HRT after Endo and full Hysterectomy

[catsrule40]

Hi

2 years ago I had a full hysterectomy following having stage 4 endo which was everywhere but mainly 15cm chocolate cyst on my ovary and stuck to my bowel. Resulted in me having bowel surgery at the same time as my hysterectomy with a temporary stoma. I had a 3 weeks stay in hospital with complications and then a year later had to have further surgery for a large hernia in my abdomen.

Post op i was forced into menopause at age 42 and prescribed Tibolone tablets for HRT by my gynae.

Initially i seemed ok but 2 years on I'm noticing more and more menopause symptoms - achy joints, hot at night, anxiety, unable to sleep, brain fog, dry vagina, candy floss hair... The list goes on

I've been to the GP and HRT Nurse a couple of times and they suggested HRT patches instead at a low dose and topical estrogen for my dry bits down there! No blood tests were offered.

After everything I've been through and because my endo grew very rapidly and was 'spectacular' as described by the consultant! I'm really scared about trying anything new or using too much estrogen in case the endo comes back (as I've read it can even after a full hysterectomy). Do I battle with menopause symptoms or risk getting endo again - it's a tricky one!

My GP didnt really know what else to do for me other than say 'well lets try it for a while'. Easier said than done when you've been through so much trauma as a result of endo!

Any advise would be really appreciated or anyone who has experience taking Tibolone long term.

xxx

[Jupiter2]

I have similar history to you. I had hysterectomy for endo at 41. The consultant assured me that he had removed all the endo and put me on evorel estrogen patches to reduce osteoporosis risks.I have been on Evorel for 12 years with abdominal symptoms and pain throughout. Repeated visits to GP told me it couldn't be endo and I was diagnosed with IBS. Now aged 54 I have been diagnosed with deep lesion endo (after a private MRI) and told to come off HRT.

So, from my experience, I believe that the HRT has allowed endo to regrow.

I hope you can find something to help with the menopause symptoms. I'm really struggling with them having just stopped HRT