Hrt Free!

Hi guys,
I spent a long time finding this 'oasis' only to see a lot of people who are on HRT's and maybe just wish they weren't on them. I can't go on Hrt because of endo. I have it very severely, it has covered the bowels and everything. So I desperatly need some Hyster-sisters to respond that are truly free of HRT's. No black cohosh, no herbals, but HRT free to tell me this is even possible. I had my first long night of hot flashes and night sweats. I woke up smelling worse then a smelly construction worker. So are there any of you out there? Or is this not possible after all? I really didn't have a choice in taking the remaining ovary since it had grown yet another endometrioma. But it seems so counter prouductive to go back on Hrts and just have the endo keep right on growing. *sigh*

Omaklackey,

I had a Total Laparascopic Hyst on 9/8/09 at age 36 and have chosen not to use HRT unless absolutely necessary. I have had a few hot flashes here and there, especially later in the evening. I do have the night sweats, but at least they are not "soaking". (Or then I would have to go shopping for a new recliner, lol)!

So far, so good. I am going to hold off taking anything as long as I can. Good luck to you! Hugs!

Both ovaries were removed, cervix, uterus ..the whole enchilada. I am completely free of hormone therapy in all forms, shapes and sizes! I don't even seek out "estrogen foods" whatever those are . It's a personal choice based on a crappy family medical history and my own personal inclinations. This road is doable. I was happily surprised that is hasn't been utterly unbearable. I have hot flashes, night sweats and sinus headaches - all are manageable. I LOVE my cold packs!

I take a multivitamin, an extra calcium with Vit D and get some exercise (not an intensive workout for sure! ). I haven't lost any weight but haven't packed on weight so far either. I drink more fluids. That's it; that's all I do. I feel so much better than before surgery even with the menopause symptoms.

I think attitude, fears and expections have a part in coping...just like anything else in life. I never expected to be symptom-free. I just didn't want to be a basketcase. Emotionally, I'm doing fine too. Patience with the process is important. Life is good.

Hope that helps

And thank you for posting! I know exactly what you mean. It's hard to find others who are totally without hormone therapy. I thought I was alone

Good luck to you!
I had my op in 2004 age 51, everything taken. My choice no HRT at all.
I've been doing ok, there are ups and downs but I think keeping positive is helpful. I used this time to start a new care plan for me ... and
Mr flowerinthesun!
We try to eat healthy choices, take vits and supplements, walk, exercise, relax etc. I find vit B complex helps my mood.
On the whole I'm glad I went this route especially as I've seen the HRT route can be tricky!
My worst complaint is lack of libido but I just get on and keep trying and going for it! Why? Well I believe sex is an important part of life, I love my bloke, I enjoy it once we start, I had a good lib b4 op and we had a great intimate time then 2 so I'm trying to recreate that!
I feel like I'm a different new person and I'm trying to get to know her. It's rather like when you enter puberty and your body takes on a different shape and you hate/love everyone including yourself! At least at this age and stage we have the tools to cope w/all the changes going on! It's awful for a 13 yr old and quite lonely!

All the best.

As I sit here with a wet ring around my neck I can relate. I had already gone through menopause and then got endo ca. after the TAH/BSO I am now back to this sweating and very dry skin. Like you I am looking for some way to reduce these affects without any kind of hormones. We don't agree and I get blood clots at the drop of a hat. Hopefully someone will post something that will help us all Keep cool as you can.

I also have endometrial cancer and so my dr. prefers no estrogen. I am almost 6 months out and there are ups and downs. I am taking Celexa 10 mg (AD) since May. For me the itchy skin and insomnia are the worst. Good luck to all of us.

thank you, thank you, ladies! i was getting worried that It wasn't even possible. Good luck to all of us!!

I think there are more of us going it without HRT than we know of. I'm 50 and am 5 months post op with both ovaries removed too. I can SO relate to flowerinthesun. Especially the part about libido and about making the decision to "go for it" anyway. I am getting better month by month. I've had a lot of hot flashes and even more night sweats but it's better than it was a month or two ago. I'm hoping that my healing with continue. I too am trying to make healthy choices not only in food but also in lifestyle things....like taking walks everyday, lifting some weights, etc. I absolutely feel like I'm getting to know a different person, like in adolescence, but I'm determined that I'm going to like this person and we're going to get along fine! It's great to hear from all you gals that posted above me. We really are "in this together!"

16 months uterus free, ovary free and hormone free, some warm moments, some moodiness, some tears every now and then, so far.......nothing I cant handle.

You can't imagine how happy all these comments are making me. I hope everyone else looking for encouragment finds this thread! Its so much easier when your not alone!

for everyone who posted and I hope more post too!