Needing help, stopping HRT

Ladies I really need the experience of this group.  

I had a horrible time in perimenopause in my mid 40s.  I tried HRT to attempt to resolves the problems.  The HRT was worse than the symptoms.  After trying for two years, I finally gave up, and went back to using nothing.  Continued through menopause in the next 10 years, but  it was a breeze.  Years into menopause I developed vaginal atrophy and dryness, and that's where I drew the line in the sand.

My OB gave me vaginal Estrace.  I didn't like how I felt when I put it in, so I used it ver infrequently.  The atrophy and dryness continued, and got worse.   So like it or not, I started using the vaginal estrogen regularly.  All of a sudden it was like my entire body sprang back.  Slept great, felt great, energy and mood like I was 30.  But then my scalp started itching and my hair started falling out big time.  A dermotologist told me it was the Estrace, and to stop using it.  

Fast forward through seeing a dozen different doctors and specialists.  I worked with a "hormone" expert endocrinologist, who charged "cash only" through the roof.  Patiently hoping this woman would be able to help.  But must admit the side effects of the estradiol patch and progesterone were miserable.  Finally, when she thought by looking at labs that I was adjusted....I QUIT her practice.  If this was "adjusted" this woman is crazy.  

So with that background, can someone, any one, please give me your experience coming off hormones.  It seems that everything has changed.  My skin is saggy and baggy.  My hair is completely brittle, and my nails are the same.  I get strange pinging sensations throughout my limbs.  None of this is fun.  It sure seems that the hormones would have left my body quite some time ago.  Is my body now trying to adjust?  And how does this take?  Will I ever simply feel normal again?  

Love to hear what other woman have experienced when they dumped the bioidentical hormones.  Thanks for your time.

0 likes, 40 replies