Estrogen?

[CAHgirl5]

Hi, I'm 13 and 3/4 years old. 5'2 102lbs. I have SWCAH and take Cortef and Florinef. I have had some signs of puberty, such as body hair, but no signs of breast development. We also know from past exams that I have a small uterus and small ovaries.
My endo has decided to put me on estrogen soon, maybe sometime in the next few weeks or atleast by August, which is when I'm 14.

I was just wondering if anyone else has had to/has had their kids go on estrogen. I'd like to know what you/they went through, what sort of changes happened, and maybe if you can tell me what pills you took and at what dosage.. Thank you!

[Wyn]

First off, it’s great that you have learned about your situation at such an early age. So many are never told Anything about their condition, or what was done to them. I do hope that you are comfortable with your situation, regardless - or in spite of - any ‘doctorly’ actions. I am surprised that others in this forum with your condition have not responded to you to date. But, being that it’s summer, many don’t visit the site as often as during the 'cold' months.

I am NOT CAH, nor can I be called a ‘young woman’ by most definitions. However, I can attest to some knowledge of going through female puberty which occurred over the last 4 years….although, I was marginally close for many years. This ‘achievement’ has had to be supplemented recently due to a form of menopause caused by a combination of weight loss and testosterone production – this required HRT to restore equilibrium to my developing system – at least what remained of it.

I do know that I went through all kinds of emotional mood swings due to the changing levels of hormones, (particularly in the morning, when these natural hormones are the strongest) and I definitely became far more emotional, compared to what I had felt before the changes. Take heed in this, because, children, in their teenage years have a reputation for thinking with their hormones, rather than their heads.

For you, the fact you have your uterus is significant, in that this organ will respond and cycle to these hormones. This means ‘bleeding’/ periods, and - eventually - I hope for you – pregnancy and childbirth, if indeed you wish this. I do encourage you to retain your autonomy and control of your (reproductive) life until you are ready for a family.

Due to ‘doctorly’ actions at 6 mo old, I cannot go through these particular changes, and truly can’t attest to what you will encounter. I will suggest that your mother can help you with many of your needs / concerns, and – I hope – be the personal resource you will need as you grow into an adult.

In terms of your original question, i.e.; what the hormones will/can do - your endocrinologist Should be able to highlight all theses issues, and, indeed, they Must do so – it’s their Job!

Do not let this slide the next time you see them….be sure to write down some of your more pressing questions, and ask for an answer from your endo/gyno. Make sure you can take the time to discuss your concerns at length. Given your youth, it is likely that you may need this hormonal support for a fair amount of time, although, perhaps it will also help pattern your gonads (ovaries) to produce adequate levels of hormones to support your body’s needs.

I’ll provide some links to sites that can help you assess some of the issues regarding HRT – these links will help you formulate and identify some of the more common concerns that you will need to ask your doctor about;
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/pro1639.shtml
http://www.drugs.com/estrace.html
http://drhotzeblog.netymology.com/2006/06/22/the-estrogen-hormones-a-quick-overview/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol

I suppose the most pressing concern in any HRT is that of circulatory issues – i.e.; potential problems regarding the clotting or blockage of veins or arteries, which is common with many HRT therapies. However, as long as you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, with good/low blood pressure, you should have no real problems. This is where your endo/PCP (primary care physician) will be of primary importance, as will your own lifestyle habits.

I also encourage you to foster and enable communication with all those to whom you feel close to, and that can be the supportive background to your life. Your journey has just begun….I wish you the Best in Everything you strive for!