I'm 50 years old and have been taking estrogen for over 2 years and Pro-vera (progesterone) 11 days a month for the same length of time. After the 11th day, I have a "period." Since I'm no longer ovulating, I don't consider this a true period, but every time I give some sort of medical history, I'm asked "When was your last period?" and I don't know what to answer! I also don't know which of the conditions that can occur post-menopause I can expect (such as bone-thinning, weight changes, changes in body shape, skin, thinning of vaginal wall, etc.) so long as I'm on this replacement therapy.
How many of these things are due to the normal process of aging, and which ones are due to the lack of estrogen? Does this combination hormone replacement put me in a state of "suspended progression" to the point where I can consider all health advice to post-menopausal women as not applying to me? And what happens if for some reason I need to discontinue the hormone replacement? Do I then go through the hot flashes and other changes all over again?
Except for the fact that I've put on weight in my hips and thighs since beginning this therapy, I'm pleased with the effects, and in view of a family history of heart disease, I plan to continue indefinitely. But I'm having trouble sorting out which symptoms or occurrences might be due to hormone replacement and which might point to a problem.
Can I afford to be on this the rest of my life, and what kinds of problems or complications should I look out for?
Answer:
Your questions are very interesting, but is difficult to answer them all since it would require almost a book to treat the subject in depth. Actually, your public library might have several on the subject. Estrogens and progesterone (what you are taking) are hormones that have side effects. Your doctor will evaluate the suitability of continuing the hormone for a prolonged period of time. As you mentioned, it has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, as well as the bones, and bladder and vagina. It counteracts the effects that are caused by the loss of hormones, such as dry vagina, some bladder symptoms, bone thinning, etc. It is not a youth hormone that will keep people young forever, but it certainly can be very helpful. You most likely will continue to have periods for a while, it all depends on the dosage of the hormones. Since the meaning of the word menopause is cessation of periods, you might not have gone technically through menopause but your ovarian function, is deficient. I hope this information has been helpful.
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Sincerely
Ed Kneler, MD
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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