Helen:
        I've been down this road and can't describe the difference new doctors
can make. My endo is female and was open to discussing the subject, but
somewhat negative about adding male hormones to my meds. She mentioned
several "natural" substances that her patients had used and I began
taking oil of evening primrose, and have noticed an improvement. At my
request she referred me to new gyn (also female). What a breath of fresh
air!!!! As part of her routine questions she asked about my sex life.
She is more than willing to change my hormone replacement to include
testostrogen (sp.?). I'm waiting awhile because I'm not thrilled with
the possible side effects.
        Having 2 drs to discuss this with openly has made a BIG emotional
difference. My husband and I are talking about it from different view
points, and everything is improving. My young male interist and my
former gyn (male) were of NO HELP at all on this topic. One seemed
embarrassed by the topic and one disinterested. Having drs who can talk
about this openly, and make you feel like others are facing the same
issue has made the situation much better.
        Between age 46 and 50 I had to adjust to severe arthritic problems (my
hips are nearly destroyed), menopause and Hasimoto's. I feel like I've
begun feeling emotionally solid again. Reading the postings here and
understanding how other people have restored balance to their lives has
helped enormously. I hope you can find drs to help you.

Joan S.

HELEN BLACK wrote:
> I have the same problems but I don't know how to go about telling my
> doctor what I have found out in this group. WIll he believe me? He said
> my tiredness and low libido was a mild depression and gave me medication
> for it. It just made me sleep more and eat more, hence more weight gain.
> I haven't had a peroid for 4 months and after a ultrasound was done they
> found I have a "bulky uterus" and a large fibriod growning in my uterus.
> He said they usually don't do anything for this but keep an eye on it.
> How do I make him realize how I feel without him just pushing it off and
> saying that people that are unhappy are apt to get sick more often. Who
> said I was unhappy is my question? What does it have to do with hormone
> replacement decisions or surgery?