How long before menopause symptoms start?

I've been on HRT since having my ovaries removed back in December of 2007. I started out with patches, but now I'm taking estridiol 1 mg. daily.

I ran out of pills and haven't gotten to the drug store to get my refill. The last one that I took was Wednesday night, but I haven't had any symptoms yet. No hot flashes, mood swings, etc.

How long does it normally take after stopping HRT to notice menopausal symptoms? I'm also wondering now if I should just go off of it totally, especially if I'm not going to get bad menopausal symptoms. It would sure save money, and I'm concerned with the breast cancer link, especially since I've had several bad mammograms and am now having to go back for ultrasounds every three months for a lump I found last January.

Thanks in advance for any information you can share.

s,

Lisa

I am not sure how long it takes for menopause symptoms to kick in. I think it is different for everyone. I have been in a deep depression for the last year. It never occured to me it was menopause until I received the hystersister's 2nd anniversary e mail. I don't have money for medicine because this disease took it all.
If I were you, I would try stopping the pills, it seems that is something you want. However, please stay aware though. If you start getting emotionally wacky, get back on the meds right away. You do not want feel how I am feeling this past year. It is is not fun.
Blessing's for a pain free future and clean mammograms.

freefalling,
just to say hi and hugs to you!
depression is awful and it's awful if you cannot get the right medicine due to money.
i too have suffered with depression over many years and i don't know what i would have done had i not been able to get help when necessary.
so am sending you lots of love and hugs....
xx

freefalling, the medication that I take, estradiol, is available through Walmart's prescription plan for $10 for a 90 day supply. I'm sure there are others that are available as well for a very low price.

Check with your doctor to see if you can get something to help you. You shouldn't have to go without!

s,

Lisa

Thanks so much Carlie.
Shashi, I never know you could get that over the counter. I thought I would need estrogen and other specific prescriptions. I am going to Walgreen's first thing tomorrow and get myself some help. You both wound up helping me.
Thank you, Thank you.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by freefalling Thanks so much Carlie. Shashi, I never know you could get that over the counter. I thought I would need estrogen and other specific prescriptions. I am going to Walgreen's first thing tomorrow and get myself some help. You both wound up helping me. Thank you, Thank you.

Estradiol is estrogen, and you do have to have a prescription for it, but with Walmart's prescription plan, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. (In fact, I need to switch my prescriptions over, because I'm paying $10 for just one month's worth of medication!)

Hopefully you'll be able to get some relief soon.

Big hugs,

Lisa