bioidentical hormones

[ShallowsNole]

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.

 

[Linda]

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.

 

[dunelover]

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....

 

[Rudyjohn]

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

 

[Linda]

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!

 

[Teresa]

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...

 

[Linda]

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.

 

[Teresa]

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.

 

[Rudyjohn]

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!
.

 

[Miss Kitty]

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!