Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi, I am 43 and have been on everol her patches for the last 8 years, since my hysterectomy in 2010. In the last 12 months I have had problems in that they come off almost every day. I also occasionally get night sweats and emotional bouts. Could it be that they are not working any more? Anybody else have this problem?
0 likes, 9 replies
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lyn82834 Kirkers
Posted
Hello Kirkers
I've not ever had patches but it seems to me that many people have problems with them. I take a lot of saunas and spas so wouldn't work for me. Consider changing to tablet form if your doctor will support this move.
All the best, Lyn
spotty1 Kirkers
Posted
Hi,
There are patches by other manufacturers out there, maybe try one? There's also a gel that's applied daily, and there are implants that last 6 months at a time.
If your doctor doesn't know about the wide array of stuff available, maybe get a referral to a specialist consultant?
Best wishes
catbee Kirkers
Posted
Kirkers<
Could be they are not getting absorbed as well as before b/c of the night sweats, increased sweating, poor adhesion etc.(and you are now having symptoms of low hormones).You are also 8 years older and dosage may need to be adjusted (do you still have your ovaries?). Discuss with doc about trying a different route (i.e. troches, topical creams/gels, pellets) or a different brand of patch. This may make all the difference. All the best to you--these hormone issues just suck
You deserve to be feeling better.
Kirkers catbee
Posted
catbee Kirkers
Posted
I had both ovaries removed b/c of a mass on one of them (benign--I was already menopausal x6 years at the time of surgery). I should have never allowed him to take BOTH ovaries- he reassured me that since I was menopausal, my ovaries weren't "doing anything anyways". Nothing could be further than the truth! Later on, my research revealed that even after menopause, the ovaries still manufacture (a small amount of, but nevertheless, still helpful) estrogen and testosterone. THIS. This is when I noticed that things really went sour with my hormones, my mood was affected, I experienced anxiety--my menopausal symptoms simply went into overdrive. My libido went from barely there to completely non-existent. Last year I had a bone density scan and it showed that I had developed significant osteoporosis in a matter of 5 years. I was totally in shock over this! I' was (and still am)active and take my vitamin D and calcium daily. It didn't matter. Without estrogen and testosterone, our bones crumble and our tissues dry up (everywhere!). So not having your ovaries still can affect you even well after menopause.
lyn82834 catbee
Posted
Hello Catbee
I wonder if you've considered taking HRT. Since taking HRT (18 years) I've had bone density checked every 4 years and there's been no loss, in fact there's been a slight increase. I had a total hysterectomy last year so don't know if bone loss affected by ovaries going. I'm happy not to have the risk of ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, tubal cancer and endometrial cancer. I have annual breast check-up - mammogram, ultrasound, and consultation with a breast surgeon. All well so far.
I've noticed no change in libido and good normal lubrication with the HRT. Great skin too!
There's divided opinions on whether to remove or leave ovaries. I'm on HRT for life.
All the best, Lyn
Kirkers lyn82834
Posted
catbee lyn82834
Posted
Yes! I've been on bio identical HRT for 7 months now. My libido was nearly non-existent at menopause and TOTALLY gone once my ovaries were removed. No lubrication AT ALL no matter what I used, excruciating pain with intercourse .Believe me, I loved sex at one time. I decided to do the Mona Lisa Touch laser treatments and just completed the third one. (restores healthy uro-vaginal tissues) It has made a significant improvement (pink and moist again, much more comfortable intercourse). Just wish I could find my libido to go along with these improvements. Even HRT doesn't seem to be restoring the libido to pre-PREmenopausal levels. I miss it a lot. I also use testosterone compounded cream daily. In many women, the ovaries continue to produce/store some testosterone (and of course, estrogen), even after menopause. Estrogen AND testosterone are the primary hormones that maintain bone density and health. Many of my (girl) friends say that menopause was not that bad for them. For me, it was physically and biologically detonating. Pretty much destroyed my marriage b/c DH wasn't getting much of anything. May I suggest to you that you ask your doctor about repeating the bone density no more than 1-2 years after the hysterectomy and not waiting 4 years. I had a bone density scan a couple years before having my ovaries removed and it showed slight osteopenia. I was (and still am) faithful in taking daily calcium, Vit D and staying active Had ovaries removed 3 years ago and another bone density scan just a year ago and it showed significant osteoporosis! I was (and still am) devastated by this. If I knew my bone health would suffer so greatly after having both ovaries removed, I would have kept one ovary (one ovary had a mass on it--it was benign). Then I would of had a better chance of still producing a little testosterone and estrogen which could have stopped my bone loss. I feel that my doctor was negligent by not suggesting I consider HRT or even sent me to someone who would prescribe them if he wouldn't. He was FULLY aware of all my menopausal symptoms, severe intercourse pain and no libido.
lyn82834 Kirkers
Posted
Hello Kirkers
I take Estrofem 1 mg daily. I stopped Progestrone after hysterectomy but used to take Uterogestan for 12 days of the month per vagina.
For all those out there struggling it is important to give any treatment a fair go, probably 3 months, but if it's not working for you consider a change. I know initially I had to try several before I found one that suited. One benefit of the patches is that it doesn't have be metabolised by the liver, a concern with oral treatments. Nothing is perfect so best to be well informed and then make choices for yourself.
All the best,Lyn