Ask the Nurse Archive
Is my ovary working?
May 22, 2018 at 10:27am
I recently had a hysterectomy leaving one ovary. I was started on oral conjugated estrogens daily as I had a high FSH test at 8 weeks. Would an estradiol test show a reading on Premarin, as my estradiol showed 197 last week? Could my ovary be working again?
Are Testosterone Pellets Safe?
May 3, 2018 at 3:38pm
What is the latest information and safety profile for testosterone pellets?
Stopping Estrogen Treatment
April 18, 2018 at 9:31am
I am 66 years old. I had a total hysterectomy when I was age 52. Since then, I have been on Premarin. I have weaned myself off Premarin to start taking Estradiol, which my doctor has prescribed for me.
I don’t see any difference in the two medications. I would like to get off estrogen altogether, is that possible? Are there side effects at this age?
Treating Atrophy With Estrogen
April 10, 2018 at 1:28pm
I’m interested in Mona Lisa on laser rejuvenation procedures. Also, as a practitioner, I’m curious about recent research on testosterone pellets for post-menopausal women.
Hormone Therapy and Heart Surgery
February 18, 2018 at 9:00pm
I had my aortic valve replaced in 2015. Everything is normal now, but should I use hormone therapy for heart protection? I am post-menopausal since 2008.
Early Menopause
February 1, 2018 at 2:30am
I am 38 years old and BRCA 1 positive with a family history of premenopausal breast cancer. I’m done having children and my OB suggests having a hysterectomy and removing my tubes and ovaries.
I’m very afraid of going through menopause. He suggested a low dose of Estrogen to start out. What would be the benefit (if any) of starting out on a natural hormone replacement vs estrogen? I hated taking birth control when I was younger because of the way it made me feel and I am concerned estrogen will be the same. Thank you!
Hormone Therapy for Vaginal Dryness and Preventing Osteoporosis
October 26, 2015 at 10:41am
I am 52 years old and post-menopausal. In January, I had a surgical biopsy of my breast following the discovery of "pre-cancerous" or "high risk" cells. No cancer was found, but my doctor stopped my hormone therapy anyway. Almost immediately, I developed osteoporosis and severe vaginal dryness.
I am taking Actonel now for osteoporosis, but am having difficulty with the cost. Less expensive options have more serious side effects. I have yet to find a non-estrogen remedy for vaginal dryness that works for me. Is there a compelling reason not to go back on hormone therapy?
Estrogen Therapy Post-Hysterectomy
July 23, 2015 at 10:19am
I am 54 years old and just had a total hysterectomy with ovaries removed a month ago. My menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) are not bad and I can tolerate them.
My doctor has not put me on HRT yet, but I am worried about osteoporosis and I am experiencing some depression, vaginal dryness and dry skin and hair. I will be seeing my doctor soon, and would like to ask for estrogen replacement therapy.
My concern is that I have high blood pressure, which is under control by medication. I take plavix as I was diagnosed with TIA 4 years ago (blurred speech, last few seconds; no damage done). Since then I follow a good diet and exercise regularly. My last blood test was excellent. My mom had a mild stroke when she was 74 due to poor diet and she recovered from it.
My question is: Is it ok for me to go on estrogen therapy? I am not quite myself. Please help.
Is There a Time Limit for Hormone Therapy?
May 20, 2015 at 1:19pm
I’m 66 and I was on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for about 10 years, but stopped using it for the last seven years. Is there any evidence to show that I need to go back on HRT? If so, how long are you supposed to use HRT?
Post-Hysterectomy Treatment
September 16, 2014 at 5:48am
I am 37 years old and just had a full hysterectomy 3 months ago, which removed my uterus and both ovaries. My doctor started me on estradiol orally right away. After one week, I noticed some stomach upset and was switched to the estrogen patch 0.05, which improved my symptoms but my heart started to race. The rapid heart rate made me nervous. I would be lying down feeling very calm and my heart rate would be 107.
So I just took off the patch and have gone without treatment for 2 months. Now I’ve had some hot flashes associated with anxiousness and mood irritability. Because of this, I retried the patch and within a couple of hours I felt better and more calm, but then my heart began racing again. So, once again I removed the patch. Is this normal? What can I do?