bioidentical hormones

Tootsie, thanks for this post.

When I was training for the marathon 2 years ago, I went off schedule. I haven't really started back up, which has been fine for me.
I am overdue for a check-up - just didn't go last year. But, I have been in either denial or prolonging the not knowing.

Miss Kitty, I am bad. I don't have insurance, have been regularly seeing my Rheumatologist - I have RA, but prescriptions are expensive - have had root canals, ER visits, orthopeadic; other family prescriptions too.
I know I am making excuses. Moving here 5 years ago was traumatic leaving my Ob/Gyn that I had forever (I did have insurance then) and my Dentist.

Don't beat me up too badly, I know I need to do this.

Tootsie, thanks for this post.

When I was training for the marathon 2 years ago, I went off schedule. I haven't really started back up, which has been fine for me.
I am overdue for a check-up - just didn't go last year. But, I have been in either denial or prolonging the not knowing.

Miss Kitty, I am bad. I don't have insurance, have been regularly seeing my Rheumatologist - I have RA, but prescriptions are expensive - have had root canals, ER visits, orthopeadic; other family prescriptions too.
I know I am making excuses. Moving here 5 years ago was traumatic leaving my Ob/Gyn that I had forever (I did have insurance then) and my Dentist.

Don't beat me up too badly, I know I need to do this.

Kudos to you for your exercise regime because of your RA!! That must give you some amazing results, hopefully.

Tootsie, thanks for this post.

When I was training for the marathon 2 years ago, I went off schedule. I haven't really started back up, which has been fine for me.
I am overdue for a check-up - just didn't go last year. But, I have been in either denial or prolonging the not knowing.

Miss Kitty, I am bad. I don't have insurance, have been regularly seeing my Rheumatologist - I have RA, but prescriptions are expensive - have had root canals, ER visits, orthopeadic; other family prescriptions too.
I know I am making excuses. Moving here 5 years ago was traumatic leaving my Ob/Gyn that I had forever (I did have insurance then) and my Dentist.

Don't beat me up too badly, I know I need to do this.

you can get many good recommendations for a good gyno on this board. I'm thinking this thread needs to go to the health forum... maybe others would be more comfortable participating if its not in the "lounge".

I never know what forum I'm in because I always just hit the "New Posts."

Toots, the patch/prog/DHEA are in the dosages my dr prescribed, based on my hormone levels six-months post-op. It's also time to have them run again. I stopped HRT for a prolonged period of time because of complexion issues (don't know if I mentioned that already) but after realizing that I was again the weight-gaining spaced-out non-interested witch, I went back on it about three weeks ago. The difference is amazing. I am feeling SO much better.

Dr. Moraczewski was interested in having me try bioidenticals, but I just couldn't afford it. Heck, the estrogen patches are $35 copay as it is.

Toots, the patch/prog/DHEA are in the dosages my dr prescribed, based on my hormone levels six-months post-op. It's also time to have them run again. I stopped HRT for a prolonged period of time because of complexion issues (don't know if I mentioned that already) but after realizing that I was again the weight-gaining spaced-out non-interested witch, I went back on it about three weeks ago. The difference is amazing. I am feeling SO much better.

Dr. Moraczewski was interested in having me try bioidenticals, but I just couldn't afford it. Heck, the estrogen patches are $35 copay as it is.

Do you mind telling me which patch you are on? I am on the Vivelle Dot which even though it is not compounded at the pharmacy, it is still bioidentically the same as what we produce naturally - unlike the synthetic premarin or prempro which is derived from pregnant mares urine. Alot of people think that since this patch is sold by a pharmaceutical company that it is not natural since a pharmaceutical company can't patent a natural hormone. In the case of the Vivelle Dot, and many other patches, they are not patenting the hormone but are patenting the patch delivery system.

Tootsie, thanks for this post.

When I was training for the marathon 2 years ago, I went off schedule. I haven't really started back up, which has been fine for me.
I am overdue for a check-up - just didn't go last year. But, I have been in either denial or prolonging the not knowing.

Miss Kitty, I am bad. I don't have insurance, have been regularly seeing my Rheumatologist - I have RA, but prescriptions are expensive - have had root canals, ER visits, orthopeadic; other family prescriptions too.
I know I am making excuses. Moving here 5 years ago was traumatic leaving my Ob/Gyn that I had forever (I did have insurance then) and my Dentist.

Don't beat me up too badly, I know I need to do this.

