Perimenopause Help

Question by pmuzzy58: Is there any other treatment for perimenopause symptom other than hormone replacement therapy?
I have been experiencing spotting for about 8 weeks now. It started after having irregular periods. I was thinking that reaching menopause would be a breeze for me. I started when I was 12 years old. I’m now over 50. I’ve been having a very irregular period, very light, with spotting in between periods. Last month, I was very normal. I talked to my health care professional and she said that if the progesterone treatment didn’t work that I would need to start hormone replacement therapy or even birth control pills. I am very reluctant to start birth control pills and especially HRT (hormone replacement therapy) because of the serious health risks. I don’t bleed heavily nor am I experiencing any pain from the bleeding. I am very aware of the health risks concerning cancer. My mother died from cervical cancer 20 years ago. My parents divorced because of my father cheating on my mother. The oncologist believed my mother had HPV complications. This is before the research confirming the link between cervical cancer and HPV. He said that she had an STD at some point and the scarring from the disease brought on my mother’s cancer. My father had been having numerous affairs with other women. My mother was faithful to my dad. She had post menopause bleeding and lost dramatic amounts of weight.
This is why I don’t want to risk my health to an HRT. I know the links between heart disease, strokes and other female cancers. I don’t want to be tortured by the menopause symptoms either. Is there a safe alternative to HRT? Why do conventional doctors only know one therapy for menopause? They should know the serious risks to this kind of therapy but yet still adhere to it. I’m very irritated. I’m trying to do my best with everything. Has anyone had similar experiences with perimenopause? Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by Jo
I went to the health food store and got some herbals.
Unfortunately, I don’t remember the names. They actually have menopause blends, just ask.
I’m done now, but other than some hot flashes, it just went away.
No mood swings, no stupidity (any more than usual), the hot flashes were rare and didn’t last long.
Having spent many years in the medical field, I can tell you that no doctor will tell you to try the natural way first.
Best of luck to you!

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Question by cgibson7578: What can I expect starting estrogen therapy?
I’m 49, close to 50. Had my uterus removed 4wks ago. Just started taking low dose estrogen. I know it’s suppose to help the hot flashes, but what else?

Best answer:

Answer by sabrinaelder
First of all, you can read this if you want to know:

Estrogen, in pill, patch, or gel form, is the single most effective therapy for suppressing hot flashes.

The term estrogen therapy, or ET, refers to estrogen administered alone. Because ET alone can cause uterine cancer (endometrial cancer), a progestin is administered together with estrogen in women who have a uterus to eliminate the increased risk. Thus, the term estrogen/progestin therapy, or EPT, refers to a combination of estrogen and progestin therapy, as is given to a woman who still has a uterus. This method of prescribing hormones is also known as combination hormone therapy.

The term hormone therapy (HT) is a more general term that is used to refer to either administration of estrogen alone (women who have had a hysterectomy), or combined estrogen/progestin therapy (women with a uterus).

All forms of hormone therapy (HT) that are FDA-approved for therapy of hot flashes are similarly effective in suppressing hot flashes.

What are the side effects and risks of hormone therapy (HT)?

Women can experience side effects during hormone therapy; these can be divided into more minor side effects, and more serious side effects. The more minor side effects are more common than the serious side effects, and are generally perceived by women as annoying.・These symptoms include:

headaches,
nausea,
breast pain.
It is still controversial which of these side effects are due to the estrogen component as compared to the progesterone component. Therefore, if side effects persist for a few months, the doctor will often alter either the progesterone or the estrogen part of the hormone therapy (HT).

Contrary to common belief, recent research has confirmed that women who take commonly prescribed doses of hormone therapy (HT) are no more likely to gain weight than women not taking hormone therapy (HT). This is probably because menopause or aging itself is associated with weight gain, regardless of hormone therapy.

(endometrial cancer): Research shows that women who have their uterus and use estrogen alone are at risk for endometrial cancer. Today, however, most doctors prescribe the combination of estrogen and progestin. Progestin protects against endometrial cancer. If there is a particular reason why a woman with a uterus cannot take some form of progesterone, her doctor will take sample tissue from her uterus (endometrial biopsy) to check for cancer annually while she is taking estrogen. Women without a uterus (including women who have had a hysterectomy) have no risk of endometrial cancer.

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Question by arh1387: Should I take an estrogen blocker while undergoing testosterone therapy?
I have been receiving testosterone therapy for about four months now in order to give my body normal levels, and I was wondering if I should start taking estrogen blockers to (theoretically) avoid the potential side effect of gynecomastia.

Any advice/suggestions?

Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by leon7g
Testosterone doesn’t start to turn into estrogen unless you are taking way way too much. Get your doctor to give you bloodworks for estrogen levels as well as testosterone if you are worried.

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Ok, I’m gay and I’d like to be more feminine (hips, curves, shoulders, facial shape, hands, feet, arms, legs) you know the basics but i dont want my “buddy” to shrink. Estrogen causes males to grow breast and to shrink down there. I was wondering takeing male enhancement pills would counter the effect on my “buddy” and make it so he doesnt shrink.

in may i went to my endocrinologist and he said i have low estrogen levels and he said i needed to take estrodial(i think thats how you say it?) but my doctor said to wait but just yesterday i tried my old training bra and THAT was soo big on me. im also trying to gain weight but its terribly difficult and im very underweight despite eating a healthy balanced diet. I also experience frequent mood swings (no,im not pregnant lol) even when im not expecting my period. should i seriously talk to my doc about the hormone replacement?
im 17 and i weight about 104 lbs when i should be 125 lbs