Do I need to change my HRT?

Dear all

I am nearly two weeks post op (TAH) and have started with menopause symptoms again which I didn't expect! I was on a combined patch before the op and only changed to Oestrogen only patch at the time of the op - but now started hot flushes and insomnia again. Is this because I have stopped the progesterone or perhaps need more oestrogen than before?

Wonder if anyone else was on HRT before the op and experienced this issue?

I was not on HRT before the hysterectomy, but my doctor put me on the hormone patch afterward, and it was a nightmare! I've heard many praises for it, but for some reason, my body soaked it all up way too fast, giving me headaches early on, and then hot flashes later, before the next patch was due to be applied. I called my doctor to discuss my problem, and was put on oral estrogen only. Much, much better. No headaches, no hot flashes.

I would discuss this with your doctor, and see if he / she can work up an HRT plan that will be more comfortable for you.

I was not on HRT before, but it did take my body a full 4 weeks to stop having menopause symptoms. I had hot flashes, night sweats awful, then after about 4 weeks, everything regulated pretty well. I was on the patch right out of surgery and still have 4 weeks of symptoms.

I am now on a pill form of HRT and still doing pretty well. My headaches are less often and less intense on the pill form.

(((joanna123))) It's because you had your ovaries removed... yes, you need more estrogen than before. You will also probably need even more when your recovery is complete and you return to your normal activity level, because more activity = more estrogen required.

I would talk with your DR about your symptoms. Are you keeping a symptom journal? It helps to regularly write down the date, which vitamins, supplements, HRTs and other meds you're on, and all the symptoms you're having. That makes it easier to communicate with your DR when changes are needed and also keep track of what you've already tried in case you turn out to be one who needs to do quite a bit of tweaking before you find the right HRT(s) for you.

s,
-Linda

Many thanks all

It seems my ovaries were doing a little before the operation after all - I can increase my dose gradually and see where that takes me. Will take it gently though - too much oestrogen was a nightmare 6 months before the op and had just got it under control!