I am NOT going to beat you up, just give a little info. If you can get insurance quickly, like a personal policy w/ Blue Cross or something, you might consider that. You sound like you are in good shape. The older we get, the more risks we have w/ our health. My biggest piece of advice is to look at your family history. If you have any history of breast cancer, colon cancer, or ovarian cancer, go see a dr. sooner than later. All these cancers increase our risk of problems.

Somebody needs to start a gyn recommendation thread.....Then when I get to move I will have all the info....

are these hot flashes really THAT bad?? :shock: Like "heat stroke" bad?

are these hot flashes really THAT bad?? :shock: Like "heat stroke" bad?

Yes - they are really that bad - at least they were for me. I was having about 2 per hour. One minute I was burning up and then I would be freezing cold. It got really bad at night because it kept me from sleeping and that in and of itself is so bad for your health. It is amazing how replacing the lost hormones makes sleep possible again. Some people are able to sail right through menopause with no symptoms but I believe they are in the minority. Also, there are some that decide they will suffer through it - I can't even imagine that!

Do you mind telling me which patch you are on? I am on the Vivelle Dot which even though it is not compounded at the pharmacy, it is still bioidentically the same as what we produce naturally - unlike the synthetic premarin or prempro which is derived from pregnant mares urine. Alot of people think that since this patch is sold by a pharmaceutical company that it is not natural since a pharmaceutical company can't patent a natural hormone. In the case of the Vivelle Dot, and many other patches, they are not patenting the hormone but are patenting the patch delivery system.

dang. so much to learn and know. patches and dots and premarina nd prempro...

dang. so much to learn and know. patches and dots and premarina nd prempro...

You're not kidding - it took me about 6 months and 20 books to decide what was right for me.

You're not kidding - it took me about 6 months and 20 books to decide what was right for me.

nobody said I had to literally go back to school... oh well, at least I won't be the only one. I see all you sowal women lurking on here.

You're not kidding - it took me about 6 months and 20 books to decide what was right for me.

I swear, I just get finished with one 12 month project, 10 books, massive research and then it's time to move on to another research project. :roll: I just want to relax and get back to an actual hobby!
.

are these hot flashes really THAT bad?? :shock: Like "heat stroke" bad?

My journey began at 45!!!! I never had a HOT flash, mine were more like a warming. Never had night sweats. I did have a sudden weight gain. Did start losing my mind...no great loss. Tried HRT for one month and the side effects for me were worse than the symptoms. I started taking OTC Estroven and whether it was placebo or not, the warming disappeared. All in all, I had an easy transition and now have my official mentalpause papers. I know from reading here and talking to many friends that it really is a different journey for everyone. So glad to see all the good sharing of info!

Have used compounded progesterone with great success. My experience is that saliva testing is much more reliable than blood tests for hormone levels. I also thought Suzanne Somers book was helpful, as well as Dr. Elizabeth Vliet's "What Your Doctor May Not Tell Your About Pre-Menopause."

For middle-aged fatigue, I also recommend:

http://www.feelingfff.com
http://www.endfatigue.com

I first heard Dr. Teitlebaum on Mehmet Oz's show on Oprah's xm channel, and was very impressed with both his knowledge and commitment. He donates profits from his products to further research on fatigue and related issues. His products are available at http://www.vitacost.com at great prices. I have noticed great improvement in my energy levels, reduced achiness, and eliminated "fuzzy thinking" using his Daily Energy Infusion vitamin powder.

Have used compounded progesterone with great success. My experience is that saliva testing is much more reliable than blood tests for hormone levels. I also thought Suzanne Somers book was helpful, as well as Dr. Elizabeth Vliet's "What Your Doctor May Not Tell Your About Pre-Menopause."

For middle-aged fatigue, I also recommend:

http://www.feelingfff.com
http://www.endfatigue.com

I first heard Dr. Teitlebaum on Mehmet Oz's show on Oprah's xm channel, and was very impressed with both his knowledge and commitment. He donates profits from his products to further research on fatigue and related issues. His products are available at http://www.vitacost.com at great prices. I have noticed great improvement in my energy levels, reduced achiness, and eliminated "fuzzy thinking" using his Daily Energy Infusion vitamin powder.

Thanks for these links.

