Bilateral oophorectomy at age 54, during perimenopause. No HRT for 11/2 years. Health diminished.
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Had bilateral oophorectomy 1 1/2 years ago at age 54. Removed one healthy ovary unnecessarily because the doctor stated that because I was within the age of menopause it wouldn't make a difference. That having both ovaries removed would reduce my breast cancer risk drastically. Very depressed. My health has diminished drastically. My new gyno says I should take Estrogel .625 and Prometrium 100mg every day. I am very fearful. I have a very high risk of breast cancer , although negative BRACA. Mother had very aggressive breast cancer at 51. I am so confused. When I google endocrinologists that deal with HRT, I only find those Doctors that do not accept insurance. The docs that prescribe compounded HRT. I would love to hear from women that had bilateral oophorectomy and chose HRT, as well as those that chose against HRT. Thank you so much!
0 likes, 9 replies
juliekw45 julielynn11
Posted
Hello Julielynn11, I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago at age 50 because I had a large fibroid on my uterus. I had the option of having my ovaries removed at that time but I decided to keep them. Last year I started perimenopause symptoms terrible compounded by chronic stress which I've learned makes a lot more symptoms due to low adrenal glands. I was feeling so terrible. Bad anxiety, muscle weakness and aches. My Gn gave per Estrogel and 100 mg progesterone. After 8 days I noticed I was starting to feel better. I am hoping someday to go off of this but afraid of how I may feel. Shortly after I also started seeing a Naturopathic doctor and started taking many supplements such as magnesium, b12, vitamin d, supplements for adrenal support and stress and changed my diet cut out sugar and gluten and processed foods. I have to say I feel so much better. I couldn't go back to the way I was feeling so taking the Estrogel and progesterone is a must right now but some day I may try weaning myself off and see what happens.
julielynn11 juliekw45
Posted
Thank you so much for your reply! I want to add that going without HRT for a year and a half caused many health issues. I saw a rheumatologist for swollen joints that originally thought I had an autoimmune disorder. I have pain in my spine, and just feel like I'm aging very rapidly. I am a very athletic person, and have never felt so badly. My original gyn instilled fear in me to ever used HRT due to my family history of cancer. I know that women that have gone through menopause naturally, still produce a small amount of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone for the rest of their lives. I only wish that I could get a dose of HRT that would mimic that of a healthy post menopausal woman. I also see an integrative specialist that has given me supplements to take.
kathleen10268 julielynn11
Posted
Hi, Julielynn, not to sound rude but why would you want to change things if you feel good? I can tell you that later on, you will feel not so good if you change and not use HRT, at least by 64 yoa, because it doesn't get better with age I can tell you that from experience, and then try to get HRT at my age if you have stopped for a period of time, next to impossible. I was told I was too old to get on HRT. Really???? Do any yoing women need HRT???? Of course, I went to another doctor, but why start the merry go round if you don't have to?
kathleen10268 julielynn11
Posted
And the reason those doctors do not accept insurance is because they usually administer bioidentical hormones, which are not eligible for FDA approval, hence, they are not insurance approved. So insurance is not our friend in this case..... But, if you want to feel like a healthy human woman, take your health into your own hands and seek out those who are able to assist you in that goal. It is a hard row to hoe, but well worth it, if only to know you are doing something to help yourself. Doctors either don't care, or are ignorant.
julielynn11 kathleen10268
Posted
Thank you for your response! I feel like this whole area of medicine is becoming a dead end. I know that the docs that administer bioidentical hormones that are compounded do it without regulation. The drugs that I was give are a one size fits all situation. That's why I'm concerned. I don't think that someone like me who has no hormones due to oophorectomy should be prescribed the same drugs as a woman who went through natural menopause. By the way Kathleen, do you have ovaries? And are you now using bioidenticals? Thank you for your reply. I agree that doctors do not really care. Most of them
kathleen10268 julielynn11
Posted
Hi, Julielynn,
I had a hysterectomy at age 34 and by 37 the doctor said that although they didn't remove the ovaries, they were so atrophied that it was hard to tell they were still there, and certainly were not working. So I don't know if that counts as having them or not. And yes, they are bioidenticals, the pellets, and I don't know if they are working yet or not. It has been three weeks I think, and I don't hate everyone right now......so maybe they are working a little bit? I know I won't feel like a new woman (or the old one I used to be) immediately, but I keep looking for some signs..... Not wanting to run away from my life right now is a change for the good, so I am hanging on to those small things, in hopes I find the old Kathy in here somewhere.... I really liked her and would love to have her back. I am sure my husband would like her back also. I hope it all works out OK for you. Sure seems like there are a lot of us in the same boat.
wendy12420 julielynn11
Posted
Hi I had a bilateral oophorectomy just over a year ago I was 51at the time. I struggled for 3 months without HRT and tried every alternative natural remedy I could but nothing helped,I was seriously depressed and suffering with terrible anxiety and hot sweats.I too have a strong family history of breast & ovarian cancer and was advise during against HRT but after months of struggling I couldn't manage any more, my gynaecologist said It was a matter of weighing up my quality of life and at the time I felt I had none so I decided to try HRT I can honestly say it was like a miracle for me and I now feel really well.I had the Mirena coil fitted for the progesterone part and use estrogen patches as my consultant said this is the safest way for me to take HRT.
julielynn11 wendy12420
Posted
Hi Wendy! I am so much in a similar situation as you. It's very hard to choose HRT with a strong family history of cancer. I am now taking Estradial gel every other day along with Prometrium 100 mg every other night. I feel like a million bucks! So much better! I'm glad that you feel so well! It's really amazing how different life is when you feel like your old self. 😃😃😃
wendy12420 julielynn11
Posted
take care