Menopause and HRT

I'm a 54 yr old woman and just got blood test results for FSH and it was 42 (last yr 20). I do take levothyroxine 1.75  mg (still have thyroid) approx. 11yr, Paroxetine 37.5 mg, Bupropion 200 mg twice a day,  approx. 3yrs for this type and dosage prior types before this, lipitor 20 mg, approx. 6yrs. I was taking low dose birth control (approx. 11yrs) until about a month ago not for birth control. I'm strongly considering HRT. I'm 5'6" and weigh 228 lb.'s. What if anything affected the FSH of 42? Is this typical, as such, when menopause kicks in? I read the percentages of the diseases that can be better and some that may not when taking HRT. What are these percentages if you do not take HRT and go it on your own? While taking HRT will there still be menopause symptoms?  Will anything I'm taking have an affect on the HRT?

[SassyLassie]

In my opinion, avoid HRT at all costs. I would do Natural Hormone Replacement instead. This involves using natural, bio-identical hormones that mimic your bodies hormones, they are very safe to use. You can either get an over the counter progesterone cream at a good health food store, or, if your doctor is familiar with these type of hormones, he/she can write a script for them to be made at a compounding pharmacy.

Progesterone also helps support the thyroid, some woman are able to stop the thyroid drugs once it kicks in as it was actually the progesterone deficiency that caused the problem in the first place. Only in rare cases is estrogen needed, and then, it should be natural and used only for a short time. The progesterone can be used forever, it is perfectly safe.

As to the symptoms, well, yes, you may still have them on the drugs used with HRT, some don't, but more do than don't, going the natural way, there is a much better change that the symptoms will disappear and you will feel lots better in a short time.

If cancer runs in your family, again, you do NOT want to take synthetic hormones, they will make you more prone to having it, the natural will help to prevent it. Same with heart disease.

Hope this helps, hormones are tricky business, but, with the right kind of doctor and natural hormones, you can get your life back.  :-)

[kesta]

Good morning.

I agree with SassyLassy.  I am 56 and have been taking Menersa (a natural remedy over the counter) for just over a year.  I feel like a new woman.  It took several months of taking Menersa faithfully before it kicked in but when it did, wow!  I've been able to lose weight, on Weight Watchers (40 pounds since January), my body no longer aches all over, my skin looks better, I'm happy, I'm sleeping better and just all around feel better.  

I am in the minority of women who cannot take Progesterone in any capicity.  I become suicidal (and I have never taken antidepressants or had a history of depression).  I worked with a doctor who had the same issues as I - and my daughter does as well.

I take the same dose of levothyroxine as you and have for about 20 years.

Give the Menersa a try, what have you got to lose but a few $$?  

Good luck and please keep us posted.

[Pettyt]

Hi , i had a total hysterectomy done in 2001 im now 46 how will i know if im goin threw the menopause? I had 1 ovary left in? I have night sweat's and day one's as it goes, but im also havin problem with my breast at moment and dont know if my symptom's relate to that or the menopause? What should i do ?