Bioidentical hormones

meghanduprey

Are any of you on bioidentical hormones? Was wondering what other people's experiences with them might be. The main reasons they want to put me on them are for PTSD/sleep/migraines/heavy bleeding during periods with intense PMS and weakness.
I'm concerned about side effects, I'll be getting them through the VA and my doctor is always so flippant about side effects. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a woman or what but he doesn't really answer my questions (as has been the case with all my doctors there).

Just_Ceci

I can't help you with that, I just wanted to say sorry you are having to deal with the VA. It is really hit or miss with the doctors there. My dad had excellent care through the VA, but my husband's experience has been awful. Thanks for your service!

Sabine_Stroehm

I've used bio-identical progesterone off and on (mostly on) for the past 7 years. I used bio-identical estriol (estrogen) for about two years, and would use it again if I felt I needed it.

The only side effects I noticed from the progesterone were a few LBs of water weight (like PMS weight gain) and a bit of drowsiness, which was easily remedied by taking it at night.

Hope it helps you! and yes, sorry you're having to deal with the VA.

TheGaudyMagpie

I use an estrogen patch (I've heard competing info about whether it is bioidentical) and synthetic progesterone. When I first started, I had a little bit of a plateau weight-wise, but it soon corrected. I haven't had a lot of bloating that I've noticed. I had a little bit of breakthrough bleeding the first month, but after that I have had fairly regular periods, lighter and less painful than before I started meno, with no breakthrough bleeding. Before HRT they came at varying times and some were very heavy and painful.

I get chronic migraines and they have subsided. I was suffering from extreme fatigue, and I now have a lot more energy. I have become very active -- I go to the gym and hike regularly. I am much fitter than I was before I started on HRT. My fat has also redistributed. I have gradually lost about 13 lbs., but my waist is about 5 inches smaller and my waist:hip ratio is now healthy/low risk. The only "bad" thing I have noticed is that I have some patches of keratosis pilaris. This is harmless and has been managed with a skin scrub and Amlactin lotion.

meghanduprey

thanks guys! this is all good info. it's nice to hear real people's experiences

TheGaudyMagpie

So few women do HRT now that I had a difficult time finding information. Feel free to ask me anything. As you might surmise, I don't have a lot of negatives to share. Others' experiences may vary.

After a little poking around it looks like my estrogen is bioidentical. I use the Climara patch. It is thought that the patch does not carry the clotting risks of oral estrogen. I struggled with it staying on a little in the beginning, so if you have any trouble I can tell you what I do.

Best of luck to you. I hope you find something that helps.

kshama2001

Megan - you've already seen my response on your thread in the main forums, but am posting it here in case anyone else is interested:

I'm with the VA and had to jump through hoops to get Prometrium, which is a bio-identical progesterone that did help me with heavy bleeding for a number of years, mostly by getting me on a four-five week cycle as opposed to a six week - three month cycle which gave too much time for my uterine lining to build up.

No side effects except better sleep and shorter cycles. Totally different from being on the pill.