I've noticed my body seems to be drying up, as if I've spent a year trudging the Mojave Desert. I wonder how bad it would be if I wasn't taking that little 'smidge of estrogen replacement every day to allow me to live a normal-ish life? Here's an aside some of you ladies might be able to identify with: After my hysterectomy I was thrown immediately into menopause. I started to have hot flashes that were so frequent I couldn't sleep at night. My doctor told me to keep track -- I was having a "flash" about every hour 'round the clock. It would start with chills -- like put on two sweaters type of feeling cold -- then within a minute or two I'd start to feel nauseated and soon was glistening in perspiration and shedding those sweaters, and everything else, to find relief from the heat. 'Round the clock. No fun. And exhausting. My doc prescribed just enough estrogen to keep the hot flashes at bay. I worry that I shouldn't be taking it, but my risk factors are low and she thinks the sleep cycle interruption is likely a greater health hazard. I'm going with this plan for now. I'm taking half of the lowest dose possible every other day and that doesn't stop the flashes completely, but it helps and I'm not constantly disrobing. Plus, a little HRT keeps one from drying up completely, if you get my drift.
Anyhoo…A few years ago I noticed my skin seemed so much dryer than usual and often a little itchy. I went to the dermatologist and she said it was "age" (I hate that explanation) and environmental effects of winter. She recommended slathering a goodly portion of Cetaphil lotion all over once a day. It helped! For years I used the lotion version, but here's a tip -- the cream is MUCH better (both available at Costco, the lotion in a two-pack and the cream in big tubs).
Two years ago I started to struggle with a "weepy" eye and occasionally blurring vision after long reading or writing sessions. At my ophthalmologist visit I learned that in spite of the tears that stream from that eye, the diagnosis was "dry eye" and a bottle of lubricating "tears"was recommended. So now I dose my eyes as needed. (I use Systane Ultra, also available at Costco in a multi-pack).
Last winter I was literally in pain with severely chapped lips. I tried coconut oil from the pantry, bought a bushelful of drugstore lip balms (Carmex and Burt's Bees Hydrating helped best in a losing battle), one of my BFFs gave me a pricey and terrific cream that was the best of the lot, but this year none of those gave me relief when my lips started to flake, crack, and bleed about 3 weeks ago -- when we had that cold, dry spell and my furnace kicked on every day. I was miserable and a trip to the dermatologist seemed to be in order; I didn't want another chapped lip season like last winter. But I decided to troll the Internet one more time, looking for a solution that didn't involve a co-pay.
I happened upon a stream of conversation on the topic of "severely chapped lips" (don't you LOVE Google?!?) where people were recommending Lansinoh -- a 100% natural, no preservatives added, "#1 recommended brand by lactation consultants" pure lanolin, used by breastfeeding moms to soothe sore nipples. The testimonials said within 3 days their severely chapped lips were healed. I hightailed it to Rite Aid.
Yep, there it was in the baby food/formula/breast pump aisle in a pretty purple tube. About $12.00 for 1.41 ounces, but when I figured how much I'd spent on worthless lip balms, I decided it was worth it. I coated my lips every couple of hours. The first day I didn't see any difference, but it felt soothing. The second day, I noticed my lips were a bit smoother. By the third day -- MIRACLE! Just as promised by the Internet posters, my lips had no more scaly skin, the soreness was relieved, and my lips looked and felt healthy! I'm continuing the regimen a few times a day and really loading up at night. (I will have to see if Costco carries it. You would think I'm getting a Costco kick-back. I'm not; just trying to pass on the benefit of my research.)
With this nipple cream on board I plan to remain smoochable throughout this winter season. On Thanksgiving I'm giving thanks for sheep.
At least that's the view from here… ©
I took the regular HRT for 7 years. That was 10 years ago and so far, no ill effects. A little sure isn't going to hurt you--IMHO. Also, consider getting a humidifier, if you don't have one. The one on the furnace doesn't always work very well. It will help with the dry skin and lips and yes--even eyes.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear no ill effects from HRT. There is so much conflicting information, it's hard to know what to believe. Some tell me the risk of getting in my car and having an accident is far greater than my little bit of estrogen, and I suppose that's right. The humidifier tip is a good one. We never think of that here in the Northwest where it is rainy so often, but inside the air can still get drier I guess. SOMETHING is causing my lips to freak out in the winter!
DeleteNipple cream. I never knew there was such a thing and now I want some. My dry lips drive me nuts. I also have very dry skin so I'll have to get some Cetaphil, too. I did have a sample from the dermatologist's office and I had forgotten how well it worked. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI went through menopause without any help from the pharmacy but mine was short-lived. The mood swings bothered me more than the night sweats and hot flashes. The poor people around me probably wished I had consulted a doctor, but that never even occurred to me. It just wasn't something we talked about in my circle.
I don't think I had mood swings….but then maybe I should ask those who lived with me. LOL
DeleteI use "Bag Balm" (available at your local feed and seed store) for severe skin chapping. Cheap and effective - except for a slight stinky smell. As for HRT - I haven't used any for 40 years - because it, literally, did not help. So I endured intermittent hot flashes for twenty years...but they are starting to fade now. My 92 year old mother, however, doesn't believe in having hot flashes so has taken HRT ever since it came on the market! I know, yikes, but no cancer anywhere. Glad you are finding what works for you, Donna.
ReplyDeleteYour mother is a anecdotal great example and a calming influence on my worried psyche that HRT is poison. Thanks.
DeleteEmail: Is Hub having dreams about kissing sheep? Or counting? I wonder if HRT might calm my unpleasant sweaty drippage. No research here, but I've been putting a big spoon full of coconut oil in my morning coffee and haven't had the lip problem. .. and now I havea whole drawer full of coconut bras. ..
ReplyDelete