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Does hrt stop menopause?

Posted , 6 users are following.

froggy28
froggy28

Hi. Due to have total hysterectomy inc ovaries due to endometriosis that keeps fusing my organs so I had laps to release. Dr seems so matter of fact about 'take it out, take hrt and carry on'. Is it really that straight forward? I Dont mean op and recovery im sort of psyching myself up for that. Its more the long term menopausal symptoms. Does hrt stop these totally? Do symptoms last years? Will I be a different person? will I age suddenly. Sorry for all silly questions But im starting to freak myself about it all PS I'm 39

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • shani1953
    shani1953 froggy28

    Posted

    Hi Froggy

    I wouldn't be too worried about having HRT.  My experience was very positive.  I suffered severe symptoms during my menopause - the worst being depression.  I had been treated with HRT following post-natal depression after the birth of both my children and volunteered as a guinea-pig for HRT treatment at the time.  I was warned that I may experience depression during the menopause, and I did, so I went on the HRT again for about 4/5 years.  It really helped all the symptoms I had.  I have been off it now for a few years but seriously thinking of going back on it as it does seem to keep you feeling and looking younger - especially your skin.  I'm 61 now and just starting to notice that crepey look to the skin on my arms etc - yuk!

    For me, I can only sing the praises of HRT - keeps you looking and feeling younger and I think it protects your bones etc as well.

    Best of luck with your op and aftercare.

    Shani

    xx

  • raggydoll
    raggydoll froggy28

    Posted

    Your fears and questions are not silly. Its perfectly normal to worry about the changes your body will go through. I had a total hysterectomy 4 weeks ago, I can't offer any advice about HRT because Ive had breast cancer so I can't take it. Have you had your pre op yet? I was wondering if you could talk your concerns over with the nurse or your Dr?
  • froggy28
    froggy28

    Posted

    Thank you both. I've asked loads of questions and even asked for an extra consultation with Dr doing op but I just feel that they see so many and do so many ops that it is dismissed as me over reacting to media hype and how it will change my life. I'm just worried that I'm going to wake up and feel like a different person, actually as I type this I do sound a bit crazy so they must have thought the same. Because of my age I've been asked to seriously consider hrt until I'm nearer natural menopause age. I'm glad to here Shani that it worked for you, its great to hear positive things smile. Do you feel different Raggydoll and have you had any symptoms? I hope you are recovering well x
    • raggydoll
      raggydoll froggy28

      Posted

      This is a big deal, so please...ask the questions you need to ask, don't be afraid they will think your over reacting, this is your body! I know its an every day occurance for the medical team, but this is new to you. I am getting the hot flushes, more so during the night but so far, Ive not noticed any other changes. Obviously its early days, so that could change. If I'm honest, its been more emotional than I expected, but that is because my body has gone through so many changes due to the cancer, this was one more loss for me..but its better than living with the fear of the cancer coming back. Thankfully my recovery is going well.
  • meganmoon
    meganmoon froggy28

    Posted

    Hi froggy,

    I think all your saying about freaking out is perfectly normal lovely, so try not to beat yourself up about it. I had total hysterectomy but left my ovaries which mean you can start menopause earlier , sometimes within 1 to 2 years. I gave my email address to the hysterectomy association . They have been brillant sending daily email after my op and even recommending books. I hope you get you answers lovely and good luck for your op. Xx

  • sam34875
    sam34875 froggy28

    Posted

    Hi Iam 15 weeks post op ans had the same thing wring with me as you had the lot gone. I wish I had kept my oviers Iam 40 I started the hotflush and rubbish sleep and had 2 lots of hrt since my op on Nov 15th they have not helped me. One just made me cry. I feel so dine lost my self ans sparkle. I wish I had never had my op. Iam back work next week but still not ready.ive had 6 water infections still. I thought the same my docter said I will feel like a new women well Iam still waiting. They say it can grow back the endometriosis if you keep them. Well after my big op I wish I had kept them then I'd it did grow back in years to come I could have them out. Here for you if you need any more advice. Also I had lower left back pain but been to see a acupuncture and it's been fab after 2 treatments which I only started 2 weeks ago. I also put on 1 stone xx
    • froggy28
      froggy28 sam34875

      Posted

      Omg that sounds awful. I did ask if I could keep one ovary but because of sticky adhesions it would be likely it would be only a year before it would attach to bowel or bladder again so I've agreed to both. What you have had happen is what I'm dreading as can't put them back. I really hope that you find a hrt that suits you soon. Are you taking tablets or on patches? Xx
    • froggy28
      froggy28

      Posted

      I'm worried that you not back after 15 weeks. My consultant said I'd be after 4! Does that sound right? X
    • sam34875
      sam34875 froggy28

      Posted

      4 weeks is he joking never. No one knows everyone is different. But I will happy for you if you do. How are you having it done? I had the big scar across my bikini line.

