Dear nycartist:

I spent some time re-reading parts of our past communication. In regard to Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), I suggested to you back in February 2020 that ovarian failure is something that happens to every woman on the face of the earth, and that (in my unprofessional understanding), the risks of POF are the same risks inherent in aging itself, only that when having had POF or premature menopause, aging starts earlier in life.

Basically (again, I am not a medical professional), seems to me that you are facing the same risks that women about 10 years older than you are facing (following their normal menopause).

Your response back then was: “You are right, the ‘risks’ are basically aging faster. And though the term seriously sucks, all ovaries eventually fail at some point. It doesn’t mean my body is broken. As I mentioned, this has motivated me to approach a healthier lifestyle, which can only help, no matter what. As for medical treatment, I’m still searching for answers… I’m facing possibly long-term hormonal treatment which makes me anxious. But I have to weigh the benefits and risks”.

Fast forward 11 months, you started hormone therapy in January 2021, the dose was way too high, now you are worried that it’s too low; you are approaching the age when your mother suffered a stroke because of birth control pills that she took, and you are worried about the risks of aging and the risks in the hormonal therapy itself.

“My husband tells me all the time that the stress and worry will cause more problems than this diagnosis but I can’t stop my brain. How do people with ongoing health issues make peace with it and carry on? I’m feeling very depressed and hopeless about it all”-

– My thoughts today: (1) Because you did not/ do not take birth control pills, there is no logic behind you fearing to get a stroke like your mother did, is there?

(2) Your husband is correct- there are serious risks in “stress and worry”, and you can significantly lower those risks by significantly lowering your stress and worry levels, either by seeing a doctor for psychiatric medications, and/ or by having a daily aerobic exercise routine, as well as practicing some yoga, guided meditations with the theme of mindfulness, and other mindfulness exercises and practices,

(3) Post again anytime, vent, express yourself.. and let me know if and what kind of input you would like from me.

anita