Fix me - where to start

Hi all,

I had my hysterectomy six years ago. I was a member of this site way back then but drifted away over the years and just now had to re-register because I couldn't remember my login. I guess I was also optimistic in thinking I was "cured" of everything. But I've had symptoms since my surgery, most of which I waved off as nothing. Now I think it's all related to the loss of my uterus.

I never had any hormone treatment after the hysterectomy, but I am prone to anemia and frequently take Iron for that. However, too many other things are going on and I'm wondering if I need to start hormone therapy. The problem is, I don't know if all of my symptoms are related to hormones. So maybe some of you have had the same problems and can tell me where to start. I know I'll need to see a doctor, but which kind of doctor?

Here are my problems:

Dryness (you know where, during you know what)
obesity (can't seem to shake off the weight)
fatigue/dizziness/always tired (I think this is the anemia)
skin tags all over my neck.
more little hairs on my chin
mild depression, like I don't feel like doing anything and nothing excites/impresses me.
hair thinning on the top of my head

I think the hair thinning is the worst thing for me right now. I have long hair, and it is getting very difficult to style it because no matter where I part my hair, you can see LOTS of scalp.

Other things I should mention--My hysterectemy was a full removal of the uterus, but to be honest, I cannot remember if the ovaries went too. I think so. I am 40 years old with no gray hair (just thinning on top). I don't smoke or drink. I am overweight and I believe I have ulcers (controlled mostly by avoiding spicy foods, aspirin, and advil). I can take tylonol for pain and Iron for anemia, but I cannot stand multi-vitamins. They make me vomit. I might be able to take individual vitamins. I thought I should mention all that in case it helps in your suggestions.

In your opinion or in your experience, what do I need to do to get myself back in order? I feel like my body is turning into an alien. Should I start with a gynecologist? A dermotologist? Maybe there is something over the counter I can start with? Has anyone had and/or solved these problems?

Thanks and sorry this is so long-winded.

Cheryl

definitely sounds hormonal, especially the dryness, mild depression, and hair thinning combined. you might try systemic or local hrt. catch it early if you can. no need to suffer. i am on local hrt, estrace, and it helps for dryness.

Dear Cheryl
Some of these symptoms could be related to thyroid function which in turn has an impact on progesterone and oestrogen balance. Search the HysterSisters website or do a general google for more info.
I would take all these observations to my doctor.
Good luck.
Jx

I did some thyroid research to see if that was my problem. I don't seem to have enough of the symptoms, though. I won't rule it out, but I also did a search here on hystersisters for hormonal problems. It seems there is a list of vitamin deficiencies that would cause many of the symptoms I have. So I went to the store to see if there is something over the counter I could try (I'm nervous about "real" hormone treatments). I found a product called Estroven. It appears to have most of the vitamins I need to overcome my problems. But it also specifies night sweats and hot flashes. I don't even know what night sweats or hot flashes are! I might have to do some more research before I take this stuff. It has something called Black Cohosh plus Soy isoflavones. Soy typically makes me neuseous. I also worry that if I don't have hot flashes now, what happens if I stop taking this stuff. Will I suddenly get them?

This is so confusing. I just want to be normal again. I have moved since I had my hysterectomy, so I do not currently have a doctor. I am looking, but since I'm a freelancer, I don't have insurance, and no one is returning my calls. In the meantime, I'm considering taking these Estroven. Just a little wary, though, since I don't know what they'll do.

Cheryl

Well, yes, this could all be hormone related, esp an abundance of testosterone. but it could also be something else. The skin tags makes me think it might be related to insulin resistance.

If this were me, I would first try to treat it like PCOS, which a lot of your symptoms sound like. I personally would start with giving up bread and go from there. If you can't afford to see a doctor, then this is a good first step. If you have to wait to see a doctor, then this is also a good first step while you're waiting.

Estroven is plant phytoestrogens so yes, you will most like get hot flashes and night sweats if you stop it. It actually brings them on for me when I tried it, which I shouldn't have done anyway because I can't have soy.

Good luck on this. Don't be afraid to start estrogen if you end up needing to...if this is a testosterone dominance issue, it might be just what you need.

I'd start with a really good general practitioner and have a full physical, including blood sugar/cholesterol workup, thyroid test, and hormone checks. It sounds like you might have several things going on here - anemia, thyroid, hormonal imbalance, depression...or all four? Once they determine what's going on, a GP can refer you to a specialist if it turns out that you need one.

In order for them to treat you most effectively, you will probably need to find out whether your ovaries were removed during your hysterectomy. You can get this info by calling the doc you had at the time and requesting a copy of your medical records, which you should give to your new doc anyway. Take a look at the surgical report from your hyst, all the info should be in there.

Thanks for the advice. It's all great. I know I have anemia, and I really feel the depression is caused by something. I feel way too logical about it for it to be straight depression. So now I am thinking hormonal imbalance or thyroid condition. Hoping it's not thyroid, but at least I am prepared for that possibility. I went to a practitioner about a year ago, but it was at a walk in clinic (CareNow) and they were useless. The doctor said she was not equipped to do the testing necessary so I should go to the emergency room. Pfft, yeah right. That'll cost me $7000 just to wait for 5 hours. At the time, I had no idea what was wrong with me. Now that I'm pretty sure it's woman related, I can find a better doctor.

Again, thanks everyone. It helps to have an idea at least.

Cheryl