I Started HRT (Hormone Replacement)...Estradiol Patch for Hormones After Hysterectomy 

Are you using the Estradiol patch? If so, pros/cons? And where is your preferred place to put it?

So happy you’re feeling better. Just wanted to throw this out there, HRT is not just to relieve menopausal symptoms. Lack of estrogen can lead to a range of more serious illnesses for women such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer, heart attacks, etc. there’s a lot of misinformation and confusion out there, even amongst doctors. To all women: do your own research and be an advocate for your own health.

Thank you Renee for sharing. I am 50 and in the throes of perimenopause. I have experienced insomnia, night sweats, I started bioidentical hormones a few years ago. There is absolutely no reason to suffer. Without Bioidenticals I would not sleep, be at risk of hurting others from the rage, and not be able to function. If men experienced menopause they would all be on hormones after the first symptom.

Glad you got help with hormones! I am on week six of my HRT with Estradiol. I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER!!

I went through a regular menopause. I had uterine polyp removed it was a large growth . A uterine ablation was done which took uterine lining away. It's done with warm water and no pain. I was 55 years young at that time. I stayed home from work four days and was able to get back to work. I'm retired. I'm 65 now. It's been ten years since then I am healthy and no hot flashes or hormone changes. I didn't need hormones. I carried a little pocket fan when I felt warm. I eat good food "no take out" and I drink lots of water. Wear light clothing. I was not going to take hormones I read bad things about them. I suggest do some research and then decide if you continue with hormones. There is no quick fix for everything your body goes through. One thing you might want to do is stop drinking" alcohol drinks" and do not eat too much of sugar products. Alcohol produces a lot of sugar in your body. I have read about menopause for a long time. There are over 50 symptoms. I am not bothered by hormones changes anymore and I'm 65 years young. My body went through changes naturally. I hate any kind of drugs. I want to live symptom free. Not being a slave to medicine then other problems start to develop and they will with today's medicine. You don't want what medication will do to your body in years to come. Hormone pills and patches have side effects. Doctors don't know everything. What do doctors care if you get sick or die their life goes on. I had a couple of bad experiences I know. Wish you a good and healthy life.

I have been on HRT for over 40 years. Yes, every woman is different! In my personal experience, the benefits far outweigh the risks. I have tried to go off of HRT several times and it is always with very negative results. Yes, it is a process of learning to know your own body. Find what works for you. Advocate for yourself and strive for the quality of life you desire. Remember our health is a gift from God! 🙏

I am 13 years post menopause and six months ago I started BHRT pellets of estrogen and testosterone. It has changed my life for the better and my husband was so glad his wife got libido back 😂 I take compounded progesterone daily. I sleep like a champ now, got my mental clarity back, my strength. It’s been great.

I’ve been on HRT for 20 years now and I am sooooooo glad I did. Progesterone helps me sleep 8 to 10 hours solid almost every night. I have no more dryness down there or anywhere else, thanks to DHEA. Thanks to the estradiol, no more hot flashes and night sweats every 20 minutes, oh and let’s not forget the cold spell right afterward, blankets on, blankets off….all night long! I had to change doctors to find one that understood hormones, most doctors today aren’t trained in it. My current doctor said he was blown away at what he didn’t know when he went on and got further medical training on hormones. Now he’s able to help his patients better to live regular lives again. I’m happy for you that you’ve been able to get the help you needed.

Hang in there-recovery is a process. ❤

I finished going through menopause at age 48. Never took any hormones because I wasn't bothered that much with hot flashes and night sweats. What did happen as I was going through menopause I had depression first time in my life, went to my PCP she put me on medication for depression. I got to feeling better in no time. I took medication for a short while so glad in this day and age medication for depression is available for women going through menopause.

Renee, the fact that you are so healthy, flexible and trim is a HUGE factor for you! ❤ To your continued healing!!!

Those moments will also pass. Patience you are getting there ❤️🌸🐕‍🦺😎

I went through a natural menopause at about 55. I had night sweats and some hot flashes over a period of a few months. Since then, none. So those who don’t do hormones may or may not need them. Everyone is different. I was just happy the heavy periods were over!

Renee, thank you for this update. You are looking better and brighter with each follow up video! I am so glad that you are doing so well!

So glad you're feeling better. Will continue to say a prayer for you. The soreness will go away. It just takes time. You even looked more like yourself. Be patient with yourself , Renee. It's easy to get impatient when you can't do things you want to do. Glad for your continued progress and for keeping us updated.

Estrogen saves lives. Every woman should be on it to prevent osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s (and divorce and traumatized children) I tried all delivery systems. the patch was undeniable for me. I take a whopping 1.5 2xweekly. Feel and look 30 and absolutely nothing can get me down. progesterone at night makes me sleep like a bear as well. Time for the hysterectomy. So grateful for your insight here thank you.

2 years ago, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy. I had an incision that went, hip bone to hip bone. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. They could not do the surgery any other way due to the football size mass that was being removed also. I was so swollen and stayed swollen for 6 months!! The swelling went down slowly after that. The gas pains were almost as painful as the incisions were for the first month. I went on Estradial pills, 5mg. They saved my life! I was miserable. I cried at nothing and everything, I had to change the sheets every day and shower twice a day due the sweating. The total absence of estrogen is not good for your heart or bones either. I am on the other side now and life is great, you will get there too .

Glad your doing better, I have missed you. You brighten my day.

Renee you look amazing so glad you are feeling so much better. I also want to thank you so much for being so personal. Take your time with your recovery ❤️‍🩹

This has been a very insightful video Renee... I'm glad you're feeling better on the hormones ❤ I actually have a appointment in a week or so to see my doctor... after foolishly thinking I had gone through my menopause as I'd experienced major mood swings, hot flushes, brain fog and others...AND hadn't seen a period in 9mths! I bled again with a vengeance twice... now reverting back to to nothing except mood swings and v.bad night sweats! I've always been one for a more natural way of dealing with things but because of my M.S and Osteoporosis I feel I need to at least have the facts laid out. Thanks to everyone on here for your own experience and thoughts ✨️ 🙏 ❤ keep on healing Renee ❤

I'm so glad that you are feeling better. I didn't have any major side effects from menopause. The women in my family transitioned into menopause so effortlessly. Thank goodness. But, my friends have been put through the ringer. I empathize with all of you who have had major issues. 😳😕💔 Thank you for sharing this video with us. 👍🇨🇦😊

You are on your way to feeling great again. It's all a process. HRT is a lifesaver. Your attitude is so positive and that is key to a good recovery. Listen to your own body. That's the best you can do for yourself. I love your curls btw. 😊😊

Your looking beautiful and I'm so happy your feeling a little bit better. Carry on as you are and don't overdo it! Thanks for all the information it's so important to others. 😊❤

Just found your RU-vid site...Love your down to earth, honest, bright outlook...I am binge watching your videos, and am really enjoying them with such varied subjects... Thanks for Sharing 👍

Isn't it great that we can work with our doctors and come up with a treatment that is best for our own individual needs. I've been on an oral HRT for about a year and a half and it has helped my post menopausal symptoms tremendously. I hope you have an easy journey to find what works best for you!

Hi Renee! I wanted you to know that between you and another RU-vidr you have truly made this whole total hysterectomy experience much better than I thought it would ever be! My surgery was December 14th, I am 4 days post op. I watched your videos multiple times to make sure I didn't forget anything and thankfully it has been a pretty smooth process. I had an injury to my throat and then had an allergic reaction to the throat spray they gave me to help me THEN found out today I had strep throat too!😂 HOWEVER, the actual incisions, ride home with the travel pillow, going to the bathroom, and walking has been much easier thanks to your tips and tricks! I appreciate you sharing tour journey! I started my estrogen patch today, it is 0.1. I am 50 and was perimenopausal beforehand. Hoping I have success with the patch like you did! I hope others see your videos and comments and it helps them the way it helped me!

Keep strong! You are truly doing wonderful! 🥰🙏💕👍🏻👍🏻

I feel so lucky! I was in menopause at 50 (I'm 57 now). I had heavy bleeding and a couple of night sweats and hot flashes over the years but I breezed through it. I have never felt better. I have all my parts and pieces though so maybe I still have enough hormones. I prefer to stay natural with few medicines. Hope your HRT helps you!

Thank you, Renee, for continuing to keep us updated on your journey! Menopause has been a tough one for me so far, and I'm only 52. I have researched and am trying different supplements, but nothing so far has totally worked. I might have to consider hormone therapy.

So glad to hear you are feeling better. Hot flashes are the pits. I used to wake up soaking wet, had to change the bed because it was soaked too. You almost feel like jumping in the fridge to cool off. You life may change for the better in that you have been made to slow down & take things at a slower pace. You look amazing!!

Not sure if it helps, but I can relate to everything you're describing re: night sweats/hotflashes. Things are better now, but there was a time when I slept beside a big pile of giant 100% cotton beach towels and fresh 100% cotton pajamas. When I woke up from a night sweat, I'd just change into a new pair of pajamas, replace the towel, have a quick drink of water, and go back to bed, all nice and dry. (In the morning, the big clammy pile got washed!) It got to a point where I could do the whole process in the dark without disturbing husband . . . and almost stay asleep while I was doing it. Good luck with the HRT! P.S. Sleeping Swedish style (you and Randy each having your own separate summer/winter quilts) is something you might want to try! Regulating body temp with another person under the same blanket can be tricky!

" Happy to have Hormones" fabulous Renee that you are able to get the patch and it's helping right away. Awesome.

You look phenomenal Renee! Take your time during recovery! My sister still carrys her pillow around to this day....she had surgery 15 years ago. hahahahaha You are not alone!

So glad you are feeling better, Renee. Your description of your extreme hot flashes reminds me of my experience when i had chemo due to my breast cancer. My dr said it was like driving my body into a brick wall at 40 mph. What usually happens in life is our hormones gradually reduce over a decade but with your operation and my chemo made it happened in a week and wham. Extreme hot flashes, soaking, then freezing, changing of clothes, sheets, not being able to sleep because of the sweating and chills and on and on. I was not given an option for ER HTR because my bc was ER positive. Still my drs say no to it but I believe that quality of life matters as well. Hoping you continue to follow your heart and your body and make the decisions that work best for you. We are all different and have different reactions and people also need to do their own research on everything and have a dr they can work with, not work for. Can't wait for your next video. YOu go girl.

I’m glad you are feeling better. You look beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Watching videos about HRT lead me to your video. As you know once you have surgical hysterectomy hormones are important and vital! I went through normal menopause at 51 and 3 months into it I was a completely different person. I had panic attacks nerve pain that lasted 9 months, went to many specialists to figure out what was wrong with me. I was put on an antidepressant and tried other meds. Never did I think post menopause would hit so hard. I finally had to go to a neurologist. He diagnosed me with nerve pain due to anxiety. It was a nightmare for that 9 months. I felt I was just existing. Finally, I waited 8 entire years before I sought out a doctor who was a proponent of HRT. I suffered so long because of fear monging concerning HRT. I was putting my estradiol patches on the lower part of my stomach and the past year I have been putting them just right above the hip. They stay on much better there. BTW, I am 66 now. There are so many health benefits I plan to stay on them. A lot of OBGYN doctors do not promote HRT because they have had little to not training in that area. Good references to watch on RU-vid is Menopause Taylor, Mary Clair Havor, MD. And also, probably my favorite doctor to listen too, though all very knowledgeable on this subject is Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith. Best of luck on this journey!

Having had a complete hysterectomy I can tell you (at least in my experience) HRT is essential. In addition to the Estrogen, your physician should also discuss the importance of Testosterone replacement also. Please look at all the benefits of it after menopause.

I'm a new subscriber. I'm 56 yrs old and will be having a total laparoscopic/ vaginal hysterectomy on June 20. I've enjoyed watching your "real life" videos! Thanks 😊

I've had this surgery as well, and it takes a long time to heal. Up to a year or more. We have a huge wound inside where our internal organs once were. Please go slow. Dont push yourself. Rest a lot. Give your body time to heal. 🙏🙂

Good to see you looking so much better Renee. I had to have hormones as I was at risk for Osteoporosis. Yes HRT is a trial and error process, getting what’s right and works for you. I tried everything over the years, pills, patches but much prefer the Oestrogel pump with Estradiol transdermal gel. Doesn’t make my skin itch like the patches did after a while, so easy to apply twice a day. Go gently with your recovery, take care dear Renee. Sending big hugs and Get Well Healing Wishes from Linda and Rufus ❤️🙏🏻 🇬🇧

I am so happy you are feeling much better and you got a doctor who listened to you and provided you with the HRT that you needed. Hopefully, the night sweats will improve over time and you can get a proper night's sleep. Take care. FYI - when I was going through menoupause, I had Estradiol gel that you rubbed inside your wrists and that got me over the hump.

Hormones are controversial and we have been misled about their dangers. We each have to make these decisions with as much information as possible with our medical providers. I’m glad you’re doing better!

Thank God for your great news 🙏 get stronger day by day

So happy to see you doing great Renee😊

Your energy level in your voice has returned ❤

My goodness you sure look good! Very happy for you you look wonderful as I said so keep it up keep us posted.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It helps everybody! I appreciate everything you share!

Thank you for posting this. I am due to have surgery in January 2024 and I truly had idea on how I may feel. So thank you for sharing

I had a full hysterectomy about 5 yrs ago. Please know, everyone goes thru menopause differently. Don’t assume you need hormones. Wait to see if you even have any symptoms before you start hormone therapy. If you’re concerned about osteoporosis, there may be other options. If you do have symptoms, do what you have to do. We women are amazing and our bodies are amazing. Be well all!❤

So glad you are feeling better and you look amazing! Cannot believe no one told you to get yourself a bedside fan! I am well out of menopause but still need my little fan at night. It is a must have!

when I can't sleep I listen to podcasts. 5 minutes later I am sawing logs! Use your phone for them. This American Life, The Moth are two of my favorites.

I am lucky, I started hrt months before my surgery. The think that happened to me was that the hrt completely took my ovary pain away, so no pain prior to surgery. I am super happy to have hormones too!!!

I'm glad ur expressing ur whole experience with us ladies, I was never told about any side effects from surgery ,.

You are healing.😊 Just remember your body went through some major changes so be loving to your self..Have a wonderful quite week ,,buy some flowers for your self that a nice beautiful pick yourself up..❤️🌹

You look beautiful! Thank you for sharing the good, bad and ugly. I appreciate you Renee. 😘😘😘much love!!

I’m 67. I’ve been on bio-identical compounded estrodial , testosterone and progesterone creams for 12 years now.

I had a partial hysterectomy and have never felt better. I was only 31, but I chose not to take anything at that time. once i hit menopause, i did go on hrt, natural compounded. I did gain weight, maybe around 15 lbs, after i stopped the hrt, i lost it. I didn't have too many symptoms, just the hot flashes, lasted two years, but not bad. I went off of hrt and am doing great. vitamin d3 with k2 has been a huge help. I'm healthy and living a great life. thank you for sharing....you look great, love your hair. you look young, too. pray all goes great for you. take extra care and get rest.

I was lucky .I went into menopause @50. And didn't have night sweats! Glad you are better!

I had a total hysterectomy when I was 30 no HRT therapy I'm now 53 and just left my drs office for hrt therapy! 🤞 I lose weight and my hair grows back and no more hot flashes I'm praying this helps me.

Oh boy Renee~ poor girl. I had a forced hysterectomy at 45 years old, 20 plus years ago. I was so lucky. I did not suffer much at all. I had the full blown incision too, which you can't see at all. I remember saying to myself right after coming home from the hospital even, " Heck, I could vaccuum if I wanted to". My doctor put me on a very low dose of HRT immediately before leaving the hospital~ so I have never experienced the hot flashes, lack of sleep, mood swings etc~ again, I've been so lucky I guess after hearing your difficulties. I can't wait till you tell us you finally are able to laugh a big belly laugh~ it won't be long! You are getting there girl, I just love ❤️ you!!!!

I’ve never used hormones , kept my fibroids (got small after menopause) or had a hysterectomy. You look fabulous after surgery and healing up nicely. I think everyone has different experiences with menopause. I’m 72 and never had hot flashes and only mild night sweats but I’ve never had children so I don’t know how any of these things affect menopause. Hope the hormones help.

Thankgod u r OK now, on the mend, so brave , better every day thank u for sharing your experience with us, ❤ Ann murphy,

Oh Renée...I feel for you. I'm 56 and went through perimenopause for close to 10 years! Yes...hot flashes and emotional...I hate that part too. I found on Amazon a cooling blanket. I bought two and placed one under me and the other on top plus a small fan when I went to bed and it really did help. The fan did not have to be directly on me just in the room to help circulate the air. I sometimes used an old fashioned corn bag that I put in the freezer and then under my neck to help cool me. I also took an OTC supplement for the hot flashes. I still had some nights where I woke up drenched but overall it got better. And don't be too hard on yourself...it's natural to be more teary when you've had zip for sleep. I also understand the pain and limitations that you're dealing with. I have a spine injury that always (every breathing moment) puts me at a pain level of 5-6 out of a 1-10 scale. I can never lift more than 10 lbs and boy is that inconvenient...Lol! It will get better...be patient with yourself. You are doing everything you should...it just takes a little time. Thank you so much for sharing your hysterectomy story with us all...we women have got to stick together and do what we can to help each other out. And you are super blessed to have Randy be so supportive, mindful, and helpful during this recovery period. You go Randy! Lol! Oh...how is your hair doing? Anesthesia always dries out your hair.

you look so pretty love your sweater thanks for sharing another great video i find a gel pack from the fridge helps with hot flashes and a mini portable fan

Hi Renee. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are helping a lot of women. I had a full hysterectomy in 2003 at age 42. I had that same patch. It will start working after a few days. The lowest dose possible that works and the patch is the safest because if you take them orally the hormones get processed by your liver which can cause complications. I was told to place it in the same area in which you are placing. I wore the patch for two years. I did not have any menopausal symptoms afterward. There are silicone sheets that one can purchase for the healing of scars. Ask your doctor. When they first came out about 30 years ago, I purchased one that was reusable from the pharmacy. It could be washed. Now they are over the counter. Not sure if they are as effective. My husband got a slash on his forehead from a hockey stick. It was an awful looking wound. I applied this patch to his forehead. It worked! There is absolutely no scar visible.

I love my HRT. I use a twice weekly patch and take my progesterone at night. I did a huge amount of research before I decided to start. Made a huge change for the better in my life. I am 55 and was miserable before. Happy youre doing well.

I am a new subscriber. I am in the process of getting a hysterectomy. I appreciate all this information! I am following this journey like a hawk. I wish I had your gorgeous curls! Thank you so much for sharing such a personal journey. 💕

Your experience with surgical menopause mirrored my experience with natural menopause almost ten years ago when I was 50. It was like having a newborn, only at least with a newborn you can look forward to the baby eventually sleeping through the night! HRT saved me. I use the patch, too, and I also take a 200 mg progesterone pill every night. It's a miracle! (I found your channel because I saw your hysterectomy recovery video. I'm having a full hysterectomy next week due to a fibroid that's the same size as my uterus.) Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Looking very well and cheerful Hormones do help Had early Menopause at age 39 Went straight on HRT ,immediately Saved my life All the best 😊

I had a total hysterectomy about 10 year's ago, it was such a shock to my system i got the shingles. After changing my diet 4 year's ago to ketovore all my symptoms went away.

Glad you are better! No, those hot flashes are no fun and the sleepless nights are not good. Take care of yourself and go at your own pace. God bless.

I am so happy for you! Just got my patch tonight! Wish me luck! ❤❤

Your experience is very interesting! I would compare it to ripping the band aid off 😂 I went through menopause naturally starting at 48. I would get the hot flashes during all hours of the day and night about every 20 minutes at first, but the nighttime ones were the worst. All that has tapered off, but if I drink caffeine, I will still get a hot flash. I’m 59 now. I’m praying for the day that I will no longer notice them or even have them. Keep on surviving Rene, it’s just a part of life ❤

Been watching Ur channel with few months, found u on account of heavy periods, fiberoids u were discussing ,and it's unbelievable, we both had a full hysterectomy the same week,so it's great u are sharing all this,the hrt etc,I haven't tried it yet, have hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, emotional,it's just alot.

So sorry you are having problems. Time will heal all just be patient. I had a hysterectomy some years ago but I was lucky that my dr put the pellets in before she finished up. I have tried all the types of hormones. I will say the patch was my least favorite for hygiene reasons. The shots were great but inconvenient to go to the office every 6 weeks. The pills just ok. But the pellets I give a 100% . They last 6 months. All of the ladies I met in office or were friends just loved the convience of pellets. In all of these years I have never had a night sweat or a hot flash or any symptons of menopause. I feel the reason is my doctor putting the pellets in at surgery. I tell you this so that you know there are many ways to take hormones and I suggest you try them to find your fit. I wish you luck and to soon be back to feeling back to yourself. Let me add this Rene. I am 76 now and healthy. I believe the hormones kept me healthy. I have my regular checkups my bone density is fine I had a heart cath my heart is strong I had a colonoscopy every 5 yrs all fine. I dont have a mindset of a 76 year old. I owe it to great doctors and good hormones.

I went thru menopause at around 54…I’m now 72 and still having hot flashes…and none of my friends have them! I cannot do HRT bc my sister had breast cancer so be very thankful you can take them.

I just to say you glow. So stay strong.

I tried bioidentical cream when I went into menopause. It went ok at first, but then the benefits started to diminish after a while. I finally went "cold turkey" - it took about 5 years, but all those hot flashes are behind me. I really hope the patch will work for you and that you continue to see improvement!

Night sweats that prevent sleep are miserable! I know! I used Estradiol patches for awhile, but believe it caused my colitis. I'm not the only one who believes their crohns/colitis was brought on by hormone replacement. But, I do understand the miserableness of night sweats and mood swings and needing some relief. Each person has to do what they feel is best for them based on their personal and family medical history. Hormone replacement has risks just like any drug (even Tylenol has risks) and doctors and patients have to weigh the benefit against the risk. I'm glad you are doing so well and hope you get some relief.

Stay strong.yes slower moves after the surgery.

I went into menopause early. Just this past January it was official (a year since my last period), and I just turned 48. I guess I'm pretty lucky. The hot flashes are NO fun, the absolute worst part for me. But my night sweats aren't near as severe as yours. I do wake up about 3 times a night, and sometimes I have difficulty going back to sleep. I started using a sound machine, and I always sleep with a fan on me to help. In fact, I have the fan on me 24 hours a day pretty much. I don't feel like I need to go on HRT, but thanks for sharing your journey. It helps to be able to hear each other's experiences.

Sylvia is right that we all go through menopause differently. I was SLAMMED into it prior to my 2004 hysterectomy, due to chemo for breast cancer. No one had warned me and it was the anesthesiologist who saw me sweating profusely as I awaited surgery to have my chemo port removed who told me what was going on. Thereafter, as I went through months of DRIPPING SWEAT, I couldn't do HRT, so i tried everything I read or was told about to control it, steadfastly refusing doc recommendations for drugs, which were antidrpressants. Meanwhile, on the courtroom bench or while talking with police officers, I continued to DRIP SWEAT. Finally, the docs explained that the antidrpressants were not on amounts used for drpression; rather in lower dose thought to act on the same part of the brain. And finally, 9 months later, I got some relief from those awful sweats. So, hang in there. You're doing GREAT.

Gotta have compassion for Renee! Sorry for the pain and inconvenience your hormones are causing you. I'm 69 and have never had one hot flash in my life.... or any hormonal issue. I am not bragging, but very happy and about it. Very fortunate in my overall health...So what is possible for one person is possible for another. Please readers Do Not Think that when you go through menopause you will have a bad experience because you have only heard about the pain and hot flashes. My period stopped at age 48 without one problem!! I am a person who loved having a period every month though! It was something I counted on. Be Thankful for your periods. It means your body is Working Properly.

Renee, I hate to say it but welcome to the world of menopause. I had the night sweats and hot flashes for years. I am 61 and had my complete hysterectomy at 45. Still having hot flashes but the night sweats aren't as bad. I can't do hormones due to my history of breast cancer 3 times. That's a huge no no. Just know things will be different. Life goes on and I just work around it. I do use the fan over the bed a lot more than before but I feel like I'm dying if I don't cool down. Take care and just roll with the changes.

I had a uterine fibroid which weighed 5 pounds plus other smaller ones.Full h ysterectomy at age 55.Glad you are slowly recovering.💙

Glad you are better. Look forward to your videos. Menopause is the Pitts. 😢

Short story: I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 48, I did not have the option of laparoscopic surgery and they had to cut me open as if it was a C-section, so my recovery time was about 3 months. About two months into my recovery I became so bored, and antsy that I begged my mother and my cousin to take me to the movies. I convinced my mamma that there wouldn’t be a strain on me because I would be sitting down and that there would be no harm to me. Once we were at the Cineplex I had a short walk to the front doors, then a rather longer walk to the correct theater our movie was playing in. By the time we sat down I was in so much pain I wanted to cry, but I didn’t let my mamma or my cousin know this because I had made such a fuss about getting out of the house, and how I was up for the small outing. I didn’t realize until then that sitting in a restrictive seat would be so uncomfortable. I don’t remember the movie we saw because I was so close to screaming during the whole show. Side note, my mother walked with a walker because she had back issues, and when we all got up to leave I almost passed out, not being dramatic, I fell to my knees and my cousin had to help me to my feet, and my mother gave me her walker so I could walk out of the theater. I was shaking so hard I didn’t think I would make it back to the car. My mamma gave me an earful all the way home, and I spent a week recovering from my outing. So you keep on going slow, and take all the time your body needs for a full recovery. DO NOT OVERDO! It took about a year after my hysterectomy before I felt truly normal again. But once it’s all said and done, your life will be so much better.

Menopause can be a huge pain in the butt. Glad you started hormones.

I never had hot flashes, but I had severe night sweats and nightmares. I haven’t heard other people complain of nightmares but my doctor said they were related to menopause. I was so tired I couldn’t function at work. My doctor put me on HRT and I was grateful she did. I was on HRT for two years and it eased the transition for me. Looking back I wished I had stayed on it longer but when the big scare report came out my husband urged me to stop and I did. Guess I should add that I am 72 and went through this 20 years ago.

Thank you so much for documenting this process. I will have to go through it. I have so many fibroids. I take bio identical hormone therapy, pellet every 3 months due t on having gone through menopause already. It’s the best thing ever, so I’ll continue that afterwards. I had the worst hot flashes etc and bio identicals have completely fixed that. Highly recommend!

thank you thank you thank you! for making this video! I am 52 and a wreck! no surgery for removal of anything, living in a state where the drs don't really know how to help of believe in hrt, but Im trying!

I had my hysterectomy in 2012. The worst mistake I made is declining HRT therapy. I didn't have any night sweats in the past one month. However, my hair thinned out, and I became so depressed. Turns out, even though my hormones were in range, I needed estrogen. I finally started estrogen 1 mg a week and a half ago, and my darn hair started to grow back. Ladies, if your hair is thinking and no one can figure out why, talk to your doctor about HRT. By the way, I had a partial hysterectomy.

I was so lucky. Last cycle at age 51. Never had any symptoms. No night sweats or hot flashes. My mom and sister did not either. We were lucky. I will be 61 saturday. I absolutely love my period free yrs.

Been on Estradiol patches 0.025mg for almost 10 years since my total abdominal hysterectomy at age 45. It’s life changing, don’t want to ever give it up. People are very anti HRT, I’m a Registered nurse, talk to provider, research on your own and do what’s best for you🙂. That small amount of Estrogen is life changing!

Hey Renee! Hope you see this. I love your hair like this. Semi-fluffy. My dear, dear girl. Thank you for sharing this journey. You take the shame out of being a woman. We are all learning to embrace those aspects of being a woman which actually allowed us to bear children. Ain't it great?

I am 50 and 4 months post op from my full hysterectomy (removed everything including uteri’s, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and lymph nodes). It’s the best decision in my life. No risk of cancer spreading. I initially had hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, constant headache and insomnia. It cleared up after about two months and I’m actually feeling a lot better. More energy and no more pain. I’m still running hotter than normal (I’m usually cold) but overall it’s been good. No more “real” hot flashes and no night sweats. My husband said he now has a new “hot” wife, not a “cold hearted” one anymore. I’m taking a soy menopause supplement but I don’t know if it’s helping or if I’m just regulating myself better. I am not opposed to HRT. Im glad it’s helping you and I’ll look into it myself if I start getting symptoms like you were describing. Good luck! 👍🏼

That's funny, any if us who have had any abdominal operation know what you mean about laughing, goes with the territory. One tends to nurse and protect one's abdomen. Your body has been greatly invaded. It takes time to heal. You're doing a great job. I'm sure your vlogs have been so helpful.

I'm 57 and am thru menopause(natural, not surgical) but I still have break through hot flashes. Like a clock at 3am. Several years ago they were like yours, constantly every 2 hours. I get pellets of testosterone and estrogen and man that was a lifesaver. And if you are taking estrogen you should also be taking progesterone, which I do. That will help you sleep.I still occasionally need them but not as frequent. Those work best for me and of course you must consult with your personal MD. Good luck with your treatment ❤

I am glad you feel better. I am 50 (picture is *very* recent) and going through peri-menopause; bloodwork showed that my hormones are definitely still there but decreasing, not enough though that it is full-blown menopause. I get the hot flushes sometimes and golly my hormones aren't even totally gone. I can't imagine!

I was only 34 when I had to have a complete hysterectomy. It was an emergency situation, so I was in the hospital for about a week. The moment I woke from surgery, I was soaked in sweat. I was on HRT until I was 52. I'm 55 now & still have some hot flashes, but my doc said I should stop taking it when I would be in "natural" menopause. I used oral HRT because the patches irritated my sensitive skin. Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.