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General health

HRT or do it naturally any experiences?

19 replies

dizzydo · 26/04/2005 21:51

Been to docs today and its official - I am going thru the menopause (not early, just older than a lot of you guys I think - start dd's late-ish). Anyone else out there been there and decided on HRT or not? Be really good to know how you coped and what you opted for.

Thanks

OP posts:

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Goldfish · 26/04/2005 21:55

Hi dizzydo. I too am officially going through the menopause (early though). It started at 38 and I am now 40. I have finally decide to go on HRT and I actually take my first pill tomorrow. I have been advised by different Drs who all advised the same thing so I am going to give it a go.

JoolsToo · 26/04/2005 21:59

Hello - sorry if I'm repeating myself cos I've posted all this before!

menopaused at 36 (am now much older. Had no symptoms at all apart from no periods! Went on HRT to guard against osteoporosis and heart disease. First Prempak C (monthly bleed) then Livial and Kliofem - no monthly bleed with either of these two Had no problems on any of them and took them for over 10 years. Came off last year due to all the bad press (over hyped according to GP!).

Have recently moved and got new doctor who sent me for a bone densisty scan (last week) because of my early menopause (am awaiting results). They told me there I had done the right thing by going on HRT because of the early age.

My friend menopaused early 50's and went the seed, nuts, soya etc route but it has not been easy for her - she will not try HRT - what can you do? Each to their own.

HTH

motherinferior · 26/04/2005 22:18

When I was writing about HRT a while back, a very wise friend said the menopause was rather like childbirth; you could plan and plan, but it took its own course for each of us.

JoolsToo · 26/04/2005 22:20

very true mi!

tealady · 26/04/2005 22:28

I have been going thru' an early menopause for the last couple of years(now age 42). After trying to ignore horrible hot flushes and sleepless nights I eventually decided to take my Dr's advice and resorted to HRT (especially important for early menopause because of extra risk of osteoporosis).

I have been taking HRT now for 7 months and feel that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for me at least. I did get side effects initially - but it does settle down if you give it time and there are a lot of different types available. Premique is my current HRT brand. Seems ok.

dottee · 26/04/2005 22:58

I went on HRT last year and it kicked in within 36 hours. I'm pleased I pursued the matter wiht the GP because it took a while for him to finally prescribe it.

I felt awful beforehand and couldn't focus or prioritise etc. I'm on a 3 month review but my doc is happy about me staying on HRT in the long-term. My dp calls it the 'happy pill'.

I'm on Elleste and I have a bleed during the first week.

My quality of life and 'copability' has certainly improved.

dottee · 26/04/2005 22:59

p.s. I'm now 45.

My mother started menopause early too.

soapbox · 26/04/2005 23:54

I was finally diagnosed with early menopause this year at 40. Dr has now put me on HRT which I hate! Boobs swollen up, mood swings, periods back again

I'm going to the drs early next week to discuss - will try a couple of HRT drugs that Joolstoo recommended. If these don;t work then will do nothing.

My Dm was early menopausal too and has no osteoperosis - so I should be fine too. My menopause was entirely symptom free apart from some heart problems which have been medicated for separately. I just don't see the point of stuffing myself full on drugs for no good reason!

JoolsToo · 26/04/2005 23:59

soapbox - get my bone density results in a couple of weeks - will let you know the outcome (if you're interested! and even if you're not!>)

soapbox · 27/04/2005 09:30

Jools very interested to see what results you get. I think I'm going to ask docs for bone density tests too!

Goldfish · 27/04/2005 16:49

dottee, I have just started on Elleste today and I really hope it helps with me like it has you.
JoolsToo, I would also be very interested in the results of your bone scan, so please do tell all when you get your results.
Soapbox, I also feel a bit like you, about stuffing myself full of drugs and it has taken me a while to come to this decision, but I am just going to see how it goes.

crescent · 27/04/2005 17:22

Like Jools Too (although suspect I'm older ) I took HRT for nearly 10 years. Firstly tablets, then patches (Prempak)
Hot flushes, irregular periods started at 40, thought I could cope with it for a while but then started fainting, totally with no warning! Only other time it had ever happened to me, I was pregnant. Really scarey, apparently hormone levels taking a dip. Also was told as I am small build, periods came early (10) and mother with spinal arthritis, it would be a good idea for bone density. Had density test done after a few yrs on HRT and was told it was bone density of 28 year old No idea what my density is like now.
So went on HRT for 9 plus years, came off as read that maybe 10 yrs was safe limit.
Blinking hot flushes returned!! That was 3 yrs ago and still getting them.
But still glad I did the HRT overall.

JoolsToo · 27/04/2005 17:35

crescent well I'm over 21 and under 65 - you?

can't you go back on it?

hope I've got 28 year old bones

crescent · 27/04/2005 18:33

Hi JoolsToo,
Yep, still in that bracket, 50 something but young with it Like to try and keep up to date on here now I have grandchildren.

Thought about more HRT, but overall decided not to, flushes are only a few times daily mainly, nothing like they were years ago.
think maybe I should have another bone density test though, will watch out how your results come out with interest.

Rkayne · 27/04/2005 18:54

Hi. No experience with this myself but did hear one thing from my mum that might be worth passing on (sorry - really not trying to make anyone feel old!). My mum tried HRT and didn't like the side effects so went off it. This was about 10 years ago - she's now in her early 60s. Not sure exactly how long her menopause symptoms lasted but they did go eventually. The thing I wanted to share was that about 6 of her friends all stayed with the HRT for 10 years and have all recently come off it - and bingo! the hot flashes are back. So as beneficial as they all thought it was, they're kind of wishing they had gotten it over with the first time round. Hopes that of some help.

JoolsToo · 27/04/2005 18:59

crescent - yes I'm 50 something and young with it too! we could be twins

Rkayne - the hot flushes can last for years its not something you necessarily 'get over' quickly!

dizzydo · 28/04/2005 00:12

Thanks for all the info everyone.

Sure this is a really dumb question (this has all caught me on the hop really). Is reduction in bone density always a sympton of the menopause even if you go into it round about the right time. (I am 48 ). Can you ask for bone density test as a matter of routine or is it only if it has been a prob in your family history.

Also, anyone read any good books on the subject that answered all the questions. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount out there.

OP posts:

JoolsToo · 28/04/2005 00:34

I was offered mine cos of my early menopause.

info .

dizzydo · 28/04/2005 21:03

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