Estradiol, Prometrium & Testosterone...a good thing?

I had my uterus and cervix removed in Jan. of 2009 (Da Vinci), and my ovaries removed (BSO) in October 0f 2009. Many of my symptoms (moodiness, brain fog, lack of energy, weepiness, carb cravings) have been cleared up since I started taking estrogen. A big blob of belly fat accumulated in the first two months, though, and it isn't budging in spite of a healthy diet an exercise. Does anyone have any advice in this regard?!

As to the estrogen, I started with a patch, but it caused a rash. I am now using the Elestrin (estradiol) gel twice a day (0.06%), and many of my symptoms have cleared up. I'm still having hot flashes and night sweats, though, so may ask dr. to increase dosage.

Three symptoms that the estrogen didn't help with were anxiety, insomnia and joint pain. I am now taking 200 mg of Prometrium (bio-identical progesterone capsule) right before bed, and I am feeling like myself again! I've read that progesterone works much like Xanax on the brain, and that has been my experience. The only missing factor now is low libido and weight gain, and I have been cleared by my dr. to try a compunded testosterone cream.

Do any of you have experience with taking all three of these together? Will the testosterone have any impact on weight gain?

Blessings!

I've used all three. Currently however; I use bi-est and progesterone and only occasionally a 1% testosterone cream. My doctor did check to be sure that my testosterone and free testosterone levels were low before I started using it. In the beginning I used it daily, than every other day, than a few times a week. Currently, I rarely use it and my last test results showed my levels to be spot on.

I have not gained any weight. I am the same weight, if not a little lighter than I was before I had my tah/bso 10+ years ago. It is all about balance. It's not necessarily the hormone itself that causes one to gain weight, but can be from a hormonal imbalance. And thyroid issues can cause weight gain also. Not to mention menopause in itself and the fact that we're getting older can cause one's metabolism to shift. I think too often the hormone itself is blamed and that's a sad thing.

You can read more in the articles at www.hormonejungle.com

Hi Christiaria ,

Its good to have you here! I'm using Femring (estrodial acetate), progesterone and compounded testosterone cream. I'm tweaking but pretty close to getting things right. I know exactly what you're talking about when you describe your low estrogen symptoms. I too need progesterone to feel right.

From what I've read testosterone is also important for women without ovaries. We have more trouble replacing testosterone without ovaries than estrogen or progesterone. Its a shame the FDA doesn't seem to care. I've had good results using a very small amount of compounded testosterone. It makes me feel happier, its difficult to explain. Sense of well being is how I've heard it explained. Its used to improve libido too. Some women posting here didn't have good luck with it but many have. It seems important NOT to use a product made for a man.

The belly blob--what a great way to describe it. I know it well. I've lost weight but that belly seems to be stuck and I think its hormone related. JMHO Testosterone helps build muscle and muscle burns calories. I've found that I don't lose weight when my hormones aren't right, my appetite gets wacky and I eat too much. I also don't feel like exercising as much. So hormones do impact my weight. I don't think the testosterone will cause weight gain, I think that comes from estorogen and/or progesterone being out of balance.

Give the testosterone a month or so, see how you do. You can always stop. Everyone is different but you seem to have your estrogen and progesterone right so maybe the testosterone will be a good thing. Good luck, keep us posted.

Pat

Thanks so much for the feedback!! You're the best!

I use all 3 too. Testosterone seemed to help most with energy and feeling good (I tested low before starting it). Estrogen is wonderful, and I too need the progesterone. I use 100 mg prometrium capsule at night. With more than that I ended up with breast tenderness and raving hunger.

Hello PattyPat, Christiara, Calypso,
I was wondering if your regular physician prescribed the testosterone as when I went to planned parenthood they refused to refill mine so have been without it now for months and not feeling good (positive attitude, well-being) so would certainly like more input as I am going to be finding a new doctor as soon as I can afford it. Thank you for any help.

My ob/gyn prescribed the testosterone and the other hormones too though an endocrinologist is handling the thyroid and she does not agree with the testosterone.

My gyn prescribes my testosterone, I get it from a compounding pharmacy.

Calypso--What are your endocrinologist's objections to testosterone?

Thanks!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Christiaria Calypso--What are your endocrinologist's objections to testosterone? Thanks!

She just believes there is no reason to replace it.. she sees it as "unnecessary" which in my opinion, is ridiculous. It makes a big difference for me.

I have never found an endocrinologist that seems to agree on hormone levels with any of my ob/gyn drs. Sad that everyone is on such different pages....