HRT and Dry Eye

[LaDiva]

I've read that HRT can contribute to dry eye, and am wondering if anyone here has quit HRT and found that their eyes have improved. In other words, if HRT is a factor, can the effects be reversed? Still trying new things here...

[Scout]

Yes. HRT worsened my dry eyes and also caused problems with my LASIK vision correction. This was years ago (LASIK was in 1999).

I had LASIK and immediately experienced some problems. Then my MD prescribed HRT and all my problems worsened. I experienced much worse dry eye and my LASIK vision correction started to regress. I stopped the HRT after about 6-8 months (can't remember exactly) and the dry eyes improved. The regression in the vision correction slowed and eventually stopped. I have had to wear glasses since that time.

HRT can affect different people different ways. I remember some women reporting that it helped their dry eyes. But for me, it made things worse.

I have never regretted stopping the HRT and will never go back.

But it is an individual decision and no two women are alike.

Good Luck,

Scout

[LaDiva]

Thank you for your response, Scout. It is extremely helpful, and provides hope. Happy you are feeling better!

[Roe72]

I think unopposed estrogen caused my dry eye condition to worsen. I was using estradiol patches (I have had a hysterectomy) and they definitely made my eyes drier. Now on bio-identical hormones. Love them!

[sunshinelover]

I think unopposed estrogen caused my dry eye condition to worsen. I was using estradiol patches (I have had a hysterectomy) and they definitely made my eyes drier. Now on bio-identical hormones. Love them!

From what I understand there is a big difference between bioidentical HRT and synthetic in this aspect. Are your eyes fine with bio-identixals, and do you take both estrogen and progesteron?

[LaDiva]

Thank you Roe and Sunshine. I do take bio-identical hormones, progesterone and estrogen. I've also had a hysterectomy, and had un-opposed estrogen for years before I took a saliva test, and learned I had no progesterone. The doses have been adjusted, but I have not noticed any improvement in my eyes from balancing.

[Roe72]

Sadly, the HRT with the unopposed estrogen was just one of many factors that lead to my dry eye. Biggest problem is ocular rosacea. Definitely feel that changing the hormones was helpful but I continue to have inflammation issues.

[LaDiva]

Thanks Roe. I have rosacea too, so understand.

[Mawsky]

Thank you Roe and Sunshine. I do take bio-identical hormones, progesterone and estrogen. I've also had a hysterectomy, and had un-opposed estrogen for years before I took a saliva test, and learned I had no progesterone. The doses have been adjusted, but I have not noticed any improvement in my eyes from balancing.

Just had a question about bio-identical hormones. This may sound silly but where do you get these? Is it something a family doctor can prescribe or a specialist. I had a hysterectomy and removal of ovaries about ten years ago, so take estrodial. I do not take progesterone and don't know if I should. I have a lack of tears, and have not been told I have other issues, like MGD.

[LaDiva]

Hi Mawsky,
Your doctor can prescribe them. I think Estradiol is bio-identical, and I take that. The progesterone I take is called just that, and I was told it is bio-identical as well. I am not sure they have helped, but have tried to quit taking Estrogen, and couldn't stand the hot flashes. (After three months I was still having them...)

[Mawsky]

Hi Mawsky,
Your doctor can prescribe them. I think Estradiol is bio-identical, and I take that. The progesterone I take is called just that, and I was told it is bio-identical as well. I am not sure they have helped, but have tried to quit taking Estrogen, and couldn't stand the hot flashes. (After three months I was still having them...)

Hi LaDiva,
Good to know that the estradiol I'm taking is bio-identical I have wondered about progesterone also, and have seen it at the health food store in a cream form, not sure how to take it though have heard that you don't use it daily, but on a cycle. I developed many odd issues after my complete hyst. I developed alopecia Areata and the punctual stenosis which caused me to have the DCR surgery to correct, which I believe related to my extreme dry eyes. So hard to know what to do, I have tried to get off the estrodial too, but then wonder if a lack of estrogen is the main cause of dry eye in post menopausal women?? I feel like we have to be our own doctors! I had heard that HRT caused breast cancer, but now we learn that it was combination hormones that caused it like Premarin. My doc told me about a year ago when I voiced a concern, she said, you know what the research shows now, estrogen alone actually protects a woman from breast cancer...crazy!