Immediate HRT after TAH with both ovaries removed?

I am new here and had a TAH on June 4. I had both ovaries and borth tubes removed and two days later I started on a patch for HRT. I cleared it with my breast cancer dr (I also had pre-breast cancer lump several years ago). My friend who had breast cancers is telling me not to do it. I have started the thearpy because of mood swings and hot flashes. I had endo stage IV in severe stages. I did the TAH because I had endo for 20 years (I'm 40 now) and tried every medication and treatment on the market. Nothing helped. I am praying that this final treatment works. However, I am told my dr and several endo friends that this is no promise to a pain free life. I just couldn't deal with the pain anymore. Anyone else who has had this exp I would appreciate their input. BTW-I had two miscarriages (one recently) and married for 20 years this year. I have two adopted teens now who are trying to understand Mom's constant pain. Thanks for the info on your exp, to all Nise

My doctor had me on HRT even before I left the hospital (I had TAH/BSO on 5/30). I have only felt really "weepy" for one day afterwards, and have had fewer hot flashes than I did before the surgery. Maybe the Dr's concern was because I'm as young as I am (34), and my hormone levels have never been "normal." The way he explianed it to me was that the benefits outweigh the risks for someone with my age and history. Maybe I'll have to reassess in the future, but for now I feel comfortable with it.

Thank you for the prompt response to my message. I am going to the doc in the morning as a follow up and hope to hear that this HRT is working. I guess it is because I haven't had a great deal of mood swings compared to what I used to have )MAJOR PMS). The nurse who put the patch on put it on my arm and not my inner thigh like the directions said, so maybe it will even work better when properly placed. I had to read about the product when I got home. The nurse just pealed it and stuck it on my arm. Thanks again for the reply. I am glad you are doing so well!! That is good inspiration !!!

The hardest part with hormones seems to be the length of time it takes to really evaluate what kind of effect things are having. Just be patient, and know that you can always change your mind as time goes by! You'll do fine, you have the good sense to ask lots of questions, and I think that's the key!

i woke up from surgery w/the climara patch. after my 1 week checkup, i was put on the vivelle dot. i have not had one hot flash. i did have a night sweat the night before my one week appt. and dr said that it was because the climara had expired. so far so good.

i woke up with estridiol already for me to take... no flashes, a few melt downs but i have been dealing with an infection so i think that warrents a few tears here and there....

I took awoke to needing to take Estradiol 2mg every day and have been since surgery. In the beginning it was going really well. Now, after being on it for almost a yr, I'm having terrible mood swings, insomnia, oily skin (esp. my face w/breakouts at 32!) and hair, and a few other things. I really didn't have a prob. w/hot flashes in the beginning, but the past month or so, they've been coming on strong. Think maybe I need to call the dr.

All the best!!!

Nise,

Some doctors do give patches in the hospital. It's good you were able to talk with your specialist regarding the patches.

With endo different doctors believe different things. Some don't like women to take hrt for up to a year to make sure there is no more endo.

Others, believe it is fine to use the patch right after surgery.

Some doctors also have ladies take progesterone.

There are ladies with endo that do very well on estrogen.

I had suffered with endo for 20 years as well. I made the decision to not use hrt. I do use herbals, vitamins, and creams.

The best advice I can give is to do what is best for you with the help of your doctor.

There is a forum for endo as well

Endo Forum

Blessings,

I have found good info on the hormones forums here. They give you information and help with questions to ask your doctor as well. Wishing you the best!

Hi Nise,

Like you I had a TAH & BSO on June 4, 2007-I also had breast cancer in 2004 and am no candidate for any hormonal therapy.

I am 49 and was still perimenpausal; the odd thing is I have NO menopausal symptoms since the surgery. I discussed this with my GYN and she said it is quite possible due to your age you may not have any significant issues with "surgical" menopause.

I was highly estrogen positive with the Breast Cancer and I developed multiple fibroids which she told me are all estrogen driven. I may just have alot of estrogen circulating around still; but I would rather "not" having any symptoms period.

I was told effexor is really effective with hot flashes-mood swings too. Has your physician talked to you about it?

Also, how are you feeling one week out? I feel pretty good-still feel like I have pressure in bladder/pelvic area? She said it is not an infection-just everything healing inside.

Let us know how everything turns out:-)

Lorie