Hormone Replacement Therapy

Answers for your specific questions.

Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

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?

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Are Testosterone Pellets Safe?

May 3, 2018 at 3:38pm

What is the latest information and safety profile for testosterone pellets?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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