Ladies I need your help-estrogen

[Abbygirl2]

My GP told me the other day that both my progesterone and estrogen were quite low(I new it all along-but it took me 6 months to convince her to test me).

She didn't suggest doing anything about it, but we got off topic and I guess we both kind of forgot.
I know this is partly the reason I feel so miserable.

I am not sure if this means I am going through early menopause(very early-I just turned 30). And I know this puts me at all kinds of risk for future heart disease etc, so I want to take care of this, I just don't know what I can safely take.

I don't want to take birth control pills, as I figure I don't need the added risk for a stroke, and am very nervous about HRT. Is anyone else out there in a similar situation?

Any thoughts you could give me on this would be appreciated.

Pam

[cynthiaG]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Pam,

I'm not certain that just because your hormone levels were low, that indicates pre-menopause. You seem awfully young to be going through what's called "peri-menopause". Other symptoms occompanying low hormone levels would be hot flashes, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and of course your monthly cycles. When you do reach that stage, I would NOT suggest HRT. My OBGYN and PCP were strongly opposed to hormone replacement therapy and not just because of my HCM, but other factors as a higher risk of ovarian cancer. It was not a big deal to go through...doesn't last long. I don't think any doctor would recommend HRT to anyone with a heart condition. period.

[Abbygirl2]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Thanks for replying. I have had irregular periods for about 10 yrs now. The past 4 yrs I have been suffering from extreme hot flashes, poor concentration, moodiness, dry skin, poor memory and sleep problems among others. The past 6 months have been particularily bad, and I tried to convince my Dr to test me, but she said that I was too young for perimenopause. Finally she caved.

She didn't really tell me what else could be going on. So I am not really sure what to do. I really could care less about going into menopause, although being this young worries me.
I feel so miserable that right now its all about feeling better.

So HRT is probably out then. Thats ok, the thought makes me nervous. I just wasn't sure if a Dr would even recommend it.

Maybe I'll look into seeing a gyn.

Thanks

Pam

[Laoshur]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Pam,

Seeing a gyn is definitely called for! I suffered with many menstrual problems starting at age 20 and continuing until I stopped menstruating at age 54. At age 53 my gynecologist finally told me that she admired me as a woman because I was a fighter, but as my doctor she had to tell me that I was going to die and my husband would find me bled out on the floor if I did not do something. So, I did the least invasive thing I could find - an UAE. Don't be like me and wait until it gets to that stage.

I looked online to see if I could find anything about causes for your problems other than extremely early menopause, but did not find anything obvious. However, I know from experience that there could be many other things going on here. If I were you, I would ask the doc to do FSH and LH levels. In other words, you want to know whether the problem is arising from your ovaries and uterus directly or from inadequate stimulus. I am not sure that learning this would answer all your questions, but I would want it done, if it were me.

Rhoda

[Sarah]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Pam

It sounds like a new doctor would be the best treatment for you. Particularly one who listens to you and what your symptoms are. You also need to see an ob/gyn and if that doesn't help, an endocrinologist (specializes in hormones).

There are dietary changes that can help, and perhaps supplements. I don't think you need to be suffering so much.

Get referrals from friends and search the internet for more holistic (not to be confused with quackery --there is a difference) solutions.

take care,

s

[cynthiaG]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Pam,

Yes, make an appointment with your OBGYN. Your doctor should have your FSH and LH hormone levels tested as mentioned. You can start there, then your doctor can make the determination if you are indeed peri-menopausal. good luck

[Abbygirl2]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

thanks ladies, of course for me to see a ob/gyn I would have to travel 4 hours(same city as my cardiologist.) But it needs to be done, I think I would probably have to get a refferal. We have one gyn here, but he's older than the hills and isn't taking any more patients.

One thing that confuses me is I have looked around trying to find information and all I can find is info on estrogen dominance or progesterone dominance. It seems that usually when one is low, then the other is elevated.

Anyway, I will get on my GP Monday and see what happens. Thanks alot for your advice.

Pam

[Burton Borrok]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

Pam,
I hope you don’t mind an old man making a few comments here, but my daughter is already more then half again your age.

My wife was a “late bloomer” and as is often the case, was consequently an early stopper – but she was in her forties at the time. I can’t stress too strongly that I feel you should go to a good OB/GYN and have a complete work-up, - and get copies of all test results.

Whether or not they find anything amiss I feel certain they will offer advice as to how to proceed from there. That’s the time to take their advice and all the test results to your computer and research all the ramifications of each of the courses of action open to you.

You will then be able to make an informed decision, based on the facts in your particular situation, on exactly what to do next. As Lisa always says – Knowledge is Power.

Good luck Pam,
Burt

[Ronnie]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

I'm going to join the stampede, advising you to see an OB-Gyn. That's the only Dr, who cangive you truly "knowledgeable" input on this topic. HRT IS NOT A NO NO for HCM, by the way! I had a Hysterectomy, at 50 (6 years ago) & have been on Estrogen (various types) ever since. My local cardio as well as Mayo Clinic was well aware of my estrogen use & had NO PROBLEM. So don't just rule out relief, based on input from an uninformed "lay person"
But definitely make the effort to see a Specialist, there is no reason fro you to Suffer needlessly, when help could be very simple (or not)
BE WELL

[ginnilea]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

I know I would be nervous about HRT as a HOCM pt. I know some of the ladies stated they have been on it for years but many factor's apply. Whether or not you are active, whether or not you smoke, if there is a history with previous problems with blood clots in your family, etc... Just lay it all out on the line with your MD and hopefully you can find an answer. Good luck and keep us updated,

Ginnilea

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

I will add my 2 cents,
HRT is not a go or a no go for those with HCM. Speak to YOUR GYN who knows YOU and your complete medical history.

Take care!
Lisa

[karen]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

There are also natural creams out there for women going through menopause, and pre menopause. My mom has HCM and she has been able to take this cream since she started menopause, and there are no harmful side effects.

[cynthiaG]

Re: Ladies I need your help-estrogen

I would just like to say that in my instance, I was not "uninformed". I simply stated what two doctors had told me. My cardiologist at the time, (not some kwack....the head of cardiology at the hospital) advised me not to take HRT..at the time I was on coumadin, levothroid and atenolol. I've read many posts since I have joined and many HCMers are on coumadin (so I'm assuming many are at risk for blood clots)....after reading the following information, now it all comes back to me...it was because I had blood clots (DVT's) a week after I gave birth to my son because my heart threw the clots). If someone can jump in and comment about this. Why would it be "OK" to take HRT if you are already at risk in throwing blood clots?? (HCM being the catalyst)

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Postmenopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be at increased risk for developing potentially serious blood clots.

Three new research reports appearing in Saturday's issue of The Lancet indicate that even in the low doses used in HRT, estrogen appears to significantly increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which clots form in the leg and can travel to the lungs.

Many experts believe the benefits of hormone replacement therapy may be greater than the risks. The best advice is to discuss potential benefits, risks, and side effects with your doctor.