HRT

I had a hysterectomy in 1999 when I was 42 (for dysfunctional bleeding) I had both my ovaries & fallopian tubes removed at the same time
I have been on oral HRT ever since.
My GP has just stopped it saying that "I am post-menopausal as my ovaries were removed at hysterectomy"
I do not really understand this. If I have been post-menopausal since day 1 then why did I need HRT in the fisrt place? Can you explain please?
The hoe flushes / headaches / mood swings / irritability have been unbearable since I stopped HRT & I have tried everything that the health food shop has to offer.
What can I do. I am 53.

[remar]

I'm really surprised your Dr just all of a sudden took you off hormones. Even if you go through natural menopause it can take a very long time, so your body is slowly adjusting to the changes. Plus your ovaries will still be producing some hormones. You do not have any ovaries. Maybe you should talk to him and tell him the symptoms your having. If he won't work with you then maybe it's time to see another Dr.  

[Kanga2roos]

The reason you need HRT after a hysterectomy is to avoid long term issues such as osteoporosis (sp), cardiac design, thinning skin, eye degeneration, and brain function declination.  There are some that believe that by keeping your hormones balanced you may also avoid certain types of cancer.  I recommend visitinga  site called hystersisters that has a WHOLE lot of info on HRT.

The fact that he is removing you suddenly instead of gradually is bad practice.  I would go to a different Dr.  It looks like you are in your 50's now, so that makes since that you would want to start tapering off your HRT, but it's probably too early to discontinue them completely.

You might have some success getting some OTC natural hormone replacements -- but your insurance won't cover those.  If you check out Suzanne Somers website, she has a comprehensive list of dr's who specialize in women's health.  

Good Luck!

[Kanga2roos]

Sorry...i meant cardiac disease, not cardiac design. :)

[remar]

Kanga2roos, she already mentioned that she's tried over the counter supplements and they're not helping.  

[Mary 53]

Great posts! I really don't have much to add except passion:

I'm 57 and there's no way I will go off hormones (Vivelle patch, which is a bioidentical hormone) and testosterone. I am feaking out a little now because I just got a letter from our new insurance company saying they won't pay for Vivelle... they will only cover a generic form of Climara (also a bioidentical patch, but made from.... um... yams, I think, where as Vivelle is from soy... or is it the other way around?).

I may just pay the extra to stay on Vivelle, I love it so much. My doc is great about giving samples to me as a supplement to what I already take (nice if I lose a patch, in particular). I don't know much about the generic Climara (bigger patch... some like it, some don't) but at least there is an alternative.

I honestly cannot string a sentence together without my hormones... and, don't get me started on leg pains, joint pain, headache, depression, foot problems, excess weight gain around my abdomen, ..... all of these things are under control when I am on the optimum dose of Vivelle and testosterone.

It is a jungle out there, though, I'll say that. Don't stop looking for answers.... and, again, great posts here, in my opinion:)

Mary