HRT or NOT!

I loved HRT. Felt just as you do Juliette, but that is going to happen when ever you give it up, I'm afraid. Annoying having hot flushes at 73. I was forced to stop taking it by breast cancer, after taking it for a very long time, but I don't regret taking it, If it was suddenly declared that oestrogen didn't contribute to breast cancer I'd be back on it like a shot.

After having a full hysterectomy in my mid 40’s I asked the specialist at that time to prescribe the HRT patch (which had just been introduced as an alternative to HRT pills). That was over 30 years ago and I am still using a very low dose patch (reapplied every six days). My bones are strong, my energy level is high, I sleep well and my weight is unchanged. I prefer the patch to the pill because of the slow absorption of HRT into the system and I am not directly swallowing this medication on a daily basis - kinder to my internal organ? Maybe! To me, the perceived benefits far outweigh the risks- without a doubt!

I’ve been on HRT for nearly 19 years with one short break in 2005 when I needed hip surgery. My (female) GP accepts my decision to take 2.5 mg on alternate days to keep me free from menopausal symptoms despite her husband refusing to agree to this! She also prescribed a vaginal hormonal cream.
I’m nearly 69 and remarried 3.5 years ago so maintaining my sex life is important. KY forever!

I had HRT from my early 30’s following a complete hysterectomy/oopherectomy and was fine with it. A (male) GP persuaded, well, bullied me really, into stopping it in my mid fifties. Worst thing I ever did. I felt dreadful for about 8 months, the worst headaches, hot flushes etc. Even though the worst of the symptoms abated, my libido just disappeared altogether, and any sort of intimacy was painful.

I saw a much more sympathetic GP last year, and restarted on a low dose patch. I feel great, but have developed very sore, painful acne, which will not clear. Regretfully, I have decided that it’s not for me now. I just really wish I’d not been strongarmed into stopping it in the first place.

Any drug has some risk, but without being flippant, I’d take it with HRT, quality of life is so important.

10 days ago I started on HRT patches. I started menopause symptoms age 29. Symptoms grew steadily worse including severe water retention for 3 weeks each month. Visits to GP over the next few years resulted in being told I needed to lose weight- I was 8 and a half stone - or I was depressed so that made my condition worse so given anti depressants. I asked several time to be referred to gynaecologist but was told no as I was too young. I saw gynaecologist privately at age 38 but she said she could not help me. At 42 my marriage broke down as a result of my symptoms affecting the marriage. I do not blame my ex husband. Subsequent GP visits were not helping me. I knew what I was going through was not 'normal' but I felt powerless. At 48 I went to see another gynaecologist privately. In 10 minutes he informed me my ovaries had stopped working years before. I had medication to switch off ovaries and took HRT. I became the woman I should have been. 6 months later stopped meds as per dr advice to see if ovaries would start working normally. Unfortunately they did not so had them removed on his advice. Several years on HRT and I felt wonderful. Then was informed by GP that I should stop HRT because of breast cancer risks. Past 2 years have been nightmare. I am 60 in 3 months. After struggling for 25 years with symptoms making my life a misery, I am prepared to take the risk to have my life back. I remarried 18 months ago and my symptoms have begun to affect this marriage. I cannot let this happen and want to be the best I can be. We each have to make our own decisions about our bodies. We know our bodies better than anyone. I wish you all the best.

I didn’t want to take HRT I think the menapause is a natural part of life I never had any problems so was very lucky 74 and don’t take any medication

So sorry you have been through all this, and I get your take. And yet, if a doctor, through careful research, feels genuinely that prescribing a drug could seriously affect your health - should they still prescribe? I mean, should they prescribe alcohol, or smoking, because it is relaxing? Or endless tranquilisers, sleeping tablets, etc?

Notice that no-one has posted who has not taken HRT. I have never done so, and it makes me wonder - what would life be like if I did? Would I sail into old age without pain, without wrinkles, sexed up and sexy, feeling like a 30 year old? I have no idea. I know OH would not be happy at all, because of the risks- so I am fie with that.

As said, no idea- but I do wonder?

I have been on HRT for 27 years, I’m 72 now and have every intention of staying on it for life. I saw a gynaecologist who said I was the same age as his mother and he would advise her to stay on HRT for life.
I recently went to renew my prescription at my surgery, saw a nurse who said nobody should be on HRT over 72, she looked about 12, I asked her to explain on what research findings she based this. She went off in huff and asked a GP to speak to me. He wasn’t the least bothered about my age and agreed that if I understood the slight risks then there was no problem. He even went as far as to say I could apply for my repeat HRT prescription on line.
I have other health problems and it is just luck what will get me first. All life is a risk.

I still have arthritis pain, stiffness and lots of wrinkles Jura, but when I came off my low dose oestrogen HRT I did feel a lot older!

