My doctor has me on these pills but nothing is happening. I want back the sex drive I used to have!

Sue

My breast cancer surgeon is now doing bio-identical hormone work only. Her belief and proof is that if you total hormones were balanced all the time, breast cancer would have so much less a way to start. She has researched so much of her life on this, and believes totally in it, and I believe totally in her. Beware the testosterones. All bad hormone supplements have side effects! All of them! It may take some time for them to reveal themselves! Beware of anything given through a priscription or over the counter, even in the name of a health store. You can get what you need by balancing your good hormones too that no mone talks about through bio-identical hormones. Good health and be happy!

If you are only replacing the lost testosterone, you shouldn't have these side effects. I think it's important to get your levels tested, because if you are low, then you may need it.

I have been on a combination of bioidential hormones for 8 months now. It includes a percentage of testosterone. I have to say that my libido has greatly improved. My initial blood work indicated that I was way below the normal level of testosterone for a post menopausal woman. No surprise to me!!

I know this is a very controversial subject. My adventure into bioidentical hormones has been my attempt to take control of my quality of life - I don't intend to try to influence anyone. I have been very happy with the results. I have had none of the side affects that have been mentioned. My libido is awakening again. Do I jump on DH's bones when he walks in the door? Not quite. But, having orgasm again PRICELESS. I'm only 58 - not dead.

I have blood work every three months and my perscription is adjusted accordingly. The premise of balance makes sense to me. Just as with osteoperosis (today we have the knowledge that can basically prevent the disease that crippled our grandmothers)why not take advantage of something that enhances quality of life - beyond menopause.

It's a huge decision and not to be taken lightly. It's not for everyone. I might decide that this is not for me at some point. But, for today - life is good......

Has anyone tried Black Cohosh?

Before I went on the bioidenticals, I was using Progest (distributed by Arbonne.) They make a blend with cohosh for menopausal women(green label.) My chiropractor was distributing the products and offered saliva tests to measure results. It did not work very well for me. At the time, I didn't have a clue what to do about my hormonal stew. There is so much available out there now to help make choices - although it isn't easy.

No doubt that each woman needs to research the available hormone replacements and evaluate them for herself. If you get your hormone levels tested, then you will have a good idea about what needs replaced. Many doctors give all women the same dosage of hormones and we all don't have the same levels - no wonder there were side effects! Some people were being over-dosed on hormones! My GYN said he thinks that bio-identicals will be mainstream in the future. It will take longer than other drugs because the drug companies aren't making money on them.

My test showed that my estrogen level was okay, my progesterone and testosterone was low. I was taking a bio-identical for the prog. and test., but decided that even though my estrogen level was within the "normal level" it was probably low for me (based on my research), so I started taking Estriol.

It's only been 2 weeks, but I have already started to sleep through the night and the hot flashes have stopped.

hi browser

I have posted another thread on sex-drive - which you joined in and now looking around a bit more, I see that you have already revealled some of your own story here

I am intrigued by your talk of regular blood tests and stuff .. do you just pay for this? Is it part of your routine mediacl insurance cover?

I cant imagine getting anything so regular on the NHS here in the UK, and my private medical insurance (BUPA) expressly prohibits cover for anything related to the menopause (is this a form of sexual inequality?)