headache, problems sleeping, and leg pain

I need some help. I've been on the vivelle patch 1.0 for 2wks now and have been having dificulty with sleeping, a bad headache, and my head fills foggy again. My thighs and knees have been aching and I'm not sure it that is due to my Lupus or having had surgery. I see my doctor today and i hope he is able to help me. I feel fatigue and yukky. My headache does not lift reagardless of how much otc pain reliever I take. Could this be hormone related and since I don't have my ovaries which hormones do I still need to have monitored.

You could ask your dr about your symptoms, however I had the same when using the patch as the estrogen just was not absorbed into my system. The way I found out was that I talked to the dr who drew blood to test my estrogen levels and there were so low that we knew no estrogen was being absorbed.

That being said, you are very early post-op and perhaps your body just needs time to adjust. I think my dr waited 6 weeks before testing hormones for me, though she did up the dose of the patch a couple of times before testing to see if it helped.

I plan on discussing these symptoms with my doctor. I'm currently on 1.0 is this the highest dose? Besides estrogen what other hormones need to be monitored. Ive read that if you no longer have your ovaries you no longer need progesterone is this true?

thanks for your insight it is appreciated

	Quote:
Originally Posted by butterfly39 I plan on discussing these symptoms with my doctor. I'm currently on 1.0 is this the highest dose? Besides estrogen what other hormones need to be monitored. Ive read that if you no longer have your ovaries you no longer need progesterone is this true? thanks for your insight it is appreciated

I think the 1.0 is the highest dose. I was up to a 0.1 patch plus a 0.025 patch before we decided that it wasn't working and I switched to Femring (which worked). Not all methods of HRT work for everyone. Some like the patch, some oral delivery, some compounded creams, others vaginal delivery, or transbuccal delivery. So many options. It's good to give at least a 6 week to try before switching though.

Many drs believe you don't need progesterone but my dr recommends using it especially if you're on thyroid meds or have had endometrosis. Many also support the use of testosterone as your ovaries used to provide this too.

It's best to balance thyroid first, then estrogen, then progesterone, and lastly add testosterone if you need it (testing done first).

I think your estrogen dose also depends on whether you had much stored prior to your surgery. Mine was already very low when my ovaries were removed so I needed more to build it back up after surgery.

There is a great article on progesterone on this website - look in the hormones section or articles section (can't remember which). It will give you more info. Good luck!

I have lupus as well and its been very hard to find some form of HRT that works for me. I tried the patches, and felt worse..even in the lowest dose. Im currently having a lupus flare and having your same symptoms..the horrible headache that nothing helps, severe leg pain and dizziness. You could also be getting too much estrogen. I would stop the patch and see if your issues go away...sometimes, estrogen and lupus just dont mix. My doc just gave me some Elestrin to try soon to see if it helps..other than that, i might just need to try the herbals.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I'm hoping things do get better for me. I did see my doctor and he did up my estrogen and my lupus medication. I think my body is in a flare and I hope this leaves soon. The body aches hurt along with the foggy head, my body is just wants to rest and I'm going to give in for today.

I do see my endocrinologist on the 10th and had labs drawn yesturday my TSH is lower than normal and I hope he will be able to adjust me meds and I will have him look at my other hormones as well.

Thank you for all the suggestions it really helps to get the help and do my homework before my doctor's visits. It feels great to make the most of each visit.

I still need to take care of myself and be progressive towards a healthier and happier me.

Thank you sisters