Do you mind telling me which patch you are on? I am on the Vivelle Dot which even though it is not compounded at the pharmacy, it is still bioidentically the same as what we produce naturally - unlike the synthetic premarin or prempro which is derived from pregnant mares urine. Alot of people think that since this patch is sold by a pharmaceutical company that it is not natural since a pharmaceutical company can't patent a natural hormone. In the case of the Vivelle Dot, and many other patches, they are not patenting the hormone but are patenting the patch delivery system.

I'm on Estradiol. Dr M did say it was pretty close to bioidentical. Prometrium by mouth, and 1/2 a DHEA supplement, which is OTC at GNC.

Also, two types of thyroid replacement and singulair. I'm about to get one of those daily AM/PM pill boxes to keep it all straight. It's scary to look at all the pill bottles, and Fuzz is starting to make comments (dang, dear, did YOU rob Santa Rosa Pharmacy?)...but I remember my mom getting hormone shots, so anything I can wear a patch or swallow is ok in my book!

are these hot flashes really THAT bad?? :shock: Like "heat stroke" bad?

Gives new meaning to the word, Spontaneous combustion.

I really recommend the Wisdom of Menopause, by Dr. Christine Northrup. There is a wealth of info about everything for natural methods, patches and hormone therapy.

My favorite doctor is Elizabeth Lee Vliet. She has lots of books but my two favorites are:

"Screaming To Be Heard - Hormone Connections Women Suspect and Doctors Still Ignore"

"Women, Weight and Hormones"

This is her web site www.Herplace.com

My journey began at 45!!!! I never had a HOT flash, mine were more like a warming. Never had night sweats. I did have a sudden weight gain. Did start losing my mind...no great loss. Tried HRT for one month and the side effects for me were worse than the symptoms. I started taking OTC Estroven and whether it was placebo or not, the warming disappeared. All in all, I had an easy transition and now have my official mentalpause papers. I know from reading here and talking to many friends that it really is a different journey for everyone. So glad to see all the good sharing of info!

I had the sudden weight gain too. I put on 15 pounds in one year after being thin my whole life. I could not lose it no matter how little I ate or how much I exercised. It wasn't until I started the bioidenticals and got everthing back in balance that I was able to lose it and have kept it off. From what I understand the weight gain is actually our bodies effort to protect us. Fat cells produce estrogen so when our natural estrogen levels fall our bodies start producing fat cells to crank out more estrogen. BTW I started all of this at age 45 also. I kept thinking I was way too young for all this

I had the sudden weight gain too. I put on 15 pounds in one year after being thin my whole life. I could not lose it no matter how little I ate or how much I exercised. It wasn't until I started the bioidenticals and got everthing back in balance that I was able to lose it and have kept it off. From what I understand the weight gain is actually our bodies effort to protect us. Fat cells produce estrogen so when our natural estrogen levels fall our bodies start producing fat cells to crank out more estrogen. BTW I started all of this at age 45 also. I kept thinking I was way too young for all this

exactly.

I had the sudden weight gain too. I put on 15 pounds in one year after being thin my whole life. I could not lose it no matter how little I ate or how much I exercised. It wasn't until I started the bioidenticals and got everthing back in balance that I was able to lose it and have kept it off. From what I understand the weight gain is actually our bodies effort to protect us. Fat cells produce estrogen so when our natural estrogen levels fall our bodies start producing fat cells to crank out more estrogen. BTW I started all of this at age 45 also. I kept thinking I was way too young for all this

...hey there..you are my mentalpausal soul sister. You got me thinking about those bio things...do they help with things that go bump in the brain? Losing weight and gaining a mind, might just be funn!

...hey there..you are my mentalpausal soul sister. You got me thinking about those bio things...do they help with things that go bump in the brain? Losing weight and gaining a mind, might just be funn!

read about 'em. they say its something you can do for yourself for the rest of your life.

I'm just learning.

...hey there..you are my mentalpausal soul sister. You got me thinking about those bio things...do they help with things that go bump in the brain? Losing weight and gaining a mind, might just be funn!

It is definitely a quality of life issue for me and helps with all of the above!! I just couldn't imagine not having them. I have sent many friends and family to my doctor for the hormone profile and they have all been put on the bioidenticals. They all tell me that they can't believe how good they feel and how they can't imgaine not having them too.

read about 'em. they say its something you can do for yourself for the rest of your life.

I'm just learning.

You are doing the right thing researching all of this. I encourage everybody to do your own research and thing decide what is right for you. Finding the right doctor who is really up on the bioidenticals is key. My doctor has made it the primary focus of her practice because she feels so passionately about them.