A girl I know who is 26, had cervical cancer 5 years ago, taken 200mg of estrogen....

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Delirious

Delirious

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Since her operation for her cervical cancer, she has taken 200mg of estrogen a day since, because she no longer has the capability of producing estrogen anymore. She also has two kids (6 and 8) and a "boyfriend" who is basically her husband. She can't have any kids though as a result of the previous cancer/operation.

My question though being is, what can you guys tell me about her, with all her circumstances, e.g. characteristics, emotions, side effects, future implications, etc. 200mg of estrogen a day for 5 years seems like it would do something different to someone.

Normally I wouldn't ask a question like this but she is becoming a very close friend of mine and I care for her as a close friend. I am curious/concerned as to what this would entail...curious as to what to expect, etc.

Sorry if this seems like a weird thread, but I can't help but be curious as to what to expect from her.
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from what my mom says, her doc won't recommend it to her because it can enhance the effects of osteoperosis or something along those lines...

but if the body isn't producing any naturally, it might well mean that the 200mg/day is still within a safe level...
 
What form is she taking it in?
There are numerous Estrogen replacement therapies.
If it is prescribed, then it is likely a safe dose.
If it was not a safe dose the pharmacist would have questioned the doc, and the doc would have to come up with a pretty good reason to fill the script if the dose was way above the accepted max.

The better question would be what would happen to her if she stopped taking the estrogen replacement.

Without ovaries, she will not produce any of her own natural estsrogen. She will, (if I remember my A & P) continue to produce gonadotropin, (one of the male hormones) which will cause her to grow more facial hair, and other undesireable things.

The estrogen replacement, keeps her production of male hormones in check.
 
"Without ovaries, she will not produce any of her own natural estsrogen. She will, (if I remember my A & P) continue to produce gonadotropin, (one of the male hormones) which will cause her to grow more facial hair, and other undesireable things."

Thank you Gil, that's some of what I wanted to know...

I think I have a better question to ask:

What happens to a woman who cannot produce her own estrogen, and sometimes misses her estrogen supplements? Part of Gil's answer seems like there is more that could happen...

Are the side-effects of missing a few estrogen supplements permanent, temporary?

What else could happen?
 
emad
from what my mom says, her doc won't recommend it to her because it can enhance the effects of osteoperosis or something along those lines...
Click to expand...

Osteoporosis can come about from a lack of testosterone. I don't know if estrogen itself is linked to it in some type of ratio, however.

My grandma had a hysterectomy, and, yes, she has facial hair (a couple whiskers, not a beard, lol) here and there.

Off the top of my head, I know that blood and cholesterol levels can be affected as well. Interstitial fluid can be affected if there is no estrogen to help regulate salts, although I don't know if the absence of the leads to swelling or the opposite.

Best thing to do if you're that concerned is to call or write to an Endocrinologist and ask questions.
 
If it has been five years since her operation and she has had minimal, if any, side effects from her medication then she can probably lead a relatively normal life. Well, apart from the no more kids thing, but then two is probably sufficient in any case. If you are worried about becoming close friends, I wouldn't be. One of my friends had a nasty cancer scare a few years ago and it brought us closer together if anything.
 
Delirious?
What happens to a woman who cannot produce her own estrogen, and sometimes misses her estrogen supplements? Part of Gil's answer seems like there is more that could happen...

Are the side-effects of missing a few estrogen supplements permanent, temporary?

What else could happen?
Click to expand...

 
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