Kimb
I can completely sympathize with your situation!!! I am post total Hyst, one ovary remaining but it is not functioning. I have a 22+ yr history of endometriosis, severe...so HRT is NOT an option. Plus, I drug I took years ago for this condition left me with a Complicated migraine syndrome and I too have had several TIA's. Estrogen is very bad!!! Or so I've been warned by several Neuro's. My sugestion's for the agony of Hot flashes and some of the other symptoms are available at any Health food store. They sell all kinds of Post Menopausal treatments. Everything from Natural Progesterone Cream to Kava-Kava and Black Cohash...Some of which are VERY good for Hot Flashes!!!!!! This won't relive everything but it is a good start! Don't forget about your calcium!!! You REALLY need to protect your bones. That is truly most imporant with the lack of estrogen. The other things are irritating and hard to live with but they are not harmful...they just feel like it. Tums, Surpass Gum...All have great amounts of Calcium. As do Womens' Day vitamins for women over 50. I take these even though I am only 34. They have extra soy...which is a natural Plant estrogen...small amount. It has other stuff in it too that regular vitamins don't. If after you give these thigs a try and you still find you need the extra help don't be afraid to ask your doctor. A good GP should be able to help you manage some of the effects of menopause with out loosing your sanity. A sleeping aid like Sonata or Ambien...I prefer Ambien...Wake up feeling like I got a full 8 hours sleep, no groggyness!! Also SSRI's like Prozac and new ones really can help!!! It is a FACT that when we are in constant/chronic pain our body is NOT producing enough seritonin. We are feeling more and more pain and producing more and more stress within our bodies. An SSRI can help balance that out. Give you back the seritonin for a while so your Pituitary gland does not have to work so hard to keep up. These will help you sleep as well and they do NOT make you feel like a zombie! You may find that the little things are important again. A couple of dirty dishes in the sink and you won't feel your world crashing in. perhaps you can handle more than one activiy at a time. Like chewing gum and talking on the phone. I could not do this for a period of time. Anyway...Hope this helps some! There is help out there!!! I hope you find some relief soon!!! Good Luck!