AIBU to ask you to share about hrt? getting lots of conflicting options

[paulapompom]

I'm not feeling great mentally at the moment. I am having anxiety/panic attacks. I think I may have a hormone problem due in part to growths on my ovaries. Has anyone had hrt? One friend has it down as the devils work, but others say it works wonders for moods etc. I am pretty desperate for advice. Thanks

[paulapompom]

Should have said aged 46, think im in perimenopause

[CalmYoBadSelf]

Have you spoken to your GP? They would be a good starting point as posters here are not medically qualified and don't know your full history as a GP can.

I decided not to take it for two reasons. One that my symptoms are manageable so benefit may not be that great. Two that a dear friend died of breast cancer and was convinced that it was due to HRT which she took for years, nothing proven at all but she was absolutely convinced so I know I would be scared as a result. I'm aware that is not rational but it influenced my decision

I do think HRT is wonderful for those who need it though

[paulapompom]

Thanks Calm, I am seeing go in the morning and think she may offer hrt. I know there are risks and bbenefits, but i think I am inclined to go for it. I have a friend who keeps telling me it's against nature and a false way of tricking the body. But I feel so low l don't care if it's false, natural or whatever. Thank you

[CalmYoBadSelf]

Good luck at the GP, hope you get sorted. It is a very individual decision so don't let others influence you

I bought a couple of books to help me, one was "The wisdom of menopause" by Christiane Northrup, it is very American but positive about ageing and the process. Also got another by a British doctor that was recommended on here but I can't remember the title, cover is pink though. Maybe I do need HRT to help my memory!

[DeanParrish]

I'm on HRT and feel great

[Abbey0134]

Me too! Swear by it.

[TheWernethWife]

I went on HRT in the late 80's and thought it was fabulous (Trisequens) was on it for over 10 years and it saved my sanity.

[paulapompom]

Thank you for your replies, I am struggling, just moved, relationship ended, think he cheated, lonely etc. I was due to see a female go who specialises in mental health and hormones/endocrine system. But it was my usual gp who is lovely, but told me all the risks of hrt - but has sent me for a blood test to be done. I'm hoping hormones are playing a big part, cos then it can be fixed. Thank you for posting

[Marylou62]

After suffering an awful time with the menopause, night flushes and not managing the heat last summer, at all, being the worst, I finally asked for HRT...it was great from day one...BUT..a year later I then got a DVT (a cluster behind my knee...I never do things by half!)...so had to stop straight away..I would still take the risk...HRT stopped my constant spider crawling all over my skin feeling, helped with the headaches, allowed me to sleep nearly all night..and allowed me to enjoy last summer...before I felt that my temperature control had gone haywire..I was almost constantly overheated...stayed in doors a lot...I did a lot of research, had no family history of breast cancer...for the year I took it I LOVED IT!...funnily enough when I was told I had to stop emmediately, I was devastated...but it was fine...I still have crawling skin, itchy eyes, headaches, night sweats etc but a LOT less than before...I hope I am through the worst now...
I also took antidepressents for 6 months after a lot of debate/research...I had a massive case of CBA (can't be asked!!)...was tired and just didn't care about anything...numb almost...they helped too..
Good luck in what you decide.....x

[paulapompom]

Thank you Marylou x

[Mimigolightly]

OP - get yourself over to the Menopause thread. You'll find a lot of very knowledgeable women on there. Peri menopause was the reason I joined mumsnet and it has helped me hugely. I'm now on HRT (aged 41) and it has really helped.

[bumbleymummy]

My mum had to have a hysterectomy in her 40s. She was offered HRT and declined. She managed with natural progesterone and has done really well.

Try to read as much as you can and pick whatever suits you best. Everyone is different and what works for some wouldn't work for others. I just wanted to mention my mum in case you were looking for alternatives.

[Thymeout]

'growths on ovaries' rings a bit of an alarm bell for me. Research into ov-ca and Borderline tumours is divided on whether HRT is a causal factor. But some forms of ov-ca are definitely hormone-related. I think there is a genetic test they can do to see if the risk is elevated in your case. For peace of mind, I'd want to see a specialist before taking extra hormones.

I was on HRT for 10 yrs. Stopped when they found an increased risk for b.c.
10 years later I developed a huge Borderline tumour, rare in post-menopausal women, having never previously had ovarian problems. I'll never know, but it's not entirely irrational to wonder...

[bilbodog]

Hi - I was on for a while to cope with very heavy periods and then came off. About 6 months later noticed that my mood was very low, my memory appalling and it started to affect my work and confidence. I've gone back on it now and in only 4 weeks notice a difference and feel much, much more normal. I was at a point where I thought I would have to give up work because I couldn't cope at all - so I am for it. Good luck with what ever you do.

[paulapompom]

Thank you for these posts, I really appreciate your advice. Mimi I didn't even know about a menopause thread, that is brilliant. Will also look into natural progesterone and read up and consider all options.
Feel better just getting this support x