyst w/ ovaries removed about a month ago. I didn't sleep from the day of surgery until a few days ago when I started using a sleeping pill. Went on estrogen pill about 2 weeks ago. I am pretty emotional, so I am thinking maybe this isn't strong enough. I have had extreme vaginal pain(dryness?), my GYN prescribed a estrogen cream. 1 gram per day. This has helped some, but hasn't totally. I have been using the cream about 6 days. Does the estrogen need to build up in my system? How long? I have not had any hot flashes or night sweats, just vaginal pain, some constipation, a little depression and no sleep. I am 49, hadn't had a period for 2 years before surgery. Maybe the uterine polyps or ovarian cyst stopped my periods. Who knows.

I think that the fact that you did not start HRT until two weeks ago has allot to do with your reactions and feelings. DId your doctor give you any form of HRT right after surgery? Most important you have to remember that your body has just been thru a major shock. It does take awhile for the hormones to get into your system.

Thanks, I was not on any HRT for the first almost 3 wks.

I'm 51, and had an LSH/BSO on Feb 9, 2007. I started on oral bio-identical estrogen and testosterone. 14 weeks later, after a few increases and blood tests, we realized I was not absorbing ANY of the estrogen. No wonder I felt like crap. I went on the Climara patch .01mg 12 days ago, and have felt much better. The first night with the patch was the first night I got a decent nights sleep. I now take 1.4 mg oral testosterone, as my body was absorbing the testosterone, and am using vaginal estragen cream.

I guess we're all different!

Jennifer

My doctor will not give me hormones yet. Just had my surgery on the 23rd and I'm dying between the mood swings and the sweats, I can't breathe.

Dayton2005 -

Many Docs put the patch on someone before they get out of the OR. Mine asked me to wait 3 days before starting the oral HRT so I was ambulatory. If you're having issues, please get on the phone and get something ASAP! I'm learning there is not much value is waiting and suffering. At least, for me!

Hang in there.

Jennifer

I will try them. I was trying to wait but it's killing me.

dayton: Do you have endometriosis? I was not allowed to take estrogen for 3 months postop but the doctor prescribed a progestin (Aygestin) which served a dual purpose. It helped (some) with the mood and hot flashes but also helped to kill off any remaining endometriosis particles.

I do have endometriosis. I know he is trying to help me by waiting 4 weeks. But 3 more weeks of this and I don't know if I can make it. I don't sleep because I'm sweating like I ran a marathon. Maybe I can try progestin. Is it a pill or creme?

It is a pill. It is a synthetic form of progesterone.