57 and No Estrogen
This is my very first blog post ever! So, bear with me as I am just starting this new venture. All articles I write are my opinions based on what I have been through. I am not giving medical advice, nor do I claim to be an expert.
Just a participant in menopause.
Well, here goes; I'm amazed that I'm now 57; where has the time gone? Despite what my age says, I still don't feel like I'm 57 and most certainly don't want to look it! When I turned 57, however, all wasn't great; my body stopped producing Estrogen, and it felt off. I had classic perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, trouble concentrating, dry skin, and vaginal dryness, yet my doctor said my blood work was all "normal." What's "normal" according to them? If I was "in range," according to the industry's standards, I was supposedly fine, even though that wasn't the case.
I know my body, and things didn't feel NORMAL!
I have always been very active, but now I have no energy; working out was a struggle. So after talking with friends and following a few very knowledgeable OBs on Instagram, I decided to make some changes, a new doctor, for one. Through referrals, I found a doctor that was a female and around my age. That was the key for me.
In the meantime, I saw my PA at my favorite MedSPA, and we ran my blood work. She said you have no estrogen. No kidding, I said. I have all the symptoms of no estrogen. I had painful sex, headaches, trouble concentrating, and fatigue. I was on the bio-pellet then, and she recommended adding Estrogen to my pellet to alleviate some symptoms. When you start taking Estrogen, you must also take Progesterone if you still have your uterus. Progesterone and Estrogen are hormones that work together to balance each other's activity. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle, while Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy. Together, they affect menstrual cycles, fertility, and various other functions. Estrogen and Progesterone are often prescribed to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer and ensure the body receives optimal hormones.
After adding Estrogen to my pellet, I felt almost back to normal—MY NORMAL.
While researching Estrogen, I discovered it is an essential hormone for the body. Contrary to popular belief, the importance of Estrogen does not decrease after menopause, and it is produced throughout your lifetime. It is necessary in some form or another. Estrogens are a group of hormones that play a vital role in the normal reproductive development of women. They regulate the menstrual cycle and affect various body parts, including the urinary tract, heart, blood vessels, bones, breast, skin, hair, mucous membranes, and the brain. Therefore, Estrogen is one of the most crucial hormones for women. To ensure your well-being, checking your Estrogen levels annually is recommended, which could prevent some very uncomfortable situations.
I also suggest finding a doctor specializing in the stages of menopause and researching your symptoms, getting your yearly checkups with blood work, and getting a second opinion or a new Doctor if needed. Follow your gut. You are not alone.
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All opinions are always 100% honest and my own and are based on what I have been through in my 50s with Perimenopause and Menopause. I am not an expert or claim to be one.
Just a participant in Menopause.
