Time for Pap

[Janet]

My HRT just ran out. They gave me one more months supply, but I'll have to go to the Dr. before they'll give me anymore. I just hate that more than just about anything. I've had a complete hysterectomy, nothing there at all, so I just don't see the point. I've been able to talk him out of it the last couple visits, hope I can talk him out of it this time.

I should have tried the over the counter kind (like Estoven) and see if that helps the hot flashes and night sweats. I don't have them now, but will if I don't do HRT.

Do any of the over the counter ones work very well?

[highlans]

I have been takeing a herbal one called M-Pause for about a month now and must say it seems to be working, several symptons I had like hot flushes and tender breasts seem to have stoped so fingers crossed it lasts. I got mine on line from www.healthydirect.co.uk do not know if you have any thing like that over there?.

[DianaB]

I used to have my prescription from a gynocologist and she made you come in every year and have an exam too. I had argued and argued with her staff about coming in but if you don't you don't get the prescription refilled. Personally I think that it stinks!!! We don't have cancer in our family and I think that going in for a checkup every two years is enough. When they came out with the scare of breast cancer I went off of them.

I went back on a year or so ago because of hot flashes and not sleeping well. I just went back off a couple of weeks ago because the doctor who put me on only wanted me to stay on for a year and then go off, trying to get me past the hump of menopause troubles. So far I haven't had any problems but I'm sure that the drug is still in my system somewhat.

I've tried the Estrovan but it wasn't for a long enough period that I can tell you if it worked or not. You can also take Vitamin E, Black Cohash (?) and Evening Primrose to help with menopause symptoms.

[Marilyn]

I was on HRT, but had to quit last year due to the lump, biopsy and breast cancer scare. They tapered me off though by reducing the dosage over time until I finally quit. For a couple months, I was weepy and emotional. Never really had hot flashes. My skin is sure drying out, but I've adjusted to no hormones, using lots of lotions and such and things are okay now.

Would you believe, I still have to go for annual exams, though. Actually every 6 months for breast exam & mamogram once per year.

One consolation though, since the hysterectomy, no periods!!!

Janet, hope all goes well for you. Chin up, at least we're staying healthy!!!

[Taurus Babe]

Paps are no fun, but they are just something we gotta do to protect ourselves and to stay healthy. I just went for one. If you have the mentality that it's the only option, you've gotta do it, and just go in there, and try you're hardest not to care about it, it'll be over with soon enough. Don't get me wrong it's not something I look forward to, but after the first couple of times being utterly embarrassed, I decided it's not worth it to be so shy about it. Good luck to ya!!

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I was on HRT, but had to quit last year due to the lump, biopsy and breast cancer scare. They tapered me off though by reducing the dosage over time until I finally quit. For a couple months, I was weepy and emotional. Never really had hot flashes. My skin is sure drying out, but I've adjusted to no hormones, using lots of lotions and such and things are okay now. .........

Marilyn, I had no idea that you'd had such a scare. I'm so glad that everything's alright.

[goofywife]

Ok, since the subject was brought up, and it seems like some of you have experiences, I have a question. All of the women in my family older than me have all had hysterectomys, so I can't ask them.

I have not had a period for almost 2 years. When do the hot flashes start?