Posted on 02/11/2009 6:06:12 PM PST by Former MSM Viewer
My wife is about to start Hormone replacement therapy and I have a lot of questions...
Any opinions/experiences?
Does it help? Or a scam?
How much does it cost in the long run?
Harmful?
My mother, my aunt and myself all use bioidenticals and they’re *awesome*! The only negative side effects have come with a disage issue. (I once got too much progesterone... wow! Suddenly I was a whiny, crying, irrational 12 year old again! NOT a good week for the family! lol!)
Other than that, they work wonderful. And they have none of the risks.
Check out post 20.
The best way to find a dr is to go to http://www.iacprx.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_page. Find a local pharmacy in your area through the website, then call the pharmacy and ask for a recommendation.
She still may have to go through a dr or two to find a good one.
It helped me a lot, but my doctor would only let me stay on it for five years. Before that, I would just pour sweat with no warning. Hormones fixed that problem for me and also gave me nice smooth, soft skin. I’d go ahead with it if I were your wife.
My wife is 54 also. She started last year.
Here is an article that should calm your fears:
http://www.canada.com/Health/story.html?id=1206093
You may find her a bit more frisky after she starts.
That one's called Premarin. My doctor put me on that one first, and my daughter clued me in on it. They keep mares pregnant all the time and kill the foals who are born. Then they use the mares' urine to make the med. I asked my doctor to put me on another one, and he readily agreed. They all have the same effect, and I would never use Premarin if I could help it (used to have horses, myself).
Any feedback on HRT....
I started taking it in 1986 - I was going nuts and wanted everyone out of my life - including myself. Stayed on it(different versions but the patch was the last one) for 18 years. I would lie on my bed reading a book, looking at a spot on the popcorn bedroom ceiling and cry because it wasn’t perfect. Tried to tell myself not to look at that spot but it didn’t work.
HRT works like a miracle - at least it did for me.
Took myself off HRT in 2004 and never looked back. Got tired of the “doom” reports and doctors with no definitive answers re: the risk. I was so miserable when I started taking it that I had nightmares of returning to those “old” days if I stopped but none of those old symptoms returned.
Annual mammogram are a must to get the prescription but at the age when HRT becomes an option, a good idea anyway. Hope this helps.
FWIW, I have never had a hot flash and never took HRT. I took 800 IU a day of Vit E along with other supplements.
what is the cost $...?
“”My ex tried it and she was unbearable.””
Before HRT is understandable but AFTER? Must have been the product or the dosage. I swore by it.
Keep in mind that HRT is simply replacing what the body has quit making. So do your research and feel comfortable with your decision.
No one can deny she will feel wonderful taking them...even if it's just a little :)
sw
Anywhere from $50 to $100 a month. The Blood analysis is pricey (~500). Hopefully some of your insurance will pick some of this up.
“Miracle” is a common word associated with this stuff.
My friend said it was cheaper than a divorce.
Black cohosh
yam root extract
5 HTP
Cheaper. fewer side-effect, more individual control
“”I would never use Premarin if I could help it””
It should be highly unusual for one to have a prescription for Premarin alone but I know it happens. The reports have never pointed out that Premarin alone is a cause of breast cancer. A friend of mine had that prescription only but she had had a hysterectomy. She did develop breast cancer and passed away after a brutal time with that disease. I hadn’t developed my own hormonal problems when she was taking the prescription so I didn’t understand any of it at that time.
She didn’t have any other health problems; a daily walk around Balboa Island in southern CA for 30+ years; a very active person. It’s the only thing that made me fearful of HRT but I didn’t have that prescription - I wouldn’t have taken it.
Hot flashes are also now being treated with Effexor XR (an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety that is also effective against hot flashes).
This is all the info I have and I hope it helps.
“”Black cohosh
yam root extract
5 HTP””
“”Cheaper. fewer side-effect, more individual control””
I always try natural remedies first - didn’t help!!!! Someone would have died while I waited for the symptoms to disappear!
..but you should go with your wife and sit in on lectures & ease your mind....also to be supportive.
I would be concerned about the cancer risk, but I can imagine the hormone levels making her crazy would almost outweigh the risks.
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