My skin was drier, I was slower and definitely less positive and happy (the bitch from hell at times) and most of all I had a heck of a lot less energy and my memory (which has always been terrible) went completely to pot to the extent of worrying that I may have dementia. I lasted no more than a couple of months before DH suggested I went back on!

It took easily another month before I felt the effect and now I have no intention of repeating the experiment.

Thanks for being honest- as said, I have no idea would it would be like? I keep taking the Curcumin/turmeric and tell myself it does the same job, without any of the risks.

Again, genuinely wondering- what does the part of placebo effect play- if told, against ones wishes, that one should come off a drug for medical reasons- the 'rebellious side' kicks in? I wonder if they have done double blind testing?

Wish I had stayed on it longer but I have been off it for about 10 years so I can hardly go back on it. I would see what your Dr says

It took a while for me to get the correct hrt first tablets then patches fantastic. I wish I was still using them. I'm now 69 still having dreadful sweats particularly at night. I have forgotten what a good nights sleep is like. My gp said l had been on hrt for too long so she took me off it. This was some years ago now l thought the sweats were getting better but they are now back with a vengeance. If you are happy with it and it makes life better then carry on. I really wish l was,still on it.

In my working life I was PA to three neonatal surgeons. At age 47 I started the menopause and frequently had to ‘mop up’ whilst taking dictation. One particular Consultant noticed this and asked was I on HRT. No, said I. Please don’t take it he said. The menopause is a natural occurrence, go through it normally. I recall saying to him that it’s alright for a man to comment when he’s not the one suffering. I took his advice be it right or wrong.

i was taken of hrt when I was about 63. I am now 75. I felt really well whilst taking it, once off of it I have never felt really well. tiredness, no libido, etc.etc.

I feel nervous of asking my gp if I can go back on it, and also embarrassed about telling him the lack of libido. I know I am being stupid.

Hymn book don't suffer.. How do you cope with sleepless nights? I think you should go back to the doc and tell him/her that you need something.. Surely at 69 you still have many years to enjoy and you can't enjoy anything with no sleep.

Buster tank the HRT does not make you gain weight . In fact the hormones keep you slim . And as you have more energy you will be more likely to get out there and live life to the full ?

Willow 10 . I did try 1mg when trying to come off . But found all the menopausal symptoms came back . I’ve faired better dropping a 2mg tablet a week then 2 so I’m now down to 5 a week . My problem is I do believe these hormones are actually good for us in a lot of ways so very confused . It’s hard to get advice as this forum is showing how we all need help

Bbbface . I’m really not sure . I was put straight on 2mg and didn’t realise till years later it was a high dose so I guess 1mg must be considered low . I think a lot of Docter’s are as confused as us ?

Isn’t it nice to share this problem . I find in my everyday life we all seem to keep it to ourselves . I can’t talk to myvpartner about it . Quite a few of my friends are younger so not dealing with it .And others itcan be a tricky personal subject to bring up . The NHS Docter’s only have a limited time so just write a quick prescription with no tailored variety

Don't give it up, and if you do not take it, ask the doctor why.

There is no sane reason why you should not be given it by your doctor, except perhaps a professional wanting to dominate. We cannot all be protected from every illness. As someone said, if we don't get one thing we get another. No-one lives forever.

If you do not take HRT, do you take something for osteoporosis? Do you have regular bone density tests, measure your height? Are you falling asleep at odd times? I have taken premarin for over 30 years. I had my ovaries removed early and no one thought of giving me HRT until O went to the GP because I was falling asleep at my desk nd the GP took a blood test and said I had no oestrogen at all. He put me on premarin. I asked about risk and he said it was just replacing what I would have normally.

Thanks for all your comments- it is really interesting.

I suppose, for me at least, it makes a huge difference if you had early menopause or hysterectomy, where HRT really was essential for a normal life. Menopause for me coïncided with falling thyroïd function (as you say tired all the time, and cold too- but then I had quite a stressful job)- so I was eventually put on Thyroxine which really helped.

I was wondering about the women who decided to take HRT not because of hysterectomy, very early menopause, or even strong symptoms- but to keep youthful and slim- no medical reasons as such, which for me personally, would have never crossed my mind.

Each to their own, but I would urge anyone to give some thought to how Premarin and the other forms produced from pregnant mares’ urine are produced. Cruelty and misery in every dose.

At 63 my doctor recommended I try to come off HRT. I tapered it and stopped over a month ago. I now have vertigo and dreadful hot flushes and am going to start back on it again to see if this improves. I am slim, healthy and no family history of breast cancer. I felt so well on it and now feel so unwell. Off to Peru for a month and I don’t want that spoiling by feeling lousy. I would rather be healthy now and worry later!