Hi Kristy, Some of us have hormonal headaches that we just can't get rid of, even after trying different types and amounts of estrogen. I am wondering what drugs you use for your headaches. I got in a bad situation using Fioricet too often, and it made my headaches worse ("rebound headaches") and sometimes other pain meds have the same tendency, if used more than 2-3 days a week. Have you been worked up by a neuro doc who specializes in headache management? That might be a good thing to do. I am in perimenopause and have been on premarin in the past, which, in retrospect, caused alot of my headaches. I am presently on combi-patch, but I still get headaches for about 10 days around my period (or even when I'm due for a period, but don't get one). I take Exedrine Free and when that doesn't work, I use Maxalt. There is a good headache forum at Braintalk.org. There are several women there who have really bad hormonal headaches who have tried tons of medications. They might be good people to ask. I haven't tried many different meds or hormones. It's a great site and you might get some good ideas there. Some of us there have found that during about 2 weeks around our periods, lots of things become "triggers" for our headaches, and we have learned to avoid them around that time. I have a friend who has migraines and she thought they would go away after her hysterectomy, but they didn't. My neuro doc said that this is often the case......That there are so many other things involved (like your pituitary and hypothalamus), that just by removing your ovaries and uterus many times doesn't stop hormone-related headaches. I hope you find something that helps.

I have had no post-menopausal problems including hot flashes. This was a pleasant surprise to me because I had such horrible periods and PMS and I had read that the two are linked. My emotional state is the best it has been in my entire life. That surprised me too. I think getting off the estrogen roller coaster was good for me. I also reconnected to my faith so it is hard to say what comes from what. I have finally been released from a lifetime of painful shyness. It is such a joy not to have to plan every outing, every vacation, and weigh job offers on the basis of "when is my period due and what facilities will be available" Spending entire days in the bathroom because the flow was so relentless are over. Lying in bed trying not to scream from the cramps is over. Becoming suicidal once a month is over too. I have taken nothing and am glad for it, but all of my friends are either on HRT or tranquilizers to handle their post-menopausal problems. I guess I am just lucky or maybe I used up all my bad karma on the 44 years I spent trying to deal with all that mess and pain.

I started Ortho Prefest about 2 1/2 weeks ago. My GYN told me that I would most likely experience some spotting for a while. I have not had a period in over 2 years (yeah - it took me a while to decide on HRT). Well guess what. Today I have started spotting. Not bad, but it's definately there. This is the only problem I have had and as long as it doesn't get any worse or last too long, I think I can take it. But I don't really want to! The only good thing about menopause was to have no period anymore. Now that's gone - just like the memory, the energy, the tight skin, the perky boobs! Isn't it wonderful to be a woman?

I just started taking femhrt today. I am a 52 year old diabetic with high blood pressure. I have had creepy, crawly, itchy skin for over a year and my periods have slowed down. I did not want to go on HRT, but the past few weeks have been horrendous due to frequent night sweats and hot flashes. My sleep has been interrupted so often, and I find it difficult to get back to sleep. I don't want to live like this the rest of my life, so I called my gyn. He prescribed femhrt, however, I am concerned about it and my diabetes/high blood pressure. Is there anyone else out there with this combination of condifions on HRT? I would love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!