Bio-identical hormones?? Help!

I am 55 yo. Have been experiencing menopause symptoms for about 3 years. Did the blood test route, etc., took whopping doses of Viatmin D and got put on Premarin, the lowest dose. I did not do well on that. I became actually worse, emotionally and it didn't help the sweats, irritability or anything. My doctor told me to try Estroven, and it's better, but I still feel like crap. I don't sleep well at all, I am irritable and snappish and that is NOT my personality. A friend told me she was in a similar state and took bio-identicals. She didn't go into details, but said they helped. Anybody know how I go about getting these, evidently they are not presciption drugs. I am kind of at the end of my rope. I slept all day today because I just felt so lousy..and that makes me feel worse. Luckily my job is very felxible and it is not affected by my lousy moods..but my hubby is ready to kill me. He thinks it's all in my head and to "snap out of it". Help, anyone?? (I am on 100 mgs of Zoloft for GAD (down from 200), have been for years. Also Klonipn for the GAD and I hate taking either/both. Have worked my fanny off to lose 30 lbs in the last year....still could lose another 30, but it's so depressingly slow. About ready to throw in the towel on this, and need some support!

[AnnieBrooke]

Talk to a reproductive endocrinologist about hrt, and see what he or she thinks.  They know a lot about it.  Ask about bio-identicals and the side effects of Premarin and everything.

[Liz50]

Thanks for responding. I have been on HRT, that's why I am seeking something alternative. HRT made me crazy..even on the lowest dosage. I foun d one bioidentical online that actually contained MSG as an ingredient and I am horribly sensitive to that, gives me migraines, which is also one of the lovely s/e of menopause.
I will look up a reproducitve endocrinologist..thanks, didn't know where to turn!
Liz

[AnnieBrooke]

I read your post and saw that you said you've been on Premarin, which is not the best way to do it.  All the research putting down hrt was done using Premarin as the hormones.  It's just not a good thing to be taking.  You can get shots of estrogen, not Premarin, and they don't have the side effects.  Anyway, talk to a pro.  

[swoob]

I just started bioidentical's a few weeks ago. I am 50 and have been post meno going on 3 years. I see a new ob/gyn that specializes in hormones. This is perscription and you go to a compounding pharmacy. I am going to stick with this as all other tests have come back normal. everyone is different, so it will take awhile to find the right balance for each individual person.

[Liz50]

Thanks--I am really new to this and didn't know even how to go about it! My Ob/Gyn is really 95% OB and just hands out preprinted scips for Premarin if you even say "menoupause" and if they don't work, he just tells you to "ride it out". So i need to find a GYN who can really test ME, as one side doesn't fit all, I'm learning.
Good luck to you!
(I have never even heard of a compounding pharmacy!! Gotta do some research)
Liz