Perimenopause, IC

[ihateic2003]

did anybody use USP Progesterone for there PMS symtoms. I just had a Hyst. on September Dew to endo/Severe Pelvic Pain. My GYN game me anti-depressants to ease my symtoms. that work but not 100% i am still having some problume.My hormones, they are all outta wack and out there!! i am thinking about trying natural way. Let me know if anybody try any Progesterone Cream or any thing???

[classics]

My regular doctor thinks my symptoms of IC might be hormone related. I'm 50 years only and recently missed one period. Up to that time within the past three years the periods always came but were slightly irratic like 20 days and then 33 days, a 3 day flow or a 6 day flow.

She prescribed 1 gm. of Estrace cream once a week to apply where I burned; at the urethra area. After two weeks I called her back and told her it didn't do anything. So, I wonder if the IC symptoms themself caused the long delay in that one missed period, or are the IC symptoms truly a sign of perimenopause.

[ICNDonna]

After taking Premarin for years, I made the decision some months ago that I would prefer another solution. I am currently using Estrace cream, but I use it twice weekly.

Donna

[ICsmiles]

I am a perimenopausal IC patient (48) who is starting to have some success with natural, compounded hormones prescribed by a woman practitioner.
- estradiol (natural estrogen - 3 drops 2x day on skin)
- progesterone cream (1.5 mm of cream 2x day topically on skin - used days 12-26 of cycle)
I have noticed an improvement in my IC after about 3 months of using the topical hormones. Before I started, my tests came in showing that I was way below normal for my estrogen and other hormone levels. No wonder I felt so depressed and in pain!
I have had a real turnaround and am so grateful. She also thinks the lining of the bladder can be affected just as the lining of the uterus. I still have the usual IC pain and i dont' think this is a cure, but I do feel some relief and I hope this is a gradual improvement that continues!

[ihateic2003]

Hi ICsmiles,

I need your help. I am looking in to compounded hormones too. I heard that is good for you. i have some questions for you. I go back to my GYN & this time he did blood work & and said that all hormones were normal.

1. who prescribe your hormones. do i have to go to endocrinologist or my GYN.

2. is your insurance pay for your compounded hormones.
if not how much those cost to you.

[ICsmiles]

My OB/Gyn said my hormones were normal too, but when I was re-tested later by my female practitioner (she's not a dr, she works with a doctor who orders the hormones) She recommends a book called "Screaming to Be Heard" - I can't remember the author, but it is someone who studied natural hormones...

2. is your insurance pay for your compounded hormones.
My insurance pays - I pay a co-pay of $25 for each one - which can get expensive each month, but it's worth it when i feel better.

This has not cured my IC! in fact, right now I am in pain again (I have to remember to take pain meds every 3-4 hours - i try to take half doses when I can)
However, my mood and energy are sooo much better. I feel like i am coping with my IC better. i work full time running a business and have a teenager, so it keeps my mind off my illness!

[mayray518]

I am your age IC smiles and when I first got IC in 1992 I suggested that there may be a hormonal connection and none of the docs would take me seriously. I still believe this to be the problem in my case as I was going into perimenopause at the start of IC. Thanks for stating the creams that you are on, I am going to try that.

[SueP1]

Mayray, I agree with you about the IC/Perimenopause connection. I always had UTI's, but as I approached menopause, the antibiotics didn't work any more. IC came on gradually for me, and I "felt" my bladder for over a year before it really got bad. I take Elmiron, and was on hormones for over a year. I'm off hormones now, and take black cohash for hot flashes. It did not affect my IC, and it does help the flashes after a couple months of use.