Over 70 and starting HRT

I shall follow this thread with interest. I am 72 and I am seriously thinking about it. I read Davina McCalls book called Menopausing. Very good, I am currently researching the pros and cons and I think I'm going to see if I can get an appt at a specialist menopause clinic.

I am 74 and use Estradiol cream inserted with an applicator every 3 days. It works very well. Previously I had used the Estradiol pessaries but they didn't work as well. I also use Replens about twice a week. No more issues.

I am 77 and have been on HRT since my forties.

I’ve been on Vagifem for a couple of years but it doesn’t work well even for the atrophy it’s prescribed for.

I was on HRT. during my fifties to early sixties. I felt amazing, but my doctor stopped prescribing it. I suffer dreadfully with atrophy so I might have a chat with my doctor to see if she’ll prescribe it for me again.
I hope you get something to help you Lindyloo.

It’s never too late to start HRT. Have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s videos on Instagram and her website and podcasts x

What are you waiting for? Start taking it as soon as possible and trial the effects. If it doesn't suit, try another one, there are so many different forms.

Following with interest. I'm in my late 60s and in hindsight wish I'd had HRT.
Has anyone suggested the Estradiol vaginal ring? I found that works much better than a pessary for my atrophy.

I'm 72 and have been taking HRT since my 40s. M.y GP said to try coming off of it, which I have done several times but get hot flushes again, then going back on it. I have just weaned myself off of it again but having the same problems so will start taking it again.
I would far rather have a possibly shorter life (with the very small possibility of any side effects), feeling normal than a shorter one not feeling good.

I take Kliofem, a plant based HRT. It is a take one every day tablet.
Lots are made from the urine of pregnant mares.

I am 72.

I recently starting taking Gina. An estradiol pessary. It's been 3 weeks and I can see some improvement in my vaginal atrophy. Starting to feel more comfortable, although apparently it takes around 8 weeks. You can buy it otc, no prescription needed. You will need to talk to the pharmacist and answer a brief questionnaire. It costs around £25.

I still think I need systemic hrt though. I am looking to make an appt with a menopause clinic. I believe the one I'm looking at is one of a chain founded by Dr Louise Newson. I'll let you know how I get on.

Really interesting! I've just had my ovaries removed as they looked a bit odd on a scan, turned out to be fine, but I've started a second menopause complete with hot flushes. GP not sure about HRT so no idea where to go next 🙄

I started hrt in my 50s and have told my GP I'm never coming off it! I've recently gone back onto patches from tablets and feeling so much bighter and confident x

Just started Ovestin cream for UTI and atrophy as well as nocturia . Seems OK. Am in my 70s. Was having so many UTIs. I found it in NICE guidelines, and asked if I could try it.

I think it is unlikely that your GP will prescribe HRT for a lady over 70. There is no evidence that HRT is helpful after that age which on average is 15 -20 years post menopause. I don't necessarily agree with it, but get yourself checked out in case it's something else causing your symptoms.

I took HRT for ten years in my 50's and wish I hadn't as I had breast cancer in my 60's and now take tablets to reduce my oestrogen.

I went to Dr Newson for HRT just before turning 68. - im now nearly 69. Am now on Testosterone cream too. Hoping its stopped my osteoporosis in its tracks and I view it as way to help my future overall health.

Dezzeau. I have done a lot of reading and research recently and I think I need testosterone too.

After many years of suffering, giving up on the NHS,
doing lots of research I found this product that I have been using for more than 20 years

buynaturalprogesterone.com/

It's the best quality one I could find, cheaper ones just don't make any difference. There is lots of information on this lady's website. More information in John R Lee MD book - What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Menopause.

Progesterone helps prevent breast cancer, re-bulds your bones (estrogen does not rebuild bones) stops hot flushes, restores sleep, improves mood and memory, etc.

If you have had a full term pregnancy you cannot overdose on progesterone, it's the very high levels of progesterone during pregnancy that makes the majority of us look for healthy. Remember the glowing skin and thick shiny hair?

Information on dosage with product, as it depends on each individual how much you need.

Dezzeau

I went to Dr Newson for HRT just before turning 68. - im now nearly 69. Am now on Testosterone cream too. Hoping its stopped my osteoporosis in its tracks and I view it as way to help my future overall health.

Oh you've given me hope! Did you have a face to face consultation or online?

I am 71 and suffer UTIs frequently. My doctor prescribed Estradiol vaginal tables without any problem. I have only just started them but judging from the comments on here, they are going to work well. if they stop my hot flushes as well, it will be life changing.

I'm a lone voice I feel and you'll probably want to shoot me but I would not go anywhere near HRT. How can it be good for us? The perceived benefits come with increased risk of cancer, even with the so-called 'safe' doses, and I'm willing to bet there are other side effects. It's a lovely bit of revenue for drug companies. If you are having problems I think the best recourse is to a medically qualified naturopath. There may be life-style changes required but in the Western world most of us should adopt those. I'm 72, still having the odd hot flush, but hey! - there are worse things! I have an over-active bladder, yes, but if I insist on drinking tea and alcohol I guess I'm partly to blame. My husband and I have plenty of sex (thank goodness for KY jelly!)
A friend of mine had a 'bad feeling' about HRT, came off it but too late. She got breast cancer. Her treatment was gruelling and although successful against the breast cancer, it triggered leukaemia. Thankfully she is now cancer free, after many horrible months, but she is depressed and weakened. No 'proof' of course that the HRT was to blame - but no thanks! There are other ways to cope and be healthier into the bargain.

Jess20, I was told to take an oestrogen tablet when I lost my ovaries. It has changed my life. I have always had problems with a lack of oestrogen so struggled with mood and a host of other problems. The medical profession will find me armed and dangerous if they try to stop me taking it.

Been on the estrogen patch since my mid 40 ‘s (due to a full hysterectomy) and now I’m still on them at 81. When I compare my quality of life with other 80 year olds who haven’t made the same medication choices as I have the difference is significant. As I’ve aged my doctor has reduced the strength and frequency of use (I’m down to one every six days now) but to me it now just a way of life for which I’m thankful.