going back onHRT?

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

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

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 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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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 too have been put under pressure from age 60 to come off HRT, but have stood firm. I'm now 71. If you look at what some of the top gynies say, they all agree that women can stay on it for as long as they like, taking into account any obvious risk factors. People like John Studd (aptly named!), Sara Matthews (the Portland) and Natalia Price (John Radcliffe) are great proponents of women remaining on it for life. If anyone here is finding all doors shut on them, even if they change doctors, I recommend forking out for a private consultation with one of these gynies - or any others that you know are likely to support you. It's certainly my fallback position, should I need it.

Thank you Sunnysideup - I appreciate your helpful post!

Good for you DanniRae. I'm 69 and have been on the little HRT patchs for about five years and my GP says I should stay on it for the rest of my life because it has made such a positive difference to me. My quality of life has improved greatly and it's worth any small risk. The initial private consultant I saw, told me that there are some ladies who never stop having menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and continue for the rest of their lives. I honestly think I'm one of them. I suggest you get a copy of the book Oestrogen Matters by Dr Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris, PhD. It makes very interesting reading. Good luck at the HRT clinic.

I forgot to say that I am 70 years old.

I went to the doctor to ask to be put back on hrt because of how I was feeling (anxiety, tiredness and just generally feeling below par). She was lovely, listened to everything I said but felt I would be better on anti anxiety medication. I agreed to try it but had changed my mind by the next day, mainly due to reading about it online (she said to do this). She has said that it is not impossible for me to go back on hrt but felt there was a risk - I didn't ask what this was. However, having read all the posts on here I think I will return to her and ask for referral to my local hospital where there is a hrt clinic. If I am not daunted by the risks I will definitely go back on it!

HRT has a much lower risk when delivered by a patch - try that, instead of oral, mamapat:

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/oestrogen-patches-gels#

Same here Framilode. Print off all the up to date info and evidence you can find to support you on your next GP visit. I have done this because in my experience GPs are not always using evidence based data on risk when decision making on HRT. I think informed health decisions should be made in conjunction with one's GP, as long as the woman is well informed of any risks. We're not all idiots after all!

Definitely worth going to the doctor. I have been on HRT since I was 45 years old. I am now 53 years old and I feel great. Especially, I got a deep, more restful sleep, a keen memory and cognitive skills, so go to the doctor and speak with him about the HRT course. Here is what you need to know about it: hghtherapydoctor.us/hgh-prescription/.

I’m 70 and have felt more and more unwell since stopping HRT after 23 years to have surgery. GP won’t consider re-prescribing in spite of current thinking. Good luck with your doctor, it’s certainly worth trying.

I am now 72 and have been on HRT since I was 41.Recently had a new GP who was trying to persuade me to come off it. I refused. I am due for another chat with her soon and am worried that she won't prescribe again. If she refuses I shall go private. It is my life saver.

I have taken HRT for the last 27yrs since I had a total removal of my womb and ovaries due to ovarian cancer,I started with inplants for the first 18mths ten changed to tablets and am now on the loest dosage available,my Dr gives me regular blood tests ad checks my BP every month,he is happy to continue with me using HRT as long as my checks are done regulary.