The Patch and HRT Responses from you!

That 70s thing! A new monthly series.

But first…

That 70s Thing — A new monthly series at WSG!

My Back Pocket Brush from 1978

It’s my birthday week — yes, week.

I’m an only child, so, ya. But that’s not the point. The point is that having a birthday made me think about my childhood, which led me to think about what a funny (odd and humorous) time the 70s were to grow up. That led me to think about stuff from that era, and I happened to have in my travel bag (because I am visiting a kid, and it fits in a small purse) a very strange, weird little collapsible brush comb (circa 1978-ish) that somehow I still have. Look above, there it is…that lovely acid green color was part of Everything Rainbow of the times and it mimics a switch blade which was also a thing back then. 

Do you have any weird items from your childhood in the 70s? A Holly Hobby or Dressy Bessie in a box somewhere? Growing up Skipper (you really need to click on this and see if you remember this sort of pedo-perverse “toy”)? A pik? A toy switchblade?

Send me the photos, or please leave a comment!

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Your CombiPatch and HRT Responses

Ladies, Thank you for all of your responses. Keep them coming, and I will post them!

I have collected a bunch for you to read below. From here, let’s talk about it. (Your responses were lightly edited for clarity and context.)

I have been very happy with The CombiPatch 50/140 by Noven. It was prescribed to me two years ago by my GYN at (New England OB-GYN... a very reputable practice in Boston) I was 57. I probably should have started earlier. I had frequent hot flashes, unnecessary weight gain around my middle, irritable, poor sleep and definitely experiencing mood swings. 

Since being on the Patch all these symptoms have disappeared if not gotten much better. I sleep like a baby and have noticed better skin, hair and nails. I am a big proponent of HRT but under the supervision of a reputable doctor. I have yearly mammograms and see a general practitioner once a year. I try to exercise daily (move my body in some way which can be a walk, weight train, peloton but nothing excessive). I limit my alcohol intake. My daily supplements include magnesium, and vitamin D2 with K3 and a liquid multi vitamin by Mary Ruth's. I eat a Mediterranean diet and love food and cooking.

—M

Hi! Timely post… I have just (last Thursday) been diagnosed with blood clots, I have deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. FUN! All because of taking a low dose estrogen contraceptive to deal with menopause issues. It appears the whole thing was triggered by a few flights to Argentina and Europe in the last month. I was trilled with the pill, pretty much erased all my menopause symptoms, BUT, here we are now. And the good news is that I was lucky to identify the clot symptoms and see a doctor before any serious damage or death…

I followed up with this writer a few times, and this is what she said…

Yes, it is serious, but I was VERY lucky to catch it before it could cause any damage. That is why I wanted to share it because if I had not been proactive and gone to the Dr. when I noticed something was off, it could have been really bad. I am still learning about this (have a few Dr appointments this week …) I can share as I learn for awareness. So far I am on a very strong anticoagulant and they will have to tell me after reviewing all the tests what is next. I am fine, just a bit scared, honestly things could have gone so bad.

No, it did not have progesterone. I guess in my case, it was more like I was very ill and did not know it! Oh well! I am doing well. I now have tons of materials from my OB-GYN on how to deal with pre-menopause and post-menopause issues, and I am happy to share.”

—L

Hi. I've been on .037 estradiol bi-weekly patch and 100mg of daily progestin. While it hasn't cured ALL my symptoms (still a little dry vagina and sometimes nightime hot flashes) but my anxiety, sleep and mood has improved 90%, leaving 10% to the ups and down of life. No weight gain —which was important to me. So for me it's worked out very well. Most of the research I have done, indicates the pros out weigh the cons on this HRT....very different from our mother's generation.

—N

My oncologist (who I think is very smart and conservative) gives the thumbs up to HRT unless you are in a very small group of people. (This person has survived breast cancer and double mastectomy).

—D

I am on the estrogen patch and micronized progesterone... and I love having my skin back, no vaginal dryness, or frequent UTIs, which I had post-meno... no sweats, maybe a slight glow of a hot flash very occasionally, but so far so good... before, it was agony. I could barely sit at my desk.

-A

I’m in my late 70s. Most of my friends were on the patch and a few got off it in a year or so. Fast forward to years later when over long period of time a large number were diagnosed with cancer, all kinds of cancer. The first question they were asked was “have you ever been on HRT?” The answer was yes

-J

I asked my highly respected Doctor at the breast clinic specializing in mammograms and breast cancer. She said not to be in HRT for more than five years. It is wonderful when you are on it.

-J

I had zero issues with menopause. I'm a Cancer (moody, but get over it) and was in a job where I was unappreciated during what I now know was my menopause. When I got any hot flashes, I attributed them to being near people that my aura didn't like or that my body was fighting a cold/infection. I never stopped to think about it.

My mother and sister both had hysterectomies, so there was no timeline. Plus, I don't believe in family diseases caused by “genetics”

As a Cancer, I just chopped it up to being moody and in a job that no longer suited me. Been working for myself for 13 years with no post-menopausal issues. And I was 3 years in at that point.

I never once would have EVER taken ANY pharmaceuticals for a perfectly natural event in life.

Breathe deep and accept what comes. 

Why do so many fight it?

Granted, I've also been celibate since 2009... are women taking hormones for their relationships? My roomie is. I keep my mouth pretty shut up on it.

OK, thanks, good vent.

-A

CONCLUSION:

Personally, I have more questions than answers. Clearly, HRT is not for everyone but sometimes you don’t know if you are the one that it isn’t for. It also isn’t forever? But on the other hand, the patch is aces for a lot of women, relieving them of intense menopausal symptoms. What do you think? Do you relate to any of the comments above? Why? I need to recruit some specialists and plan to this week. Do you know any you think I should approach?

xo

K