Factor V Leiden and no HRT

I have factor V but heterozygous. I let my OBGYN know about this prior to scheduling surgery, and she had a course of shots I had to take (Lovenox) subcu in the abdomen prior and after surgery, for a total of 2 weeks. It wasn' t too bad (the shots), much better than I expected it to be...I'm a bit needle phobic and couldn't imagine giving myself shots, but it all worked out.

I also take a low dose aspirin per day and try to reduce all other risk factors (I exercise, don't smoke, etc.). I am 39 and my mother, who also has the disorder, started having heart attacks at 46 and has a number of blood clots (most in her heart, but also in her brain at one time...fully recovered).

Because of my age, I really worried about ERT. My doc and I planned for me to keep one ovary, to continue with some estrogen in my body. However, both of my ovaries were terribly diseased and were removed during the hysterectomy. So, I had a decision to make about ERT.

My doc gave me an article about the transdermal approach and how it bypasses the liver; therefore less chance of blood clots. She is concerned about my bone density as well as other lack-of-estrogen side effects. I am concerned about these as well.

After six weeks, I started Vivelle at the .037 dosage. Mostly I waited so long to see if I could tolerate life without estrogen (which didn't seem terrible but I know it was early). I now (after two weeks) am going to the .025 dose just for the bone density worries.

The way I think about it, it's no more estrogen than my body was producing naturally prior to my surgery. Actually, it's much less. And my plan is not to stay on it for years, just enough time to get me to where I would have natural menopause and then get off of it--only to maintain my bone health.

I am so grateful for all these responses! Thank you! I feel like I can bring in a set of intelligent questions to ask both the Hematologist and the Gynecologist later this week!

Thank you!

Beth

	Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbowinsight My concern with keeping ovaries is the risk for ovarian cancer. I had thyroid cancer 20 years ago and my best friend almost died from ovarian cancer! I just don't want to take that risk. Also, from what I've read, after the uterus is removed, if ovaries are kept, they may only function for 1-3 years anyway. I just don't see the point of keeping them with the risks involved. Tennessee, what are the risks of being on Coumadin permanently while taking HRT?

I have taken continuous birth control for about 6 years and have been on Coumadin for almost all that time. I have not had this convo w my gen doc yet, but both obgyn and gen doc say I can take Hrt as needed. I don't know of any issues in doing so.