vivelle patch and menopause

Since I have had a hysterectomy I have been on a vivelle dot patch, I have experienced forgetfulness,leg swelling weight gain, edema in legs and I tried to wean myself off the patch however extreme depressin took over along with horrible thoughts unlike any I have had.  I am age 50 and had hysterectomy at age 45--are the alzheimer like symptoms something I can overcome by getting off this patch and can I get off the patch or do I need to replace it with something else?

[cc101]

I'm sorry to hear you're having such adverse affects with the patch, but that's one of the main reasons I deal with all the miserable symptoms hormone-free; so many claim they're worse off having started the hormones than if they'd never done it at all. My suggestion would be to get back in to see your doctor, tell them you definitely want off the hormones, and to given you something to calm your nerves and deal with the depression for a short period - not to condone medications of any kind, but Xanax at a small dose will keep you from freaking out during the weaning off period, or you can find a host of alternative, herbal treatments from the health food store to try as well. No matter what, if it were me, I'd find a way to get off the hormones as soon as possible.