Hormone Imbalance

I had a total hysterectomy 16 months ago and have been on 2 ml of estrace daily since then. I've noticed negative side effects for quite some time but didn't associate them with HRT. For at least the last 6 months, I have been loosing my hair, I'm also experiencing mood swings, depression, weight gain, etc.
After surfing the net, I'm finding that there are alot of women taking some type of progesterone and that some of my symptoms are characterized as lacking progesterone.
When I voice my concerns to my OBGYN he tells me that I need my thyroid checked. I have asked him if I could get my hormone levels checked and he said it wouldn't do any good and that the estrogen HRT is the only thing that he prescribes.
Has anybody out there traveled this same road?

Theresa, having your thyroid function tested isn't a bad idea. Question is, when the results come back, and if they are normal, what will your doctor say about your symptoms then? My GP won't prescribe progesterone for me. My GYN has referred me to a compounding pharmacist who is going to work with me to find out what I need. It's a long process, but one worth pursuing. The booklet I was sent by the pharmacy states that progesterone is a vital element for all women - not just women with ovaries and a uterus. I hope you find what you are looking for out here in the Hormone Jungle. Keep researching and be informed - it's your best chance at getting what you want and need!

When I mentioned to my doctor to check my hormone levels he said just what your doctor said, that since you are taking estrogen the test will show that you have estrogen in your system. Didn't make any sense to me but I figured since he was the doctor and I'm not, then he must know what he is talking about!!! I have since smartened up but I don't have any answers. Sorry not to be of any help.

Dear Theresa,
I am 4 years post op. I have been suffering the same symptoms as yourself but on the other end, I have been on nothing but estrogen since and couldn't get anyone to hear my complaints of wieght gain hair loss and aches and pains all over.I had evry test you could think of ( even thyroid) and as I suspected it was normal I finally lost all trust and felt like I was doomed to live feeling this way. I finally went to the phone book and contacted a compound pharmacist and asked them who they knew that did compounded hormones in the area and I found a d.o. that knew more than my gyn.SO moral of this story is that big surprises come in small packages so of you feel like you are losing the battle keep trying.I have fought that war for 4 years and after a few saliva tests and some blood work I feel great some fine tuning yet but so much healthier.God bless and don't give up just talk louder.