The Next Phase of WomanhoodAre you a curious what the next phase of life will be like, or are you already there? This forum will be for discussion of the Crone phase of life, filled with wisdom and new challenges. Come in and talk about your experiences and fears, your joys and hopes.
I love my bio-identical hormones. But it took a lot of research and a lot of trial-and-error until I found a doctor I trust (because she allows me to be the expert of my own body) and a compounding pharmacy I love. Before I made some changes, though, I seriously thought I was going to come unglued. I had been wearing an estrogen patch since my hyst and my doctors felt that since I wasn't having hot flashes, I was okay. So they put me on various antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds until I finally just thought I needed to be admitted to a mental hospital to get my act together. Everyone is different, but after one week on my new hormones, I was able to drop all pharmaceuticals (under the care of a physician). It's been over two months now and I feel better every day.
One thing I learned is that you have to find a way to balance your estrogen and progesterone and it requires careful monitoring on your part and an ear for what your symptoms are telling you. Just letting your doctor set the dose may not be what you need. I finally had them switch me to a compound where I control the doses throughout the day. Because really, not every day is the same, and sometimes I need more or less help than others. Breast tenderness, in particular, usually indicates that something is out of whack between the estrogen and progesterone. Pregnenolone is another important one that affects how each of those two work. Yadda yadda yadda. Sorry to go on and on, and sooooo sorry you're feeling like a monster. I felt awful for years and I was on hormones. I'm still on hormones, but a different doctor, different regimen, and it's a whole new bright shiny beautiful world!!!
I hope that both of you 'go on and on', because I am reaping the benefits of your wisdom. I was on the Life Flo Pro-Cream for about a year and gained great results by its use. I then stopped using it, because of having accomplished what I needed to, less frequent menses and not so heavy flow. Every once in awhile, I feel the need to give my progesterone levels a bit of a boost, but am now using the Emerita brand of pro-cream and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the difference. There is something to be said for using quality products.
Now I am having the other extreme, of not having any period and/or an extremely light flow. So, after my period didn't show up this month, I opted to start back on the Emerita Pro-Cream AND the Emerita Phytoestrogen Cream. I've only been on it for 4 days, so I need a bit more time to report any conclusive results. However, I am noticing some subtle changes already, mostly in having less vaginal dryness. My libido also seems to be getting a bit of a boost, which is quite nice!
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Tell me about Pregnenolone. I have it in the cream and was using it for a brief time a year ago. I would like to better know what to be watching for in its use though.
Pregnenolone gives me some extra energy, without making me edgy or hyper. I use sublingual tablets in the morning and at lunch. If I'm going to have a hard day, or a day that requires more than usual concentration/focus, I take a little extra in the morning. It's cleared up some of my fuzzy thinking and also helps a LOT with my joint pain. Actually, in the 1950's, they used it for rheumatoid arthritis until cortisol came into vogue.
Uzzi Reiss calls it the "key to your brain power." My doctor prescribed the tablets to help with my fatigue and because I have a family history of Alzheimer's. It's available OTC, but I get the tablets from Designs for Health. These are usually only supposed to be administered through a physician's office, but I've noticed it's available in a few online stores (easier for me than going to my doctor's office to pick them up).
Location: Failure is a joyless word. Without risk, there can be no gain. If you don't go out on a limb, you will never see the lovely view.
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Mary that is so awesome! I am so happy for you because we have walked with you on your ups and downs and it has been so HARD for you.
I am so encouraged.
MY bio identicals shoudl be here today. She says my symptoms are huge in the lack of progesterone department so that is added along with the estriol.
I am excited about starting this. I woudl have loved to do it all naturally but when my pelvic floor collapsed and caused so much trouble in my body, this is something I probably need to surrender to for the rest of my life.
I will let you all know how it goes. I hope I can relaly get a good understanding on womens health. I have read so much and realize that I dont know near what I should.
Progesterone never crossed my mind.....never..... shows how much I know, huh?
So how's it going, KR? Better, I hope. I thought I had the best doctor ever but then I accidentally stumbled into something even better. My first appt was a few weeks ago and I'll go back in a few more weeks. Changed my progesterone to a cream, but I'm using up my drops first.
Love you, KR!!!
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