Talk to me about HRT

[Brandi]

"Although some schools of thought say that you can't measure hormones because they fluctuate so much, my PCP said my estrogen level was zero. I'm not sure how that could be but in any case, it's really low. That probably explains the flashes/sweats."


I have had all sorts of strange things in the past year. Night sweats, bad heart palps, sever mood swings. They said my hormones were at normal levels. I don't believe it either. I heard the same thing you did, that you have to measure them right at the right time or you don't get an accurate reading.
I am under control a bit more then I was. Mainly cause I figured out what was going on. But no Dr would totally confirm I was hormonal. They would say "well maybe" " It could be" part of it is because I am 43 they think I am to young.

[Dogmama]

t could be" part of it is because I am 43 they think I am to young.

I started the mood swings and hot flashes a good ten years before my last period - right at your age.. My hormones read normal during part of this time. Then, they read "menopausal." It was like going from 60mph to zero.

I've read that cortisol does fluctuate during the day - so why not estrogen/progesterone? Heaven forbid that we should have a medical reason for these things rather than being labeled a b*tch! (Oh there is my inner Gloria Steinman coming out again!)

Isn't it funny (I severely digress) that low testosterone is called "Low T" on the TV ads? Why can't they just say it - buddy - you're going through andropause! Put down the dumbbells & pick up the Reader's Digest - it's over!

[Crankin]

Brandi, I started peri symptoms at around 38.
You are not too young.

[Brandi]

I started the mood swings and hot flashes a good ten years before my last period - right at your age.. My hormones read normal during part of this time. Then, they read "menopausal." It was like going from 60mph to zero.

I've read that cortisol does fluctuate during the day - so why not estrogen/progesterone? Heaven forbid that we should have a medical reason for these things rather than being labeled a b*tch! (Oh there is my inner Gloria Steinman coming out again!)

Isn't it funny (I severely digress) that low testosterone is called "Low T" on the TV ads? Why can't they just say it - buddy - you're going through andropause! Put down the dumbbells & pick up the Reader's Digest - it's over!

Glad I am not alone!

[Dogmama]

Looking back, I think my awful PMS symptoms were part of perimenopause. I have a friend who is going through it & I can tell when she's due to start her period because NOTHING is right.

I am using Elestrin, which is a very small amount of estrogen in a pump form, so I can still titrate the dosage. How long does it take to work? Granted, I'm really not using a lot of estrogen, but I was hoping to get some relief soon. Looking at 100+ degree days for the next week...ugh.