Estrogen and Memory Loss

[DCS]

I am 42 years old, had a hysterectomy at 24 and been taking Estrogen for 18 years.

Ten years ago, my gyno put me on .125mg of Premarin. I seem to handle it pretty well but I've noticed that I get confused and memory problems. I read an article yesterday that states Premarin causes loss of memory. So now, I'm thinking about asking my gyno to put me on another Estrogen medication.

My question to all of you is..... Is there any Estrogen medication you recommend or do NOT recommend. Prior to the Premarin I was on Estrace but had severe vaginal dryness.

I really need some advice because the last thing I want is to have a major flare. PLEASE HELP ME!

Thanks,
DCS :angel:

[BellaTutu]

hi DCS,

I've been on Premarin .625 for 6 years now due to having a complete hysterectomy and I havent had any confusion or memory problems as a direct result of my premarin (uhm..that I'm aware of anyway) :) but have for other reasons.

Could be the hormone level of the dose you're on isn't enough. Have you had your levels checked recently? How about your thyroid levels? I know when my thyroid levels are off (I have Graves Disease) my memory is the first thing to go I swear - hormones wreak havoc on a body if they're off kilter.

[DCS]

I never thought about thyroid and hormone level but I'll definitely check it out.

Thanks for your reply!
DCS

[natalie2006]

hello I'm natalie and there thinking about doing a hystercodomy on me, But leaving my overies in that way I don't have to take hormones. :) But anyway I am 26 going to be 27 in June and my husband dosen't want me to do it because he wants to leave the opposen open to have kids, I am 110% I do not want kids. ANYONE WITH ADVICE?

[BeckyFlaUSA]

Hello natalie2006,

I don’t know of any doctor that would perform a Hysterectomy on a healthy young woman for means of birth control. There are others ways of birth control. I am sure you have educated yourself on the matter. I respect any person’s decision on matters for themselves. Just keep the thought that no one knows what will happen in the future. Nature willing, you will live a long and healthy life. Removing your uterus is a VERY SERIOUS operation. There would never be a chance to change your mind once you have done so. Consult with your OB/GYN. The doctors have all the information about other forms of birth control. Ultimately the decision is yours.

BHS

[natalie2006]

becky I don't want a totel hystercomdomy. I have tried birth control pills and I have trouble with them So I have decided not to take them and go the natural route.

[sami4]

a dose of 1.25 mg Premarin is equal to 2 mg Estrace. The difference is that Premarin creates more estrone which is a strong estrogen metabolite in the body. Premarin is made from horse urine and contains other metabolites which seem to irritate the IC symptoms of some.
Memory loss is also a side effect of the OB medications like Ditropan, but not enablex because Enablex does only targets the bladder muscle and the other OB medications go systemic. I was just reading a study on this today and the Urology Journal did not feel it was appropriate to RX these drugs to older persons who already have some memory impairment, they recommended Enablex for that reason.
Usually memory problems are caused by not enough estrogen rather than too much.
Sammie