Postby MissMolly » Tue Mar 26, 2019 12:54 pm
Jolene:
Your gynecologist does seem to hold to a high level of caution regarding consideration of systemic hormone replacement therapy and/or local vaginal application of estrogen/Premarin.
Remember . . . Systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) need not be a lifelong dosing regimen. There are low dose birth control pills (ex. LevLite) that have a sprinkle of estrogens/progesterone. HRT can be instituted for a few months to ease the worst of symptoms, and then tapered off.
Local vagina application of Premarin is a relatively safe option where there a person’s individual health profile identifies concern for estrogen-fuled and estrogen-linked cancers, blood clots, or heart risks.
I had acute onset of menopause due to a Pituitary tumor. The symptoms associated with abrupt hormone absence were intense
and consuming. My thinking was “mush,” as though my brain was calculating through a dense fog. I was emotionally volatile, up and down, crying and laughing. The vaginal dryness felt like a parched desert. I would place ice packs “down there” to find temporary relief.
I find it sad that you have to show 12 consecutive months without a monthly period before the gynecology committee will review your case. Perimenopause (the period of transition) is often a difficult transition for women, depending on the degree of hormone disruption, and is often amenable to LOW dose hormone replacement/supplementation.
Make no mistake . . . “female hormones” affect the entire body. The effects of estrogens, progesterone, FSH, LH affect more than the female sex organs. Women also produce trace amounts of testosterone and androgens.
A woman’s natural adipose/fat stores will produce a small amount of estrogen as women enter menopause and in the years thereafter.
I cannot tell you how dismissive physicians were to my symptoms as my Pituitary failed. “It’s only premature menopause . . . “
If you have distressing, multi-modal symptoms that affect your quality of life, advocate for low dose hormone replacement (usually LOW dose birth control pills) pills for short-term duration or local use/application of Premarin for short term duration.
In the meantime, the line of products by Emeritus is worth researching. Emeritus offers a holistic/plant-based line of products to ease perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Emeritus has an informative home website. It’s products are also available on Amazon.
Karen
Dear friend to Bella Piazza, former Colon Club member (NWGirl).
I have a permanent ileostomy and offer advice on living with an ostomy - in loving remembrance of Bella
I am on Palliative Care for broad endocrine failure + Addison's disease + osteonecrosis of both hips/jaw + immunosuppression. I live a simple life due to frail health.