Seeking Advice on Hysterectomy

See Brittney at Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler or Kita at Chakra 4 in Phoenix. They are both herbalists who should be able to help you.

Hi H.,

I would definitely look into Chinese medicine. Acupuncture along with a chinese herbal formula will help to rebalance not only your hormones but also your whole body. You will notice definite changes in your mood swings and hot flashes diminshing within the first three treatments. I am a licensed acupuncturist and I have had a lot of success in treating what you are going through right now. I went to school for five years and received my Masters degree from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture and I am board certified in Arisona. I give free consultations and I would love to speak to you more because I do feel I can really help you. Life is too short and you are too young to have to deal with this!

Sincerely,
M. Burton, L.Ac

I had my hysterectomy when I was 34 and the nurse recommended a website called hystersisters. It was very helpful, and there is an entire section on hormones and pharmaceutical as well as natural ways to help. The information is from other women who have had hysterectomies and actually used the stuff, not doctors who have read about it somewhere. One of the things I ended up taking to keep up my energy was b12, which has seemed to be zapped ever since my surgery.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_hoj.htm

Good luck!!!

I also had a hyster for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, however, they left my ovaries. Therefore, I know nothing about your menopause symptoms. However, I know a lot about depression. Go see your doc again. Not all meds work for everyone, or they work for awhile, and then quit. Keep pushing for a med and dose that works for you. Maybe even go see a Psychologist for a little talk therapy. If your doc isn't taking you seriously, find a different doc. Good luck!

H.,I have a product for you to try It is Himalayan GoChi juice. The company offers you a 90 day money back guarentee. I have had so many great results with it for myself and several other friends and family members going through metapause. I even have one mom whose kids will tell her mom go take your GoChi when she forgets. You can get it on my website Barbgarcia.com. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Take the 90 day GoChi challenge you have nothing to loose but everything to gain
Thanks
B. Garcia
Himalayan GoChi Juice representitive.
###-###-####
BarbGarcia.com

Please consider acupuncture treatments for your symptoms. In addition, there are many herbal formulas that could help. I have taken a formula that was recommended by an amazing woman at BK Health Pantry (downtown ABQ) called Fem-H. It was years ago that she recommended it. I think she owns the place. She told me she had endometriosis and I don't remember what else and that this formula worked wonders for her. I have polycystic ovarian disease and wanted to regulate my periods. It worked! It even (6 years later--same pkg of herbs having aged at all that ime) helped me get pregnant right away. Wonderful formula.

Good Luck
Taj

There are plenty of natural options for you! Have you considered seeing a naturopathic doctor? Check out www.naturopathic.org or www.lifesculpting.biz if you're in the East Valley.

I know a lot of people have had some luck with natural remedies. There is a topical cream that is made from yams I think and has natural estrogen in it. You can get it at Whole Foods and possibly Sunflower Market. Ask the vitamin people about it. The one I knew about was mail order from Florida and was called Serenity Cream. The only other relief I know of is Evening Primrose, also available at natural food stores.

Good luck!

Hi H. -

Wow, I feel so bad for you having a hysterectomy at such a young age! I have a friend who has not had a hysterectomy, but is pre-menopausal and had exactly the same problems with mood swings and hot flashes. She takes Estroven, and says it works wonders. On the box, it says those two problems are exactly what it tackles. I actually take it because my periods had been very heavy and happening twice a month, and after taking it, my last two periods have been light and short and back to their normal time of month. I swear by it. You can get it over the counter at any grocery or drug store, and it's not that expensive. Good luck!

Dear H.,

When you have a hysterectomy, your estrogen/progesterone levels are out of whack. Your body still makes enough estrogen in most cases, but with the xenoestrogens (estrogen imitators that come from chemically treated foods, inhalants, etc.), you are suffering from estrogen dominance. Your body will no longer make progesterone on its own, so you need to have progesterone cream to apply twice daily. You can purchase this online or at any health food store and some drug stores. Just make sure the product has at least 480mg. of PLANT-BASED progesterone per ounce. Some good brands are: "Pregnancy PMS" (Don't let the name throw you--it is not just for pregnancy), which you can get online at HM Enterprises.com; or you can buy over the counter progesterone cream by Jason, Emerita, Pro-gest and others. Just make sure you get one with the progesterone that comes from the wild yam and NOT yam extract--it's not the same. Another reliable brand is ProgestaCare from International Health at ###-###-####. I'm sure people will respond to your request with a lot of information about this all starting with studies by Dr. John Lee, who wrote several books on progesterone --and estrogen dominance, so I won't go into all that, but he was VERY good--try to get one of his several books--the first one that got me hooked was "What Your Doctor May not Tell You about Menopause" (your hysterectomy threw you into early menopause, and the doctor probably has you using estrogen--that is DANGEROUS! ) Get Progesterone cream for sure. I have used it for over 15 years and cannot function without it. Let me know if you have more questions.
K.