      I've stop taking hrt tablets they just made me swell one dud ans the first ones me me upset and cry for no reason. I will tell you what they was called. I did read a lady was on hrt for 13 months then got brest cancer. So Iam going the herbal way. Iam taking black cohosh one a day and frog lov in b12 for my tiredness and fatigue and menopace plus one red and one green. I've only started a week ago and feel ok. Iam going in to the herbal shop today to makesure 8 can take them all together. As I got them of the net as cheaper and read that lady's tale all if them. . Hope this helps. But you needs a least 12 weeks off. You can not hoover untill about 10 weeks and drive about 8. Any more advice you won't just ask. Sam

    • sam34875
      sam34875

      Posted

      It's ok to take all of them. If it was me again I would start taking them 4 or 6 weeks before to help before the big op. Not sure if you can but you could ask xx
    • froggy28
      froggy28 sam34875

      Posted

      Do you know how old lady was. I know there is a risk but my consultant said it only higher if taking if going through natural menopause not if premature. I'm having mine through keyhole so shorter recovery as I've already had one op few months ago to cut free organs and to clean endo as much as poss before this op so I could do keyhol again rather than open. Saying that my consultant said I'd be back to work 1-2 weeks after that but it took me 4 weeks to get over that! I got my letter today with date of 6th may Which is later than expected so I'm really hoping it doesn't grow back and have to have open after all that! Saying that after what you're going thru I'm worried about doing it at all!
    • sam34875
      sam34875 froggy28

      Posted

      I did read it but for got how old maybe she was in her 50s so maybe he is right. Well I just had key hole for them to see if I had endometriosis I had 2 weeks off for that. But I do see on here lady's who have key hole feel alot better fast. So don't go by mine. I was down for my op at 1.30 ans came back at 6. They said it took 3 hours because some was stuck aswell. But I did have my womb and cevix removed as well I thought let's gave the lot out. I did get pre cancer cells 10 years ago and I had to have smears every year since so that's why I said take it a away. At 4 weeks all I go do was walk from here to bed. I felt about 80 year old for weeks. But I do feel like Iam getting there at last still some way. My tummy still big but they say it can take 6 months or more to go down. But I think you will be off about 8 weeks. It's so much better that why. Don't be put off we are all different xx
    • froggy28
      froggy28 sam34875

      Posted

      Hi I am asking for all as also precancer cells and on yearly smears. My last op was 3 hours as so much to clear so glad they did that rather than just diagnose and decide to cut open for actual removal by sounds of it. I really hope that in a few months you'll be feeling so much better as it sounds like you've had a really rough ride xx
    • sam34875
      sam34875 froggy28

      Posted

      Arr ty I do too. You sound just like me then. So glad you had and having key hole. You should get better sooner. Tc xx
  • raggydoll
    raggydoll froggy28

    Posted

    Froggy, I had a total keyhole hysterectomy 4 weeks ago and my recovery has been great! I only had pain for the first 2 days, since then I have been up and about. Ive been going out for short walks from day 5 twice a day, Ive been pottering about the house doing light house work and Ive walked aroud a few shops in town. The only things I'm not doing yet is lifting or carrying anything heavy or hoovering. My tummy swelling has gone, the stitches have disolved, I'm not bleeding and I'm not in any pain. I hope this helps to ease your worries a little bit. Everyone's recovery and experience is different. I hope your surgery goes well and your recovery is good
    • froggy28
      froggy28 raggydoll

      Posted

      That's great news that its gone so well. How are you getting on with no natural hormones as that worries me more than the op at the mo. Well until nearer the date anyway! X
    • sam34875
      sam34875 froggy28

      Posted

      Alot better thankgod.begore I had the op I said no to hrt. But because I felt so unwell with hot flushes and being down I thought I needed them. But it's been over a week now ans feel alot better and I had acupuncture which helped alot with my moods and my lower back pain. So if I was you get your op out the way and see how you go xx
    • raggydoll
      raggydoll froggy28

      Posted

      I was also worried about the menopause before the op, but so far, so good! All I get is the hot flushes. Because I feel so strongly against HRT (I can't use it anyway) I think that has helped me to deal with things better.
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