Estrogen, testosterone and progesterone

Ladies,

I have enjoyed reading these posts. Can learn so much from them. Had my TAH/BSO (both ovaries out) February 2001, so it's been well over a year since my hyst. I've ran the gamut on HRT. My GYN was a great surgeon and everything when woderfully with my surgery. But, when it came to adjusting hormones she was in the dark, totally. My PCP helped with the hormones also but I just didn't feel like myself although he was able to help more than my GYN but he too was one to say - no uterus, no progesterone.

I found myself trying to adjust my doses myself, especially of progesterone (two different types of creams) and and one compounded in a capsule became very frustrated with this. I have learned a great deal about hormones as of late but I knew there had to be a doctor out there somewhere who could do this for me. Besides, what are we paying them for anyway and there had to be one of em somewhere who knows better than I do. I asked the compounding pharmacist who he recommended and he gave me a doctor's name. I went to see her last week and for the first time in a while I have some hope. She is an internist and a pulmonolgist that had a need for hormones herself and thus decided to do her homework.

She put me on a compounded hormone consisting of 1.25 estrogen, 200 progesterone, .0625 testosterone. These hormones are congealed in some gelatin that I place between my upper cheek and gum (souds like I'm dipping snuff) and let it dissolve. She says it gets directly in my blood stream and doesn't have to go through my liver?? They are called a troche and I do this twice a day. Just started taking these two days ago.

Depression, mood swings, instant anger, red face with acne, oily face with acne, plain old acne, vaginal dryness, lack of or no libido and just being irritable and malcontent are some of the things I've experienced since my hyst. I am doing SO MUCH BETTER than I was just 4 to 5 months ago. I take Wellbrutin and then take Trazodone at night. This has helped my depression tremendously but I still have flashes of anger and sadness and just not where I want to be. I will not give up on finding a balance and going to whatever lengths I have to go to, to be happy and well adjusted again.

I'll check in periodically with you guys and let you know how my new hormones are doing. I don't think I'll be so lucky as to not have them adjusted some but hopefully I've found a doctor who knows how to adjust these things and is willing to work with me.

Kim, this doctor sounds very promising. Who better than someone who had problems themselves to guide you through this. The troche is a good way to get hormones. Kathy who owns this site, tried everything and found that a troche was her solution. I'm sending hugs and prayers that this will be your solution too, you deserve to feel good. Hopefully this new doc will get you there.

Kim,
I am glad you found a doctor who can help you...that is half the battle. I have gotten to a point where hormonally I am doing pretty well...one thing I started a couple months ago is an exercise program. It has made a huge difference in how I feel over all. It is called curves for women and is a 30 minute work out. I was afraid to start anything because I felt so out of shape but this I was able to do from day one. Just wanted to remind you to consider exercise if you don't already.

Becky in OHIO

Kim,

I'm happy you have found a doctor who will work with you That is often just the ticket to finding balance. I'd like to second Becky's thought. Once you start to feel a bit better, you might want to start a bit of exercise, if you don't already. It can make soooo much differene. I walk outside several times a week and it really clears my head and improves my mood.

Glad to hear the good news.

Dorrie

Sisters,


I have been on this dose of hormones for 3 weeks now and can already tell that my moods are getting better. I'm not as quick to get angry and I don't cry as much. The skin on my face is not quite as red and flushed as it used to be, so that's better, although my skin overall has become drier. My libido is still low and not worth working for when I get there but I'll talk to the doctor about this in early August when I go back. I do fall asleep better too.

I've been feeling a little off balance (literally), not really dizzy but balance is not what it used to be. Does anyone know if this might be caused by the hormones?

Thanks,

Hi Kim,
The dry skin and off balance/dizziness can both be signs of menopause, give it time and hopefully it will resolve. I'm so glad that in every other respect these hormones are working for you. It can take up to 3 months to totally settle into a new hormone regime and in that time there will be a bit of an adjustment period. But sounds like things are looking pretty good to me