Back on HRT at age 67

I'm 65 and have been on HRT for 20 years now.I did try to come off it but felt so tired and grumpy with hot flushes that I asked to go back on it.Quality of life is so important ,I would rather ride my horse and laugh with friends than be a tired grump.

Good point NFkDumpling, I must remember to ask for a mammogram next year.

I'm now 68 so my mammogram last year should have been my last as they apparently stop at 70. But I was told I can request one if I'm still on HRT and as both my parents died from cancer (although not breast).

Yes, the prescription has to be renewed annually. I think the mammograms are every two years.

Liz46 I also had a hysterectomy many years ago, but kept my ovaries so did not need HRT then. However, about 10 years later I was put on it and stayed on it for about 10 years. Then the GP said I was too old to take it so I went off it. I have never felt quite as well since but took it on the chin. However things have got worse rather than better and the trial of HRT is the result. Does your GP review your well-being at any stage? Do you have regular mammograms?

Luckygirl, I was put on a high dose of Evorel after I had a hysterectomy almost 30 years ago and this gradually reduced to the lowest dose. I have tried to stop it several times but get really bad symptoms. On one occasion I was desperate to go back on it but couldn't get an appointment with a female GP. I went to a young male GP who said I could make my own decision.
The last time I tried to give it up was about 18 months ago but I haven't quite recovered from that. I wake up most nights with a hot flush although nothing like the drenching I get without HRT. On HRT I am calm and even tempered.
My husband is very much in favour of HRT!

I use estriol cream 1% a very small amount twice a week. I think it's supposed to be less risky than oestrogen.
Maybe there's some risk, but anything is better than the recurrent UTIs that I used to get, with loads of antibiotics.
At first I went for yearly internal echographies, and mammograms, but my doctor seems to think no need now, I've just turned 80.

I was prescribed estriol creme for vaginal dryness as I was due a smear test and the nurse suggested I see doctor. Used it for a year and has improved. Was advised to see doctor after a year to review. Worry a bit about the cancer risk with using it. Have also read that it can help protect against some forms though. Anyone else using it? Have made appointment to go for my review. Interested to hear how others might have got on with using estriol.

I have been on Kliovance - 4 tablets a week for a while now and it keeps me feeling ok . The doctor told me all the worries etc. and I weighed them up and felt that feeling ok and having energy and coping with life was more beneficial than the worries. It was my decision and I was advised to cut down the dose slowly - which I have done. Without it after so many years ( I was early menopausal) life was just horrible as my body had got used to having the dose. I check my breasts regularly and feel the benefits of it outweighs the worries -

The evorel is oestrogen only for people who have had a hysterectomy - it is generally considered to be safer than the oestrogen/progesterone ones.

I am very interested Liz46 that you are on the same and you are even more ancient than me! Presumably your GP is happy about this too.

I am on the same as you Luckgirl and I am 70. Last time I tried to stop I had a terrible hot flush when I was shopping and carrying lots of parcels. I desperately wanted to strip off my coat etc. and ended up in a panic.

Nfk I think there are plant based ones.

Brilliant! I'm so glad it's working for you and you're feeling so much better - and back to normal! I've been on Premerin for donkeys years and it's been a great relief to hear now that oestrogen only HRT is good for you! Helps prevent osteoporosis and dementia apart from all the quality of life advantages. Even the increased risk of breast cancer worry is apparently a lower than originally thought.

I haven't heard of Evorel. Do you know if it's synthetic rather than natural? I'v tried a couple of synthetic oestrogens but they haven't worked. I'd like to change from Premarin as I don't like the way it's obtained - but it works!