Groups > Menopause-The Joys and Surprises

We each have to find what works best for us. I hope you find something that works for you,but please read the previous comments on supplements, and herbal treatments, re possible interactions and discussing them with your doctor.

I have a request, when you do stop a medicine, please, please do not flush it down the toilet. We have all kinds of chemicals, like birth control hormones, antidepressants, and pain medications, in our drinking water already, so please take your unwanted medication to a pharmacy with a drug disposal program, or to a hazardous waste facility, our environment would thank you if it could, since it can't I will.

Oh trust me....I dont flush meds down the toilet.........I take them to the pharmacy.........I am of the belief that anything chemical does not belong in mother earth.........

Robin, how do you feel about natural bioidentical hormones? I've been using Biestrogen Cream and Progesterone SR Capsules for approximately 6 months and the improvement has been dramatic. I have read everything I can get my hands on, including the Women's Health Initiative study. As much negative press as I read, I can't dispute the way I look and feel. I would like to know your opinion.

Hi Zita, I am on bioidentical hormones and have had the same experience. There have been studies done in France that show little risk to those women who use the transdermal form of estrogen (through the skin) and balance it with natural progesterone. Of course, the key is to make sure that you are followed by your doctor with yearly mammograms, breast exams, etc. Robin

Thank you Robin! I am very careful to get all of the suggested exams and just had a mammogram and breast ultrasound yesterday and all is well.

Hi Ladies, I totally agree about the bioidentical route. During perimenopause it is something you have to sortof play with, since the hormones you are producing are different each months. I started out about age 40 with decreased sex drive, and being really bitchy. At about 42 my periods started freaking out. I started only having them every 2-3 months and started having serious hot flashes and night sweats. This went on for about 8 months before I saw my doctor. She put me on some plant based estrogen (Vitanica Womens phase II)capsules along with topical progesterone cream. This seemed to help for about 6 months and brought back my periods during that time. Then out of the blue they went away again and the hot flashes and night sweats returned with a vengence. I'm currently 44 years old, haven't had a period in almost 3 months and my doctor just 3 days ago put me on topical estrogen, and progesterone, along with black cohosh, Vitanica womens phase II menopausal support, and a multi vitamen. It is still very early, but in the last three days it does feel like things are calming down a bit. The hot flashes are becoming less intense, as are the night sweats. Hopefully within the next three weeks things will continue to improve. Oh...and I forgot, I started getting low dose testosterone shots for my sex drive too, my testosterone levels were at 17 and they like them to be around 70. The shots have been a god send. So far (at the low dose) I have not had any real side effects other then an improved interest/and response time when it comes to sex. It is nice to feel more like myself again in that department. I definitely give my husband a run for his money now. I totally understand the insanity of it all though. The night sweats and hot flashes alone are enough to drive a women nuts. My husband has been very understanding, and actually very sympathetic about it all. But for me there are definitely days that I wish it would all be over and done with. I'm crossing my fingers that it all passes quickly.