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[Sandie64]

Hi, I'm 5 weeks into 1mg sandrena gel on its own after total hysterectomy 9 weeks ago. I feel I have very low energy and could sleep the day through, the night sweats have stopped but I have low mood now as well.  I realise I am very early days with the hrt but does this lack of energy eventually pass as its really debilitating and I want to start living my life again.  I'm 58 and 5 years post menopause.

[Taz2]

I had a hysterectomy at 60 and it was a good three months before I regained my energy. It is major surgery after all and a great shock to the system. It also takes around three months for HRT to fully work. Did you retain your ovaries? I kept mine as they do still produce a low dose of oestrogen post menopause.

Taz x

[Wrensong]

Hi Sandie64, to echo Taz's question - did they take your ovaries as well?  If so, you would probably feel better for some testosterone.  You may know our ovaries go on producing this for us in significant amounts postmenopause & strength & stamina are just a couple of factors that can be adversely affected by low levels. 

Testosterone can also be important for our psychological wellbeing, for clarity of thought & confidence.  Libido & sexual function can also take a nosedive without sufficient levels & systemic dryness (eyes, mouth, GU tract etc) can also be a consequence of low T.

I had a BSO a few years ago & in common with other members in the same situation, found that having testosterone added to my HRT regimen helped.
Wx

[CLKD]

Check VitD levels too?

[Sandie64]

Hi all thanks for the response yes I did have my ovaries removed aswell.  Today I have a little more energy but my mood is so low.  I thought after nearly 6 weeks  of estrogen I would start to pick up in mood a bit. 
Is it too early for another increase do you think, I feel like times running out on me as I'm back to work in two weeks time.  My concentration and thought process is poor.
I would like to try testosterone but realise my estrogen levels need to be optimised (how do you tell).
I'm going to have a estrogen and testosterone blood test with Medichecks but what would be the right time for this?

[Gnatty]

It depends on your doctor I think. The fact your ovaries were removed means your testosterone levels will have crashed and I imagine a Meno specialist would put you on to testosterone straight away. I wouldn't bother getting bloods just yet, but that's just me. You know your levels are going to be low right now so I would wait til you start to feel some benefit or if you feel you aren't progressing maybe at the three month mark?

[Taz2]

I had to have 14 weeks off after mine instead of the planned 10 so if you're not ready then you should try to extend your time off.

Did you have a medical reason for your ovaries to be removed? Some surgeons are less likely now to remove them though some still do wrongly believing that post meno there is no need for them and then you might not be given the replacement hormones you need.  I agree with Gnatty about waiting till the three month mark.

Are you still resting a lot and just generally taking care of yourself? I think we're led to believe that nowadays it's just a small op and we should be all singing and dancing within a few weeks.

Taz x

[Sandie64]

Hi Taz thanks for the reply. 
I had a hysterectomy due to progesterone intolerance 9 weeks ago. 
I've been trying to sort my hormone levels for 4 years now, my periods stopped 5 years ago.  I've tried a lot of different regimes of hrt.
I had a breakdown in January and have been off work ever since but have to go back in 2 weeks as my sick pay runs out.
I guess I've just got to be patient its just I've usually felt the benefit of estrogen  long before 5/6 weeks but had to stop when on progesterone.
Feeling a bit disheartened i suppose.

[Taz2]

It's the sudden removal of testosterone I would think plus not having any of your own oestrogen supply. You have been through tough times and you are bound to feel impatient but hopefully it does help knowing that your fatigue is caused by the loss of hormones due to the op. Nine weeks is very recent. You are still healing which takes a lot of energy.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Hysterectomy is major surgery.  Regardless of how it's played down. Often to get women back into the work place.

Now is the time to speak to the Consultant who did your operation, mayB get a follow up appt., as well as to your GP to extend your sick leave.  Look at how you can be funded whilst off work, some Food Banks offer advice when they are open.

Let us know how you get on.  How are your VitD levels?

[Sandie64]

Hi CLKD I haven’t had my vitamin D levels checked but ever time I take a supplement 1000 iu D3 25ug
It makes my knee and hip pain intolerable.
I’ve had 5 months off work now as I had a breakdown in January.  I feel so much pressure to get myself right.   Even pushed for a hysterectomy ( that I had nine weeks ago) due to progesterone intolerance making me feel suicidal, I feel that desperate.
I’ve slept for 15 hours again today, the lack of energy is worse since starting Sandrena but I will stick with it.  I just want to know if this exhaustion will pass.

[Taz2]

I think that a surgical menopause does take much more toll on energy levels as you not only have the shock to the system caused by major surgery but also the sudden loss of hormones. Are you on any forums which deal with hysterectomy carried out to alleviate progesterone intolerance so you can hear from others in the same position? 

[Gnatty]

I would really really try and get some testosterone. But don't fret too much about needing so much sleep. It's still such early days.