Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Hot Flashes, Depression, Brain Fogginess After Total Hysterectomy. Pain During Intercourse. How Long To Continue Medication?
I had a total hysterectomy 10-2011 and after 6 months no HRT , I began to have mild hot flashes, depression to the point of breaking down in tears for no reason, brain fogginess (would be driving my work truck and would have to pull over because I was so confused about where I was and where I was supposed to be going, excruciating, unbearable pain with intercourse...etc. Started on femhrt, estrace, and premarin and all went symptoms went away. Depression came back along with gastrointestinal/digestive problems so I reduced estrace dose and these new symptoms reduced dramatically. I have always been very healthy mind and body but now feel like I m falling apart! Do I have to stay on these hormones forever? Or, will I be able to wean off them similar to natural menopause?
Wed, 6 Mar 2013
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
From the description of your symptoms, it appears that you have been suffering from a post-menopausal syndrome (artificial menopause induced by the hysterectomy). It is good that you have been getting relief with the Hormone Replacement Therapy.
To answer your question, you do not have to continue HRT life-long and it can be weaned off after some time. Women who experience early menopause for any reason should take HRT until at least till the age of 45 years to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond this, there is no specific time frame for which treatment has to be continued, but the general consensus is that HRT should be given at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time (depending on the improvement)
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
From the description of your symptoms, it appears that you have been suffering from a post-menopausal syndrome (artificial menopause induced by the hysterectomy). It is good that you have been getting relief with the Hormone Replacement Therapy.
To answer your question, you do not have to continue HRT life-long and it can be weaned off after some time. Women who experience early menopause for any reason should take HRT until at least till the age of 45 years to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. Beyond this, there is no specific time frame for which treatment has to be continued, but the general consensus is that HRT should be given at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time (depending on the improvement)
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Dementia
Loading Online Doctors....