tjheyn wrote:Hi. I underwent radiation and went into instant menopause. My periods just stopped, had instant hot flashes and couldn't sleep. My gyno and oncologist decided that it would be best if I went on hormone replacement and it has been a life saver. It is scary to think that it will all be instant but you will be fine. You and your doctor can decide whether you should go on hormones. I have to say, though I don't miss having a period. Good luck!!
MissMolly wrote:CMarie:
There are several options for low dose options for hormone replacement therapy that you can consider with your medical team, especially considering your mother’s history.
And remember . . . Times have changed since your mother received HRT and medical opinions and thinking have evolved and shifted.
I experienced acute onset of menopause due to a Pituitary tumor. I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. The symptoms were not pleasant. Hot flashes (I felt as though you could see steam rising from my inner core); muscle/joint pain; mental fog; poor sleep quality; emotional volatility - I would cry at the drop of a hat; vaginal drying and atrophy.
I went on LOW dose hormone replacement therapy for about 10-12 months. It made a world of difference in improving how I felt. Thereafter, I used Premarin cream 3 x a week for about 6 months, local vaginal use.
I have not needed to use any hormone replacement in the years since. Zero. None. I used HRT as a supportive bridge to aide the sudden thrust into a menopausal state. So know that use of HRT does not necessarily mean life-time use of HRT.
I did have reservations about using Premarin (as I am a huge animal lover and was conflicted about using estrogens derived from the urine of confined/pregnant female horses) but my vagina symptoms were really uncomfortable. I tried to keep my use of Premarin minimal.
There is a respected line of homeopathic/plant based female products called “Emeritus”. The Emeritus product line is a viable alternative for women in coping with peri-menopause and menopause symptoms. Their product “Pro-Gest Balancing Creme” is one option to consider. It is a topical cream with a plant-based progesterone base. In another thread, I mentioned that this cream can be used with vaginal dilators where tissue dryness makes insertion of a dilator uncomfortable/impossible.
Low dose HRT for a brief/limited/subscribed period of time may help you minimize the worst of menopause symptoms.
Sudden/acute onset of menopause can be quite distressing. Symptoms of menopause hit suddenly and forcefully. You do not have the benefit of experiencing a gradual waning of hormone levels as is the case with the normal and gradual onset of menopause.
Sending you positive karma and positive energy to help you through the menopause transition.
Karen
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