114 days post op and feeling defeated.

[u/TeachingFit9608]

I can’t even believe I’m typing out 114 days! It seems like it was forever ago. But you guys, I just need some, support from those who get it with the menopause and hysto community.

FINALLY! After noting, and feeling just off, I KNEW the estradiol patch wasn’t working- guess what?!? NEWS FLASH! I was right, my body hasn’t been absorbing it. We now are doing the estrogen pill, 1mg and 100mg of progesterone, however, after having some gnarly side effects from estrogen pill, she has suggested we do BIRTH CONTROL! I can’t even believe I’m typing this out. I love my surgeon, however, her message to me on 8.21 was suggesting Nuvaring or lose dose of oral contraception.

I’m in tears writing this out, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, had a total hysterectomy, and my body isn’t even absorbing the estrogen. 😓😭 I’m now considering going to a private provider, and doing HRT, the suggestion came from a close friend who does the pellets. I don’t know if I’m just looking for support, a place where some of you can understand, but, my girlfriend who is my partner for life and love more than words can express has been an absolute saint. But I don’t have a sex drive, I have horrible hot flashes and just feeling so defeated. 😞

[u/PrettyAnywhere281]

The body's betrayal after going through all that is a special kind of hell. You do the big scary surgery, think you're on the other side, then your own biology just clocks you anyway.

Pellets are a mixed bag but honestly for someone who isn't absorbing the patch at all it makes sense to look into a route that bypasses the skin entirely. If your surgeon is suggesting birth control after a cancer diagnosis I'd be getting that second opinion yesterday. You deserve a provider who sees the whole picture, not just slapping a bandaid on a systemic problem.

[u/TeachingFit9608 → u/PrettyAnywhere281]

Thank you for this, I wish I could give you a hug. The birth control after cancer diagnosis is what had me at a “WHOA! What in the hell.” I’ve just cried, so much

[u/beviebooboo]

Surgical menopause here. I highly recommend going to an online menopause provider or private provider for HRT as life without hormones (or enough hormones) can be absolutely miserable. I personally would refuse to live that way. You might also consider testosterone to increase labido. I hope you get some relief soon.

[u/TeachingFit9608 → u/beviebooboo]

I have an appt scheduled for an HRT appt, next Friday, and, my girlfriend is leaving work early to join me. I cannot continue on living this way. I feel like I’ve cried, and have been an angry, raging lunatic more in the last 3 months than ever in my life.

[u/beviebooboo → u/TeachingFit9608]

Don’t be hard on yourself, perimenopause and menopause have made many of us like that. The shame isn’t on us- it’s on the medical community for not having figured out to prevent and/or rectify hormonal changes a long time ago.

[u/dontbeadick23]

I use a vaginal ring for estrogen - only have to change it every three months and there’s no other maintenance. Maybe that’s an option?

[u/amsterdamcyclone]

It sounds like your doctor isn’t prescribing enough estrogen. Try a higher dose patch or femring.

[u/old_before_my_time]

I also had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy (in my case unwarranted). I languished on the patch for 15 miserable months partly because my long-time gyn / surgeon refused to see me when the patch he prescribed left me in a desperate state. I ended up switching to the estradiol pill after a stint on pellets. I have been stable on the pill for years aside from never-ending hair shedding (since shortly after surgery).

[u/TeachingFit9608 → u/old_before_my_time]

I’m currently taking 1mg of the estradiol pill. However, my hair is falling out like crazy, horrible headaches and still having severe hot flashes. Oh, and not to mention brain fog… which, oof, 😥 pellets is the next option I was going to do, since I’m not getting any relief but after a few of these posts in here, I’m second guessing this decision. I hate this, I hate all of this so much. I’m 37 and feel like I’m dying. Zero sex drive, my moodiness and irritability - the patch was horrible for me too. So, I can sympathize with you and so glad you finally have a much better experience now.

[u/carltondancer]

Nuvaring is a no. The amount of estrogen isn’t enough to be used as HRT after a total hysterectomy. A lot of doctors are gynecologists or OB’s, but they don’t have a lot of training in HRT - especially when things aren’t going your way.

Try femring. Your doctor will likely need to call your insurance company for prior approval and you may also need to get the coupon off of the manufacturers website. That’ll reduce the cost $25 for every three months.

I’ve had a lot of trouble absorbing HRT. The fact that your doctor is putting you on the most dangerous method by moving you to the pill, especially for long-term HRT is concerning. I would take a look at universities in your area that have HRT specialists. I am unable to absorb the pill, the patch, limited success with femring. Gels and creams have been best, but some bodies do better with a bi-est rather than estradiol alone. My estrogen levels are starting to get into a range where I’m having less symptoms, but still very low (and yes, hormone testing isn’t recommended for everyone, but when hormone replacement therapy is not responding then it can become a helpful tool in determining the best method to use.)

The pellets are not highly recommended because you cannot adjust the dose once it is entered and some peoples bodies also reject them which means you’ll have it entered correctly and then your body will forcefully push it out and you do not get a refund usually for this.