I would like to go gently into that good age. Really I would. To embrace my condition. To fall softly into happy easeful acceptance of my deteriorating physical body. Sage, elder of the tribe, wise and laughing crone. I have to admit, It has it’s appeal. And does, on the face of it, seem the better, more well adjusted path. Spiritually mature. Yes, even “Noble”.
It’s not as if I’ve ever been into a lot of cosmetic gimmickry. I’m more of an au-natural type. Make up at a minimum. Hair un-permed, un-straightened, un-bleached, un-colored, (in fact, perilously close to un-styled). I have zero interest in face lifts, boob lifts, implants, biochemical wrinkle removal. Even vacuuming off those wobbly chunks of excess fat, though God knows that one sounds tempting.
As uncomfortably disconcerting as hot flashes, erratic sleep patterns, wrinkles, greying hair, and lost sex drive are, even the combined force of this panoply of demons is, on second thought, maybe not a good enough reason to take up hormonal arms.
So what’s the matter with me? Why was I taking this stuff? Maybe it was time to rethink.
At Dr Joyce’s suggestion, and in the interest of investigation and open-mindedness, I agreed to an experiment. After 2 years of happy hormone……(denial?), I dropped my regime of bio-identical replacement. As thrilled as I had been to avoid the obvious range of menopausal afflictions, I did, in concept, have to agree with Dr. Joyce, who, along with many friends, has decided to opt out of the miracles of modern science, and take what comes.
The days ticked by. And, sure enough, the thermostat began to malfunction. Sound sleep was elusive.
Sex? Say what?
As the symptoms mounted, I picked up the phone and called Boston.
In the interest of a well balanced investigation, I scheduled an appointment with a doctor (female) whose entire practice is dedicated to menopausal women. Not only is she a long term advocate of bio-identical hormone replacement, but was on the forefront of the movement in this country. (They’ve been using them in Europe for around 50 years.)
Hot flashes are, after all, temporary. Wrinkles are inevitable. And lost libido is – well, not EXACTLY the end of life as we know it (though sort of). But, maybe. Okay, I HAVE had my run. Trying to avoid any of those pesky, but in the scheme of things, minor problems, is not, a la Dr Joyce, worth buggering up my internal mechanisms. Sending ripples throughout the system. Creating all sorts of unintended, big picture health consequences.
There had to be something more compelling to warrant a willful, premeditated act of “Hormone Interruption”.
Here’s what I learned.
Yes, women have survived menopause since the origin of the species. But, let’s be real, until very recently, they didn’t live long enough to hit the bottom of the downhill slide. In all likelihood they died before their bones crumbled, before their minds went astray. But wait, there’s more to consider, the dual plagues of the modern world: cancer and heart disease. For as yet to be determined reasons (Dr Joyce’s long list of environmental toxins being one likely suspect), cancer is a reality in the world in which we live. There have been links made between hormone replacement and cancer of the female reproductive system – breast, uterus, ovaries, cervix. On the other hand, there are indications that the same hormone treatments lead to lowered risk of heart disease. On the face of it a classic case of damned it you do, damned if you don’t. So, next logical question, which is more likely to be an issue for me? I happen to have a family history of heart disease (father, paternal grandmother), but not of cancer. So on that score, I might stand to benefit from introducing hormones. And then this – the U.S. tests indicating increased risk of some types of cancer, were done using women on standard U.S. issue hormone replacement – i.e. Premarin and it’s like, NOT bio-identical hormones. Many tests conducted in Europe over the years, have shown no increased risk for women on bio-identical hormones over those going without. Only now, has there been a long enough period of use in the U.S. to compile data here. Early results appear to confirm the European tests, and are due to be released in the next year.
Sorry Dr Joyce, I caved.
For me at least, and for now, the de-lima is over. With new blood work, new prescription, and a new lease on “old” life, off I went to the compounding pharmacy to order up the antidote. Not to the sweats, or the non-sex, or the wrinkles, but to save my mind and my bones. I want to be awake and aware, as bright eyed and bushy tailed as possible (even if the tail is gray). I want to stride through the end of my days on legs that hold me straight and strong. To face the end with as much energy and wit as I, with the help of the compounding pharmacist, can muster.
I’d rather go out with a flare, than a slow fizzle.
But, we all go down in the end.
To each her own.
