Thank you all for the excellent input, much to think about here.

I've not heard of bio-identical hormones before, but have a vague memory of my Gyno saying something about these being much safer. However, I'm reluctant to trust that now after finding out it does indeed absorb into the blood stream. What else is she misinformed about, or blatantly lying about.

Susanne... Now that you mention it, I've noticed a return of the water retention I used to live with constantly. Since going gluten-free at the start of this year one of the first advantages I noticed was a loss of fluid build ups, particularly noticeable around the ankles. I'd assumed the return of fluid retention was an accidental gluten intake. Now I'm wondering if this Vagifem isn't the culprit! Thank you for pointing this out, it may be very important.

Marlene .... I've tried to get a hold of OTC progesterone but none of my local chemists have heard of such a cream, or tablet for that matter. Just thought, might try my organic store next time I'm there as they have a large stock of supplements and such. It won't surprise me if there is no such thing available over counter in Australia as we seem to be rather behind the US in these things. But my GP should be able to prescribe some.

Mrs D .... Thank you for posting that link. Quite an interesting read. I think my Gyno is just misinformed as she doesn't seem to be the lying type. I've concluded lately that I'm going to have to educate myself in order to protect myself from all these doctors. Blind faith in the medical profession would make me the stupid one!

Something I've also noticed since using Vagifem is a return of the horrible period cramps I suffered monthly all my life. This past year I'd only had a very very mild period a few times, with no cramping whatsoever. Yet, this past fortnight the cramps have come back. I've not even been following doctors orders to use it daily, rather I've been using it a few times per week, with the cramps coinciding. Thinking I may stop taking it, or ask for progesterone as well.

I agree with you Marlene, that I might need to find my personal balance.

Thank you once again ladies for your input. I have lots to consider now and ideas I'd never thought of.

I want to have my hormones checked, I firmly believe hormones affect PN, at least for me. Every single month my feet are worse during the week before I start, once I start, feet better. So I definately feel hormones are important.

I completely agree. I've even thought the hormonal changes of peri-menopause may be the cause in some cases. It just seems uncanny how many women seem to contract this condition not long after entering the menopausal time of life. I'm convinced that in some cases at least there could be a connection.

And male menopause could factor in here too.

I agree. I am 47 and while I dont have any obvious symptoms I know its time and I need to have them checked. I have read many people feel menopause affects PN.

I strongly believe menopause threw me into full blown Idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. They both happened around the same time. I was 52 when menopause started and started having Neuropathy symptoms around a year later, too much of a coincidence (?) But my Doctors will never admit to it.
I am perfectly healthy, but suffer with painful SFN! , life is so unfair.....

Hi again Marie

I find this very interesting. I started getting burning feet around the same time menopause started. Might research this further. If taking hormones would cure me of this pain I'd be all for it.

For many of us, it is part of the puzzle. It has been important for me to balance all hormones for all around health. VERY little estrogen for me. Mostly the other hormones.

[QUOTE=AussieDebbie;1093384]Hi again Marie

I find this very interesting. I started getting burning feet around the same time menopause started. Might research this further. If taking hormones would cure me of this pain I'd be all for it.

Hi Debbie
That is exactly how it happened with me. It started with burning feet and tingling in my lower calves! It was around the same time menopause started. I was taking hormones (prempro) at the time, but I didnt take it every day the way it was prescribed. I took it maybe every other day or third day for fear of cancer risks. My Gyno kept telling me it was not helpful the way I was taking it, but I was stubborn about it. I wonder if I took one everyday the way it was prescribed if I would have felt "better" or diff..Its still not to late for me, I could try and get over my fear and start taking it once a day and see if it makes a difference in how I feel.
Ask your Doctor about it for youself and let us know what he or she thinks

I'm in the same boat, Marie. Am 52 and peri-menopausal. My SFN started within a month after going off the BCP last October. I'm considering just going back on them to see what happens even though no one will currently say my SFN is being caused by it. I'll see my gyn for annual exam in 10 days and will discuss it with her.

[QUOTE=janieg;1093517]I'm in the same boat, Marie. Am 52 and peri-menopausal. My SFN started within a month after going off the BCP last October. I'm considering just going back on them to see what happens even though no one will currently say my SFN is being caused by it. I'll see my gyn for annual exam in 10 days and will discuss it with her.
Hi Jan
Im sorry you suffer with SFN! Is yours Idiopathic too? what is BCP? None of my doctors will say my SFN is caused by menopause either. But my feet started burning around the same time I became menopausal.. It felt like all *&^% hit the fan!! Mine is Idiopathic, I am otherwise healthy!! So frustrating.
Let us know how your exam goes and what your Gyno has to say about what could be causing your SFN.