Esspee
*Oestrogen replacement.* Without my twice yearly implant I would have hit the menopause 32 years ago. Judging by the difference between my life/health/appearance and that of my peers it has improved my life immensely and I will be on it until I die.
I’ve been asked for more information so for a brief summary here goes.
Menopause is the result of your oestrogen supplies being used up. It was fine when we lived to about age 50 or less but nowadays many of us live to almost twice that age.
It is a state of hormone deficiency.
If you are diabetic you are deficient in the hormone insulin. Replacing the insulin gives you back your normal life.
If you have an under active thyroid you are deficient in the hormone Thyroxine. Replacing the Thyroxine gives you back a normal life.
When you no longer have working ovaries it is referred to as the menopause. On average that hits you about the age of 50. If you replace that oestrogen you avoid menopause. It gives you back your normal life. Pure and simple.
If your ovaries have been removed you only need oestrogen. If you still have a womb you may need to take oestrogen and progesterone.
There are several ways to replace the oestrogen, the most common nowadays being patches (you place a small corn plaster like patch on your buttock twice a week), gel (you rub some gel on your inner thigh every day), and implants (you have a small pellet inserted under your skin twice a year). I use the last method as it means that for 363 days a year I can forget all about it.
Some doctors still prescribe tablets. Avoid these as you need to take a huge dose compared to the other methods mentioned above as anything taken orally has to first pass through the liver which removes much of the active ingredient.
Having been on oestrogen for 32 years I have avoided the talked about menopause symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and mood swings. Of much greater seriousness are the long term side effects which nobody tells you are the result of oestrogen deficiency. Osteoporosis, osteo arthritis, heart disease, urinary tract infection, vaginal atrophy, loss of libido, even Alzheimer’s seems related to oestrogen deficiency.
These are just a sample of the miseries which now, thanks to advances in medicine, we can avoid. If it is too late for you be sure to tell your daughters. They no longer have to suffer the miseries of the menopause.
To read the current NHS guidelines for medics in the U.K. just Google “NICE guidelines Menopause”. These are “best practice” instructions but be aware many doctors are not up to date on the subject. You need to inform yourself before visiting your doctor. You can ask to be referred to a menopause clinic where they know their stuff.
If this has helped you feel free to PM me with any further questions or simply to share your experiences.
