Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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chunkyfrog
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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:20 pm

The HRT-gall bladder connection is a given, but doctors rarely warn about it.
Once your GB is gone, you are stuck with acid problems FOR LIFE!

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jaycee2
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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by jaycee2 » Thu Dec 18, 2014 3:32 pm

I used ERT for over 20 years, gradually reducing the dosage as I got older. I developed breast cancer and of course quit ERT immediately, then took a hormonal med which further reduced estrogen in the body. After a few months of this I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I never connected it to lack of estrogen but it makes sense. Of course the body still produces estrogen but in much lower amounts. With my history there is no returning to ERT but I now will research the sleep apnea-estrogen connection.

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BlackSpinner
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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by BlackSpinner » Thu Dec 18, 2014 3:37 pm

I took it for 6 months after my hysterectomy, but the migraines if I was a few ours late with changing the patch, made me decide to go cold turkey. I worked out with weights and ran every morning, used some herbal preparations and basically worked through it.

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Kitatonic
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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by Kitatonic » Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:40 pm

Susan, Yes, there is a definite link with estrogen levels dropping and SA, and I have experienced this in myself. Like you, I resumed estrogen, but an ultra-low dose patch (0.0125) and the non-systemic vaginal. Even this very minimal amount has created a rare one event obstructive apnea and my pressures are lower. It's a complicated decision that I incorporated my 23andme genetic background together with the fact that my 97 y/o mother remains on estrogen (now a patch) for 50 years. Probably the majority of women will suffer negative consequences from higher dose HRT.

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Sclark08
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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by Sclark08 » Fri Dec 19, 2014 6:31 am

Amen!

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Re: Menopause HRT and sleep apnea

Post by Kitatonic » Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:04 pm

Need to correct my last statement, as short-term use of HRT is probably safe; but that after 5 years on HRT, the vast majority of women will suffer negative consequences from remaining on HRT. I would strongly urge that you consider your genetics (23andme with a download to Promethese for the health data is only $100) and your medical history with your doctor, as well as close monitoring the breast & uterus.

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