going back onHRT?

I hadn't ever thought I needed HRT except having smear tests was excruciating. After reluctantly answering some rather embarrassing questions from my GP (don't tell me I shouldn't be embarassed - I just am), I was referred to a gynaecologist. I had such a lecture about how women in my age group had missed out on the benefits of HRT, how collagen was gradually being withdrawn from all my organs and a list of other mental and physical conditions that I could be protecting my body from. I ended up feeling I had really let myself down!

I started HRT for the first time at 66+ and have to say that I have noticed some real benefits since and I've never even had a hot flush! I've been told I can stay on HRT for as long as I want.

I've been on oestrogen only HRT for around 30 years after having a full hysterectomy.

I did try stopping a couple of times and, in addition to all the symptoms the OP listed, I turned into the Bitch from Hell!

I believe HRT gives protection against osteoporosis and possibly dementia. I do know my memory suffered on the occasions when I had to come off it for a while when I had operations. I have no intention of stopping it.

Thank you dreamspirit for your interesting post. I am going to the doctors today to ask for hrt. I hope to be referred to Kings College hospital (London) because it's where I used to go when I used to take hrt (came off it because I was having a hysterectomy). To be honest I wasn't sure about going down this route but your post has made me determined to at least give it a try.

Sure, go back on it. I was on it for many years after an early surgical menopause. Went off it about 3 years ago but I had so many unpleasant symptoms, I asked to go back on it. I've been on it since then and feel so good ! I'm 70 and am happy to stay on HRT for life now.

Life is too short to put up with nasty symptoms. HRT is available to us, thank heavens. Go for it .

I am 66 and had a total hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer in September 2016 (I am now cancer free). I was told I couldn't take HRT for a least 2 years! I was devastated. I have experienced this last year what they call a 'surgical menopause' which to my mind was quick and has been furious! I did not feel at all well, mega night sweats and numerous daytime hot flushes, short tempered, weepy - you name it I had it. I couldn't see the end of the tunnel!! My marriage suffered too. However during a routine follow up with my cancer consultant he informed me, to my utter surprise and delight, that I can now use a low dose oestrogen patch. I have been using one now for just two weeks but already feel a different person and the flushes have nearly all gone and I am looking forward to a happier married life and a more balanced lifestyle. It is well worth pursuing! Good luck.

Everytime i talk to my female gp about HRT she advises against taking it. I take no other medication, have 6monthly BP checks at the surgery and check it at home on my Bp machine. My cholesterol level is fine, that was checked last month I just cant understand why some GP's give it freely and others don't, it is most frustrating.

Travelsafar, it's possibly because not all GPs keep themselves up to date with the latest developments on HRT. They are, after all, only general practitioners and menopause and HRT is a fairly specialist subject. if you can possibly afford it I'd research if there are any gynae consultants in your area with a special interest in menopausal symptoms and pay privately for a consult. That's what I did. Not that my GP wouldn't prescribe it but I wanted the full info and my options which a GP just hasn't the time (and maybe the knowledge) to give. I may be doing GPs an injustice but that has been my experience and obviously yours too.

I think you are being too kind about GPs Sunny. OK they are general practitioners, but probably over half of their patients are female, who, if they live long enough will go through the menopause. It's not a rare phenomenon and I think GPs should keep up with current research on HRT. My female GP is similar to travelsafar's. I have to go armed with all the up to date info when I request repeat HRT. It's like a battle.

Maybe Lazigirl, I just didn't want to upset any GPs on the Gransnet site! Many are quite happy to dish out antidepressants for the menopausal mood swings. There was a good article in the DM last week about women fearing early onset dementia when in fact it's the 'brain fog' some of us experience when going through the menopause. Women aren't meant to live this long without oestrogen. That's unless you happen to be one of the lucky ones who sail through with no symptoms. You are quite right to go armed with all the latest info when requesting a repeat script for HRT; we should all take responsibility for our own health. Let's hope that Mamapat has some success with her GP.

I’m 59 and I am coming off HRT after 12 years. My main reason is weight. I have been following a very strict diet and exercise routine and the weight is not budging very well. After some research I found that the Elleste Solo I take can cause weight gain, something that has been confirmed by my GP, throw in a DVT I had last year I think it’s time to see what happens if I stop. My GP has offered me a gel to help wean me off, but she did say that this will not help the weight problem. I am worried about losing
muscle mass as I do weight training, I’m also scared of the symptoms of menopause in general. Has anyone else stopped taking HRT?

I’ve just been put on Vagifem Pessaries for first time. Consultant says I can be on it indefinitely. I’m new to this at 73. Have vaginal dryness. Is it safe or should I see about coming off after a year or so. Any suggestions.

Rene75, when I saw my gynaecologist and was first asked if I was on HRT, I said I was, that I'd been using Vagifem for a couple of years but it hadn't really helped. The gynaecologist told me that Vagifem is not HRT. However, if you have concerns you should get proper advice from a doctor.

I've recently been put on vagifem 10 MCG for v a. I'm bit worried as consultant says can continue indefinitely. I'm 73. Never had HRT before. Do I need regular health checks or is the risk trivial. Anyone of you been on it or know more about it as you all have experience of HRT thanks

Sorry listed twice by accident ... think I will check with surgery Dr after seeing consultant for followup in 2 months.