Hormones,hormones everywhere-but what works???

Hi ladies,
Sorry this is so lengthy! I have been on HRT for almost 3 years, I even had a D&C last nov. 2001, still have the right ovary, uterus(ugh!) and my cervix. Left ovary was taken out with a huge tumor in 1982 while I was five months pregnant. I have had symptoms for years. Last august 2001 I started prempro(1/2 a pill), have been followed by my primary dr who is wonderful, and with my gyno(very conservative). I have tried a number of HRT's all with different results but ending up not being so great. I am still taking the prempro, but in May for four days I was taking prometrium (200 mg) on the advise of my gyno. They were really bad days, a nonstop headache, horrible body aches, no cognitive functioning and I was spaced out!. The only thing it did help was the sleep, but it was a really drugged feeling sleep. I also tried provera for two weeks, same thing. I take Elavil at night for fibromyalgia (40 mg). Well, I saw my gyno on this Monday, and he said my options for HRT are just about out, and if I was going to need a surgical proc. done, it would be with someone else. He recommended an ablation or embolization. But he's not all that up with the HRT. He doesnt like to give hyst's that much either. I had an ultrasound done last thursday, but the report didnt get to my gyno in time, although I can tell you the tech and dr for the ultrasound found some things. They kept me there longer to do some more scanning, it was an abdominal and vaginal ultrasound. My symptoms still continue-bleeding very heavily,and lots of clots, headaches, major brain fog, body aches, and major witchiness--- all of these symptoms vary greatly depending on which time of the cycle I am at.
Here's my question! Can I go off the prempro which is synthetic and I believe causing me problems and try something on my own that is natural and more bio-identical? What about Black Cohosh and what does it do and used for? What about a progesterone cream OTC? Not only that, when I have been given HRT it is everyday of the month and doesnt my body go in cycles anyway?, why would I be taking something everyday of the month, it doesnt exactly follow my hormones natural cycle. Where do I go for help? Do I start back with square one with my primary and get referrals to other dr's and which ones? Who is a person who looks at the whole person, hormones, endocrine system, cycles, so on and so forth? I have been reading alot of the sights here and they are helpful, but I need to hear from others too.

Thanks for listening,
Lorena M.

Hi Lorena, Your question is a good one but there is no easy answer. You will need to have progesterone as long as you have your uterus. I too found prometrium good but it eventually made me feel groggy. So trying a cream, OTC or one compounded for you. If bleeding is a problem, you will need to use a prescription estrogen as well. Black cohosh is good for things like hot flashes but will not take the place of estrogen. Have you read the info on the pull down menu at www.hormonejungle.com

Maybe you should consider seeing an endocrinologist. They can take a more comprehensive look at your hormones and other endocrine issues. Or you can go to www.iaprx.org to find a compounding pharmacy and a Dr who specializes in HRT.

Sounds like you may have some more answers soon about your problems, so that may send you in another direction HRT wise.
Sorry I cannot be of much help.