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I giggled through the first part of this–”Wow! I could’ve written this myself!”–and furrowed my brow on the last part. I admit I haven’t studied the issue as well as I should, but after being misdiagnosed for several years for one ailment, I didn’t have the patience for them to figure out how to treat the other–menopause. I tried HRT, which led to a severe case of moodiness from an otherwise even-keeled woman. I couldn’t stand all the adjustments, so I just quit them.
My menopause was blessedly short, but the lack of libido is the long-lasting effect of it. It is so down to zero that if I weren’t married, I wouldn’t miss sex at all. But I am married, and I don’t think it’s fair for my sweet hunkuvahoney to suffer because of my lack.
But my disease can link to cancer, the treatment for it can cause cancer, I have cancer on both sides of my family, so quite frankly I’m afraid of HRTs.
So, what are bio-identical hormones? Is that Premarin-esque or something entirely different?
I know what you mean, the thinking around this can feel like a roller coaster – up and down, in and out – which way is the right one ? I understand your worries b/c of family history of cancer, I would feel the same way. But Bio-identical horomone replacement IS different from the standard forms that have been perscibed in this country for many years (since our mother’s time I think). Basically, as I understand in laymans terms, they are a full spectrum of the hormones you would have had working in your body pre menopause, and chemically are virtually identical to natural – hence “bio-identical”. The Premarin types – which it sounds like you were on – replace the main 2 of the 4 varieties your body would have produced, and are, I beieve, more “artificial” in terms of chemical identity. So, there is evidence that the negative side effects may be from that particular method than from hormone replacement itself.
I admit I”m out of my depth here trying to explain the technical aspects of the whole thing, so you should do your own investigation, and of course talk to your doctor. Just be aware that many traditional practitioners are very hands off on the subject, seems they would rather not buck the system as it were.But it might be worth a little investigation on your own.
all the best – Sarah
The first HT the doc put me on was prempro. After 4 weeks I went off. The bleeding cramps and moodiness were horrible. I think it was due to the progestin in Prempro called medroproxyprogesterone, which is far far from bioidentical (which means the same as your body makes). Thast has been several years ago and I think most main street gynes gave patients what the drug companies pushed. I pushed for something else, and after knowing absolutely nothing about menopause or HT, I now use a bioidententical patch and a progestin IUD (it is synthetic, but it is not absorbed into the system, it’s action is local). It is interesting to note, that the women in the WHI study on estrogen only (premarin) had a lower rate of breast cancer than those not on any hormones. The increased cancer was in the group who took the combined regimen premarin + MPA. So experts are thinking it is the progesting that actually made cancers that were already present grow. There are better choices of natural progesterone available, one being prometrium. You may have been given prempro with all its nasty side effects!! Proper HT should lift your mood, not bring it down.
Premarin is toxic – never use it! Bio-identical hormones are from natural sources that a compounding chemist provides. We have to attend a doctor who has thorough knowledge of bioidentical hormones because it is extremely important to get the hormones balanced to suit your individual needs. I recommend that you read Suzanne Somers book ‘Breakthrough’ if you are keen to learn more.
I have started reading a book called ‘Breakthrough’ – Eight steps to wellness – life-altering secrets from today’s cutting-edge doctors by Suzanne Somers. Suzanne covers bioidentical hormone therapy and all the benefits thereof. The book is 450 pages of small print and as you can imagine, very comprehensive. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to live in vibrant health until the day they die.
Here’s my two cents, for what it’s worth: I don’t think any woman should have to suffer through menopause. It’s a different journey for each and every woman.
For me, it was really not that horrible, and so far, I’ve never felt the need for hormones, synthetic or bioidentical…but if it had been awful, I sure would have jumped on the boat!
I try to stay healthy, keep up with my calcium and vitamin D…get regular weight bearing exercise, watch my weight, etc. I feel pretty good, but try to remember, that yes, I’m not the same girl I used to be…and life is a journey, both physical and mental!
Everyone needs to do what feels right for them.
AMEN!
I could have written this myself. Menopause for me has been a bit of a walk in the park. Yes, I get hot flashes, I prefer to call them power surges, but they are minor compared to those some of my friends are going through. I too have never felt the need for hormones, and thankfully have a doctor whose wife has gone through menopause without HRT also, and she is thriving, so he was supportive of my wishes to try it au naturel.
I try to stay as healthy as I can, I take calcium supplements, I exercise, both swimming and brisk walking, oh, and I also have a lot of fun with my latest toy, my Wii Fit, the exercise routines and games I have for that are great, don’t know how much physical benefit some of them are, but I sure get an emotional benefit, and that is just as important.
