HRT

I'm on Premique Low Dose Grankind. I'm 54 and I've been on it for two years. It has been great for getting rid of hot flushes but I suffer from aches and pains and fatigue, not to mention the dreaded loss of libido. It is still a nightmare to get hold of though, I'm off to the doctors next week for my prescription but don't know if I will be able to get any.

Yes, I agree, it is easier for women who don't have a womb. I have a friend like that who says she is never, ever coming off HRT. How old are you Espee and how do you manage to see a top specialist? It sounds like heaven to me!

Premique is made from pregnant mares urine. The industry is horrifically cruel. Any form of HRT with the prefix Prem is made in this way. I would urge anyone on HRT to ask their doctor about synthetic forms.

Yes Jan T - it really is low dose and for me it completely restored my quality of life. Up until now I haven't thought of myself as old, and I don't want to live forever, but when I started out on this aged 52, the GP didn't say anything about having to come off it and how the menopause symptoms would return with a vengeance. There doesn't appear to be alot of information out there about the alternative forms of HRT, but homeopathic products don't work for me, and very little research has been done on synthetic forms and their side effects as far as I can see. I am going to see my doctor soon and I will be raising some of the more useful comments posted here.

Sorry - just re- read that last bit about research - and I meant to say that very little has been done on bio- identical hormones and their side effects.
I did look at Carol Vorderman's story which makes interesting reading, so might just ask my GP.......
The thing is, will I be offered bio- identical therapy on the NHS? I won't hold my breath!

I'm not sure what you mean about alternative forms of HRT? However the "natural" hormones ie oestrogen (estradiol) and progesterone are available on NHS. There is no need for anyone to take the horse oestrogens these days if they don't want to (although many women have been taking them quite happily for years). Bio-identical therapy - if you mean the private very expensive non-efficaceous unregulated treatment whereby compounded hormones are prescribed on the basis of saliva tests - is not recommended by any of the menopause organisations nor the medical profession. The hormones I use for my HRT are bio-identical ie identical in structure to those my body makes and I get them from NHS. Research shows that this type of HRT is associated with fewer risks (eg stroke, breast cancer) than the synthetic or horse oestrogen types, as you age. There is plenty of info out there on this.

What exactly are you on Volvariella?
I'd love to know. And did/do you get any side effects at all?

Sarahellenwhitney not quite unique I ve never had a single symptom since the age of 46 have never been offered HRT and I didn't want to take it anyway but I m sure it's a lifeline for many who do have severe symptoms

Grankind - Estrogen patches and progesterone capsules which I use as pessaries. I'm not too keen on the progesterone part but I take it on a long cycle and have a withdrawal bleed every 6-8 weeks. Other than that - no problems at all and certainly when on the oestrogen part I feel totally normal. Have been taking this for over 10 years now mid 60's. Lots of discussion on Menopause Matters forum but not so many older women posting on there who are taking HRT.

I think the key is finding something that suits you personally and you seem to have done that.
However, after years of not having a bleed I couldn't go back to that now. Have just made an appointment to see the lady GP who is very popular with female patients and will be going to see her in three weeks. In the meantime I am doing 3 exercise classes per week, suffering lots of muscle aches, but trying to stay positive. The work outs do help with that.

I am seeing my Dr on thursday, and going to ask about Livial,i have been advised anyway to have some Oestrogen from the Gyna i saw last week,
I read last night that Livial [Tibolone] is the best for over 60s
In fact it said only for over 60s, but i was in my 40s-50s when i took it

I am seeing my Dr on thursday, and going to ask about Livial,i have been advised anyway to have some Oestrogen from the Gyna i saw last week,
I read last night that Livial [Tibolone] is the best for over 60s
In fact it said only for over 60s, but i was in my 40s-50s when i took it

Not sure where you read that. Actually transdermal HRT ie patches or gel, is generally preferred once you are over 60 especially if you start HRT for the first time at this age or restarting after a long break. However there will I am sure be exceptions. The main point is that it is for post-menopause rather than any specific age and not for women who have had natural periods within the last 12 months as this can lead to breakthrough bleeding or thickening of the womb lining. Also for women going through menopause when younger eg in their 40's the oestrogen dose is not very high so this may be why you've read about that? Younger women need more oestrogen if they are younger than average natural menopause age.

I posted on this thread before going off on holiday so apologies to those who asked questions which I am only now getting round to responding to.
I had a hysterectomy and oopherectomy at 40 so only need to take oestrogen. I am now 68 and cannot imagine life without my implants. The menopause clinic I attend is in a major teaching hospital and I am fortunate that it is headed by one of the main contributors to the NICE guidelines.

UpdateAfter my scan which was all clear, it was suggested i go on to Oestrogen , cream or pessaries
Saw my Dr this morning and hes given me vagifem and Livial again, on repeat,
I will have a blood test in 3 months initially,
I am hopi9ng they will help with sleep,i only manage 3-4 hours at night now, last night was awake until 4am, then dropped off,but woke again at 6-45,

Great news valeriej43 - it really gives hope to women in their 60's and beyond. Also Esspee - how wonderful to only have to take oestrogen - but probably not so good to have had to have that major op so young. We don't have to suffer nor be forced to take anti-depressants.