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AIBU?

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Original poster

I want to give in and start HRT

65 replies

Michrose · 19/03/2025 14:56

I am 47 years old. For about 4 years I have had intense itching down below. I have had lots of tests and nothing they can find. Possible chance I have pruritus of the vagina. I have been on and off antidepressants. Changed my diet and what I wash my body in etc. inknow there are dangers with hrt and I worry as I am a mum . Any positive stories from anyone that are on HRT. Not had my period for 6 months so I am guessing I am hitting the menopause’s. Hot flushes aren’t as frequent etc.thank you 😩😊

OP posts:
WhereAreWeNow · 19/03/2025 15:26

Why don't you start by asking for estrogen cream? There's no association between topical vaginal estrogen and breast cancer. That should help your symptoms.

YeGodsandLittleFishies · 19/03/2025 15:26

What age is your Mum? Attitudes and medical science have moved on in the last 25 years.

I wish I’d gone to the doctors much, much earlier. HRT has been life changing. It’s removed all my symptoms.

chemicalworld · 19/03/2025 15:25

please read up on it, the breast cancer stuff is not up to date as previous poster said.

Go for it, it's bloody wonderful.

Lentilweaver · 19/03/2025 15:22

My aunt got breast cancer without going on HRT.
Your mum's doctor is outdated.

Original poster
Michrose · 19/03/2025 15:14

Thank you all . Not sure if one comment was being rude to me. I said giving in as I am worried about the risks . My aunt went on HRT and not long after got breast cancer. My mums dr said he wouldn’t put his own mother in HRT. I can’t help worry about the risks. Just wish people didn’t have to be rude at times. Everyone else thank you for your replies. I just can’t go anymore with a dry itchy fanny any longer 😂😂😂. I was given the vaginal tablets but didn’t bother as freaked out. I will see my dr again . 🥰

OP posts:
Pinkballoon5 · 19/03/2025 15:13

Hell yes take it. I felt better within 2 weeks and my itch stopped immediately

Caerulea · 19/03/2025 15:13

Go for it! I'm 46 & have been on the evorel sequi patches. I definitely feel more like me & my hair has stopped the absolutely wild shedding it was doing. I'm still having super regular periods.

The gp is slightly changing what I use cos the type of progesterone in the second half of the patches is making me feel...uh...strange. But there's lots of combinations & options.

Lottapianos · 19/03/2025 15:11

I've been on HRT for about 7 months and it's been brilliant (I'm 45). Took a good 8 weeks to settle down but I'm feeling so much better now. Most symptoms have disappeared, and there's the long term benefits re osteoporosis and heart disease. I've had no negative side effects at all

Totally agree with the others that you need to challenge your own thinking about 'giving in'.

HedgehogB · 19/03/2025 15:08

Timodene cream fixed it for me. The itching sent me mad. HRT didn’t help although it helped with other things like sleep. Ask your gp about Timodene . By the way, going on HRT isn’t ’giving in’? Why do you think that?

Ahsheeit · 19/03/2025 15:06

You're not giving in! You're making the decision to take some medication that could pretty much transform your life. I love hrt.

MrsEmmelinePankhurst · 19/03/2025 15:05

Take it!!

ive been on HRT patches (Evorel Sequi) since I was 49, nearly 50, so about 3 years now. There is only a really tiny tiny increased risk of cancer associated with the patches (note: I am not a doctor) as far as I know and, for me, the benefits of protection against heart disease and osteoporosis, not to mention finally being able to sleep at night, far outweigh the risks.

Bristollocalknowledge · 19/03/2025 15:02

Hell yes, take it!

I’m only early 40s (family history of early menopause) and started it 6 months ago. All those ache and pains have gone as have symptoms which I didn’t even think were symptoms.

ArtTheClown · 19/03/2025 15:02

You could start with the topical cream, in fact many women take it as well as systemic HRT if they have specific issues like you do.

ExtraOnions · 19/03/2025 15:00

How is taking a drug proven to help alleviate symptoms, with very few risks “giving in”?

No prizes for being a martyr

nutbrownhare15 · 19/03/2025 15:00

I've done a bit of reading about HRT and the risks and attended an information session with a GP recently. The risks are much lower than commonly thought. A small increase in breast cancer risk similar to the risk of drinking or low physical activity but no overall increase in breast cancer deaths. And risks for patches and gels are less than for tablets. It is also protective against heart disease and osteoporosis. I'd definitely talk to a GP (if you can get an appointment!). In your shoes I'd be on it like a shot. I'm in my early 40s and planning to ask to go on it as soon as I can actually make an appointment with my GP.

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