Hormone Replacement Therapy advice

[gammasally]

So... I have been fighting the idea of taking hormone replacement therapy since learning of the cancer dangers associated with it. But I entered full blown menopause last summer and since then have endured some pretty miserable symptoms as a result. So recently I went to see my GYN guys who told me that despite having had cancer 11 years ago, (thyroid cancer), that he could put me on a very low dose of HRP called (femhrt) to help with the troubling symptoms. I told him "No thanks". But after a few more days of sleeping poorly, cranky moods, and hot flashes that only the devil himself could have created, I have decided to maybe give it a try. So, I am holding the meds and accompanying information pamphlet in my hot little hands and after reading it I have to admit that I am a little too scared to try it. The side effects sound horrible and once time my GYN female Dr. put me on birth control meds to try and shrink some ovarian cysts and I gained 7 pounds in a week!!! So, I stopped taking them and since she didn't tell me that I should have weaned off them I develped SEVERE cervical cramps that made me feel as though I was giving birth all over again. So, since I can only be on this for short term therapy, because apparently even HE thinks that I can't use the drug forever or until my menopausal symptoms stop or WHICHEVER COMES FIRST, I'm now thinking, "is this really all worth it? Am I being a big baby and should just suck it up and deal with the symptoms?"  Ladies..... come one ,, come all.... I am appealing for your imput and advice.

thanks in advance. I don't trust want the medical companies put out in the way of info. they will tell you that their drug is perfectly safe to take and oh...by the way.... SOME PEOPLE  might die if they take it... but they are in the minority!! Yah! 

[NannyB.]

Jun. 26, 2009 at 4:22 PM

All I can tell you is that I made it all the way through and I did not take the hormones.  Yes, it was rough in spots, but I still have all my plumbing and I feel great.  I am so thankful I didn't take them, but I know it's a decision that everyone must make for herself. 

[Lb128f]

Jun. 26, 2009 at 4:52 PM

I also did not take anything...although, I agree with you the "symptoms" are often miserable. You will get past those...I wish I could say quickly...but, it wasn't quick at all for me, about 5 years total. Grrr. My Doc did offer some natural remedies though...Black Cohosh and/or St. John’s Wort. Here are some sites with info too.

http://herbalremediesformenopause.com/

http://www.homemademedicine.com/home-remedies-for-menopause.html

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/herbsforwomen/a/herbswomen.htm

Good Luck...;-)

[Mom2PunkRockers]

Jun. 26, 2009 at 4:54 PM

I think I can give some advice with herbals that can help. Try this link www.bellaonline.com/subjects/5704.asp . They give each herb , the symptoms it relieves and good advice. Then you can tailor the herbs to your specific symptoms. My mom did it and swears by it , it helped her a ton. She also said to remember to take calcium and vitamin d , to have your iron checked , and to get on a supplement if you need one, low iron can often magnify the symptoms of menapause, and to have a bone density scan done, to check for signs of osteoporosis. Good Luck , I hope this can help you.

[Rebeccalynn_dj]

Jun. 26, 2009 at 5:52 PM

I have heard that the bioidentical hormones work best.  I haven't used them but have heard they work best.

[mamaD2008]

Jun. 26, 2009 at 6:12 PM Yes, I was going to say Black Cohosh. I worked with a lady a few years ago who was just DYING from her hot flashes, lack of sleep, etc, and she started taking it... and it worked miracles. Hot flashes came around every once and awhile still, but not NEAR as much!

[mamatware]

Jun. 27, 2009 at 3:36 PM

I am still several years from going through this myself.  But what about the bioidentical hormone stuff that Suzane Somers talks about.  It's supposed to be safer and more effective, but is also pricey....for lack of a better explanation it's the "old lady Jenny McCarthy" stuff.  A lot of it is the same concept as diet changes etc for autism....just an idea.

[gammasally]

Jun. 27, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Hey.... thanks you guys for weighing in. Looks like you are all recommending NOT going the way of HRT and trying some alternative in stead. Thanks you all for responding and I will certainly research and perhaps try some of the alternatives suggested. You guys are the BEST!!!

(Original Poster)

[MommyJanice44]

Jul. 29, 2009 at 3:17 PM

I had the hot flashes so bad to last month I was soaked in sweat . any advice you are getting here I no that's what I need . Bless your heart you had Cancer honey I never knew that .. Someone just told me soy milk ,,,,, Not sure I am going to ask her for us and will get back with ya .... How did I miss your Journal post .. Hang in there sister . feel for ya .. Doctors just want to give us PILLS HEY THATS THE ANSWER .... Glad you didn't take them .