Which helps with the hot flashes...estrogen or progesterone?

Hi sisters,

My LSH & LSO were on 2/11/11. I already had a RSO in 2006. So I have no ovaries, no uterus, but do have a cervix.

My endocrinologist put me on Estrodial and Prometrium. I'm in my 3rd week of recovery and have been having the night sweats. Not so much that it soaks the sheets and clothing, but enough to wake me up and feel like I need to take off the covers and such.

I do realize it takes time to balance out your hormone levels after surgical menopause. And I do have an appointment with my endocrinologist in 2 weeks to check levels. But I was curious, which of the two impacts these night sweats?

Oh, and I'm 34 Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

It's the estrogen that helps the hot flashes/night sweats. Good luck on getting balanced---I've had lots of hot flashes and night sweats so I know they are no fun.

Yes, estrogen helped with my hot flashes, and I saw no results with progesterone.

Work on getting your estrogen level higher. If it's low to start with, the progesterone will make the low E symptoms worse.

Keep in mind that you are early post op. It is not unusual to have hot flashes and night sweats as your body recovers from surgery and adjusts to life without the ovaries. I wouldn't rush to make too many drastic changes at this point in your recovery. Testing probably isn't going to help much at this point. Be patient and give yourself some time.

Whoops, Kim is right. I hadn't noticed your surgery date was so recent... time, patience, keeping a journal are all helpful....

I was wondering how long it takes for blood results to show an accurate reading of you estrogen and progesterone levels? I have an appointment again with the endocrinologist and it would put me at 4-5 weeks post hyst. Do you think that is a good time to get an accurate reading of how my levels are? I started both meds right after surgery, per my Dr's orders.

Thanks everyone!!

Ask your dr but I think they like to wait about 6 weeks. I had mine checked at 3 weeks postop though, and as a result, they increased my estrogen.

I would wait awhile longer. Give your body a chance to recover from surgery and see how you're doing a few months down the road. Keeping a journal of your symptoms can be helpful. A journal can give a better picture if things are getting better or worse over time.

Keeping a journal is a great idea! I'm noticing I get headaches starting in the afternoon and leading into the evening. Also some wrist pain occasionally, and so on. Thanks for the tips! I'll see if I can call and reschedule the appointment then.

Thanks again!!