WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1997: Re: Hot flashes....

Re: Hot flashes....

From: Laurie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 3 Jun 1997 10:29:43 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Kelly: "Re: length of pregnancy confusion"
Previous message: Sandra: "Implantation and clomid"
In reply to: Joanne: "Re: Hot flashes...."

At Tue, 3 Jun 1997, Joanne wrote:

>Dr.Lovely,
>
>What would be considered an intolerant or contraindication to estrogen.

"Intolerant" would mean that a woman thought that taking the meds was worse than not taking them. Some common examples from my practice would be resumption of menses in women who still have a uterus, or breast tenderness that doesn't respond to tincture of time or other medicines. "Contraindication" is a trickier issue, as Dr. Marchbein alluded to. Classically, it would be women with estrogen-dependent neoplasias (like breast or endometrial cancer), undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, or prior thromboembolic event (blood clot). However, the risk (to women in those situations) of taking estrogen may be less than the risk of not taking estrogen (for example, the increased risk of heart disease) in some cases. So women should know the risks and benefits in their particular case, and decide with their doctors what is best for them.

>As I'm sure everyone, by now is aware, I had severe endo and decided on
>the hyst. in hopes of getting my life back.

And indeed it sounds like you had a severe case.

I >developed phlebitis while on birth control pill

If this was a superficial phlebitis, it may not be a contraindication, but you'd have to discuss this with your doctor.

possible allergic >reaction to depo-provera,

I have seen some references to the phenomenon Dr. Popescu describes. You have to remember, however, that Depo-Provera and progesterone are NOT the same substance. You could also have had a reaction to the vehicle (the substance that the medicine is carried in).

>I just read a post from a girl who has had her endo return, two years
>she had a hysterectomy/bso.

While not common, this can happen, particularly if all of the endometriosis is not gotten rid of at the time of surgery.

>I had planned to wait 3-6 months before beginning estrogen

As you discussed with Dr. Shanahan, there's not a "perfect time limit" (hmmmm, I believe the actual words were "crap shoot"); that sounded like a reasonable plan to me.

>originally thought it would be stupid, to risk heart disease or osteo
>by never taking it. Now I'm not so sure. I am soooooo scared. I've
>already been through so much.

Yes you have, unfortunately. Remember, this is *your* decision. You have the time to make a decision you're comfortable with, so don't let yourself feel rushed. Many of the health benefits from estrogen can be obtained by lifestyle changes and bone density monitoring, but many of estrogen's benefits--such as improved cognition--are still in the process of being "discovered."

>What would you do if you were in my place?

It sounds like you're comfortable with your doctor, so why not make an appointment to just sit and chat about your worries and do a little risk/benefit analysis?

>Thanks for your time.
>
>Joanne in NJ

It's hard when there are no defined "right" answers. Good luck in making a decision that will lead to your best overall health.

--
Laurie Lovely, MD
RE fellow, UNC-Chapel Hill

Next message: Kelly: "Re: length of pregnancy confusion"
Previous message: Sandra: "Implantation and clomid"
In reply to: Joanne: "Re: Hot flashes...."

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: