Estrogen

Five years ago I had a hysterectomy, with the idea that it would clear up my endometriosis and I would finally be done with all the tests, medications, and surgeries. Also knowing that I would need to be on Hormone Replacement for a long time. Things went smoothly and for the first time in years I was not in pain. Yeah!! Well, being the person that always fits into the 1% of all medical things last year my pain came back. I went in, had a laproscropic surgery and found out that yes, the endometriosis is back. Also, I have a ovarian remnant growing - who ever heard of that. But anyway, all that is old news. After the surgery I felt better, a little pain now and then, but nothing I couldn't deal with. So, I go on. A while back the pain started, expecting it to be a one day thing again I take my excedrin and keep going. Well, it doesn't go away. Two weeks later I decided I probably should go back to the doctor. So I go in to see what we do now. And he said that it looks like it's back. He took me off my Hormone replacement and put me on a medication that actually takes the estrogen out of your body to try and stop the endometriosis from growing. There is nothing like being pushed into Menopause. It's amazing how many things in your body rely on Estrogen to run smoothly, and how many things feel wrong when you don't have any. Well, I went back in to the doctor after three weeks of no estrogen hoping he wouldn't tell me I'm off it for good, but yet not wanting him to say it's time for another surgery. What a couple of things to choose from. The answer is - no more hormones!!! Yeow!! Now what. I continue with the medication I'm on for 3 - 6 months because it seems to be helping, then reevaluate, but not much chance of taking estrogen again. It feeds the endometriosis. He did give me a prescription for a anti-depressant. It's supposed to help with hot flashes and mood swings. Yet I'm not sure if I want to spend my life on anti-depressants just to feel normal. I can't take herbs or natural stuff because it still turns into estrogen in your body. I know there is dietary stuff I can do, as well as exercise and yoga. So, I guess it's time to do some research. The frustrating part is the fact that this was all supposed to be over. I dealt with it for enough years and the hysterectomy was supposed to end it once and for all. Yea right! So once again I begin another journey of trying to feel better, trying to deal with health issues, and trying to keep sane in the process. Tomorrow off I'll go to the library to begin my research.