women in your 50's do you take hormones?

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm 56, and luckily don't take any medication or hormones. I went through menopause about the time I turned 50 and it lasted 2-3 years off and on. I was able to just deal with it. I thought it interesting when I'd feel that whoosh, and all of a sudden I was covered in perspiration. I had a few night sweats and a couple of totally unplanned "surprises" when I thought I was all done, but it's been about two years, and no signs. I know I'm really lucky.

 

[Disneylover99]

I went through menopause at 39. I've been on estradot (estrogen patch) and prometrium pill (progesterone) on and off for the past four years.

 

[Kitty 34]

My mom lost a breast at 65 because she had taken hormones so nope didn't go that route. Luckily 21 years later she is cancer free.

I deal with hot flashes now and then but nothing too crazy. Good luck EZ.

 

[Bluestars]

I am 53 and starting going through menopause two years ago. I do not take hormones. Some months my periods have been horrible and the heaviest they have ever been in my life. I had some hot flashes and night sweats. I would also become extremely tired. Those symptoms went away when I started taking flaxseed and I also take fish oil for my dry eyes. It's hard not knowing when my period will start. I just skipped the month of May, so maybe it's finally starting to get better.

 

[mrsheppo]

I am 58 (tomorrow) and have never taken any hormones. I don't get hot flashes very often and every once in a while I will have a night sweat. Actually menopause has been pretty easy and I haven't had periods in about 6 years

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Yes, I do.

I am 50 and had a total hysterectomy, including my ovaries, a year and a half ago.

 

[asta]

I just wrote a long post about my experience with bioidentical hormones that you might find helpful. You might also want to read Natural Hormone Balance for Women, by Dr. Uzzi Reiss.

Thanks. It has been my experience is that we are very uneducated with issues of older women. There is so much advice out there on pregnancy and issues of younger women but no one prepared me for the issues of aging. I will look into that book.

 

[Forum Jumper]

I'm 59 and have been using Premarin (the pills and one of the largest doses) since I was 35. I had a complete hysterectomy at that time (all sorts of great problems with cysts through the years). My doctor told me to never go off them because I also have osteopenia and can't take any of the drugs for that. I tried Boniva, the once a month drug and it caused GERD so I had to go off it and now have to take Nexium for that. I have a family history of osteoperosis and I do take calcium and work out but it isn't enough. I have a mammogram every year and have had since the hysterectomy. I had to have 2 biopsys but my doctor says it's just because I have a lot of junk. My gyno (who I don't go to any more since I ain't got no parts) my radiologist and my GP all agree that as long as I get my mammograms, I get more benefits from the hormones than the danger of going without.

Your experience sounds very similar to mine in that a long time since an early hysterectomy. I am thinking that natural menopause may be very different that having a hysterectomy and all that goes with it. Women seem to handle menopause much better if they keep all their parts.

I started out on high dose Permarin, then over the years it got reduced because of the warnings. I tried getting off the hormones altogether a couple of years ago and that did not go well, physically. Now I am on Estradiol 0.5mg (Estrace 0.5mg) and plan to stay on them. I don't have hot flashes any more but I don't sleep well no matter how tired I am. I get an annual mammogram, but I would probably do that even if I wasn't on hormones.