Thinking of "allowing" menopause

Hi ladies.

I had a total vaginal hysterectomy December of 2008. Since then I have been on Premarin .625 daily. I am scared about the estrogen in it, especially since my mom had breast cancer and then ovarian cancer twice!

What are your thoughts of just stopping the Premarin and "allowing" menopause?

Hi Epainga,

I still am considering whether to take or not to take HRT. I'm 8 weeks post-op and I tend to not taking hormones. I do have some homeopathic medication though and find that very helpful.

From my point of view - I'm 48 - menopause is a very natural transition period in the life of a woman and certainly NOT a disease. I don't know how old you are? I can imagine if you are (a lot) younger than I am, the decision can be different.

But, as I'm also going thru radiation, and am starting to feel the side-effects, I keep HRT open as an option for when I cannot cope with the symptoms of the surgical menopause AND the effects of radiation. Up till now (I have 9 more sessions to go) I still stick with my original decision. My gyn/onc supports me in this after talking with her last Monday.

Best wishes,

I am 34 years old.

That is indeed a lot younger than I am. I understand your concerns however about the estrogen. I hope that other hystersisters can post their own experiences. The only experience I have are two (Dutch) friends who had their menopause being in their late twenties/early thirties and let that happen without taking anything. They both seem fine to me, and I haven't heard them complaining about a lot of symptoms.

Best wishes

Thanks Anna!

epainga
You are quite young, I was 36 at the time of tah/bso, couldn't imagine going thru this at that age without hrt. However; there are women who do to personal choice or medical reasons.

You do have other options for ert besides Premarin. You can read about your choices and much more about hormones and menopause in the articles at www.hormonejungle.com