I never recommend pharmaceuticals - they are toxic to the body. I do know of some herbal supplements that are excellent for supporting and balancing the hormonal system, as well as the endocrine, digestive, immune and nervous systems. They are all wild-grown and sustainably harvested in the pesticide-free jungle of the Amazon basin and are some of the most powerful formulas available anywhere. Let me know if you want more information about them as I have been using and working with them for over three years now I have become very educated about them. Good luck.

Hi H.-
I know that knowing that you won't have more children is very depressing. You may wish to visit an endocrinologist- sounds like the hormones are not correct. Also, have thyroid, adrenal function, electrolytes and blood sugar checked. You need to take a good multi-vitamin-mineral supplement daily, with extra b-vitamins (get stress-b's) and a good calcium-magnesium combination. Pay attention to the warnings about maximum dosages. A good naturopath can be worth his/her weight in gold. For the depression, you may wish to take St. John's Wort. Drink no caffeine, avoid sugar and white flour, and cut way down on the fat in your diet. Drink your milk (if you can tolerate it), cut down meat, eat lots and lots and lots of fresh vegetables and some fruit. Avoid dietary substances which will change the chemical balance in your body. They are not helpful. Use whole, natural foods as much as possible. Walk every day, just as far as you are able to handle. Of course, don't smoke. Take extra vitamin C- I can't tolerate ascorbic acid, but do well on hypo-allergenic C from sago palm. It can usually be ordered. I have found that a good herbal supplement for me to deal with anxiety and depression is suma. That is also called Brazilian ginseng. It will probably have to be special ordered- I haven't seen it around recently. All this will take awhile. There is no magic fix. The herbs for depression take about a month to kick in fully. The other things will take at least six months. Talk to yourself about happy things and recite a prayer to yourself when you feel yourself going off the deep end. I found that mental repetition (that would be the Lord's Prayer if you are Christian)of five times about three times daily will help you to break the cycle of digging yourself deeper and deeper into 'the pit' of depression, temper, etc. etc. Precede this by three deep breaths- make sure that your stomach goes out.

You are in my thoughts-
S.

Hi H.!

Sorry to here about all your hormonal stuff. But let me tell you from experience. Dont let anyone tell you your depressed or crazy. It all has to do with the embalance of your hormones. If the hormones your taking right now are not doing the trick your doctor needs to change them to fit you. I am going through menopause at 43. I have been going through it for 2 years. I went to every doctor you could imagine. They all said it was in my mind. I finally got fed up and went to the gyno. Thank god I did. He ran the correct blood and urine test to check all my hormone levels. He couldnt even believe it. They were so off. He wanted to put me immediately on some hormone pills. I told him I would prefer natural creams if possible. So he sent me to a total wellness doctor that is a biochemist. He has made me feel so much better. His name is Dr. Joel Morgan . His office is at 99th Ave and Bell. His number is ###-###-####. He will run all the tests you need and will put you on hormone creams or pills that meet your needs. I hope he can help you like he has helped me. Let me know if you go. Good Luck!

