understanding hormones after partial hysterctomy

[imldawn]

I had a partial hysterctomy 10 years ago.  So, as I still have my ovaries, I still go through PMS symptoms that are regular.  My biggest complaint is BREAST TENDERNESS!  Trust me, I do like when they get larger every month, but it seems like about every 3 months they are UNBELIEVABLY swollen and SORE!  This month was my worst experience...my boobs were sore for 9 days!  My co-workers even asked if I got a boob job!  It felt close to when you quit breastfeeding!  I will be 41 in April and I've been reading alot about hormones lately.  I think I may have 'estrogen dominance'.  My question is this:  How do I figure out the 'days' of my cycle?  I can't seem to find a website that helps women like me that has had a PARTIAL hysterectomy and understanding how the hormones work with our bodies when we don't have a period!  I have just ordered a cream that has black cohosh, evening primose, & other plant extracts to help balance hormones.  Does anyone else have these issues?

[imldawn]

Thanks for reply!  I just collected saliva yesterday to check hormones.  My doctor seems to think my progesterone and dhea is low and also that my adrenals may be tapped out (single mom, 2 kids, no support from x, etc.).  Lack of estrogen certainly isn't my problem...I have no night sweats,etc. The day my breasts become sore this month, he wants another saliva collection, and then a couple more times throughout so he can get a clear picture exactly where I'm at. I've consisently had LOW (3.2-3.8)white blood count and HIGH MCH (size of red blood cells) for years and no one has seemed too concerned about it except me.  Finally, this week I found my white count is actually in the 'range' now at 5.6!  BUT, not my RED count is low (anemic).  I have learned that WE are the ones that must take control of our health, ya know?  Is Phyto-cream the same as bioidentical?  I think it is..I ordered Phyto Prolief from Arbonne and showed doctor and he said it certainly wouldn't hurt.  It has red clover, black cohosh, evening primrose, etc.  I know it can take time to notice anything...I've been using now for 4 days.  I'll keep you posted with my results!  Thanks so much for replying...I was feeling so lost!  P.S.  I DO take multi-vitamins, added vit B, vit C, calcium-mag, omega 3's...i've always been faithful on taking all of them regularly as well!

[Cherie762]

Ive been watching your post and see no on is anwsering..I have a fague idea what I think is happening but am not certain..I have read at least 3 or 4 other posts almost identical to you......youve probably been fine up till this point but now at the age of 41 your probably in the premenopausal stage..thus hormonal changes...I would strongly recommend you go to your gyno and get a blood drw for hormon screening...I personally believe in bio identical hormones..you dont need progestrone...estrogen is enough..I like the vivelle dot its a patch so your certain to get correct dose,,,,easy to use...

Black Kosh helped me a bit when I first got my hysteerectomy now that Im on estrogen I dont need it..it only helped me with night sweats.perhaps youll have better results....best wishes,,hope this helped some...Cherie