Yeah, I’m not the same girl I used to be, well, on the outside anyway, but my inner chick is still enjoying this amazing journey we call life, and I plan to be doing so for many years yet.
I am a month away from turning 63. I have also been on and off HRT (synthetic and bio) since I was in my late 40′s. Each time I decide to go off – it would only takes a few months before my levels were back to -0 and I felt like crap. I recently searched out a doctor that has got me back on track again and finally feeling good. I have switched from a synthetic thyroid replacement to Armour and am working my way back to normal levels of hormones.
It’s never been a vanity thing for me. My mom (a breast cancer survivor) never took a hormone in her life. I watched her sink into Alzheimer’s disease and swore that I would do whatever it took to hopefully not end up like that. I know the controversy over HRT and Alzheiemers – but I would hate to wake up one day and find out that I should have been using it all along. I’m willing to take my chances – I keep vigillant with mamograms, etc. We are living decades longer without hormones as women did 50 years ago. I’m certainly no doctor – but it only makes sense that God gave us hormones for a reason. When the life expectancy was so much lower – women died shortly after child bearing years and menopause meant that you were really rounding the bend….
I am a fan of Suzanne Sommers – but don’t look to her for all the answers. She’s been one gutsy woman to put herself out there to all the criticism. And she deserves tons of credit for keeping the subject out there when the pharmaceuitcal industry would like to make her go away. I have finally found a doctor that I trust to work with me and I will continue using bioidentical HRT for as long as I can.
I’ve let my hair go natural – gray, I keep fit (workout 3 days (+) a week (have done that since my early 30′s) – why shouldn’t I want to keep as healthy and active as I can – no matter what age. I hate that I sometimes feel invisible (but there are some things that women have had to contend with forever – aging is one of them.
I like your attitude, and your ideas – sound pretty much identical to where I’ve landed at this point. I too think it’s worth the risk in order to (hopefully) avoid Alzzheiemers and osteoporosis. Plus, to make it even less of a gamble, there’s also the mounting evidence that the bio-identical hormones do not increase the risk of breast/ovarian cancer. Gray hair – I’m with you, its not a big deal. Invisible – still getting used to it, but again, who cares? Been there, done that. Here’s to healthy and active even if gray and invisible!
And of course, hormones or no hormones…life is a crapshoot. One could be standing on a street corner, minding one’s own business and get run down by a runaway bus.
Good point Tamara. Thanks for the reminder, it does help keep things in perspective (ha!)
Oh my gosh,,you sound just like me..In Dec 2006 I had uterine cancer. Complete hysterectomy and brachey therapy. Hot flashes, hair falling out, gaining weight, NO sleep amd miserable in my life,,wella BHRT..for 2 years I have been on estrogen and progeterone creams,,within a week ,,No flashes,,over the past year I have had to figure out different phases,,especially when under stress,,I have found more estrogene helps Me..everyone is different. I would rather be gone from this earth if I had to go thru the last 2 years in misery..dont walk to your BIOIdentical Doctor,,,,RUN !!
I did! I’m there, and feeling so much better. AND, more importantly, counting on my mind and my bones to stay the course through a healthy, active old age.
Thank you for sharing! I have been going through the very same dilemma……thinking it’s time for me to cave in too…tired of the (not so silent) suffering!
I agree! Women should know their own bodies enough to know whether they need HRT. I also take my Calcium and D and other important vitamin’s. I started menopause at age 50 and now I’m 58. I really can’t complain about bad symptoms as some of them seem so minute compared to other ladies symptoms. Actually I sleep better than I use to, hot flashes are almost a thing of the past and my intimate relationship with my husband is okay also. (we are kind of in the same boat) My husband is 14 years older than I am and he’s starting to slow down in that area and so am I, so we decided instead of taking something that could possibly cause cancer (male hormones or HRT for me) we decided to let nature take it’s course. We eat right, exercise, are happy and there is a lot of positiveness in our life. Beings all that I just stated is a choice, then for us, we made the right choice.
Sounds like you’ve found the right formula and all is well – so good. Nice to hear too that the symptoms weren’t so bad for you. Sometimes I wonder if all the negative hype around menopause doesn’t pre-dispose us to negativity and over reaction. Russ, my “consort”, is 9 years older, so I know what you mean on that front, but it’s sweet, isn’t it? all the best – Sarah
Thanks for all the great info. I started on prempro after a patch that caused red splotches and now my hair is falling out!!! I HATE the hot flashes so had to do something but now, it is back to the DR and asking about BHRT!!! Thank you, thank you and if anyone can recommend anything for the labido please share!!!!
