Thursday, November 26, 2009

Health

On Women Blog - U.S. News & World Report

Confusing News About Hormones and Stroke

April 30, 2008 11:26 AM ET | Deborah Kotz | Permanent Link | Print

Reader Comments

HRT & STROKE

I had a total hysterectomy at age 26 and have tried the whole gambit of HRT from synthetic to herbal to nothing at all. In August of 2009 I had a TIA stroke while using a vaginal ring. Now I am told I can never take HRT again (age 39)...my life has taken such a downward turn. I have no idea what to do or how to control the mood swings or sweats. Help!!

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pre-menopause

I am 45 years old and since 41 I am having very differentet kinds of symtoms . I was told that those were pre-menopause symtoms. One of the and the most frustrating is my sexual thrive, next my swing moods, dryness, reduce in concentration. I changed doctors because none of them saw anything wrong with me. Finally, this new doctor prescripted me one birth control ring to put inside my vagina. It will relief the hormones that my body needs. I am doing that for three months and I am still with same symtoms that before.

What can I do?

The source of hormone drugs

When researching whether or not to take hormone drugs, many women are surprised to learn that some of the most popular ones, like Premarin and Prempro, are made from the urine of pregnant mares. This fact, in combination with the potential health risks, influences many women to seek other alternatives for relieving menopausal symptoms, such as lifestyle changes, synthetic drugs, and holistic or herbal therapies. The bottom line is this: Talk to your doctor about all of the possible options for hormone treatment and find the solution that matches your physical, ethical and lifestyle needs.

HRT

I believe every woman should read the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" by John R. Lee, M.D. before going on any HRT. It is a little technical for a lay person, but well worth the time to read it.

Deborah Kotz Responds

The risks of HRT certainly aren't the same for everyone. In fact, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine last year found that women who took unopposed estrogen (which means not in combination with progesterone) received heart benefits from estrogen if they started taking it right after menopause for an average of seven years. These are women who presumably like you had hysterectomies. Then again, you have to look at your family history and your own medical history. I'd speak to your doctor about your concerns and whether you should be doing anything differently.

HRT

I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 34. I started taking HRT (5MG of Estrogen)

daily for the past 21 yrs. I don't plan on stopping. I have a yearly mammogram.

Don't smoke or drink & I'm in good health. Am I to believe that a stroke is eminent in my future-??

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About On Women

Deborah Kotz, senior writer for U.S. News & World Report, covers everything women care about when it comes to their health. She's often tapping out "Oprah-esque" confessions about how the latest news relates to her personally—whether it's on breast cancer, contraception or easing work-family stress. She'd love to hear your confessions too at onwomen@usnews.com. Also, you can follow Deborah on Twitter at twitter.com/debkotz2.

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