D. P.

Try evening oil of primrose. The directions on the bottle are not real good (take 3 to 6 daily). I started off with 3 for about 4 weeks did not feel any better, raised it to four, felt terrific. so I raised to 6 did not feel any different than at four so I dropped it back to four and stayed there. Sometimes it will give you a bad after taste but that goes away after a while.
I had a hyst at 32, best thing I ever did for myself. I wasn't put out of commission for 4 to 5 days a month. saved so much money not having to buy monthly supplies, could actually wear white, loved not having the smell, and sex was soooo much better,no worries.
I could not take the hormones,I reacted very badly to them,in fact I told my doctor to stuff them where the sun doesn't shine that I was checking myself into 24Th and Van Buren ( the state insane asylum for those of you that don't know).
The evening oil of primrose stopped the mood swings,sweats etc. I could go for a-okay to a screaming,crying lunatic at the drop of a hat. But it was still the best thing I ever did. Just because you do it doesn't make you less of a woman,many women can't re-produce naturally and that doesn't make them any less. Don't get your head in the place that if something happens to one child that you can not replace that child. Every child is a totally unique individual and no amount of replacing will ever replace that individual and as far as I am concerned really unfair to the replacement. You will be just fine. I feel better to go through it while you are young and strong.

Hi H. -

A hormonal balancing herbal blend would include Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) and other herbs. To come up with a specific formula, I would need more health history and lifestyle information.

If you would like to see me as a client, let me know.

Blessings,

M. M. Ernsberger
Certified Clinical Herbalist

H.,
I have just started seeing a naturopathic doctor who is fabulous! He is the first doctor in 17 years to get to the root of my problem--not just throw more prescriptions at me. His name is Brendan McCarthy, Protea Medical Center ph. # ###-###-####. He's in Tempe. Takes me about 15-20 mins from south Chandler. Hope it helps! He really takes a lot of time with you!
Good luck!
K.

Hi H.-
I just started working at a Natropathic Physicians office in Gilbert and I see women come in everyday with very similar symptoms and come in weeks later as "new" women! It's amazing and wonderful to see. Dr. Tina Marcantel uses salivary testing for hormones and will work with you to get together a progam that works for you. She can prescribe western medicines as well as compound medicines and can work with your curent doctor to find the perfect treatment. Check out her website at www.drmacantel.com. She will do a free 15 minute phone consultation with no strings attached. Call ###-###-####.

I had my complete hysterectomy over 2 years ago and have had great luck with an estrogen patch. I opted for that since I only have to change it once a week and it goes directly into my system and bypasses the liver.

HI H.,

For a non-drug, non-medical answer, I would recommend Reliv products. THey are all natural nutrition and have a suppliment for women's health. You can check the ____@____.com products have helped me so much with my mood swings and hormones and the best thing is they are all natural.

H., my heart goes out to you as doctors just don't have a real good picture of what hormones do to our body. These are all normal feelings. You are probably not depressed. You are sad about the loss. You go through a grieving period with that loss just as if you lost a person. Acceptance is the key. Have you heard anything about Mannatech? They have an endocrine supporter that helps with emotions. You can check it out on Mannatech.com or glyconutrients.com.There is the soy products that help some people. I had a hysterectomy at age 32. I was taking the prempro and it took 20 years for it to give me breast cancer. Even with it I had the emotional ups and downs. The hot flashes came after I stopped the hormones. That was 6 years ago and I still have an occasional hot flash. I can laugh at them now. Accept the fact that we are wonderfully made and use thes emotional swings to your advantage. When you have a high get all those dreaded chores done and then know a low is going to follow but it does not last and you will be back up on the next go around. Good luck and God bless. Vanna

When I had my hysterectomy, I thought I was losing my mind. Night sweats, hot flashes during the day, insomnia, mood swings, headaches, feelings of depression....try driving your kids to school and going to work on 2 hours sleep. I went to my gynecologist, who prescribed me a few Ambien. That helped with the insomnia for about 2-3 days, then, back to the cycle of where I thought I was losing it. I went to my Primary Care Physician, who referred me to a Neurologist for the headaches. I now take a low dose of Nortriptyline for the headaches and it is also an anti-depressant. This got me out of that hysterectomy funk. For the hot flashes, I tried Black Cohosh, Premarin, Evening Primrose, Estroven, Soy, Progesterone Lotion, etc...nothing worked. I decided to try my Birth Control pills which contain a small amount of estrogen. I did discuss the pros/cons of this with my gynecologist. I haven't had a hot flash since. For me, it backed off the hot flashes, which allows me to sleep better, which in turn has rid me of the insomnia and the anxiety that comes with it. Good Luck!