The BHRT will help the libido. The mix will have a little testosterone in it if your’s is low (which it likely is). At first the testosterone componant was too high – yikes – I was like a teenaged boy, including a few new whiskers!! Got that straighted out in short order, so now back to what feels normal. Hang in there and be patient, it took me awhile to find my way to the right Dr and the right mix of hormones at the right levels. Good luck!
I laughed my way through this post! I have been through your exact de-lema! The libido thing was a little more of a factor for me since my hubby is 10 yrs younger than I! Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed it!
~Erin
My understanding is that bio-identicals are plant-based and far more gentle on the system. Western medicine doesn’t embrace them because they can’t patent plants and make zillions of dollars off of us. I’ve found a Dr. for bios and have my appt. coming up – I can hardly wait. Never been so excited about a Dr.’s appt. in my life! I tried premarin, which is made from mare’s urine and is chemically-based. I HATED it and quit taking it in less than a week. I take prometrium and am doing well with it – it is the most natural progesterone that Western medicine offers. But, I need to balance it out with estrogen and perhaps some testosterone, thus the upcoming appt.
I’m having a rough transition – hot flashes, headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue – and I’m not willing to suffer through it. Both my mother and maternal aunt died of breast cancer, so I’m “high risk.” However much Western medicine wants us to believe that HRT is linked to cancer, there is NO evidence that bio-identicals are linked. I watched my mother turn from a vibrant, happy woman, to a depressed, sick, and dying woman after she had a full hysterectomy. In my opinion, her breast cancer was directly linked to NOT having hormones in her body (they removed her perfectly healthy ovaries).
I’ve read Suzanne Somers and I applaud her! For a medically-based bio-identical advocate, read Dr. Christine Northrup or watch some of her many wonderful, inspiring public television videos. My favorite book is The Wisdom of Menopause, although all of them are good. She also has an in-depth website, newsletters, and more. She’s an AWESOME woman!
Lastly, know that we baby-boom women are pioneering new territory here. As many have mentioned, living 20, 30, 40+ years after menopause is pre-historically and historically unprecedented. We know our bodies, what helps, and what doesn’t. And, we’re forging ground for our daughters and granddaughters. Why shouldn’t we feel good?!
Love it! I was in the audience at one of Christine Northrup’s presentations years – rarely have I been so impressed. She literally brought me to tears. I have not kept up with all her writing, but am aware of her advocacy of a wholistic approach to medicine and Life. I’m so glad you’ve found someone to help you find your way, as I’ve mentioned, it’s not always easy, there’s still so much resistance among traditional practitioners in this country. great to hear from you – Sarah
I am starting to become educated about bioidentical hormones through Suzanne Somers book ‘Breakthrough’ – (a must-read for all!!) You have learnt what I am learning – it is critical to get our hormones in balance if we want to live a long, healthy and happy life. I got thru menopause lightly and now I am in my late 50′s I am keen to stay in good health and not crumble like my parents did.
I have been on bio-identical hormones for about 5 yrs now. I don’t plan to ever go off them!
I met a 92 year old woman about a year ago who was amazingly alert, agile, and youthful in her presence. When I asked what her secrret was, she said hormone replacement! Whoah – way ahead of her time. Turns out she was living in Europe (Germany I think) when she was in her 40′s and all her female friends were doing hormone repalcement – in a form that we now call “bio-identical”. She started then and has been on them ever since. Who knows if she’s right – maybe she just had good genes, but she’s convinced. I have to say she was one of the factors that convinced me.
I am an OB RN and work with physicians every day. After my hysterectomy 8 yrs ago at the age of 49 I was given Premarin (also had my ovaries removed) so no testosterone being made either. After a week or so of Premarin i felt like I was capable of homicide or suicide, was tired and bloated all the time and libido was non existent. Felt AWFUL. I talked to the docs at work and they were no help. I did some research myself, found a compounding pharmacy in town – talked to the pharmacist and then educated my MD. I have been on BIOS ever since and do not plan to ever stop. My sister died of breast cancer in her 30s so I am a little higher risk, but feel that quality of life is more important sometimes than quantity. I think we need to learn as much as possible and then make the best informed decision for ourselves as possible. There are still are lot of conflicting opinions among health care providers and not enough good research.
I have also educated a number of my friends and coworkers who are also now on BIOS and also feel so much better. I agree that you have to know your own body and do what is right for you.
