His and Her Health

I'm at work so this will be short, fast, and thus very likely misspelled.<BR>I'm 45. and Doctors says I'm post menopausal.<BR>Have been on activella and Vivelle Patch .075 since november. Before that the lower dosage of Vivelle. Was doing great!<P>In March, everything came to screching halt, as if someone turned a switch off.<P>Black Depression back full force. Breast lost a cup size. Terrible cyctic acne on my back and shoulders. Ears ringing. Did I mention black depression? and what about forgetting?<P>Started doing a patch and half and went to doctor. Blood work says estrogen a bit low, and testosterone levels are fine. No big dieal. Switched the activella to the natural progesterone that I can't remember the name of. Starts with a P.<P>Depression blacker. Called Doc from work yesterday in tears... Help me doctor. Doctor says he has no idea what or why. Wants me to start antidepressants. <P>Said to stop the progesterone until June then do the 12 day thing. says my periods will return. Currently I have Two patchs of vivelle .075 on and still the depression is winning.<BR>It's not real. I love my life! I know I do but it feels horrible since march. <P>I cannot live this way. I will not live this way. I need help. A new doctor? A clue? A cream? A shot. I don't care. But I cannot live this way. <BR>help! <BR>nan

Aw Nan, I'm so very sorry for your plight. It's hard, menopause sucks, when your hormone rythm quits working it seems that your whole life is just completely out of whack. I know, we all know exactly what you're talking about.<P>HRT can be good. Yes, maybe you need to find a new doctor. And another one till you find a doc who has his/her head screwed on right.Maybe the hormone combination you're on now isn't right for you. It's possible to have specifically compounded hormone therapy tailored to your specific needs. But you've got to do a lot of looking to find a physician who isn't living in the Dark Ages and is willing to work with you.<P>I can't say for you, but progesterone can be a pretty volatile substance. It can also cause acne as a side effect. That may be part of your issue right now. I had some BCP that were sequential, first estrogen then a week of progesterone, and I changed to combination pills. The progesterone week turned me into an animal. I tried topical progesterone cream as well and it had pretty much the same effect. Potent stuff that.<P>Your best bet is to find a good doctor. It won't be easy. Remember you're the customer and if the doc doesn't properly address your concerns fire him and find another one. Keep looking, help is hard to find, but it is out there. Don't give up.

Thank you for the reply. If does feel better to hear that you know what I mean.<P>Doctor in or near atlanta any one?

First and foremost, if you are not pleased with your doctor, look for another one. You can find a listing of doctors who specialize in menopause on the North American Menopause Society's website which is <A HREF="www.menopause.org." TARGET=_blank>www.menopause.org.</A><BR>The rapid change in response makes it seem something in your body has changed. The acne sounds like a sudden increase in androgens and the loss of a cup size makes it sound like the estrogen suddenly stopped getting into the bloodstream. It is possible that some other problem started and either the thyroid or the adrenal glands have changed their hormone production. An increase in insulin could also increase androgens.<BR>You may also want to try a new batch of patches. If that doesn't work see an endrocrinologist. You might consider getting blood tests for an 8am fasting cortisol and insulin level, a 17-OH progesterone, a DHEA-S,delta-4-androstenedione, Free Testosterone and a thyroid stimulating hormone and T4. There could be a problem outside of your reproductive hormones. Those problems can affect mood as well. Also, you should report to your doctor if you are losing hair, gaining weight, having swelling of the hands, face and feet, and a number of other historical facts, and get a good physical exam. But for now, ask your doctor to provide you with a new patch, and if that doesn't work in a week or two, see an endocrinologist to evaluate your adrenal, thyroid and pancreas. I hope that this helps and directs you on the path to feeling better.