I am young and not in your situation yet, but when I hit menopause, i'm going to take my chances with nature rather than accept all the cancer and other health risks associated with horomone replacement. Just my $0.02.

I had a hysterectomy at age 34 and my doctor put me on estratest immediately. I have been on it for about 6 years. Since my was a surgical menopause situation she told me that there was new information regarding hrt and not having a uterus. She decreased my estratest and I have decided to not take it at all and try my luck with natural ingredients. At age 40 I know what hot flashes are all about and you just get used to them.

I think I am nearing the end of menopause.. I have never taken a homone.. I have gone through this natuarally.. I even had fibroids and they are shrinking.. My tummy is flat, where as before menopause I had a mound on my left side.. I do tire easy.. Hot flashes have not been bad..
I have not had a period now for 9 months.. I heard that if you don't have a period for a year, then your done. I know some will probably think I am crazy.. But I have not been to a doctor in 8 yrs.
Every month I feel like a period is coming on.. And I get cramps.. Nothing major though..

Everyone is different, you might try cutting the premarin tablets in half for a while, it may not be easy, but cheaper, then, after a while if you feel o.K. Then try being off of them for a while, see how you feel, I know of a lot of people have tried this and it worked for them, and some of their Dr.'s have told them to try this, I am no Dr., and as I said, we are all different!
Sincerely,
sandy

Thanks, for your replies. I am going to take a brave step, at the end of this current prescription and go off the patches, i'll come back on and let you know what effects, if any i've had after a month or two.

Jm

Well i've been off the patches now nearly six months. I did experience quite a few hot flushes and woke quite often during the night feeling hot, but it's not as bad now. Not enough to warrant going back on it though.
Not as bad really as I first thought it would be.
:lol:

Tell me how youre getting on now ? Mary

I had a complete hysterectomy at age 26 and was on hrt for 6 years. I chose to go off the hrt but am strugling with the effects, hot-flashes are unbarable, the cold flashes are o.K., but I am exausted alot and worn out from the hot flashes, which get stronger and stronger. I try to convince myself that this is it, they must be getting over with because they are so strong, but it just gets even worse. I have almost broke down and went back on the hrt, but can't because I smoke and that increases the risk even more. What I need to know is, "is this ever going to end?" or how long is it going to last? Do I have to go throug this until my body would have normally had menopause? If I had a general time frame, I know I would be able to deal with this alot better, you know then at least I would have something to look forward to. Please advise. Thank you!

Cari

How long ago did you have your complete hysterectomy? Have you spoke with your Dr. About your symptoms? It seems like I was in and out of menopause within a couple of years, of course, I do have some swings but part of that is just with other medical situations. But we are all different and I am not a Dr.

Sincerely,
sandy