question: Hi, I had my hysterectomy many years ago....1986 and have been an Estraderm patch every since. My original one was discontinued some years ago and I have been on Vivelle Dot for the past 10 years and have been very happy with it. I am 68 years old and wondering if anyone else in this forum has been using as long. My doctor continues reluctantly to prescribe for me since I have requested, although she seems to believe the studies that say you should go off of it are correct and she would like me to discontinue. It is my belief it continues to do me some good as every time I try to discontinue I get a headache or just do not feel well. I don t want to be stupid about continuing to use, however, it seems to me the evidence is quite confusing. I have never been able to use progestrin as when I tried for over a year right after my hysterectomy I had all kinds of problems from bad headaches, to a feeling of blood clotting , depression, etc. Once I started using just esterader and in patch form it was like a miracle and I have used ever since (approx. 28 years). Like to hear from others who had hysterectomhy that long ago. I had everything removed although initially just thought my ovaries would be removed. Dr. told my husband when he went in that it was a mess and he thought should take everything out.....so did!!! I have cut back on amount of Patch I use as I cut in half and leave on a bit longer. I feel if I go off, it will be worse for me than staying on, but, as mentioned, my dr. keeps bringing up the breast cancer possibility. Thanks to anyone who wishes to comment and is getting older like me!!!!!! I think of myself as very healthy, however, admittedly, it seems I have transient arthritis which currently is in my knees-legs, although I continue to walk several miles a day even if it does hurt.