Benzo and progesterone - oophrectomy

[[...]]

I’m so lost and confused. I had an unnecessary ovary removal (11/21). My hormones never have gotten straightened out and left with severe depression, SI and anxiety.  I was able to tolerate progesterone prior to ovary removal but didn’t stay on it.  After ovary removal couldn’t tolerate. So only on estradiol and testosterone.  I am now on a benzo (8 months) because it’s the only thing keeping me alive as I can’t tolerate antidepressants or mood stabilizers. 
 

So in my case why wouldn’t I want to be on progesterone or try it again to get off the benzos? I’m tapering with diazepam but after that I will not have anything to help calm me. I fear something is seriously wrong with my HPA axis and pituitary and. No doc will do the research to find out what’s going on.  My cortisol is all over the place and was before the benzos and after the oophrectomy.  My ACTH seems okay. So that leads to the pituitary and the the CRF or something. 
 

if I can tolerate a benzo why not progesterone cream?   I’m hanging on by a thread. 

Edited March 11 by [...]

[[Co...]]

Hello @[...]. Welcome to BenzoBuddies.

You are getting into areas about which I do not have great knowledge. But we have large number of female members and there has been much discussion about hormones and HRT - I am sure other members will be long to help you.

[[Ka...]]

Hello @[...] & welcome. I will do my best to try to help. If I’ve understood right seems there are 3 issues. 
So you are tapering diazepam. Hopefully, that is going ok so far. 

Did your doctor ever refer you to an endocrinologist? This may be a  specialist & avenue to look into any potential pituitary/cortisol issue etc. I saw one based on weird cortisol test results (probably due to anxiety!) & who arranged further investigations but ruled out anything conclusive to treat in my case. Endocrinologist did suggest a female hormone specialist but I didn’t follow that up. Clearly, all our hormone issues interrelate & affect us. 

I’ve had an ovary/tube removed & for many years have used a topical progesterone cream. I’m wondering if you’ve ever tried a bio identical progesterone cream? You can read about this at www.wellsprings-health.com

I am sorry I don’t have answers just some tentative ideas. I hope others may contribute thoughts too. 

 

Edited March 11 by [Ka...]

[[ns...]]

TLD, hi,

I'm so sorry your going thru so much.

I too had an ooperectomy that sent me into a hormonal nightmare for endometriosis which i didn't have!

I couldn't have any hormones for 6 months and was put on an antidepressant. Later I started hrt and things leveled out for awhile..

Over many yrs I had many health issues following hysterectomy. I stopped hrt due to chest pain, prior to benzos. 

Eventually I ended up on a benzo but it was for anxiety caused by a small brain tumor.

After a forced taper I went to an endocrinologist on my own, they didn't require a referral so idk if u need one depending on your insurance. Surely a gyn could refer you to an endo though.

My adrenal tests were all over the map, but unclear at the time what was causing this. I Eventually ended up in the er with hyponatremia and possible adrenal insufficiency.

Later endo put me on a low dose estradiol but I could not tolerate it. Ordered a test for a adrenal tumor which I did not take. 

Turns out I was in withdrawal from the benzos and cannot take anything including hrt. Everyone is different but for me I know i need the hrt but will have to wait to resume the therapy later if ever.

I'm unable to take supplements, vit, minerals since withdrawal, but to be honest, there were some things I couldn't tolerate after hysterectomy as well.

So my life changed In so many ways following the hysterectomy that I barely recognize myself, but benzos definitely changed my life for the worst but things are looking up!

So, surgical menopause changed my life, benzos made everything worse but heres the good news. Once you've finished your taper you can start a brand new life. You'll Will have learned so much, appreciate life, see things in a clearer light and be grateful for the experience so I'm told lol.

It seems benzos really affect our brains in such a way chemically that we can't tolerate many foods, supplements, hormones, medications etc until after withdrawal and we have healed from the injury.

It's not easy going thru this process especially during menopause. Hopefully you'll be able to tolerate another type of hrt for now. I tried an over the counter estrovan and it was helping me, but I had been off the benzo for a yr by then. You might try that. Once I went back on lorazapam I couldn't tolerate the over the counter either it had soy in it! But that's just me. 

So I'm sorry your having a tough time of it. I agree with Katrina that you should see and endo just in case and have tests done. They will know best which replacement therapy is best and will ck your cortisol levels etc.

Stay away from any stimulants if u can, sugar, caffeine, smoking etc. These seem to rev up our symptoms along with simple carbs.

I hope your taper is a smooth one and you can get back to the hrt that was working for u!

Take care 

Ns