Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I had a hysterectomy in 1978 (partial, I retained my ovaries).
About two years after the surgery I began havng hot flashes, and was on HRT for many years, which helped those symptoms. However, I had a stroke in 1999 and went off HRT at that time.
I still have hot flashes and night sweats and they can be very strong. I guess what I mainly want to know is, will I have this for the rest of my life? What period of time would be considered normal for these menopausal symptoms. Frankly, I am really getting tired of having these hot flashes all the time and am reluctant to go back on HRT, so have just been dealing with it. But I just do not believe that this should be a lifelong process! Do all other women with a similar medical history and age (61) have the same problems, and just no one is talking about it?
I can tell you that this is enough to produce all the other symptoms of menopause, especially the depression!
thanks
Answer -
Certainly, after a stroke I would not suggest that you attempt HRT. It is difficult to tell how long vasomotor symptoms (menopausal symptoms) will persist. Usually they are finite and will stop causing you discomfort once your body stabilizes and all your estrogen is replaced by Estrone (the menopausal type of estrogen). It is not a lifelong process, but, unfortunately you cannot risk the use of HRT. Be patient a bit longer. It will get better.
Thanks for the reply. But I guess what I really want to know is, it has been nearly 20 years since I had the hysterectomy and nearly 7 years since I had the stroke and stopped HRT. So, should my body have sort of got the menopausal estrogen after all those years? I am just wondering if it is normal to have hot flashes and night sweats for nearly 20 years.
AnswerUntil you no longer have any estrogen in your system, you will continue to have vasomotor symptoms (flushes, flashes, night sweats, etc). It is not a function of the number of years, but rather on how much estrogen you still produce. I have some patients who are well into their 70s and are still menstruating. It will stop eventually.