I am 55 and have gone through the worst of menopause. I took different things, including bioidentical hrt, but by last year the only thing I was still using was the Estring. I’m pretty dry down there, and the Estring definitely helped. But then my insurance changed and it was no longer covered in full, so I stopped that too. I take care of myself; I’m 5’4″ and 125 pounds, and I exercise regularly. Most people think I’m at least a decade younger than my real age, so outwardly I’m good. The vaginal dryness and low libido are problematic, but I’ve found ways around those issues. I’m not sure I need or want to take hormones again, but I’ll never say “never.”
I found a product called Me Again for vaginal dryness.I found it at CVS drug store or you can buy on line.It’s hormone free. It solved my problem.$15.00 for 8 prefilled applicators.Use twice a week.
Good Luck !!
I strongly advise anyone interested in starting or continuing HRT to put down Ms Somers book and pick up Natural Hormone Balance by Uzzi Reiss, M.D./O.B. GYN.
I do agree with the other posters on this thread that say they admire Suzanne Somers for putting herself out there and researching everything and then sharing it through her books but she does not get everything right and some of her choices are not for everyone and some of the advice in the books veers toward quackery.
Whereas Uzzi Riess is an actual doctor and an O.B. GYN and has treated thousands of women and lays out a very through step by step approach in his book with wonderful explanations and total clarity.
I guarantee you will have every single question you have every had about HRT, menopause, peri-menopause, post menopause all of it!…throughly answered. His suggestions and advice are detailed and interesting to read and easily worth their weight in gold.
I ADORE the working knowledge that this man Uzzi Reiss has. He was my doc about 10 years ago. He knew more than anyone out there at the time and was in LA where I was. However…I absolutely freaked when he wanted me on growth hormone to the tune of $235 a month! I was already on his $200 month regime of extra vitamins; I couldn’t keep up.! He had all the supplements on his desk and would hand them to me as he spoke of them. I had the feeling he did this with all his clients. And of course, insurance would not pay. I was angry that men were getting viagra paid for free. I got angrier as time went on. It was just too much.
Since then I’ve done a massive amount of research on the topic and have settled for one product; Prosesterone in a Frankincense oil base, 15 mg daily. I’ve notice stronger nails and a deeper calm. I’m thinking I need some natural estrogen as well, but want to take the test first. I do think that baselines are extremely important, and probably retesting every 6 months. Women have to take such huge responsibility for their health these days. We often know more and are better read than the docs. I’d recommend looking at Sabre Sciences in Carlsbad, Theresa Dale (homeopathy) in CA and Gary Young in Utah. My research was greatly aided by the knowledge of these folks, and then of course there is Sherrill Selman (anti-birth control) and Dr. Lee (What your Doctor Didn’t tell you about Menopause). Dr Northrup is also very knowledgeable.
I know one thing for sure. We are all completely different, that’s why the testing is so valuable. And I will never take synthetics of any kind. Not that the bioidenticals are always safe, but the synthetics rarely seem to be.
Love this forum!
I’ve been on bio-identical hormones for 5 years. I remember when I first started taking them–the overwhelming feeling of feeling like “myself” again. With all the miracle cures, quick fixes, snake oils that are hawked relentlessly every day for every problem–bioidentical HRT is the first thing that I can honestly say truly “delivered”. I feel great, I look good and I have NO side effects. I couldn’t even tolerate birth control pills–synthetic hormones are toxic ! But this is completely different. Please , everyone, get the word out to our fellow silver foxes: try bioidenticals !
I’ve chosen bio-identical hormones because I believe they do help me ease into the greay beyond. Altho it does me no good, my libedo is fully functional. The hormones I insert do make a difference. However, I see no results from the hormone cream I use nightly on my face. I enjoyed this article and hope to follow the post, learning all I can about this time in life where my mind sees me as youthful, but my body objects to that notion.
And don’t forget Dr. Christine Northrup and her wonderful books – she talks about including a “dusting” of hormones – just a sprinkle to assist us.
Like many above, I tried HRT and was a maniac (bloated, bitchy, anxiety ridden) and finally found bio-identicals. However, i had some issues with getting those prescriptions balanced as well. It was some trial and error – it is not an easy or a perfect science because every woman is so different… Today, i embrace tiny amounts now and then or a “dusting.”
I would like to know what hormones – estrogen, progesterone or testosterone – and amounts/ratio of each that woman seem the happiest with? Do you use all 3 or just 1 or 2? Some women i know are just using progesterone cream and are pleased with that. It seems like a simple easy answer.