Thread: ~ Hormones. Is it really this hard?! (long) ~

Hello! It was nice to see that there is a forum out there where I can talk to women! That is saying a lot since most of the doctors I've seen are men and can't relate.

I've had a bad history, which has ended up with me having a hysterectomy and ovarys removed years ago. Aside from the female problems, I've had a problem with depression (had encephalitis due to low immune system from aforementioned female funk) that is finally resolved after many years, many doctors, and many drugs. All in all... I've been a happy camper these past few years.
Slowly though, I've found myself to have no energy and have hot flashes daily. I've taken flaxseed oil, but frankly, I can live with those. What I can't live with, is the painful breast lump (fibroadenomas, 4 in all but only 1 is deep and hurts badly).
My doc decides to put me on estrogen therapy which has been a nightmare. He put me on a high dose in the hopes of shrinking the masses because he (and me!) really doesn't want surgery. From what he said, they are the bony type usually found in elderly patients and is afraid they will grow back quicker if we do surgery.
Whatever.
All I know is, I'm severly depressed and can't find the energy to do anything! I made him switch the hormones once, and he gave me a patch to wear. But these aren't any better. I know he's trying to help the breast issue but I'm ready to give up! I've been on this for 2 weeks. Has anyone started hormone therapy and it got better? Or should I expect it to get better? I'm too young for this! I just want to give up!!
THANK YOU for your time!

Hello and welcome to Womens-Health! Sorry for the delayed response! So many posts and so little time!

I personally have not had to deal with menopause yet, but have had my share of hormonal issues with Depo Provera birth control screwing me up! I know that hormone changes can really mess with your emotional well being. The key to managing hormones is that they stay regular and keep normal levels. If your hormone therapy is causing up and down spikes in your hormones, your body will not be able to stabilize and your moods won't either. I think the most important thing in hormone therapy is tweaking the doses and the frequency.

Have you got any "second opinions"? Some times you have to go through many doctors before you actually find one that has a better solution. There may be someone out there that can handle the situation better. Are you seeing a family practice doc or a specialist? Family practice docs tend to be less equipped for these types of situations.

Good luck to you! Sorry I couldn't be more help. Hopefully someone else will have something to say about this!