Hormones?Thyroid?or just Mental?

Hi Ladies. I'm new to this Hormone Jungle site, but have been trying to find out if what I'm experiencing is normal. I had LAVH w/BSO on 5/9, had a complex hematoma removed 6/9 by laproscopy and finally by the middle of July started feeling good except for the hotflashes. I was on the lowest vivelle dot .05 and my Dr changed it to .075. I am no longer experiencing "hot flashes", but seem to feel just hot alot of the time. I've had insomina--the past 2 wks I've woke up at 3 a.m. and don't fall back asleep until 6 and then have to get up by 7am. I very cranky--similar to PMS and have a very low libodo. I'm scheduled to see my Dr in Oct., but called his office and explained all my symptoms. The nurse called back and said my Dr wants to check my Thyroid and give me a prescription for (xanax-zanax)--spelling?
I have no problems with any kind of drugs that will help people, but I told the nurse that I realize I'm in the beginning of this hormone thing and know I've only been taking this higher dose of vivelle for a little over a month, but shouldn't I have my hormone levels checked along with my thyroid? I just don't want to take a zanax to mask a possible hormone problem. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much....Mary....

Could you call the Dr's office to see if they will run the hormone tests and the thyroid tests? After being on this dose for a month, they should be able to see where you are at. Are you taking any progesterone?
Terri

Thanks for your reply. No I'm not taking progesteron and my Dr's office just called me and said apparently he was not given my entire message (about low libdo) so he wants to send me to a compounding pharm. for a prescription of testerone cream. Well my insurance only covers that for men...isn't that nice, but with a call from my Dr it should be covered. While I wait for this to happen I continue to read on this site and question what if I don't need this cream I may be adding to my problems. Should I just insist my Dr do the hormone levels before starting this cream. When my Dr's nurse called she didn't say anything about having blood work done. I'm really feeling mental now maybe I should have just gone for the zanax.....LOL!.....Mary

Hi Mary,
Yes, I would insist that the doctor do some lab work to determine your hormone levels before changing anything. Testosterone if needed is a wonderful thing but often it is NOT what is needed. Libido is affected by estradiol too and if you are having other symptoms of low estradiol(sleep problems and hot flashes) this could explain the low libido. I would ask him to check your estradiol and testosterone levels in addition to the thyroid studies he is doing. You may need a higher dose of the vivelle or a different delivery method altogether. I think seeing a compounding pharmacist or at least talking to one is a good idea. Often they are quite educated about HRT. If your estradiol levels are good I would first start by using some progesterone and see if that relieves your symptom.
I am guessing that your doctor wants to give you xanax to help you sleep? If this is the case for the short term it might not be a bad idea if it helps you to get a good nights sleep. Sleep is very important to healing and to proper functioning of the body
Best wishes

Becky in OHIO

Thanks for all your helpful replies. I didn't even no what a compund pharm. was until I started reading on this site. Becky I see you're from middle Ohio. I grew up in Fairfield, OH. Thanks again....Mary

I feel like natural progesterone could be what you need since it will help balance out the effects of estrogen. When a woman doesn't have enough progesterone, it can cause a decrease in the thyroid hormone. You can see how it would be better to fix the progesterone problem first and then check the thyroid later.

Xanax is probably okay for now but do realize it can be addictive. It's not easy to get off of it either for some people. Just lately I've had several customers tell me their unpleasant experiences with Xanax. Progesterone, which of course is nonaddicting, works on the same receptors as Xanax to cause that calming feeling. Plus progesterone doesn't have those withdrawal effects like Xanax.

After trying progesterone (that alone might help the libido and WILL help the insomnia) do try the testosterone cream. It will help the libido and to a degree the "flat" feeling that comes with tah/bso. If used properly the side affects are minimal. Be prepared though, as you body adjusts to hrt changes you will experience hot flashes until you adjust.