HORMONE NIGHTMARE!!!

[Zanni2]

I switched to an estrogen patch "Estradiol" the Monday before last because the cream version (which is inserted into the vagina by an applicator) was causing vaginal itching and a fungal infection on my vulva. My skin looks much better, however, last Saturday I started having dull pelvic pains. From Wednesday morning up to this morning my bladder was going totally bonkers! (Now you can tell where I've been the last two days!) Yesterday and Wednesday my bladder acted the way it used to during ovulation and PMS before my total hysterectomy 7 months ago. (Constant urination and pressure, about 30-35 times a day.) At first I thought, "How could this be? I have no female organs now!" Then it occurred to me that maybe this new form of estrogen was too strong for me. I was probably getting too much estrogen. Before my operation I had fibroids and endometriosis. Perhaps I shouldn't be on any estrogen replacement for that reason.

I called my OB/GYN and he agreed that some women are sensitive to estrogens and he told me I could remove the patch and see how I feel without any estrogen replacement. I also asked him if I could try Black Cohosh root which is suppossed to be a natural form of estrogen. He said it would be alright as it is considered safe and mild. First I'm going to give my body a break for about a week or two to get the "Estradiol" out of my system. (This was only my second week on that patch.) Then if I need to I'll try the Black Cohosh root.

Since my hysterectomy I've tried three different types of estrogen replacement and I had trouble with every one of them. Another big side effect was weight gain! I gained about 20 pounds in just seven months!

Regarding my IC, because I was never officially diagonosed with it, I'm going to look into seeing an IC specialist somewhere. For all I know I may be on the wrong track. Maybe I have something else. No IC treatment (medical or natural) has worked yet so I'm starting to wonder if I really am an IC patient. Because I live in Los Angeles county, a friend of the family suggested I go to UCLA. I've heard that there are excellent doctors there. Anyone know any IC specialists from UCLA?

Zanni2

[Katrina]

My heart cries as it wants to hug you for what you described it my fear of the future. I just had a total hysterectomy 4 weeks ago and am trying to find alternites to hormone replacement therapy because my Endo was so bad on Lupron I can't immangine giving myself horones.

Big hugs to ya, feel free to private message me if you want...good luck on finding out if you have IC and getting good treatment if you do.

[Dianne]

Black cohosh caused me a lot of pain but works for some people. I order a preservative free estriol cream and use it only two to three times/week from Rocky Mountain Pharmacy in Bozeman, Montana. They are online. I was able to adjust the dose down even lower than what I started with and maintain the results. I developed an allergy to estriol creams so this has been the answer for me and no side effects. I wasn't able to tolerate any other HRT supplements and I tried them all. Only draw back is you have to reorder monthly since it's preservative free but I order only 1/2 tube which is quite inexpensive. Good luck.

[blondie25]

I use naturally compounded HRT that is formulated especially for me after my Dr did a blood test.
They are the only ones that I am able to tolerate, and I have tried them all. You might asked your Dr. about them. I get them from Women's International Pharmacy.

[SheriG]

Sorry I cannot help you in regards to the estrogen ....but I did want to pass this along to you: Don't be sure that you do not have IC because no conventional treatments have worked for you. I was diagnosed about 2 years before I found anything that really made a difference. Of course there is always the possibility that you don't have IC, which I pray is true for you.I think you are wise to seek out an IC Specialist, that way, when he tells you that you do or do not have IC, you can have faith in him that he is correct. I wish you all the best, and hope you will continue to post and let us know how you are doing! Sheri

[carla_2004]

Zanni, I had my hysto when I was in my 20's. For some reason, ERT by mouth just did not get absorbed into my system, so I had major-surgical menopause! I recall not being a happy camper, so I certainly understand your frustration at finding the proper treatment on this issue.

I finally became so frustrated that I researched ERT at the local medical library. Empowered with some knowledge, I found a very good endocrinologist and worked with him to get my hormonal system back in balance.

Under this doctor's care, I took part in an ERT implant study. Life got rather interesting when the endocrinologist decided to add in a pellet of testosterone. Imagine my husband's surprise when overnight I was, ehem, shall I say... extremely interested in physical relations morning noon and night. Of course, I later did have to have electrolysis because of the hair growth, but it was fun while it lasted (and I didn't have IC to temper my interest!)

Then the endocrinologist decided to teach me to administer my own shots. That was rather an "out-of-the-box" solution, but one that worked well for a period of years.

I guess my suggestion would be to explore finding an endocrinologist who specializes in women menopause and knowledgeable about endometiosis issues. I do wish you the best, it certainly sounds like you have been through the wringer. Hugs, Carla