Withdrawal from hrt

semperfidelis

There was a discussion on Women's Hour this week about the research linking long term use of HRT to dementia in later life. There were also reports about this in the press. I find this extremely worrying.

I wouldn’t worry about that. I have worked with older people, mainly ladies actually and HRT wasn’t around when they were younger and many still got dementia including my Mum.

I have been on HRT for over 20 years and feel fine. My GP says I can stay on it as long as I like as it protects against osteoporosis. I am on a low dose now. My skin, nails and hair are all good and I hardly have a wrinkle.

Who remembers former newsreader Jan Leeming? She is now over 80. Last summer she was mugged in France and pushed to the ground. She was shaken up and bruised and the consultant at the hospital was amazed she had not broken a hip or leg which most ladies her age do after a fall. She told him she had been on HRT for decades and he confirmed it had protected her bones so she says she will never come off it.

After a total hysterectomy at 50, I was put on Oestragel for about ten years. Then there was a health scare related to HRT and I was taken off it. I immediately went into full menopause. Hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and loss of libido. I asked to go back on after three years, as the symptoms weren’t abating but was then taken off again at 70. Since then I’ve struggled with hot flushes and night sweats for five years but will never go on HRT again, until they decide that they will let me stay on it forever! Things are improving but very,very, slowly!

gillyknits

After a total hysterectomy at 50, I was put on Oestragel for about ten years. Then there was a health scare related to HRT and I was taken off it. I immediately went into full menopause. Hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and loss of libido. I asked to go back on after three years, as the symptoms weren’t abating but was then taken off again at 70. Since then I’ve struggled with hot flushes and night sweats for five years but will never go on HRT again, until they decide that they will let me stay on it forever! Things are improving but very,very, slowly!

Maybe see another GP at your practice? I could never go through those night sweats again. I used to have to come downstairs and lay on the cold kitchen floor tiles until I reached an acceptable temperature. it was hell.

My mum, now 80, has been on HRT since her mid 40s. She has tried to stop it several times but the resulting hot flushes, palpitations, night sweats and mood swings have lead to her restarting. Her experiences on HRT put me off even thinking about trying it. I know it has probably improved and developed over the years.

Couldn’t take HRT because of strokes , so ‘just got on with it’ my mums words. As did she! I still get night sweats and nothing can be done about it. Hey Ho!

I weaned myself off over 9 months. 1/2 tablet for 1 day & full tablet the next for 6 weeks. Then 1/2 tablet daily for 6 weeks & so on reducing very gradually. It seemed to work for me.

….oh, the nights sweats are now 23 years old!

lovingit

I,m 72 and have been on HRT for decades and have no intention of coming off. My GP was reluctant until I pointed out that if I did, the resulting lack of sleep due to night sweats,the muscle ache and mood swings would have me back and I would be so depressed he would suggest anti depressants.He had to agree that it was possible. The small added risk is far outweighed by the quality of life HRT allows me.

Same here, just turned 70 and have no intention of coming off....I now have a sympathetic (female) GP. As well as the hot flushes, lack of sleep and mood swings nobody seems to mention the vaginal atrophy and bladder problems...which is awful and only remedied by vaginal HRT tablets or gel.

I was on HRT at 40 following a hysterectomy until last year when at 68 the surgery refused to give me any more. Since then my IBS and over sensitive bladder and my arthritis have been much much worse. I have also developed a prolapse. My hair is like wire and I feel 10 years older. I’ve lost a stone in weight. They refuse to give me any more HRT and I’m so miserable.

TheMaggiejane1

I was on HRT at 40 following a hysterectomy until last year when at 68 the surgery refused to give me any more. Since then my IBS and over sensitive bladder and my arthritis have been much much worse. I have also developed a prolapse. My hair is like wire and I feel 10 years older. I’ve lost a stone in weight. They refuse to give me any more HRT and I’m so miserable.

Hi TheMaggiejane1, I am sorry to hear about your symptoms after coming off HRT. They sound just like the ones I am going through now at the same ageish. Since the change things have gradually gone down hill and I have often thought of going to the doctor to ask for HRT. I am sure that whatever hormones are associated keep us buoyant. I hope you find remedies to alleviate your feelings. I try to walk each day, get lots of sleep and follow a healthy diet but it is damn boring when those around you of the same age are drinking wine, lying hours on the beach in the hot sun, and eating heavy meals late at night. That kind of behaviour now would finish me off. All the best.

I've never taken HRT and I had a hysterectomy at 48 years and had no problems. Must have been lucky.

I'm mid 50s and came off evorel conti patches due to silent migraines. I feel ok. I'm taking sage tablets every day and menopause. Plus some A.vogel menopause supplements when I remember. I eat well and am fairly active. My job can be active at times. My skin and hair hasn't changed much since coming off it. I get taken for a lot younger but that's probably genetic.

It's good there's more choice nowadays. But it seems to differ in different areas? I thought the consensus was to stay on it as long as you want? So why are people being made to stop?

That should read Menopace 🙈