Hormones changing, early perimenopausal. What did you do?

[Anonymous]

I have a serious problem with excessively dry eyes, which causes eye infections and can damage the eye over time. This usually happens in much older women. I am only 38. Apparently this is often triggered by hormonal changes that influence the lubrication of the eye. The medical doctor who say me felt this was likely the case with me.

I have an appointment with a GYN to talk about hormone levels/get tested (if possible). My question for you all: Did you do any kind of hormonal replacement therapy for early menopause or peri-menopause? I don't take HRT lightly anymore. But if my doctor agrees that it could help my eye problem, I think the eye problem is very serious. And since I'm due for a hysterectomy anyway (Uterus/cervix only), I don't see risks of uterine cancer as being a huge problem.

Also, the last time I had my annual with my GYN, I asked about blood tests to check for hormone changes. They told me such tests are not really helpful because hormones can fluctuate so much over time, and there's nothing to benchmark against for an individual. Did you have any tests that helped you determine if you were peri-or-fully-menopausal?

Thank you for any insights!

[Anonymous]

I'm not a big fan of HRT either. It's also linked to increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer, as well as blood clots and heart disease. So I'd avoid it for as long as possible.

I've got dry eyes, too, although nothing horrible (yet?). When it's severe, I can imagine how bothersome and dangerous it can be. Apparently, there's a link between dry eyes and inflammation in the body, and an anti-inflammation diet could help. Lots of fruits, veggies, wild caught seafood. Very low on refined sugars and simple carbs. Many even suggest no wheat products...or even no gluten. And add omega 3s to your diet as well. I am trying this route first (for a variety of reasons, not just dry eyes).

I'd also try things like acupuncture and see if it does anything (can't hurt).

After that, I'd try to stick to treating a symptom locally if possible with rx drops like Restasis.

Only after all that has been explored, I would try HRT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not a big fan of HRT either. It's also linked to increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer, as well as blood clots and heart disease. So I'd avoid it for as long as possible.

I've got dry eyes, too, although nothing horrible (yet?). When it's severe, I can imagine how bothersome and dangerous it can be. Apparently, there's a link between dry eyes and inflammation in the body, and an anti-inflammation diet could help. Lots of fruits, veggies, wild caught seafood. Very low on refined sugars and simple carbs. Many even suggest no wheat products...or even no gluten. And add omega 3s to your diet as well. I am trying this route first (for a variety of reasons, not just dry eyes).

I'd also try things like acupuncture and see if it does anything (can't hurt).

After that, I'd try to stick to treating a symptom locally if possible with rx drops like Restasis.

Only after all that has been explored, I would try HRT.

Thanks for the reply! This is very helpful info.

[Anonymous]

Interesting. My eyes have been incredibly dry. I assumed it was from allergies. Maybe I'm wrong. I'm 43.

[Anonymous]

The HRT studies strongly show that the progestin part is the harmful part - not the estrogen part. But, you dont need to take a progestin if you're having a hysterectomy. Go with a low dose estrogen for a while and ween yourself off it as soon as you are comfortable doing so.