Hysterectomy Support Group
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, usually done by a gynecologist. Hysterectomy may be total (removing the body and cervix of the uterus) or partial (also called supra-cervical). Although there are conservative alternatives, hysterectomy is performed for uterine fibroids, pelvic pain, pelvic relaxation, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, and cancer.
I had a total hysterectomy for endometriosis in 1982. I have been on estrogen replacement, mainly vivelle dot .05 for the whole time.
Because I'm struggling financially, I started increasing the days I changed patches. My doctor also recommended that I could try that to wean myself off.
I have been going 10-15 days before changing one.
Anyway, I went to a gynecologist for a yearly visit to discuss continuing on estrogen. I have no health insurance, so I couldn't see my regular gynecologist. So, I went to an older, more unfamiliar one.
He said if I've gone that long in between changes and have been ok, then I should just stop them.
He also said new studies show that they actually can increase your chances of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and because I had microscopic endometriosis and lost a kidney, I should go off of them.
He said he has few women who continue on estrogen into old age.
Well, I've noticed I've been getting increased moodiness the day or so after I would put a new patch on too. I wonder if it dumped too much estrogen into my system. My regular gynecologists nurse said it's because I waited so long to put a patch on.
The past two nights, after not changing the patch for 10 days, I have had insomnia, hot/cold flashes and felt heart skips.
I don't know what to do.
My poor husband managed to pay this dr the office visit, because I owe my regular gyn money and his office staff wouldn't let me see him even if I paid cash for the visit.
I still sent my old gyn dr directly a letter telling him I had made an appt and when I called back to ask a question, they told me they wouldn't see me because I owed money.
I told him I intended to pay for that days visit and that I am confused about what to do.
The dr who took me off of them said it should get better, but this is awful. I don't know if it would do any good to call him about my symptoms.
I need help, please give me your opinion.
Has anyone gone through this and does it get better?
Also, does anyone see a family dr for estrogen, and has anyone used estrogen for as long or longer than I have?
Sorry for so many questions, bit I am just miserable.
Thanks
Posted on 09/18/14, 10:19 am
Because I'm struggling financially, I started increasing the days I changed patches. My doctor also recommended that I could try that to wean myself off.
I have been going 10-15 days before changing one.
Anyway, I went to a gynecologist for a yearly visit to discuss continuing on estrogen. I have no health insurance, so I couldn't see my regular gynecologist. So, I went to an older, more unfamiliar one.
He said if I've gone that long in between changes and have been ok, then I should just stop them.
He also said new studies show that they actually can increase your chances of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and because I had microscopic endometriosis and lost a kidney, I should go off of them.
He said he has few women who continue on estrogen into old age.
Well, I've noticed I've been getting increased moodiness the day or so after I would put a new patch on too. I wonder if it dumped too much estrogen into my system. My regular gynecologists nurse said it's because I waited so long to put a patch on.
The past two nights, after not changing the patch for 10 days, I have had insomnia, hot/cold flashes and felt heart skips.
I don't know what to do.
My poor husband managed to pay this dr the office visit, because I owe my regular gyn money and his office staff wouldn't let me see him even if I paid cash for the visit.
I still sent my old gyn dr directly a letter telling him I had made an appt and when I called back to ask a question, they told me they wouldn't see me because I owed money.
I told him I intended to pay for that days visit and that I am confused about what to do.
The dr who took me off of them said it should get better, but this is awful. I don't know if it would do any good to call him about my symptoms.
I need help, please give me your opinion.
Has anyone gone through this and does it get better?
Also, does anyone see a family dr for estrogen, and has anyone used estrogen for as long or longer than I have?
Sorry for so many questions, bit I am just miserable.
Thanks
Posted on 09/18/14, 10:19 am
She had been on estrogen for a really long time. She was in her 70's when she had a Brain Bleed from falling. They took her off of it while she was recovering from Brain Surgery.
The interesting things she told me and I knew from being her neighbor since 1991 are... She couldn't eat citrus or drink coffee and her nails were dry and peeling before... When she stopped the estrogen she could suddenly eat whatever she wanted and she said her nails are beautiful again( this is what she said.. wasn't a clinical study). She was on Premarin for all those years. She said she couldn't ever go off of it cause the side effects were too horrible.
I guess with all the time healing from brain surgery, she didn't notice the withdrawals. She is vibrant as all get out now. She moved to a senior place. One of those snazzy expensive ones.. when her husband passed away and is having the time of her life ( her husband was sort of a grumpy person) TMI, I know...
I had a total TAH/BSO a little over 5 years ago. I never went on HRT and had some hot flashes... but I actually like my moods and energy level better now than what was happening in my early 40's.. I was starting to get fat, acne, I would retain water and moody and ick! Now I feel lean and energetic. I think I may have been estrogen dominant. what ever I was, I like how I feel now. I feel Like I did before I entered puberty. I feel from talking to lots of women that I am an anomaly though... & one of the few who thinks Estrogen was good for having babies.. but I hated everything else about having it.. so you'll have to go by your Doctor's advice and do what is best for you!
Everyone is different and I hope you feel better soon!
Keep in mind that women who have not had parts removed continue to produce hormones from their ovaries into their 80's. Estrogen deficiency caused by ovary removal or ovarian failure has many medically documented negative effects and increased health risks almost too numerous to list here. Some are silent such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Others are much more obvious such as the mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability), fragmented sleep, memory loss, vision changes, skin changes, etc.
I am thin (although have the inevitable post-hyst belly caused by the anatomical/skeletal changes) so it is essential that I try to preserve my bones. But the changes to my mood have been like night and day with adequate estrogen.
The patches are expensive. Have you considered trying generic Estrace tablets? That is a $4 prescription ($10 for a 90 day supply). I have used my family doctor for HRT prescriptions.