The Rollercoaster ride called Menopause!

by Maureen
(Bremerton, WA)

My name is Maureen and I just turned 50 in August. In 1997, I have a hysterectomy that removed all but my left ovary. I sailed along until 2003 when peri-menopause symptoms started to rear their ugly heads. I waited until 2004 to start taking estrogen, which helped with the hot flashes.

I stayed on that until my emotional symptoms were getting the better of me. I then went to a Gynecologist that put me on Estrogel and Progesterone that was made at a compound pharmacy. That went well for a while. I felt good, lost some weight etc. Then I started feeling not quite myself and the Doctor added testosterone after taking my levels. I was doing okay for a while and after a visit with the Doctor that left me shaking my head, I decide to change Doctors. She put me on an Estrogen patch and without progesterone (one of many doctors that don't think we need it) and I was good for a time.

Then, slowly, I felt like I was losing my mind. I would cry constantly, I was paranoid, angry for no reason...my emotions were out of control! After doing some research, because my Doc couldn't seem to find anything wrong, I took off my Estrogen patch and I was back to normal in a matter of days! Since then, and that was about 2 years ago, I have not been on any hormones except the occasional bit of Progesterone that I got from the health food store; Emerita Pro-gest. I use it from time to time when I feel those old PMS/PMDD symptoms come around.

So here is my question:When I use the cream I get bloated and start to break out. Is this normal and if so, how long should it last? I usually stop taking it because of those symptoms. I will add that I used to go to a clinic many years ago, and get progesterone shots that were made from Yams. Thank you!