H.,

I went through the same thing. I found myself on my knees asking for some help. My poor family was taking the brunt of my moods. That very morning, after I'd said my prayers, I was getting ready for the day and in the back ground I had news channel 3 on and they were getting ready to interview a Dr. I didn't think much of it, but as I could hear him talking, I realized he was talking about hormone replacement. I didn't hear the first part of the interview but I wrote down the web site. My prayers (along with my familis) were answered. I have been a patient for two years and I can't tell you the difference it's made in my life. I know many people who will agree with me. There's no meds to take, there's no trying to figure out what I need. It's simple and I've never felt better. It took me 6 years to find this help.

Chek this web site out. www.sottopelletherapy.com
Dr. Tutera was my lifesaver.
Good Luck.

I also recommend the progesterone cream and looking and Dr. John lee's books, It has helped me with my endometriosis, so much that I did not have to have a hystorectomy and other surgeries. My mom uses it too after having a full hystorectomy at 35 years old.
Hugs,
D.

Hi, H.! I, too, had a radical hysterectomy back in 2000 for very similar reasons. Because my Mother's health (her heart) went downhil after her Hysterectomy, I requested that I be put on hormone replacement therapy. They put me on Premarin and it has helped a lot. The mood swings would have been truly horrible for my family, too, so I am glad I did it. Now, you'll likely get all kinds of doomsday worriers saying it's dangerous. All you have to do is do your monthly breast self-check and get a Mammogram at intervals that your PCP thinks are best (or your insurance will alow). So far, I've been on it for 8 years and have had NO problems. In the end, it is your decision, and your body, so make the decision that is right for you and your family. But I personally highly recommend Premarin. Hugs, Kat

H., I had a hyster when I was 26 due to Endometriosis and I am now 67...I am and have been all these years, on Premarin, the generic did not work for me so I have to take the straight stuff...I am also on a low dose of Paxil.
So with both of these I am able to lead a very normal life. I am very busy (retired) and have a store on Ebay and Esty (just working on this one)and I am doing fine. You might want to talk with DR but this does OK for me. Know I am much older than you, but this did the trick for me. Course you have little ones to cope with on a daily basis, so you have an additional situation.

Good Luck...N. (website (Yesterday/Todays Market on Ebay)

It sounds like you need to have your Thyroid Panel and possible your hormone panel tested and see how they are interfering. Also, your symptoms sound a lot like pre-menopause stuff. So looking to articles and books that deal with that issue, you should get some relief. Best of luck to you and if you need more specific info just message me.

It breaks my heart...I'm so sorry. I'd love to help you with a herbal program. Shaklee has natural herbs and vitamins that can help you with the hot flashes and the depression. I've been taking the product Moodlift for depression and it has helped me more than anything else. Please check out my website and e-mail me with any questions you may have.
I wish you health and wellness!
www.shaklee.net/denisefriedl

Hi, my name is K. and I too had a endometriosis and a hysterectomy... what you are experiencing is very common because you have forced your body into early mentopause..
I see a hormonal naturopathic doctor .. they are located in avondale off McDowell.. you can visit them on the web.. there
name is West Valley Naturopathic Center.. I hope this helps you..

-K.

http://www.westvalleynaturopathiccenter.com/

Hi H., I feel you pain. I had a Hysterectomy 2 years ago and had everything removed. I am 40 years old. Do to the fact that it was related to Breast Cancer I am unable to take any kind of hormone replacement. So my doctor put me on effexor(sp?) which is normally used as an anti-depressent, but has been know to help out with the side effects of menopause. It has defiantly helped with the side effects. It is way better then just suffering through it. Hope this helps, R..

Hi H.,
I am sorry to hear about your condition, however you need to get OFF the anti depressants if you think you do not have a properly diagnosed true clinical depression, Dr's LOVE to write scripts for anti depressants. I am a Nurse 4 23 years and I have had to take MY health into MY own hands, I did some research and I have a great female Dr., she actually cares about her patients. Dr Dora White ###-###-#### .You need to get some natural or bio-identical hormone replacement and that will make u feel better. Good luck.
A. R

I had my hysterectomy at 23. I took Estroven regular strength up until about 2 years ago. I'm now 45 & take the extra strength 1 per day. I'm trying to stay away from hormones for the whole cancer thing. It has always worked like a charm... BUT it can take up to 2 full weeks to know how effective it is. PLEASE give any thing you try a chance. God bless & Good Luck