HRT angst

research into HRT is progressing all the time. The Million Women study has done a great deal of damage and there are many other studies out there to prove it. Nothing is risk free and I believe that if you take responsibility for your own health then HRT should be your decision. I absolutely agree with the joint pain issue - I ha no idea it could happen in menopause! If the only menopausal impact was hot flushes I would gladly live without HRT but we know it has far reaching debillitating impacts for some of us. Wanting HRT doesn't make us vain or weak somehow - we are just unwilling to sink into an enforced old age! And don't even start me on sex!!! Good luck Grandkind! xx

Thankyou for that information. It makes interesting reading.
I am still doing the exercise, which does lift my spirits, but am very tired at times. I still think that more research is needed, especially with regard to those women who have joint and other problems when they stop taking HRT.
I suppose I am also wary of going on to it again in case I am then told I have to stop, because it is not meant for long term use. Hey ho!!

Hopefully those 3 articles help. My GP's position is that as long as I am aware of the slightly increased risk of cancer and judge that the benefits still outweigh the risk - she will prescribe. I have spoken to a gynaecologist who said the same thing. (My GP has one patient aged 80 still taking it!)
In my case, as my mother died of breast cancer (aged 60, I am nearly 67), I opt for a private mammogram in between the NHS ones (ie at 18 months after) and a private intra uterine scan every 2 years.
Tibolone is synthetic - very few HRT drugs are equine based these days. My GP was of the opinion that there was very little to be gained by going onto patches and she did not recommend them.
If you balance the risks of too little exercise because you can barely move, excess weight as a result and mix all that with consequential depression, loss of sleep etc - I think that HRT is a no brainer for this eof us who have not been lucky enough just to sail through the bloody menopause!

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170313085844.htm
www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/15/hrt-hormone-replacement-therapy-wont-kill-you-but-menopausal-women-still-face-a-difficult-decision
www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=932839439

I was on HRT patches (no uterus - so different from you) for a long time and was told that the patches carried less risk as they by-pass the liver (?) - anyway, less dangerous.

I was taken of it as I have focal migraines and this is a contraindication for HRT - also there is a history of BC in my family.

I do sympathise, as since going off it many years ago, my quality of life has been far less than it was before. Balancing of risk in these situations are so hard as you cannot get the full facts.

Thanks for your replies. It is really difficult to get information about HRT for women of my age. I know that when I go to see my GP she will repeat that the risks increase with age. I have paid for some advice from 'Menopause matters' - £10-but there wasn't anything said that I didn't already know.
Pollaidh, you mention Livial, but is that a combined HRT and is it bio-identical? i.e. not made from animal products as I don't want to go back on Premique or anything else like that. Also I have been trying to find out if gels and patches combined carry less risks for breast cancer and stroke, but no one seems to know. Menopause matters only referred me to a private clinic and the cost, even for a first consultation, was prohibitive.

I am 56 and would give anything to be able to take HRT. I have tried several times and bleed no matter how low the dose of oestrogen. I have had all sorts of investigations and biopsies and specialist saying it must be the oestrogen causing it. The problem remains that I suffer the most horrendous night sweats, hot flushes during the day, inability to concentrate, mood swings, hair loss...... the list goes on and yet I am expected to just put up with it.

www.menopausematters.co.uk/
brilliant website.

Hello Grandkind. I have been on HRT for 18 years, with one 12 month break. Exactly like you, I experienced dreadful symptoms during that 12 months. Just like you one of the most distressing symptoms was the alarming pain in my joints. I run, do yoga, walk mountains etc but suddenly could barely get out of bed and hobble to the bathroom. My young GP was incredibly understanding and suggested I go onto Tibolone (commercially known as Livial). It is a "no bleed" HRT in tablet form. I have taken it for several years now and the difference is amazing. I am back to my old self - plus my nails no longer split and my hair does not fall out! I make no apologies for being on HRT. it is not something to be ashamed of. It has restored my quality of life. If your current GP is unsympathetic, see someone else. The risks with HRT are vastly overstated and the benefits, in my case, greatly outweigh them.